What Does Skin Asthma Look Like

How Can You Prevent Baby Eczema

If your baby has contact dermatitis, you can try your best to prevent a flare-up by identifying and avoiding common triggers, which might include:

• Moisture . Dress your baby in lightweight cotton clothing. Gently pat drool away when you see it.
• Scratchy fabrics. In addition to clothes and rugs, even your babys stuffed animals can trigger eczema.
• Allergens. Think pet dander, pollen or dust.
• Harsh detergents and soaps. Consider using a sensitive detergent when washing babys clothes and crib sheets.

When Should You Seek Help From A Medical Professional

Luckily, rashes caused by allergies can often be treated from the comfort of your own home, and some might clear up as soon as the allergen is removed from your environment. Dr. Purcell says it’s important to go see a doctor if your rash doesn’t respond to what should work, like topical steroids or taking an antihistamine. Additionally, if you can’t figure out what’s causing your rash, it might be in your best interest to consult a doctor to figure out what’s triggering you so you can avoid the allergen in the future.

If you can, try making an appointment with a skincare specialist, like a dermatologist, rather than visiting an urgent care for help with a rash caused by an allergen, Dr. Brar recommends, explaining that urgent care staff might not always know the best course of treatment and might, for instance, recommend oral steroids when milder treatments would suffice. That said, if you are experiencing any more serious symptoms, like shortness of breath, you should, of course, seek help as quickly as possible, rather than waiting to consult a specialized doctor in the future.

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The Two Faces Of Asthma

Asthma has two parts: inflammation and bronchospasm.Inflammation is present in the airways of asthmatics all the time, even when symptoms are quiet. The inflamed airways are hypersensitive and easily irritated and will spasm with exposure to a variety of irritants such as cigarette smoke, cleaning fumes, air pollution, dust, exercises, and even cold viruses. We call the tightening and narrowing of the airways in asthma bronchospasm and it is the cause of most asthma symptoms including cough, chest tightness, and wheezing.

Asthma Inflammation

Although not all asthmatics are allergic, allergy is the primary cause of the inflammation found in children with asthma. In Phoenix, pollen and mold levels remain high much of the year. Other environmental factors such as the dry air and fine particulates and other elements of air pollution may contribute to airway inflammation.

So inflammation causes airway hypersensitivity which leads to bronchospasm which causes the symptoms of asthma. In other words, if we are having a lot of asthma symptoms, that fact tells us that there is significant inflammation in the airways.

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What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid To Reduce My Risk Of Eczema

The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen dermatitis. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.

If you dont have a food allergy then there are no foods, including chicken, that will cause or worsen your eczema.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis In A Child

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known. But some things are linked to it. They include:

• Genes. This skin problem can be passed on from parents to a child.

• Immune system. An immune system that isnt fully developed may affect how much protection the skin can give.

• External factors. These include being in winter weather, using hot water for bathing, using soap, and being in dry, hot temperatures.

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How Is It Treated

Because there is not yet a cure for eczema, our treatment goals are to reduce itching and skin inflammation, and to prevent infection. The best treatment for eczema is a proactive one, using gentle skin care and moisturizers to re-establish the skin barrier.

Infants and older childrens skin should be kept well moisturized, and washed with fragrance-free non-soap cleansers. We also recommend a fragrance-free ointment-based moisturizer, with petrolatum as either the only or the first ingredient. In young children and infants, it is reasonable to use an over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone ointment, which is a mild topical steroid, for up to a week.

But if the rash either persists or you find that you need to use the hydrocortisone more than one week out of the month, you should discuss further use with your childs pediatrician. You can apply the ointment, as prescribed, then a coat of petrolatum-based moisturizer, to help keep in the moisture.

If your childs skin does not respond well to any of these measures or becomes infected, contact your pediatrician, who can diagnose the condition and then prescribe another topical cream or antihistamine.

Who Is At Risk For Anaphylaxis

• People who have experienced anaphylaxis before
• People with allergies to foods, insect stings, medicine and other triggers

If you are at-risk:

• Keep your epinephrine auto-injectors on-hand at all times and be ready to use them if an emergency occurs.
• Talk with your doctor about your triggers and your symptoms. Your doctor may tell you to see an allergist. An allergist can help you identify your allergies and learn to manage your risk of severe reactions.
• Ask your doctor for an anaphylaxis action plan. This will help you know what to do if you experience anaphylaxis.

Medical Review October 2015, updated February 2017.

Allergy Symptoms

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Causes And Triggers Of Childhood Asthma

Common triggers include:

• Airway infections. This includes colds, pneumonia, and sinus infections.
• Allergens. Your child might be allergic to things like cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen.
• Irritants. Things like air pollution, chemicals, cold air, odors, or smoke can bother their airways.
• Exercise. It can lead to wheezing, coughing, and a tight chest.
• Stress. It can make your child short of breath and worsen their symptoms.

Approved by: Maulik P. Purohit MD, MPH

Asthma is characterized by bronchial hyper-reactivity to certain physical or chemical irritants leading to release of inflammatory cells in the airways, causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Asthma is a chronic medical condition that has been increasing worldwide and is a major cause of disability, sick days in school and workplace, increased health-care expenses, and an important cause of preventable death in children and adults.

Asthma is characterized by bronchial hyper-reactivity to certain physical or chemical irritants leading to release of inflammatory cells in the airways, causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The word Asthma is derived from the ancient Greek word aazein, which means panting or exhaling with open mouth. Asthma has different clinical types such as allergic asthma, exercise induced asthma, cough only asthma, eosinophilic asthma, nocturnal or night-time asthma, and steroid dependent asthma.

Is It Cradle Cap

“Cradle cap” in babies is a condition that doctors call seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. It appears as oily, scaly patches on the scalp. In contrast, atopic dermatitis is more often found on the cheeks, though it can also affect the scalp. Also unlike eczema, cradle cap typically isnât itchy. Usually cradle cap clears up without treatment in a few weeks or months.

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Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene

Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:

• Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
• Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
• Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
• When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.

Can A Siamese Cat Be Predisposed To Asthma

It doesnt appear that one sex is more susceptible to asthma, and although some studies suggest that Siamese cats may be predisposed to asthma, this has not been definitively proven. Cats suffering from asthma may show signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing or hacking, open-mouthed breathing, or vomiting.

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How Can Parents Help

Help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child’s skin from getting dry or itchy and avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups. Try these suggestions:

• Kids should take short baths or showers in warm water. Use mild unscented soaps or non-soap cleansers and pat the skin dry before putting on cream or ointment. Teens should use unscented makeup and oil-free facial moisturizers.
• Ask your doctor if it’s OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control itching.
• Kids should wear soft clothes that “breathe,” such as those made from cotton. Wool or polyester may be too harsh or irritating.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching. Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
• Kids should avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
• Kids should drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
• Get rid of known allergens in your household and help your child avoid others, like pollen, mold, and tobacco smoke.
• Stress can make eczema worse. Help your child find ways to deal with stress .

Emollients For Treating Eczema

Emollient creams add moisture to the skin. Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment. You may need to try several different brands until you find the emollient that works best for you. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.

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What Is It Like Living With Eczema

Many people live with eczema . As many as 15 million Americans may have this skin condition. Living with it can be challenging.

There may be times when your eczema disappears. This is known as a remission period. Other times you may have a flare-up, which is when it gets worse. The goal of treatment is to prevent such flare-ups, preventing your symptoms from getting worse. Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and do anything else your healthcare provider recommends.

If Your Child Has Severe Allergies

Suggestions for parents include:

• Educate your child, taking their age and level of understanding into account. If your child has food allergy, stress the importance of only accepting food from trusted adults such as parents or caregivers, never sharing food and washing hands before and after eating.
• Advise the childcare service, kindergarten, school and other carers of your childs condition.
• Give the organisation a current copy of your childs ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, which includes a recent photograph of your child.
• Make sure you provide an in-date adrenaline autoinjector.
• Complete free online anaphylaxis training.

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Is My Dog Making My Asthma Worse

Touching or inhaling these allergens causes your immune system to overreact, leading to your asthma symptoms getting worse. Lots of pets can trigger allergic asthma symptoms, from cats, dogs and horses, to rabbits, hamsters, mice and gerbils, and birds. You might be allergic to just one type of animal or more than one.

What Is The Outlook For Anaphylaxis

If you have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction, you should be referred to an allergy specialist. Generally you would be seen in a hospital outpatient clinic by a consultant immunologist.

As an outpatient, further blood tests and other tests for allergies may be done. An example would be skin prick testing. See the separate leaflet called Skin Prick Allergy Test for more details.

The most important thing is to identify and avoid trigger factors. The allergy specialist will go through this with you. There are many cases where careful allergen avoidance will prevent the need to have treatment for an anaphylactic reaction in the first place.

It is also very likely that you would be prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector device, such as those described below. You would be taught how to use one and be provided with written information on what to do in the event of a further anaphylactic reaction. Adrenaline devices should only be prescribed after proper testing and diagnosis. The BSACI has found that many people walking around with adrenaline devices should not have been prescribed one in the first place.

It is a good idea to have a medical emergency identification bracelet or equivalent if you have a history of anaphylaxis. Any medically trained person, including paramedics, will check to see if a collapsed patient is wearing such an item.

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Do Moisturizers Help Eczema

Moisturizers are the first-line therapy in treating eczema. They help protect the outer layer of the skin by sealing in moisture, combating dryness, keeping out allergens, irritants and bacteria and preventing flare-ups. And they soothe the skin for long-lasting hydration.

Doctors recommend you apply a moisturizer at least twice per day, including once after a bath or shower. Develop a schedule so that moisturizing becomes part of your skincare routine.

If you experience symptoms on your hands, keep moisturizer by all sinks in the home or carry a small tube with you. This way you can easily moisturize every time you wash your hands throughout the day.

Other Types Of Eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin.

Other types of eczema include:

• discoid eczema a type of eczema that occurs in circular or oval patches on the skin
• contact dermatitis a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance
• varicose eczema a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
• seborrhoeic eczema a type of eczema where red, scaly patches develop on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp
• dyshidrotic eczema a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands

Page last reviewed: 05 December 2019 Next review due: 05 December 2022

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Managing Eczema In Winter And Year Round: A Parents Guide

Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating can rob skin of its natural moisture in the winter. Red, crusty, dry patches can be common on a baby’s skin, particularly in winter, and cause concern for parents. Such symptoms can be treated, however, and many babies and children do outgrow the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

We spoke with pediatric dermatologist Katherine Puttgen to learn more.

Favorite Alternative Medicine Resource

This NEA page offers information about how acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, natural oils, and other alternative treatments can help to ease eczema symptoms.

The National Eczema Association has an online store of sensitive skinfriendly products that bear the NEA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they are intended for people with moderate to severe skin conditions. Get moisturizers, cleansers, detergents, and other items designed to protect and not irritate your skin.

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What Do I Need To Know About Topical Corticosteroids Used To Treat Eczema

Topical corticosteroids are steroids that are placed topically, on the skin. Important points about their use include:

• Corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment for eczema.
• Corticosteroids are available as creams, solutions, foams and ointments.
• Low potency doses available without a prescription.
• Corticosteroids cause thinning of skin.
• If recommended by a physician, corticosteroids may be used 1-2 times per week to prevent outbreaks in areas that commonly flare.
• They come in different strengths do not substitute one for another without consulting a doctor.
• Childrens skin absorbs medicine more quickly and thoroughly than adult skin, so recommended medications and dosages differ according to age.
• For best and long-lasting results, use the medication for the full amount of time recommended by your physician. Discuss any concerns about side effects before discontinuing use.
• Always tell your physician and pharmacist about current or recent use of all forms of corticosteroids, including oral, inhaled, nasal, topical and eye drops.

Pathology Clinical Features And Immune Function In Eczema

The development of eczema has been described in three distinct stages defined by age of onset . Sixty percent of all eczema cases will appear during the first year of life . A total of 45% of all eczema develops in infants two to six months of age with itching, redness, and small bumps on the cheeks, forehead or scalp that may later spread to the trunk . The childhood phase of eczema eruption commonly occurs between the ages of four and ten, and is characterized by raised, itchy, scaly bumps on the face and/or trunk also accompanied by dryness and thickening of the skin . The adolescent/adult phase appears at or after the time of puberty and is distinguished by itchy, dry, scaly skin that may continue into adulthood . Despite the life stage, pruritic erythematous papules and plaques with secondary skin peeling are common to all stages.

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