manchester healthy options illnesses and conditions
Eczema
p>One in 10 of the population suffers from eczema. Anything from mild itchy redness
behind the knees and elbows, to a condition so severe it literally disables the
sufferer as they rip the skin with frantic scratching.
As yet there is no cure for most forms of eczema and the constant application
of emollient (moisturising) creams and the use of steroids is the main treatment.
Wet wrapping, where wet bandages are lightly bound over cream covered skin
can bring relief, especially to help children sleep. The damp helps creams penetrate
deeper, but sufferers should check with their GP or dermatologist before experimenting.
It has been known for some time that evening primrose oil can sometimes benefit
some people, but specialists at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury
have begun using often complex mixes of vitamins and minerals to bring relief.
They have found that daily, often high doses of certain supplements can help.
Case study
A boy who developed eczema when he was three weeks old. When his parents bandaged
his hands to stop him scratching he would use his toes.
He spent most of his first four years of life in and out of hospital. He is
now seven and for the last 12 months has been taking a daily dose of evening primrose
oil, absorbic acid, zinc sulphate and Vitamin A prescribed by doctors.
The transformation has been incredible. Although he does still need to be coated
in cream twice a day and has a sleeping tablet each night to get to sleep he is
at last able to enjoy some semblance of childhood.
His mum said: ''Eczema is a terrible condition and when one child has it, it
can affect the entire family. No-one knows how to help and often treatment is
trial and error. The mix of tablets he is on now have helped.''
Work to develop new treatments is on-going and a Japanese drug company is expected
to be launching a new type of emollient cream later this year.
WARNING
DO NOT try wet wrapping if you use steroid creams for the condition without checking
first with your GP as it make them penetrate the skin much more deeply.
Links
The National Eczema Society
NHS Direct Healthcare guide
Telephone Numbers
National Eczema Society: 020 7388 4097
Help-line: 0870 241 3604 (Mon/Tues 10-4pm
and Weds/Fri 1-4pm)
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