Q: Why is the skin of people with eczema prone to dryness?
A: The tendency for dry skin in eczema sufferers is mainly due to impaired skin barrier function. Specifically, these patients often have defects in the filaggrin gene, which codes for proteins that help maintain skin hydration. When these proteins are underproduced, the skin loses moisture more readily, resulting in dryness. Additionally, the composition of fatty acids in the skin of eczema patients differs from that of healthy skin, which can increase water permeability and accelerate moisture loss.
Q: How should we care for the skin of someone with eczema during dry weather?
A: During dry or cold seasons, eczema symptoms often worsen. Therefore, it is advisable to use gentle, non-irritating cleaning products for bathing, and to apply a moisturizer such as petroleum jelly or a special moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. In the hot, sweaty months of summer, it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and ensure indoor environments are well ventilated and cool to minimize sweat-induced irritation and eczema flare-ups.
Q: Do emotions and stress affect eczema symptoms?
A: Emotional fluctuations and stress are significant external factors that can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Under stress or emotional distress, patients may scratch excessively, leading to further skin damage and infection. Parents should closely monitor their child’s emotional state, especially challenges related to academic pressures or social relationships, and intervene early to provide psychological support and alleviate stress.
Q: Can children with eczema take hot springs baths?
A: While the quality of some hot spring waters may be beneficial for certain skin conditions, for eczema sufferers, hot water can irritate the skin and increase discomfort and itching. It is recommended to avoid long periods in overly hot springs and to moisturize after bathing in a hot spring to replenish skin moisture and reduce dryness.
Q: Is swimming beneficial for eczema?
A: Swimming can improve the body’s adaptation to environmental temperatures and humidity levels, which is especially beneficial for patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, chlorinated water in pools may irritate the skin of eczema patients, worsening their condition. If swimming, it is advised to do so when the skin condition is stable and to apply moisturizer immediately after swimming.
Q: How should pigment deposits from chronic scratching be treated?
A: For eczema sufferers, minimizing scratching is crucial to managing the appearance of pigment deposits. Keeping the skin clean and using skin care products with whitening or exfoliating properties can help lighten these spots. In cases where pigmentation is significant, professional dermatological treatments like laser therapy may be considered.
Q: Can using a dehumidifier or humidifier improve eczema?
A: Proper indoor humidity can significantly improve the symptoms of eczema. In humid climates, using a dehumidifier helps prevent excess moisture, which can decrease the occurrence of wet eczema; in dry climates or seasons, a humidifier can prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Adjusting the frequency and settings of these devices according to local weather conditions and indoor environments is recommended.
Q: What should be considered when selecting clothing and bedding for someone with eczema?
A: Choosing the right clothing and bedding is crucial for controlling eczema. It is recommended to choose soft, breathable cotton materials and avoid rough or irritating fibers. Bedding should also be breathable and regularly washed to eliminate dust mites and other allergens. These measures can help reduce skin irritation and allergic reactions, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life.
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