Skin care
Give up the itch
Prevention tips and treatment options
Prevention tips and treatment options he terms dermatitis, eczema and rash are often used to describe the same condition. Symptoms of dermatitis include slight to marked redness, itching and sometimes some swelling.
Contact dermatitis results from direct irritants, and is restricted to the area of contact. It is often due to contact with chemicals such as those in hair dye, nickel in jewelry, sticking plasters, perfumes or plants. It develops slowly, due to chronic exposure, and is often very itchy and red with raised welts.
Atopic dermatitis is common in the elbows or behind the knees. It often occurs with a family history of allergy, eczema and/or asthma, developing in early childhood. Atopic dermatitis looks like dry, flaking skin, especially early on before scratching starts.
You should seek medical advice if:
- There are signs of infection, such as a weeping area or pus;
- The skin is broken;
- The skin is very red and inflamed;
- There is a burning or hot sensation;
- The rash is spreading or lasts for more than 3 weeks;
- There are vesicles (little blisters with clear fluid);
- The area has white patches or silvery scales;
- The skin has become tough and leathery; or
- The person affected is a child.
There are a number of different products available that can help in the prevention and treatment of dermatitis. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist for advice about the products that are best for you.
A soap substitute should be used all over the body if there is a general tendency to dry skin. Normal soap is alkaline and can damage skin, and products with perfumes or lanolin may actually aggravate. A "good lather" is not necessary for cleaning.
Moisturizers should be applied frequently, although some moisturizers with multiple ingredients may aggravate an allergy or dry skin. For dry skin, ointments tend to be more effective than creams.
Barrier creams are good for people who frequently have their hands in water or have contact dermatitis.
Oatmeal and tar-based pine oil products are useful in the bath to help relieve itchy skin.
Bath oils can also be helpful, although constant use may stop natural oil production. You should not use more than the recommended amount, and you should be careful as they make the bathroom floor slippery.
Anti-inflammatory creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and help to soothe the skin.
Steroids such as hydrocortisone should be used sparingly and only while there is inflammation, and should not be applied more than twice daily. They should not be applied to broken skin or to the face. 
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