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What is eczema?
Also known as Dermatitis, it is a non-contagious condition skin condition that can affect any age group. The severity can vary: in mild cases the skin is dry, hot and itchy while in more severe cases the skin can be cracked, raw and bleeding. Treatment can minimize out breaks but the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and extra care must always be taken.

What causes eczema?
Both genetic and environmental factors can impact eczema. Atopic eczema is believed to be genetically linked and causes individuals to be more sensitive than others to allergens in the environment. Asthma and hay fever are conditions associated with Atopic Eczema. Other types can be caused by reactions to chemicals, detergents or other irritants.

What are the different types of eczema?
There are seven types of eczema: Atopic, Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis, Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema, Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema, Varicose Eczema and Discoid Eczema.

Is there a cure for eczema?
Currently there is no known cure but research continues to explore the condition. Maintenance through treatment and environmental controls (avoiding known irritants, stress, etc.) helps to minimize outbreaks and severity.

How can I manage eczema?
An effective skin care routine is important and varies from person to person – what works well for one person may not work for someone else. Staying current on research allows you to make informed choices on how to best manage your condition based on your individual need. Some common treatments include:

Emollients – prevents the dryness that is typically associated with eczema by providing a moisture barrier and helping to keep the skin from becoming dry and itchy. Emollients come in a variety of forms from ointments to cream and lotions. Due to the wide selection available in the market place, it may be necessary to try several products until a suitable one is found.

Topical Steroids – are recommended when skin becomes inflamed and is beyond the help of basic emollients. The steroids act to reduce the inflammation and come in four different strengths: mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. The age of the patient, the severity of the out break, the size and location on the body as determined by your doctor will impact what strength is chosen. Concerns over steroid use are minimal as long as they are taken as prescribed by your physician and for the duration. Side effects are typically the result of prolonged use of very potent steroid preparations.

Oral Steroids – are prescribed in the case of a very severe out break when topical steroids have proven ineffective. These can have side effects and should be closely monitored by a consultant dermatologist.

Other Treatments – may include anti-histamines to reduce inflammation and itching as well as wet wrap bandaging to ease the discomfort of dry, itchy skin. Ultra Violet light treatment and stronger medications may be considered in the cases of very severe eczema.

Should I change my diet?
Diet has been found to be helpful for some, particularly if one or more foods have proven to cause an outbreak in an individual. The exact role that diet plays is still being researched and has not been fully determined. For children, it is important to consult with your pediatrician or a nutritionist to ensure that he or she continues to receive all necessary nutrients.

Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious and cannot be ‘caught’ by coming in contact with someone who has it. It is genetically based and can be passed from parents to their children.

How is eczema diagnosed?
Due to the variations in eczema and its similarities to other skin conditions, eczema must be diagnosed by a doctor who will conduct a full exam and take a full medical history of you and your family in order to make an assessment.

Who gets eczema?
Both adults and children can get eczema and it often affects people with a family history of allergies. Since eczema combines genetics and allergic triggers, a susceptible person who comes in contact with one or more environmental triggers can develop eczema.

What are the symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema include red, dry, extremely itchy patches of skin. It can appear on almost any part of the body but is typically found on the face/neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles. Eczema is often referred to as the ‘itch that rashes’ because the itch comes first and the related scratching results in the visible rash.

What treatment options are there for eczema?
Treatment options can be as simple as keeping skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and using a good moisturizer like Dermarest® Eczema lotion or moisturizer regularly. Avoiding products and other skin irritants can head off flare-ups. For those who suffer from severe cases of eczema, more stringent methods such as phototherapy or doctor prescribed medications may be required.

Can I use Dermarest® on my face?
Yes, Dermarest® Eczema products can be used on the face – taking care to avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use on the lips or around the mouth as the product should not be swallowed.

Can children use Dermarest® ?
Dermarest® Eczema products are specially formulated to be gentle and non-irritating to sensitive skin and can be used on children over 2 years of age. Be sure to supervise children when using the product.

What makes Dermarest® different?
Dermarest® Eczema products are different because they use a unique complex that contains Zinc PCA, Panthenol and White Tea Extract as a base to which additional ingredients such as Kukui Nut Oil and natural extracts are added to target the problems of itching and dryness.  They have been clinically proven to provide immediate itch relief that lasts for 24 hours.  There are two formulations, a hydrocortisone based product and a steroid-free version.  The steroid-free formula includes a unique film former to aid in penetration.

Why should I use Dermarest® ?
Dermarest® Eczema products have been formulated to treat the dry, itchy skin that eczema sufferers struggle with.  The unique film former helps provide longer lasting hydration to calm and soothe the skin.  Our products offer the maximum strength formula available without a prescription and are fragrance-free, color-free and irritation-free so they can be used even on sensitive skin.