Read On How Your Doctors Online Treated Lara’s Eczema Flare-up
I am Lara, and I was diagnosed with eczema at a very young age. Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy. An eczema flare-up doesn’t just cause discomfort and endless itching, it has a psychological and physical impact on your wellbeing. The rash and skin peeling forces me to avoid all forms of social gatherings.
I developed a dry, itchy, rough rash on both my arms.
I develop rashes on different body areas from time to time due to eczema. Wearing full sleeves, covering up the affected areas as much as possible, applying soothing lotions and barrier-repair moisturisers, and taking oatmeal baths are some of the ways I use to cope with the symptoms.
The rash due to eczema literally made me uncomfortable in my own skin!
It was Monday morning when I noticed the first signs of the rash. ‘Wonderful,’ I said aloud, ‘a perfect way to start the week.’ Dreading the spread of the rash, I immediately put some hydrocortisone cream on my arm and changed my blouse, replacing it with a full-sleeved dress shirt. My shirt did an outstanding job hiding the rash. However, it did not prevent me from itching. So I spent a miserable day at college listening to my Psychology professor’s endless lecture and scratching my arm every minute of it.
It became harder to sleep at night as small raised bumps appeared that were oozing fluid
The next few days were worse, the itching worsened, and multiple bumps appeared on my arm. There was fluid from the site as well, and this was by far the worst eczema flare-up that I had had in my lifetime. I was horrified and realised that I needed to see a doctor immediately.
I turned to an online doctor for advice!
Finally, I asked my mom to make an appointment, but she told me she had to go out of town for work and she would take me next week. However, I knew that I could not wait that long and needed immediate medical advice. So, searching online, I discovered Your Doctors Online and immediately downloaded the app. It was effortless to navigate, and I was soon connected with an online doctor.
I was treated online for a flare-up of eczema!
Dr Farrukh asked me to explain my symptoms and share images of the rash. She confirmed that I was having a flare-up of eczema and had signs of an infection. Furthermore, she prescribed antibiotics, an antihistamine and a painkiller as well. Finally, she reassured me that I would feel better soon.
The doctor also told me that there are several forms of eczema and the type that I had was the common type, also known as ‘Atopic dermatitis.’ Moreover, she informed me that if my symptoms did not settle, I would need to see a doctor in person. Additionally, she explained that oral steroids or immunosuppressants sometimes need to be started. Other forms of therapy include phototherapy or light therapy, or alternative treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy or relaxation techniques.
The Eczema Flare-up settled down completely!
I am glad that I consulted a doctor online instead of waiting for my mom to return from her trip. I was doing a lot better in a few days, and the infection had resolved. Furthermore, I followed up with the online doctor for further advice, and she guided me in detail once again. I had a truly satisfying experience, and I can outrightly say that virtual online consultations are a lot more convenient.
FAQs About Eczema Answered By Your Doctors Online Team
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. However, it is considered to be triggered by an overactive immune system. Some of the common triggers that have been identified include chemicals found in cleansers and detergents, scented products, allergens such as pollens, mould, dust, dust mites, food allergies, temperature changes or stress etc.
Symptoms of eczema include:
Dry, rough, flaky, irritated skin.
Raw skin.
Itching.
Red patches or scaly skin.
Small bumps on the skin that ooze fluid, crusty patches.
An eczematous rash can develop on the feet, neck, scalp, hands, arms, back of knees, eyelid or inner elbows.
Some measures that may help relieve eczema include:
Oral antihistamines help relieve itching.
Steroid creams and ointments can relieve itching and scaling.
Oral corticosteroids.
Topical or oral antibiotics in case of an infection.
Immunosuppressants.
Phototherapy.
Alternative treatments.
Eczema is not contagious, and it does not spread from one person to another.
Applying a soothing cream or hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine, or loratadine may also help alleviate the itching.
Corticosteroid creams and ointments are commonly used to treat eczema. Other measures that help prevent and manage eczema include:
Managing stress.
Keeping the skin moisturised.
Avoiding triggers.
Avoiding scorching shower.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition which leads to the development of blisters on the palms of your hands, fingers or soles of your feet.
It is usually a result of a hypersensitivity reaction to metal, particularly cobalt or nickel or a chemical in a soap or a medication such as aspirin etc.
Changes in weather and stress are also other factors that result in this condition.
It is best to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of eczema and are experiencing a flare. You can get treatment for eczema by consulting with one of our online doctors at Your Doctors online.
