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THE PESKY ITCH WITH NO CURE
By Viviana Suavita
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Nov. 19- Red, itchy, flaky, dry. These are all words to describe the pesky skin condition known as eczema. Due to recent winter conditions, students suffering from this skin disease are beginning to experience the common flare-ups.
It’s very possible that you may endure eczema or know someone who does. According toWebMD.com, eczema is “a skin condition caused by inflammation.” Research shows that it develops as a result of interaction between the environment, your immune system and genetics.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. The word dermatitis means inflammation of the skin, and atopic refers to an allergic tendency, which is often inherited. WebMD.com explains that atopic dermatitis is a chronic problem. It can cause dry skin, intense itching, and a red, raised rash. In severe cases, the rash forms clear, fluid-filled blisters. Eczema.org adds that constant scratching can cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema the skin may crack and weep, becoming ‘wet’ eczema.
According to the Web site, eczema sufferers have a higher risk of developing other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Eczema can run in families, although skipping generations. Certain genes cause people to have extra-sensitive skin, and certain environmental factors, such as allergies or stress, can trigger flare ups. Any emotionally charged event may also trigger a flare up. Eczema is not contagious.
Katie Magarity, 24, has had eczema since she was a baby. The cold weather and dry air in Poughkeepsie, has affected the skin on the back of her arms.
“When I was a baby, it was a lot worse,” Magarity said. “When there are drastic changes in temperature, it gets itchy and that’s when I really notice it.”
“Mine is strange looking,” says Danielle Morrison, a senior at Marist College.
“It doesn’t look like regular eczema. It does flare up, but it never turns red,” she said.
Both agree that it becomes especially uncomfortable in the winter and anytime the air gets dry.
Susan Strauss, a registered nurse at health services at Marist College, said there have been few students complaining about flare ups this fall.
“Most of the students we see have had eczema for awhile and they know what works best for them,” she said.
Kidskeephealthy.com states the main treatments aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching. These include: avoiding triggers, frequent bathing and hydrating of the skin, and liberal use of moisturizers and lubricants and the use of steroid creams for flare ups. The Web site suggests using creams such as Eucerin, Nivea, Cethaphil Moisturizing Cream or Lubriderm to help with the dryness. These creams should be used every day, even when the eczema isn't flaring up.
BBC news reported in a March 2006 article that the University of Dundee in Scotland had discovered the gene which causes dry skin, leading to eczema and asthma. The article reports that the gene produces the protein filaggrin, which helps the skin, form a protective outer barrier. Filaggrin, abundant in the outermost layers of the skin, keeps bacteria and viruses out while keeping water in to prevent the skin from drying. Reduction or absence of the protein leads to dry and flaky skin. Experts hope to use the discovery for more effective therapies to tackle the root causes of the conditions, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
David Suavita, a high school junior at Ayer High School, says he has outgrown the condition, but remembers how it felt to deal with the itchiness and discomfort.
“It was absolutely horrible. It was very irritating, feeling like you had to scratch to the bone to get some sort of relief,” he said.
Hector Suavita, David’s father, also has a 1-year old daughter, Andrea. He says that Andrea has had little red patches on her cheeks for awhile, but is starting to develop it on her elbows.
“The baby doesn’t have it as advanced as David did, but you can notice it. David used to have it on his face when he was a baby, just like Andrea,” he said.
Diana Gaviria, David’s mother, says she hopes some sort of medication is developed to one day stop this annoying condition.
“As a mother, it’s very frustrating to have to see your children when they have flare ups and are in discomfort because you can’t really do anything about it,” she said.
Strauss advices to keep the affected area moist with lanolin based cream, humidify your environment, avoid allergic items and wear cotton or other non-irritating clothing.
Strauss adds, “Avoid stress or learn ways to lessen your stress level.”