ECZEMA: GENERAL INFORMATION
Eczematous dermatitis is a skin disease which can be acute or chronic and is characterised by erythema, papules and vesicles with varying degrees of inflammation, crusting, scaling and skin eruptions. Usually this term is used for eczema in general and of all the different kinds of eczema, this is probably the most common, and certainly not to be underestimated. This frequently chronic skin condition, marked by an ugly rash, can be a plague, not only for teenagers, but also for adults. Unfortunately it is impossible to say that one particular treatment will help each and every sufferer. From experience I have learned that each case is different. There may be a thousand patients with the same type of eczema, but each and every case must be judged individually and the treatment varies according to the circumstances. For some patients the eruption may be controlled quickly, while in others it may be of a persistent nature. Certain patients may react to heat, while the condition in others will flare up as a result of cold. However, both sexes are subject to the same annoying irritations, such as itching, which is always present and which usually becomes more troublesome at night. Burning or smarting is another frequent complaint. The acute form, often characterised by oedema or crusting and oozing, is capable of causing lesions everywhere, much to the patient's annoyance and embarrassment.
Not an easy problem, and yet it can be controlled. If the patient is willing to co-operate, this eczema, which can be hereditary or may be caused by an allergy, can be cleared. Once the cause has been diagnosed, treatment can start, but in general it is very important that dietary management is revised.
It may help to know that each square inch of human skin, which is about five square centimetres, contains 20 million cells. Cell renewal is necessary, especially with persistent skin problems such as this kind of eczema. A healthy diet is essential to encourage cell renewal. Any food allergy problem is capable of prolonging the condition for a considerable period of time, even if the best treatment is applied, as it could spoil the whole programme. If there is an allergy problem, anything from the pig, for example pork sausages, bacon, ham or gammon, should be avoided, as well as white sugar, white flour, spices, alcohol and chocolate. Liberal amounts of fruit and vegetables, and lots of mineral water or even distilled water should be taken. Be very careful with any colourings or additives.
*7\147\2*
s
