Breaking the cycle

0ne of the worst aspects of eczema is how unpredictable it can be.

What starts as an itch...
turns into a scratch...
which becomes a sore...
that needs special care and treatment...
until it calms down and seems normal again.

“Seems normal” is the tricky bit. There is no normal for eczema. Even when skin clears and itch subsides, there’s no telling when something sets off a flare cycle again.

The unpredictability of eczema makes it important to see a doctor about treatment and follow basic guidelines in skincare and lifestyle habits to reduce and control flare-ups.

The same immune cells responsible for allergic reactions play a role in eczema flare-ups. These episodic flares, like asthma attacks or hay fever symptoms, respond to triggers. The natural reaction (scratching the itch) only makes things worse by driving more bacteria into the skin and making the skin even more uncomfortable or potentially lead to infection.

To break the cycle, triggers need to be controlled and skin cells need to be calmed to a level condition as much as possible.

Managing the three stages of eczema flares

At normal levels (the low point of the flare cycle), normal skin care helps keep a balance of clean and moisturised skin that’s less prone to eczema flares.

Any trigger can set off flares with a rising need to itch and first appearance of redness that can worsen in hours or days. Your doctor will advise you of appropriate treatments and when to apply them – either a new steroid-free cream or topical corticosteroid creams or ointments - to reduce inflammation and itch. Treating sensitive skin at this point may help prevent the progression to flare.

Flares (when the skin is likely to appear raw, broken or oozing) must be tended to with proper care – either through topical treatments, bandaging or oral medication.

Strive for an even balance

The ideal solution is to manage skin care, triggers and treatments as part of your everyday routine so that flares don’t control your life! It can be done and may provide more relief and convenience than coping with the unpredictability of eczema. Speak to your doctor about a helpful regimen.

FAQ's

Is it eczema? (questionnaire)