Eczema eGuide

DermaTechRx Research Center has undergone extensive Eczema research and product development to treat eczema and to find a new fast acting treatment. It's primary focus was to immediately eliminate the pain and itch associated with eczema. Below is a recap of all the information found through our research, on the internet and in house findings.

Another test for eczema is called the patch test. If a contact allergy is suspected, then the allergen can be applied to a bandage and then placed on the skin. A bandage with nothing will be used as a control. 24 to 48 hours later, the skin underneath will be examined. If the skin is red, swollen and irritated then it is assumed that the patient is most likely allergic to that irritant.

Very rarely a doctor may order a biopsy, which includes taking a sample of skin and examining it under the microscope. This is usually not necessary with the other methods of diagnosis, but it is worth mentioning for informative purposes.

Summary of Diagnosis Methods

• Most common is an examination of rash, with follow up on medical history, lifestyle, etc.
• Allergy tests, if the doctor thinks rash is allergic reaction
• Patch test, another allergy test, usually used to determine contact allergens.
• A biopsy is possible, but is very rare. Eczema can usually be diagnosed with the methods above.

Treatment of Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, there are a few types of medications that can relieve symptoms. There are both traditional medical treatments and a couple of natural treatment option. Since eczema is largely an allergic reaction to certain allergens, not all of these treatments may be effective, particularly in the case of the natural treatments. With all of these treatments if the eczema doesn’t get better, or worsens discontinue and contact your doctor immediately.

DermaTechRx Research Center has proven the All Stop™ brand of products have specifically been formulated for even the most severe cases of eczema yet mild enough for small children. To learn more about All Stop™ brand of products go to www.allstop.com.

All Stop™ ProEcza™– A prescription strength cream contains 1% Hydrocortisone and works after the first application. Once your eczema outbreak is gone, there is no need to continue using your ProEcza™ cream. See our maintenance products below.

All Stop™ Medicated Body Wash – DermaTechRx Research Center believes that removing the excess bacteria from your skin will help to control the eczema outbreaks. All Stop™ Medicated Body Wash is strong enough, yet mild enough for sensitive skin to control the excess bacteria.

All Stop™ Ultra Moisturizing Cream – soothes and relaxes the skin with natural lubricants from wheat germ oil and jojoba oil and heals with anti-inflammatory ingredients from natural extracts of Aloe Vera, Arnica, and Chamomile.

Corticosteroids

The most common traditional treatment for eczema is a glucocorticoid, which is a type of corticosteroid. Many of these are in cream form and the mildest of doses is available over the counter. Stronger doses will require a prescription, and they have been shown to be highly effective in treating eczema symptoms. Some of the side effects associated with corticosteroid use include skin atrophy, which means that skin can become thin and fragile. Long term use of corticosteroids have led to large amounts of the medication being absorbed through the skin and this can cause a problem called HPA Axis Suppression, which affects the adrenal system.

Another side effect is secondary infection. Because these medications, by nature, suppress the immune system, they can leave the user vulnerable to a bacterial or fungal infection.

For more severe cases, corticosteroid creams can be prescribed in higher doses by your doctor however may cause side affects.. These will occasionally be accompanied by an oral corticosteroid as well, but only for the most severe cases. In all cases corticosteroids should only be used until the rash itself is suppressed. Once that has happened patients should move to a maintenance program, using other products, to avoid the side effects that accompany long term corticosteroid use.

Immunomodulators and Immunosuppressants

Immunomodulators were created after corticosteroids and may be more effective in some cases for treated eczema. They work in a similar fashion to the corticosteroids; however the side effects are different. The FDA says that there is a risk of lymph node or skin cancer with these drugs, however many professional medical organizations disagree with this assessment. These are also a bit more expensive that corticosteroids, and only available by prescription.

Immunosuppresants are used in severe cases of eczema to completely suppress the immune response that is causing the eczema. This can have serious side effects however. As such patients must undergo regular blood tests to make sure the drug is doing what it should be without causing other problems. The most commonly used immunosuppressant in the US is prednisone, and is sued for a variety of chronic illnesses.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can be prescribed for certain types of eczema, particularly if the patient has an open wound from scratching. Scratching removes the protective layers of skin, and thus inviting infection, so the antibiotics would prevent secondary infections. All Stop™ provides relief and offers protection from infection as a topical treatment.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are frequently used to control the itch associated with eczema. These are available in creams and in pill form. The most commonly available antihistamine is Benadryl and it is available over the counter. In more severe cases the doctor may prescribe a more potent antihistamine.

Neem, Tea Tree, Oregano, and Thyme

These herbs can be used to treat skin irritations. Each may be used in the same way, with similar effects, however some people may respond to some and not others. In the case of Neem, it can be used either in a powdered form, mixed with coconut oil or some other carrier oil, or ingested to receive it’s benefits. Neem is widely used in India for everything from repelling mosquitoes to treating skin ailments. Neem, along with Tea Tree, Oregano, and Thyme all share anti-fungal, anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties. The benefit to using these essential oils is that they should be mixed, rather potently, with a carrier oil and applied to the eczema rash and it not only treats the rash, but it keeps the skin from being dry, which is an underlying cause to several types of eczema and is a main component in prevention and aftercare once the eczema rash goes away.

Other Alternative Therapies

There are some other promising therapies for eczema. These include light therapy, which is the use of sunbathing, tanning beds, or a combination of a special substance called Psoralen and the light exposure. In addition to this there is some belief that sea salt baths, specifically dead sea salt, can help clear the rash as the salt is thought have antiseptic properties. Many doctors also recommend oatmeal baths to relieve itching. The good news is that these therapies can be used in conjunction with other therapies and the salt and oatmeal baths can be used even on the smallest babies with no side effects.

Preventing Eczema Flare Ups

One of the most important things that people who suffer from eczema can do is to keep their skin moist. Eczema thrives on dry skin. There are lotions and ointments designed for those with very dry skin and can prevent eczema from returning or keep you from getting it in the first place.

Be careful with soaps, laundry detergents, cleaning products, perfumes and other cosmetics. They can irritate sensitive skin and make eczema worse, or initiate a flare up and never rub skin to dry, as this can irritate skin, again initiating a flare up or making eczema worse. A couple of options for soaps that don’t irritate eczema are plain yogurt, the probiotics can aid the rash, and soaps that are oil or fat based, super fatted goat’s milk soap are the best for use with eczema.

Diet and nutrition can also help in preventing an eczema flare up. One of the most common triggers for an eczema outbreak is a food allergy. So buy consulting with an allergist to determine the foods that you are allergic to and avoiding them, you can nearly eliminate eczema all together. Recently there has been some promising research from Germany that points to omega-3 oils can be beneficial for eczema. Theoretically if you can keep your skin moist with healthy fats, your eczema will heal.

A Warning and Final Note

There is some evidence that people who suffer from eczema should never get a smallpox vaccine or any other vaccine that contains live vaccinia virus. According to the CDC, there has been some evidence that people who do receive this vaccine can end up with a life threatening reaction.

As a note, this guide is meant to inform only. It is not design to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness and is not a replacement for common sense or a doctor’s treatment.

All All Stop™ products are safe and non-toxic when used as directed. DermatechRx® is not a substitute for medical advice. The operators of this website and those who provide information for this site do not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical advice or services through this website. You should not rely on this information to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a physician or other certified healthcare provider. DermatechRx® makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information offered or provided on or through the DermatechRx® website regarding treatment, action, or application of product. DermatechRx®, nor any of its contributors, shall have any liability for the content, errors, or omissions in the information provided by this website. DermatechRx® is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or products that you obtain through this site.