Sherri Dmyterko: The red, dry, itchy skin of eczema may be a lot more common in the summer than you think. With increasing temperatures, humidity and smog, itchy, red, dry skin can be just as prevalent in summer as it is during winter months. According to our recent survey, over a third of Canadian survey say, they or someone in their family has been diagnosed with eczema. In addition 31% of Canadians who are jot diagnosed by a physician report experiencing the three most common eczema symptoms. Itchy, red and dry skin. Doctor Charles Lynde, the skin specialist in Toronto.
Dr. Charles Lynde: Eczema or some people call it eczema, is often characterized by very itchy skin. The skin itself maybe very dry and it may actually be red and flaky. More commonly it's on the back of the hands, in the forearms and back of the knees, around the ankles and legs but it can impact everywhere on the body.
Many times over when it's very itchy, it's red, it's inflamed, it's scaly, these are times to certainly see a doctor because often times they can give you something more than just a regular moisturizer.
Sherri Dmyterko: The question of diagnosing and managing eczema becomes even more important for parents with children sufferers. Especially, if your family has a history of allergies or asthma.
Dr. Charles Lynde: 25% of the population in children have eczema. They often have this dry, irritated, scaly, itchy skin. Thankfully, we do have options now that we do have specialized cleansers, specialized moisturizers that can be used safely in children. It's very important for people with eczema to understand that there are often different triggers that can make their eczema worst. These triggers can vary from extremes of hot and cold. They can be from fragrance to soaps. They can be from food allergens, they can even be from different bacteria that invade your skin.
Sherri Dmyterko: A multi-level treatment approach is necessary for affective eczema management and can easily be remembered as the four Rs.
Dr. Charles Lynde: The first R is to the recognize the disease as being eczema. And this is by the dry, irritated, itchy skin that people may have. The second R is basically to remove and this stands for basically removing triggers. Some of these triggers maybe dirt, maybe bacteria on the skin, and this is often done by the specialized cleansers.
Third R is to restore the balance of the skin. This is often done by different moisturizers and the fourth R is basically to regulate the skin, to prevent the flares of eczema that we may have and this often done by special medicated creams and lotions.
Sherri Dmyterko: James has been living with eczema since he was a kid.
James: In addition to my medicated cream, I have also tried Vitamin E and Shea Butter but I haven't found that it has helped hydrate my skin long enough. So I tried Spectro Eczema Care moisturizer and it's really helped to keep my skin hydrated longer.
Sherri Dmyterko: For more information and treatment options for eczema speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Sherri Dmyterko reporting.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services