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Using Salicylic Acid to Treat Eczema
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Imunocology states that
eczema typically affects between 10 and 20 percent of children and
roughly between one and three percent of adults. Eczema is also known as
atopic dermatitis and is a common childhood skin disorder. Often it
disappears before adulthood but can sometimes affect adults too.
Treatment
options for relieving eczema symptoms include self care, medications
and allergy minimization. Eczema is not usually serious but open wounds
can become infected.
Treating Eczema With Salicylic Acid
Salicylic
acid is a substance that can be used as a topical ointment or cream to
treat dry, flaky skin disorders. It may be used by itself or in
combination with other medications and treatments. It can be added to
many different formula types including: creams, gels, lotions,
ointments, shampoos and plasters. Concentrations of salicylic acid range
from 0.5 percent to 30 percent.
Eczema can benefit from using
salicylic acid to soften the skin protein called keratin. Salicylic acid
helps to loosen dry, flaky sin and will remover the top layer of skin
allowing other medications to penetrate more quickly.
Side Effects of Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid may cause mild skin irritation and more so if the skin is cracked or irritated.
As
with all drugs, other side effects can occur and while they are not
common it’s recommended to contact a doctor if any of the following
occur:
- severe skin irritation
- flushing
- unusual warmth and redness
- salicylic acid poisoning: confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, severe fatigue, buzzing in ears.
Pregnant
or nursing mothers should not use salicylic acid as it absorbs into the
skin and body. It is also not advised for children under two years of
age.
What are Common Eczema Symptoms
Often,
eczema appears behind the knees and on the arms. It can also appear
anywhere on the body including face, neck and chest. Often eczema
patches are red, bumpy, flaky, itchy and scaly. Fluid can also leak from
the bumps if scratched and form a crust. This condition affects
children more than adults, and most people outgrow childhood eczema.
Flare-ups
happen occasionally and in between flare-ups eczema can be manageable
and even disappear. Some common triggers for flare-ups are hot baths or
showers, experiencing stress, excess sweating, dry air, cigarette smoke
and allergies.
Different Eczema Treatments Available
Not
all eczema is severe and can be treated in a variety of ways. Medicine
is not recommended as a first course of action but in some cases in
necessary.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using a variety of methods to manage eczema such as:
- Non-prescription lotions like Calamine
- Allergy control
- Don’t scratch
- Cool showers or baths – pat dry with towel
- Warm bath with colloidal oatmeal
- Use non-irritating skin moisturizers
- Use unscented soaps
- Use humidifier to keep air moist
- Wear cotton clothing
Many
homeopathic remedies exist as well. Making homemade eczema creams and
diet management are a couple of natural treatments for eczema.
For
extreme and severe eczema, prescribed medications may be offered. Some
possibilities are corticosteroid creams and oral corticosteroids,
antibiotics, antihistamines, and immunomodulators.
Disclaimer: The
information contained in this article is for educational purposes only
and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the
opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his
or her health should contact a doctor for advice
References:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. "Allergy Statistics" (accessed September 28, 2010).
Mayo Clinic. "Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)" (accessed September 28, 2010).
DermNet NZ. " Salicylic Acid " (accessed September 28, 2010).
Dermatology Online Journal. "Treatment of molluscum contagiousum: A brief review and discussion of a case successfully treated with adapelene" (accessed September 28, 2010)
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