​Eczema

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a skin disorder which makes parts or whole of your skin itchy and inflamed. It is a chronic disease which tends to occur periodically before regressing. The common type in children is atopic dermatitis but many other types are prevalent across all ages. It appears on the faces of children, as well as inside the elbows and behind the knees. It affects both genders equally and isn’t contagious..
Though the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it may be caused by an overactive immune system that responds aggressively to foreign bodies. If you suffer from eczema, your immune system may fail to distinguish between foreign proteins and proteins that are already present in your body, attacking both of them equally, causing inflammation. ​Factors that can trigger eczema include:

  • Chemicals present in cleaners and detergents which cause skin dryness

  • Rough scratchy material such as wool

  • Food allergens

  • Perfumes and fragrances

  • Stress

  • Changes in temperature

  • Low humidity

  • Synthetic fabrics

  • Sweating

  • Elevated body temperatures

Risk factors associated with eczema involve, hay fever or asthma in children, and presence of eczema in your relatives.

During bouts of eczema, your skin may become:

  • Intensely itchy

  • Inflamed

  • Dry

  • Thickened

  • Scaly

  • Cracked

  • Rough

You may also notice:

  • Small raised bumps on your skin which seep fluid when scratched

  • Red to brownish-grey patches on your skin​

Eczema can cause trouble in sleeping or even leading a normal daily life. Consult one of our  doctors at the Teeth and Skin Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you or your child suffers from eczema, and if self-care methods fail to help. Seek immediate medical help if you or your child suspect skin infection or have a fever.​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​
Initially, your doctor may inquire about the patient’s symptoms, medical history or if they suffer from other allergy-related diseases such as asthma or hay fever. The doctor may perform a thorough physical exam.

There are certain tests to identify food allergens and level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in blood to assess the severity of eczema. In certain circumstances a patch test maybe required to determine if the patient has skin allergies or to identify the triggers of their eczema.​
Living with eczema can be challenging especially with its tendency to flare up periodically  without warning and can adversely  affect the quality of life Discuss your treatment options with your doctor at the <Teeth and Skin Service Line> at The Aga Khan University Hospital who will make every effort to provide you with quality healthcare services.

A mild case of the disease can be treated with good skin care and some specific changes in your lifestyle, though severe cases of eczema may require medications.​
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.
 
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.
 
The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​
Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.