Skin Asthma

For most, asthma in the skin may be a condition they have never heard of. It is actually a form of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Atopic refers to a predisposition to being overly sensitive to allergens, as you would be with asthma; and dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Eczema or asthma in the skin is a chronic condition that tends to effect those who are already predisposed to allergies and/or asthma.

Prevention

Preventing flare-ups before they become extreme is key. The most important thing eczema sufferers can do is to moisturize two to three times daily. Aquafor is highly recommended, because it acts as a a barrier between you and irritants. Another type of prevention is to boost your immune system. Because eczema is an auto immune disease, taking a daily multivitamin is extremely important. Also, be sure to add allergy-fighter quercetin, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B complex to your daily regiment. These powerful supplements are known for their anti-inflammatory powers and will do wonders for your skin.

Treatment

Though there is no cure for eczema, there are many treatments. Your doctor or dermatologist will likely prescribe cortisone creams. These will help heal any flare-ups, but be aware that long-term use of steroid creams can have long-term side effects, including the thinning of skin. If you are concerned about this, ask your doctor for a nonsteroid cream, such as Elidel. In extreme cases, an oral steroid, such as Prednisone may be prescribed, or in some cases cortisone injections may be administered. Be aware that both of these can do a lot of harm when used over long periods of time. Another option that some chronic sufferers use is UV (ultraviolet) light therapy. Used at a precise power, the benefits to sufferers has been great.

Tips

If scratching at night is a problem, wear socks on your hands to bed. Remove stress where possible. Practice meditation, yoga or tai chi. Keep showers short and temps warm, not hot.

Warnings

Do not use steroid creams, pills or injections for long periods of time. Also, do not scratch if you itch. Scratching your eczema will delay the healing and can cause infection. An antihistamine may be required to help control the urge.

What is cortisone?

Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by a gland in your body called the adrenal gland. Cortisone is released from the adrenal gland when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting.

How does the cortisone injection help?

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone is not a pain relieving medication, it only treats the inflammation. When pain is decreased from cortisone it is because the inflammation is diminished. By injecting the cortisone into a particular area of inflammation, very high concentrations of the medication can be given while keeping potential side-effects to a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks.

Does the cortisone injection hurt?

The shot can be slightly painful, especially when given into a joint, but in skilled hands it usually is well tolerated. Often the cortisone injection can be performed with a very small needle that causes little discomfort. However, sometimes a slightly larger needle must be used, especially if your physician is attempting to removed fluid through the needle prior to injecting the cortisone. Numbing medication, such as Lidocaine or Marcaine, is often injected with the cortisone to provide temporary relief of the affected area. Also, topical anesthetics can help numb the skin in an area being injected.

Are there side effects?

Yes. Probably the most common side-effect is a 'cortisone flare,' a condition where the injected cortisone crystallizes and can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or two and is best treated by icing the injected area. Another common side-effect is whitening of the skin where the injection is given. This is only a concern in people with darker skin, and is not harmful, but patients should be aware of this.

...

▼

Ohmygosh I am going to die next week!!!!!!! :'( 

I'm exaggerating I know but really, I felt like dying. :'( 

I don't like injections! I don't like body pains! My derma she will inject me some cortisone next week and I don't like it. I'm afraid. :'(

Oh gosh, I hope it won't push through. Please.