URTICARIA (HIVES)
- Urticaria is a commonly known as hives.
- They are itchy rashes characterised by localised redness and swelling of the skin.
- These lesions may resemble mosquito bites and can range from the size of a pinhead to a large itchy welts.
- Nearly up to 15% of people will develop an episode during their lifetime.
- Acute Urticaria can last a few days to up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria by definition persists for greater than 6 weeks.
- Sometimes urticaria may be associated with swelling of tissues which is known as angioedema.
WHAT WE CAN DO
- We can identify the trigger factors and prescribe avoidance of aggravating factors.
- Sometimes these rashes are an indicator of other more serious autoimmune conditions, hence specific blood tests will be ordered to rule these out.
- Medications such as specific antihistamines on their own or in combination with other medications are the first line treatment.
ECZEMA
- Eczema is an Atopic Disorder and is largely inherited.
- It is a chronic disorder of the skin that results in a red, itchy, dry and hypersensitive skin.
- It is more common in children ( up to 20% of children less than 3 years) and usually improves as the child gets older however some eczema may persist into adulthood.
- Symptoms may vary from mild to severe.
- The areas affected by eczema are usually the face , neck, elbows and the back of the knees.
- Several factors can aggravate the eczema, such as contact with food and environmental allergens, stress, weather changes and irritants.
- With effective management eczema can be controlled and the symptoms can relieved, however it may not be totally cured in all cases.
WHAT WE CAN DO
- We will identify eczema triggers and weed them out .
- We will recommend a skin care regimen : soap substitutes, anti-itch medication, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory mediations such as steroid creams and ointments in the lowest possible strengths.
- But importantly we will educate you ! Dry skin is the hallmark of eczema the most important therapy is to moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Dry skin allows allergens to enter the skin and worsen the eczema.
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