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What is Asteotosis ?
Definition of Asteotosis
Asteotosis is used an alternative word for dry skin. This dry
skin may result in Asteototic eczema, which is a red irritable
skin. The dryness in the skin is excess then it affects the
cosmetic appearance of the skin. Eczema affects almost ten
percent of the total world’s population and is very common.
What is Asteototic eczema ?
There are many forms of eczema that include varicose, atopic,
discoid, seborrhoeic, contact and asteotic. Here we are
interested in Asteotic eczema. Asteototic eczema is also known
as “winter itch” or “winter eczema”. This is characterized by
red irritable skin that is caused from excessive dryness of the
skin.
Causes of Asteototic eczema
The cause of Asteototic eczema may be due to excessive sweating
in summer months that often cause flare-ups. The rashes can be
itchy, irritating and uncomfortable. Asteototic eczema most
oftenly affects older people especially on their limbs and the
condition is called as “erythema craquele”. It is called so
because the skin appears like cracked porcelain. The peeling and
cracking of the skin is caused since the cold, dry air sucks
water from the skin allowing it to look peeled and cracked. The
skin cells are lost and the increased loss of skin cells will
allow more water and oil loss and makes the skin look dryer
compared to before. This situation gets worst when that person’s
body gets dehydrated without drinking enough water and also
because of indoor heating that dries the air. Asteototic eczema
is worst during winter months since the air is often dryer due
to the drop in humidity.
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Since people wear extra clothing to
keep themselves warmer, the clothing might irritate the skin or
does not allow for good circulation of air. All these condition
causes the eczema to flicker. These problems are generally not
seen during summer months.
Symptoms
of Asteototic eczema
The symptoms of Asteototic eczema includes:
• Dry skin.
• Itchy skin.
• Reddish appearance on the skin.
• Flaky skin.
• Cracked skin.
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Prevention of Asteototic eczema
Asteototic eczema can be prevented by following certain measures
that are mentioned below:
• Long and hot showers must be avoided. Since showering at high
temperatures leads to water loss in the body. It is advised to
take warm shower rather than hot shower.
• Try to be in a warm and humid place. Can also use a
humidifier. Humidifiers help in increasing the humidity inside
and helps in preventing dry, itchy skin that is caused by
heating. Also it is important to clean the humidifier constantly
to avoid the build up of molds.
• Skin must be moisturized constantly. Moisturizers must be used
every day so that it helps in smoothening the skin and lessening
the chances of skin getting dried. Also it is important not to
use fragrances and preservatives. Creams such as sorbelene,
Vaseline and aqueous creams are good.
• Try to protect your hands from cold air and low humidity.
• You can wear gloves to protect your hands but make sure that
the material does not irritate your skin.
• Hands must not be washed in hot water or detergent filled
water since it might worsen the eczema. It is important to wear
gloves while working with it and change the gloves regularly to
avoid build up of sweat.
Medicines used
These medicines that are described below are having general
similarity in the treatment of the commonest types of eczema.
The current medicines that are used are given below:
• Topical corticosteroids
• Immunomodulating medicines
• Emollients
• Antibacterials and antibiotics
• Agents to resist itching (pruritus)
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Topical
Corticosteroids
These medicines are available in weak, moderate and powerful
action. Depending on whether the eczema is acute or chronic and
on its severity at a particular time the medicines with
particular action is recommended. These are used to bring the
skin reaction under immediate control and play role in both
contact as well as atopic eczema.
Immunomodulating Medicines
There are two non-steroidal immunomodulating medicines that have
come into market which are tacrolimus (Fujisawa) and
pimecrolimus (Novartis). It is found that tacrolimus ointment is
similar in effect as topical steroids. Improvements were found
up to ninety percent. Pimecrolimus was specifically made for
skin treatments and is used for mild to moderate stopic eczema.
It is specifically used in sensitive areas such as neck, face
etc and should not be used for children below two years of age.
It also prevents the itching sensation, redness and inflammation
by preventing the action of T-cells.
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Emollients
Emollients are nothing but lotions, creams, gels or ointments that
keep the skin moist and lithe without inflammation.These are advised
to be used regularly after showering, washing or can be applied
directly on the affected eczema if it is tender.
Antibacterials and Antibiotics
The common antibiotics that are prescribed are fusidic acid,
flucloxacilin and erythromycin. If the eczema involves yeast in it,
then sometimes steroids are combined along with antibacterials or
anti fungal medicines. For infection related to yeast, commonly
ketoconazole is given in the form of either shampoo or cream.
Agents to Resist Itching (pruritus)
It is important that one should take care not to scratch or itch
while having eczema. For such conditions physical measures such as
cutting fingernails bandaging (tar bandages are commonly used), or
application of potassium permanganate can be used. Sometimes
antihistamines or topical creams such as crotamiton also become
useful.
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Article Contributed By: Sukanaya Banerjee
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