DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Why didn’t you mention eczema for the person complaining of itchy skin? Eczema seems more and more prevalent, even among the aged who did not have it in younger years. — J.K.
A: I didn’t mention it because his story didn’t suggest it to me. It’s not that I’m not familiar with eczema; I’ve been waging a battle with it for years. At times, it drives me up the wall.
Light-red patches with tiny blisters on the surface break out on the skin. The rash brings an itch that worsens at bedtime, in heat and during physical activity. Scratching is an irresistible reflex, but scratching turns the skin to leather and provides only momentary relief. Keeping fingernails short makes scratching a little less destructive.
Dry skin invites eczema, and hydration is an important aspect of control. Shower and bathe only with tepid water. People with eczema should then pat themselves with a towel but leave a residue of moisture on the skin. Then they ought to apply a moisturizer. White petroleum (Vaseline) is a cheap and effective one, but there are many others.
High-potency cortisone ointments and creams give the best relief, but they have to be used judiciously and for as short a time as possible. Constant use can thin the skin. Covering the cortisone with a plastic wrap like Saran wrap facilitates cortisone’s penetration into the skin.
Protopic ointment and Elidel cream, neither of which contains cortisone, often control eczema without the danger that prolonged cortisone use brings. However, the manufacturer has put a warning on these medications stating that they might be linked to skin cancer and lymph node cancer. The risk is not great.
I didn’t know that the number of older people coming down with eczema is increasing. I can believe it. Old age brings dry skin.
Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.
c. North America Syndicate
