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Summer is Here
Again… |
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Answers provided by Rita Kachru, MD, board certified
allergist
- When the weather becomes warmer, I tend to itch a lot
and have more eczema flare-ups. What can I do to avoid them?
During the summer, we tend to spend more time outdoors in the
hot sun. Heat and sweating are definite triggers for eczema.
Here are some tips to avoid flare-ups during the summer:
- Keep cool. Avoid playing outside during peak sunlight
(10am – 3pm). Direct sun exposure should also be avoided by
always using a wide brim hat, and wearing long sleeved
shirts and pants. Also, stick to cotton fabrics because they
breathe better which helps decrease sweating.
- Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you
are exercising. Bathe or shower frequently (at least once a
day) and immediately apply a moisturizer to keep your skin
moist. Stick to creams, such as Cetaphil, because they
retain moisture better than lotions.
- Decrease irritant exposure. Immediately after swimming
(whether in a pool or the ocean), rinse off with soap and
water. Apply cream as quickly as possible (within 2-3
minutes) to retain the moisture. Even if you cannot rinse
off immediately, reapply your moisturizer as soon as you
can. Always wear sunscreen. You may need to experiment with
different ones to find one that doesn’t irritate your skin.
In general, avoid gels or ones that contain PABA. Consider a
titanium dioxide based sun block as they are usually less
irritating.
- Control the itch. Eczema is known as the “itch that
rashes”. It is crucial to stop itching as soon as it starts.
Some over the counter choices are Claritin or Benadryl. If
the itch is not improving, speak to your doctor about other
alternatives.
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- My child gets teased at school about his eczema. What
can I do to help him handle remarks from other kids and
adults?
The best way to help your child is to provide a supportive
home environment where he/she can feel free to discuss his/her
thoughts and feelings. Research has consistently shown that a
strong family network, which emphasizes a mutual commitment to
deal with all the potential social frustrations associated with
eczema, such as teasing, promotes higher self esteem and less
psychological strain. Always encourage your child to focus on
his/her strengths.
Your child and others will pick up on your cues. Be your child’s
advocate, at home and in the community. Talk to your child’s
teacher and the other parents about eczema. Ask your child’s
doctor if he/she would come to the school and educate the other
kids about eczema. There is strength in knowledge and hopefully
the kids and adults will be more accepting once they have a
better understanding of eczema.
- Can eczema be a precursor to other allergies?
Yes, atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, can be a
precursor for developing other allergic disorders. Approximately
60% of babies with eczema are at risk for developing allergic
rhinitis and 50% are at risk for developing asthma, especially
in an atopic (allergic) family. So, if your child has eczema,
and you have a family history of allergies, it is a good idea to
have them evaluated for other allergic disorders.
- I plan to take my family on vacation this summer.
Last year, my daughter had several asthma attacks during our
trip. How can we prepare ourselves for planning this year’s
trip?
It is very important to be prepared for the worse. Any child
with asthma, whether intermittent or persistent, should always
have a treatment plan and an understanding of when and how to
use “rescue” medication. Prior to going on vacation, your child
should meet with her doctor and review her current asthma
medications as well as make a treatment plan if she starts
having asthma symptoms. Also review with the doctor what
triggers she may have encountered on her last trip that she may
be able to avoid on this trip.
On the trip, make sure all the medication is properly labeled
and stored in a safe, cool location.
- With summer barbecues, tennis matches and beach
volleyball, I plan on being outside as much as possible. I
have been told to use insect repellants containing DEET,
which can sometimes cause allergies. How can I protect my
skin by using DEET, while staying allergy free?
There have been cases of allergic rashes associated with DEET,
but overall it is very well tolerated. Before using the product
over your child’s entire body, first use it in a small test area
on his/her arm to look for any adverse reactions. It is best to
use the lowest concentration of DEET possible. A 10-30% DEET
concentration offers protection for up to 6 hours. A higher
concentration (40-50%) may be required if you are going to be
outside for longer periods of time, like camping.
If you child has very sensitive skin, you can spray on the
clothing only. Never spray under clothing, on broken skin or on
hands of children who tend to put their hands in their mouths.
Always wash off your child’s skin with soap and water at night
and launder clothes that have been sprayed with DEET. It is not
recommended in infants less than 2 months old and in children
under six years old, a 10% concentration or less is recommended.
- Can a mosquito bite cause anaphylaxis, a potentially
life-threatening condition characterized by throat swelling,
generalized hives, faintness or wheezing? If so, what should
I do?
There have been case reports of anaphylaxis from mosquito
bites but fortunately it is very rare. Bite reactions, which are
caused by sensitization to the mosquito saliva, commonly cause
itchy localized papules which resolve over time.
The most important precautionary measure is avoidance. Avoid
mosquito infested areas, wear protective long sleeved clothing,
eliminate stagnant water on your property, keep your window and
door screens in good condition, avoid scented products and apply
insect repellants that contain DEET when necessary.
If you have a known history of anaphylaxis to mosquito bites,
you should always carry an emergency kit containing epinephrine
(adrenaline). Make sure the kit is stored in a cool place and
that the epinephrine has not expired. You should review how and
when to use the epinephrine with your doctor. If it is the first
time you are experiencing these symptoms, call 911 and go to the
emergency room immediately for evaluation. |
