Dry eye/eczema

http://www.athealth.com/consumer/disorders/eczema.html

• Atopic dermatitis is often referred to as "eczema," which is a general term for the several types of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin. )
• Is a chronic (long-lasting)
• Not contagious
• Emotional factors, such as stress, can make the condition worse, but they do not cause the disease

Types of Eczema (Dermatitis)

• Allergic Contact Eczema (dermatitis): A red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions.
• Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.
• Contact Eczema: A localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) or with an irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.
• Neurodermatitis: Scaly patches of the skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that become intensely irritated when scratched.
• Nummular Eczema: Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most common on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs-that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.
  Seborrheic Eczema: Yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.
• Stasis Dermatitis: A skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to circulatory problems.

Skin Features of Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic Pleat (Dennie-Morgan fold): An extra fold of skin that develops under the eye.
• Cheilitis: Inflammation of the skin on and around the lips.
• Hyperlinear Palms: Increased number of skin creases on the palms.
• Hyperpigmented Eyelids: Eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever.
• Ichthyosis: Dry, rectangular scales on the skin.
• Keratosis Pilaris: Small, rough bumps, generally on the face, upper arms, and thighs.
• Lichenification: Thick, leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing.
• Papules: Small raised bumps that may open when scratched and become crusty and infected.
• Urticaria: Hives (red, raised bumps) that may occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath.

Patient education:

• Stop after shave, cologne, perfume or makeup on or near the face, (there are so many chemicals in those products it blends into an unidentifiable soup on your skin.
• Switch to plain water to wash your face or a simple non-soap facial cleanser, shampoo, body wash.
• If you shave, use witch hazel to close the pores and refresh your skin.
• Switch to perfume-free products for anything that comes near your skin including laundry soap and dryer sheets.
• Be careful with hair products near your eyes. (The skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive to soaps, conditioners, silicone hair sprays, and other hair products. )
• When you wash and rinse your hair, let the soap and water run towards the back of the scalp rather than over your face.
• DON'T RUB YOUR EYES!
• Warm Compresses. Rinse a clean washcloth with warm water and wring out thoroughly. Place the folded washcloth over the eyes for about 3 minutes, twice a day, setting a timer helps. The warmth helps to loosen the oil glands that lubricate the eyeballs. This is essential if you have dry eye, meibomitis or blepharitis.
• Eyelid cleansing. TheraTears SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser twice a day. Make sure your hands are clean before using it. Place it gently on the eyelids, massage very lightly to remove debris, and leave it on for a full minute. It takes away any pollens and debris that builds up. My eyes always feel freshened after using SteriLid.
• Face Cream. e.g Aveeno (extra moisturizing non-scented skin relief formula). Use the cream every time after you wash your face.
• Eye Drops.
• Eye Ointments. Use as soon as any irritation is felt. Give it a good hour to two and the itching inevitably goes away. I never use it for more than a few days a time
• Drink lots of water to keep hydrated and flush impurities out of your system.
• Restasis

Supplements:

• Vitamin A (Fish oil, yellow and green fruit and vegetables),
• essential fatty acids (hemp seed, flax, pumpkin oil)
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin E topical oil

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?Id=2866

• Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and selenium). Ensuring that your diet is rich with these well-known free-radical scavengers can help support the body’s defences against the daily chemical onslaught. Vitamin C strengthens the skin; vitamin E improves skin healing; and vitamin A helps to regulate the rapid turnover of skin cells seen in eczema. The trace mineral selenium plays a crucial role in the glutathione-peroxidase system (the body’s natural antioxidant process) and is effective for detoxing heavy metals. Suggested dosages: vitamin C, 1000 mg twice daily; vitamin E, 400 IU/day; vitamin A, 5000-10,000 IU/day; selenium, 50-200 mcg/day
• B vitamins. B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) are both integral to the process of new cell formation, and play a key role in the healthy function of body tissue - especially skin, which has a quick rate of turnover. A deficiency of these vitamins has been linked to various types of eczema and other skin disorders. Suggested dosages: B3, 100-500 mg/day; B6, 50-100 mg/day
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid found naturally in borage (starflower), evening primrose and blackcurrant oils, could help to improve the roughened skin seen with eczema, as well as keep inflammation under control (Am J Clin Nutr, 2000; 71 [1 Suppl]: 367-72S). One study gave 3 g/day of GLA for 28 days to children with atopic eczema; although none were completely cured, all experienced improvement in their symptoms and a reduced need for medication (J Int Med Res, 1994; 22: 24-32). Suggested dosage: 2-3 g/day
• Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids have recognised anti-inflammatory properties. A double-blind study found that atopic eczema patients given 10 g of fish oil for 12 weeks all achieved a reduction in itching, scaling and other eczema symptoms (J Intern Med Suppl, 1989; 225: 233-6). Suggested dosage: 1000 mg three times daily
• Zinc. A deficiency in this essential mineral is common among people with allergies, and may play a role in the development of recurring or chronic eczema (Br J Dermatol, 1984; 111: 597-601). One team of Hungarian researchers found that zinc supplementation reduced the severity of eczema symptoms in children (Orv Hetil, 1989; 130: 2465-9). Suggested dosage: 15 mg/day of zinc with 2 mg of copper (as zinc is known to deplete the body’s copper reserves)