Professional Eczema Care in York: From Emollients to Advanced LED Therapy

Eczema support in York: Expert Care for Healthy Skin

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. A healthy skin barrier protects us from germs and bacteria. It helps us regulate our body temperature. And it helps us feel things like heat and cold.

Some people live with a chronic skin condition called eczema — a disease that causes itchy rashes and dry, scaly, bumpy and inflamed skin.

Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing; inflammation of the skin characterised by redness, swelling, itching and excoriation (scratch marks) in the acute form. In the chronic (persistent) form, regular rubbing of the skin through itching and scratching, leads to thickening or ‘lichenification’, scaling and post-inflammatory darkening of the skin. There are many different causes for eczema:

Atopic eczema; common in children and related to other allergic conditions such as asthmas and hay fever.
Allergic contact dermatitis: an eczema caused by an allergic reaction to something coming in to contact with the skin (such as fragrance or hair dye). This can be identified by means of a patch test.
Irritant contact eczema: an eczema caused by a chemical irritating the skin (such as soap or disinfectants)
Lichen simplex chronicus: a thickened itchy area caused by repeated rubbing and scratching
Nodular prurigo: similar to lichen simplex, multiple small itchy areas of thickened inflamed skin
Asteototic eczema: dermatitis due to dry, cracked skin that occurs with age
Drug-induced eczema: eczema that might resemble any of the above types, but that is caused by medications.
Pompholyx/Dishydrotic eczema: itchy tiny blisters (or vesicles) occurring under the skin on hands and feet

Living with eczema can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here in York, our CQC-regulated clinic, led by experienced dermatology nurses, offers comprehensive and compassionate care for eczema sufferers. We understand the impact eczema can have on your daily life, and we're dedicated to providing effective, evidence-based management strategies tailored to your individual needs. We also work with a consultant dermatologist.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and red patches of skin. It often appears in cycles, with periods of flares and remission. While the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the skin's natural barrier function. This compromised barrier makes the skin more susceptible to irritants, allergens, and moisture loss, leading to the characteristic symptoms of dry skin and an unbearable itch.

Emollients: The Foundation of Eczema Care

Emollients are moisturising treatments that play a crucial role in managing eczema. They work by creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface, trapping moisture and preventing further water loss. Regular and generous application of emollients helps to hydrate the skin, reduce dryness and itching, and improve the skin barrier function. There are various types of emollients, including creams, ointments, lotions, and bath additives, and our dermatology nurses can help you choose the most suitable options for your skin type and severity of eczema.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW): Understanding the Concerns

Topical corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation during eczema flares. While highly effective, concerns have arisen around Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a severe reaction that can occur after discontinuing prolonged or potent topical steroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include intense redness, burning, itching, and skin thinning. Our clinic prioritises safe and responsible steroid use. We will always discuss the benefits and potential risks of topical steroids with you, and work together to minimise the need for long-term use, exploring alternative treatments and gradual weaning strategies when appropriate.

Phototherapy: A Targeted Approach

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a safe and effective treatment option for moderate to severe eczema that hasn't responded to conventional treatments. It involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of light. This helps to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune response in the skin, and can improve the skin's barrier function.

The Dermalux Tri-Wave MD: Advanced LED Phototherapy

We are proud to utilize the Dermalux Tri-Wave MD, the only medically certified LED device for phototherapy. This cutting-edge technology delivers specific wavelengths of LED light to the skin, stimulating cellular processes and promoting healing. Importantly, the Dermalux Tri-Wave MD does not use UV light, meaning there is no increased risk of skin cancers associated with its use. This makes it a particularly safe and gentle option for long-term eczema management