Stop Skin Asthma

"As I went to my visit doctor for a check-up with my allergic condition, I came across with this article in a magazine which I find it very informative not only to me, but to others as well who are experiencing the same condition. I hope by reading this article it will give you enough information on how to prevent your condition of skin asthma."

Source: Good Health Magazine

Author by: Dr. Angela G. Sison-Aguilar

Title: Stop Skin Asthma

Education is your first line of defense.

SKIN ASTHMA (also known as atopic eczema or dermatitis) is an itchy, chronic skin condition that can develop early in childhood, and may persist until adult life. Some kids may also develop allergic rhinitis and even bronchial asthma. These two conditions, like skin asthma involve hyper-reactivity of the person's immune system. All three often have a genetic component.

IDENTIFY TRIGGER FACTORS

There are times when the child is symptom-free. If exposed to trigger factors, the condition may flare up and require medication. Mild symptoms may not make an impact on his daily activities, but severe outbreaks may disrupt his schooling and sleep, and even affect his psychological and emotional well-being. First, identify the trigger factors. Then teach him, family members, and caregivers to avoid these at all costs.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

The severity of the reaction needs to be assessed by a dermatologist. He will guide you as to initial remedies, depending on the degree of the flare up.

Usually, emollients in the form of creams, lotions, and gels keep moisture in, and protect the commonly dry skin of patients with dermatitis. These are mostly over-the-counter preparations. These also keep irritants away by forming a barrier between the skin and the potential trigger factors.

OTHER COURSES OF TREATMENT

1. If the break out is more severe, your dermatologist may prescribe the use of mild but potent corticosteroids to be applied on the skin one to two times daily. Treatment is usually extended for about 48 hours. If the skin gets infected due to scratching, the doctor might prescribe additional antibiotics.

2. Some kids respond to anti-allergy medications. These may be tried for a week or two, provided that it does not cause sleepiness during daytime.

3. More serious conditions require extended or additional treatment. Medications that suppress the immune reaction of the skin may be prescribed. In difficult cases, bandaging, photherapy, and systemic treatments are given.

POTENTIAL TRIGGER FACTORS

* IRRITANTS - Wool or synthetic clothing, soaps, detergents, perspiration, disinfectants, topical anti-microbials

* CONTACT ALLERGENS - Preservatives in topical medications, metals, latex

* FOOD - Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soya, fish, shellfish

* INHALANT ALLERGENS - House dust, mites, animal dander, cockroach, pollens, molds

* CLIMATE - Extremes of temperature and humidity, and seasonal variation in the pattern of atopic eczema

* ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS - Hard water, cooking with gas, proximity to road traffic, environmental tobacco smoke