Eczema |
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Eczema is a type of skin inflammation or dermatitis. It is synonymous with atopic dermatitis which appears as red, swollen itchy patches of skin. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of the global population develop eczema or atopic dermatitis (90 percent of which develop the condition before the age of 5). Eczema is a common chronic condition that is neither life-threatening nor contagious, but if left untreated can lead to associated infections and continued discomfort. Many people suffering from eczema seek treatment to resolve the condition.
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| What are the symptoms of eczema? |
Eczema is usually harmless but chronic and can lead to infections. Symptoms include the following:• Dry and itchy patches of skin • Rashes on the face, hands and feet and on flexor areas such as inside the elbows or behind the knees • Reddened and thickened areas of skin Repeated scratching of the affected areas can produce the following: • Redness • Cracked skin • Scaling • Thickened skin • Clear fluid ("weeping") • Crusting
The cause of eczema is unknown and there is no cure for the condition. It is hypothesized to be an inherited condition but can also be caused by environmental triggers such as food, medications, and stress. Those that have seasonal allergies or asthma can be more susceptible to atopic dermatitis outbreaks. |
| How is eczema treated? |
While there is no specific diagnostic test for eczema, allergy testing can identify sensitivities that may affect the condition. Along with treatment, lifestyle changes and adjustments to environmental influences are effective in inducing a state of remission.
Depending on the severity of the condition, a physician may prescribe corticosteroids, topical antihistamines and analgesics, or antibiotics to treat infections caused by damaged skin. Recently, the FDA approved a new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for nonsteroidal treatment of eczema: tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are two commonly prescribed immunomodulators. Topical products containing sulfur have been effective in penetrating dry, thickened layers of skin and supporting dermal balance through oxidation. The oxidative action of sulfur acts on the superficial layers of the skin to penetrate and stimulate micro-exfoliation while normalizing the skin's pH. Sulfur compounds support protein biosynthesis in the epithelial layer which is critical to the skin's growth and function. Sulfur is considered an effective treatment for eczema and optimizes the absorption of topical medications a physician may prescribe. KAVI products that contain colloidal sulfur provide the same potency as other products containing precipitated sulfur but at a fraction of the concentration. Consequently, KAVI colloidal sulfur products are less irritating and more pleasant to the senses. 
KAVI DermaWash and Aqua KAVI contain colloidal sulfur and are formulated for daily use on sensitive and normal skin, respectively. Both products are suitable for facial and body cleansing to help manage sensitive areas prone to flare ups (such as the face and the inside of the knees and elbows).
Depending on the severity of the condition, a healthcare professional may prescribe a combination of oral and topical medications in addition to dermatologic treatment and lifestyle changes. Since eczema is a chronic condition with periodic flare-ups separated by long periods of remission, extended use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and topical immunomodulators may yield diminishing benefits and increasing side effects. Topical treatment may produce transient dryness and irritation as the outer layer of skin is shed and normalized skin tissue is formed. |
| What can I do to manage future flare-ups? How can I improve my skin care routine? |
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Once the condition is under control, remission may persist by continuing lifestyle changes, including avoiding extended exposure to the sun and regular use of gentle colloidal sulfur products such as DermaWash and Aqua KAVI. Other KAVI products may also be incorporated into your daily routine for continued results.
The KAVI Toner contains ingredients designed to gently remove skin build up and reduce irritation. The KAVI Toner contains low concentrations of salicylic acid and resorcinol to provide an ideal final-stage cleanser for reactive skin conditions. Resorcinol is a plant derivative that helps to soften thickened skin and reduce itching and irritation from healing skin. Salicylic acid stimulates gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin for a smoother appearance. The active ingredients in each KAVI skin care product are formulated to gently support each stage of treatment and maintenance. KAVI skin care systems are designed to work in synergy, safely and effectively restoring balance and beauty. |
