Eczema. One of the most common of all skin conditions, estimated by the National Eczema Society to affect 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults in the UK.
Although the names ‘eczema’ or ‘dermatitis’ conjure up images of itchy, inflamed and patchy skin, in fact it can present in several different ways, ranging from dry, ill-defined red, thickened skin to blistering, weepy well-defined lesions. Knowing how best to treat it can, therefore, be confusing… but help is here.
What causes eczema?
There are many factors associated with developing eczema, including a combination of hereditary, lifestyle and environmental factors and triggers, including stress, diet, climate and allergic reactions. Flare-ups may be short lived or go on for months or years. Nonetheless, eczema in all its forms can have a huge impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s vital, therefore, that they are successfully treated.
What are the different types of eczema?
Atopic Eczema | This is by far the most common form of eczema today. It manifests in various forms, either as dry, cracked, itchy and red patches of skin, or more acute symptoms of crusting, blistery and weeping red skin. Affected areas may be limited to small parts of the body (often the inside of the elbows and knees) or can affect large swathes of skin.Seborrhoeic Eczema | This appears as dry, red, flaky and itchy skin, primarily affecting areas rich in sebaceous glands, oilier areas of the body (for example, the eyebrows, either side of the nose, mid chest, upper back and scalp, where it’s known as dandruff). Occasionally, it can affect the groin and armpits.
Stasis Eczema | Also known as Gravitational Eczema, this describes inflamed, itchy and ulcerated skin on the legs, and is linked to varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
Nummular Eczema | This typically manifests as well-defined round or oval lesions scattered on limbs and torso. Individual lesions are typically itchy and may form blisters, crusting and weeping patches. Alternatively, the lesions are dry and cracked. It may be associated with persistent local infection, in which case it is known as Microbial Eczema.
Pompholyx Eczema | Also known as Dyshidrotic Eczema, this commonly affects the fingers and palms of hands, plus occasionally toes and the soles of feet. It manifests initially as small, itchy blisters between, followed a week or so later by dry and peeling skin. Like most forms of eczema, it is very itchy.
Fingertip eczema | Dry, cracked and painful skin of the fingertips and thumbs. Unlike other forms of eczema, this type is not itchy.
…So, what are the best eczema treatments?
In line with each type of eczema, our founder, Mazin Al-Khafaji, has developed a range of targeted gels, creams and ointments, which you can alternate depending on the type of formula you prefer to apply to your face or body. Each and every product has been tried, tested and proven on countless eczema sufferers seen at our Avicenna Clinic.1. ‘Hot Blood’ type
Hot blood type eczema can occur in a range of the eczemas above (e.g. Atopic, Nummular, etc) and is characterised by dry, red, itchy skin without blisters, crusting or weeping.Eczema Cream | For the hand, face and body. This natural calming and cooling cream is rich in soothing actives and essential fatty acids including Amur Cork and Qing Dai, plus organic Safflower and Borage Seed Oils to deeply nourish and help lock moisture into skin.
Soothing Eczema Treatment | For the body. Ideal for widespread patches of itchy skin, this natural gel blends Hu Zhang, Aloe Vera and Calamine with powerfully soothing and softening effect.
Dermatitis Ointment | For the face or body. Developed especially for Seborrhoeic Eczema, this soothing and softening formula is a unique blend of Qing Dai, Amur Cork, organic Shea Butter and Calamine – ideal for helping bring swift relief to hot, red or weeping skin on the face (typically the nose and eyebrows), upper back, chest, armpits or groin.
It goes without saying that your chosen topical formula should be applied to skin that is clean and dry (3-4 times a day). Once it is absorbed, apply the soothing emollient cream Nourishing Cream to affected areas on the face and body to further boost nourishment.
2. ‘Damp Heat’ type
Damp heat type eczema can also occur in a range of the eczemas above (e.g. Atopic, Nummular, etc) and is characterised by blisters, crusting and weeping of skin.Soothing Eczema Ointment | For any areas that are affected by blistering, weepy, crusted eczema. Blending essential fatty acids plus vitamins A and E, this versatile, targeted cream is ideal for use day and night to help calm and comfort itchy ‘damp heat’ eczema.
Soothing Eczema Treatment | For the body. The specialised combination of Hu Zhang, Aloe Vera and Calamine in our natural gel also makes it ideal for soothing widespread and itchy patches of ‘damp heat’ eczema.
Dermatitis Ointment | For the face or body. Developed especially for Seborrhoeic Eczema, this soothing and softening formula is a unique blend of Qing Dai, Amur Cork, organic Shea Butter and Calamine – ideal for helping bring swift relief to hot, red or weeping skin on the face (typically the nose and eyebrows), upper back, chest, armpits or groin.
More often than not, ‘damp heat’ eczema sufferers will experience dry patches between the wet areas. To help alleviate this, smooth a little Nourishing Cream over affected areas on the face or body to restore nourished skin.
3. ‘Dry Blood’ type
Dry Blood type eczema can also occur in a range of the eczemas above (e.g. Atopic, Nummular, etc) and is characterised by dry, pale, cracked, thickened, (lichenified) skin.Eczema Fingertip Ointment | Specifically for fingertip eczema. It includes Bai Ji Bletilla Root, plus Shea and Cocoa Butters to help relieve and replenish dry, cracked fingertip skin.
Nourishing Hand & Foot Cream | Let your specialist hand and foot skincare work hard while you sleep… our powerfully calming and nourishing ointment is specifically for dry, thickened skin of the hands and feet
Nourishing Cream | For all skin. During the day and night, keep the dryness and discomfort associated with all types of dry skin eczema (hot blood, or dry blood) at bay by regularly smoothing this antioxidant-rich, deeply nourishing and revitalising cream onto affected areas.
A final word
As mentioned earlier, eczema is a very fickle skin condition and it’s quite common for a cream or ointment to suddenly stop working. As a result, we recommend switching between the different formulas for your eczema type.Can we help you further?
For further assistance with eczema symptoms and treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Explore our complete range of eczema skincare solutions here.
