Eczema

Dear Dr. Jen,

My nine-year-old daughter has a bad case of eczema.  For as long as I remember, she's had eczema all her life.  When does it start to get better? How long will I have to keep on bringing her to the derma? Is there a chance for her to outgrow it eventually?

Kaye

Dear Kaye,

Eczema, skin asthma or atopic dermatitis usually manifests as dry, itchy, reddish skin on the cheeks, inner arms, behind the knees and even on the hands.  Sweat, scented lotions, dust and stress are the common triggers.  Apart from avoiding the known triggers of your daughter's eczema (although heat and sweating might be impossible to escape), moisturizing the skin adequately and constantly will help prevent unnecessary flare-ups.  Doing preventive measures will definitely lessen derma visits in the future.

For most cases, children usually outgrow the more severe manifestations of skin asthma.  Usually, before puberty, children can be left with some minor bumps on the upper arms or some rough skin on the cheeks.  For the lucky few, complete disappearance of eczema does happen.  Meanwhile, hang in there, and keep an abundant supply of fragrance-free moisturizer for your daughter.  She is almost at the age where it does get better.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am hoping to go out during Sinulog, but last year when I did so I developed a very bad allergy to the paint that was wiped on everybody's faces. What can I do to avoid this from happening again?  I would still very much like to go around and have fun!

Jason

Dear Jason,

Allergy to paint can give you severe itchy rashes that may even leave a scar.  Since you cannot control the crowd around you, I suggest you keep three things in mind:

First, make sure you have oral antihistamine with you or even take one before going out.  This will suppress any allergy reaction that may occur.  Look for the newer non-sedating anthistamine because you don't want to get too groggy and not enjoy the parade and other festivities.

Second, using a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide can help create a barrier between your skin and the paint.  This will give you some protection at least and prevent the paint from directly touching your skin.  Third, bringing wipes to immediately remove the paint that you get in touch with might be handy.  If all else fails, wash your skin with some water if you do get in contact with paint.  You can also bring a small tube of mild steroidal creams to apply if you do feel any itching or stinging coming on. Wearing sunglasses and protective clothing may also minimize contact with paint. Good luck!

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.