Commonly
known as dermatitis, eczema affects one in 10 people
and can make sufferers' lives a misery. It causes
the skin to become itchy and hot with an unbearable
urge to scratch.
If you give into this urge you could be setting yourself up for more trouble.
Although eczema itself is not infectious or contagious,
continual scratching can lead to broken skin and
blisters that can become infected.
Most people with eczema are only mildly affected
but for those with severe forms of the condition,
eczema can be devastating. Pain and constant itching
can cause great distress, interrupt sleep and even
interfere with working life. The Health and Safety
Executive says the condition accounts for just over
50 per cent of all working days lost by British
industry.
The psychological impact of the illness can't be
underestimated. Many people with it have a low self-image.
In severe cases, eczema can be disfiguring and undermine
a person's confidence. This can prevent them from
going out, leading to a feeling of isolation and
then depression.
Stress can also aggravate eczema, setting up a vicious
circle of negative feelings and recurring symptoms.
There is no known cure for most forms of eczema
of which there are at least 10. However a wide range
of treatments can help control symptoms and bring
maximum relief. You may need to try out a few treatments
or a combination to see which works. But remember
what suits one person's skin may not be appropriate
for someone else.
By learning to manage the condition effectively,
sufferers can enjoy life to the full.
Support and advice is available from the
Eczema Society or telephone 020
7 388 4097.
National Eczema Week 2000 runs from 23 to 30 September
2000.
— Saira Ahmed 21/9/00
Five
main types of Eczema
Treatments
Coping
with Eczema
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