ECZEMA: TREAT THE ITCH

ECZEMA: TREAT THE ITCH

Eczema is one of the most common chronic conditions in the UK, for patients attending their GP doctor in the surgery clinic. Eczema affects more than 5.5 million people in England alone, and incidence of the condition is increasing, according to a recent study published in Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 2009;102:108-117

The main symptom of atopic eczema is itch, and it is this aspect of the condition that can cause most distress, seriously impairing patients' quality of life. Reduction of itch is therefore the main aim in treating eczema patients.

Guidelines from the Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) and British Association of Dermatologists recommend advising patients to avoid exacerbating factors that can cause itchiness, such as extremes of temperature, irritating clothes containing wool or synthetic fibres and the use of soaps or detergents that may irritate the skin.

Liberal and frequent use of emollients can reduce itch by preventing the skin from drying out, and NICE guidelines on atopic eczema in children recommend prescribing them in quantities of up to 500g a week. PCDS guidelines suggest that emollients containing a surfactant, such as lauromacrogols, have the added benefit of helping to break the itch-scratch cycle.

Topical steroids are an important treatment in eczema and NICE recommends they should be used at a high enough potency to settle the inflammation, together with anti-infective agents where necessary. To manage itch in children aged over six months suffering sleep deprivation because of eczema, NICE recommends a trial of sedating antihistamines. Non-sedating anti-histamines can be tried in children with mild to moderate eczema for severe itching or urticaria.

This year, National Eczema Week will take place from 19-27 September, and the National Eczema Society is 'itching to help' by making available a patient booklet with tips on how to reduce and control itching and the urge to scratch. Free copies of the booklet Itching and Scratching will be available from the society from 19 September to 31 October 2009.

Dr Martin Harris
Private GP in London Tel 020 8209 2401
www.surgerydoor.co.uk/professionals/private-gp/private-gp-directory/?ent...

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Written by Dr Martin Harris, Doctor and Mohel for Jewish Circumcision Clinic in London Bris Mila Brit Milah.
www.circumcisionlondon.co.uk

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Contact Dr Martin Harris