Dr. Sheilly Kapoor is one of the best dermatologists in the country with over 22 years of experience. Currently, a Visiting Consultant at the Department of Dermatology at Medanta, Gurugram, Dr. Sheilly Kapoor specializes in Aesthetic Dermatology, Dermatosurgery, Acne and Acne Scars, and Geriatric Dermatology. She is the recipient of the Excellence in Dermatology Award by the All India Technical and Management Council in 2014.
Dr. Sheilly Kapoor treats a wide variety of skin conditions and diseases (such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis) and RF ablation (for corns, warts, moles, acrochordon, etc.). She is an expert in procedures including skin biopsy (punch, elliptical), chemical cautery, LASER skin treatments, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, PRP therapy, ingrown toenail surgery and many more.
After completing her MBBS from Govt Medical College, Amritsar and MD in Dermatology and Venereology from Govt Medical College, Patiala, Dr. Sheilly Kapoor did Housemanship in General Surgery from Govt Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. She has been associated with Medanta for more than 10 years.
Dr. Sheilly Kapoor is a member of various esteemed medical organizations including the IADVL (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists), PSI (Pigmentary Society of India), member of ACSI (Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India), Indian chapter of WDS (Women’s Dermatologic Society) and founder member of Society of Geriatric Dermatology and Aesthetics of India. She has published her work in national and international acclaimed medical journals and has been a speaker at conferences.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a skin disease that is characterized by constant itching and rashes. It is interesting to note that the itching occurs before the rashes begin to appear. It is a common condition afflicting millions around the globe. There is no cure for eczema but treatments are available to control symptoms.
Eczema Facts
Here are some facts about eczema:
- Eczema is common among infants and produces a patchy reddish rash on the face. In a majority of the cases, eczema in infants goes away as they become older.
- Eczema is not a contagious skin disease and does not spread by contact
- Eczema can appear anywhere in the body – inside of the elbows, neck, back of knees, chest or back, eyelids, etc
- Eczema has a direct connection to hay fever or asthma.
- Allergies can trigger eczema and cause a flare-up
- Eczema is an inherited condition.
- Eczema may appear similar to other skin rashes such as scabies which is caused by itch mites.
- Improper functioning of the immune system can cause eczema.
- Eczema can flare-up periodically with rest periods of up to several years in between.
- Stress has been known to cause eczema outbreaks.
Symptoms of Eczema
Itching is the most common symptom of eczema. Some other symptoms may include:
- Dry skin
- Red patches
- Scaly and cracked skin
- Small raised fluid-filled bumps on the skin
Eczema can cause the skin to break and allow for infections to creep in. In severe cases, the itching may continue through the night affecting sleep and quality of life.
Treatment of Eczema
Self-care can help to control eczema.
- Always moisturize the skin to avoid dryness
- Avoid harsh soaps and bathing salts
- Use moisturizer of cool wet cloth over the area that itches
- Always test products on a small patch of skin before applying them all over
- Avoid extreme temperatures including hot or cold showers
- Avoid triggers that can flare ups
- Opt for a bleach bath to ease the eczema
Pharmacological treatment is pursued when self-care for eczema cannot control the outbreaks.
- Corticosteroid creams: They can be applied for a short duration as prolonged use causes thinning of the skin.
- Antibiotic: If there are infections due to the eczema, antibiotic creams may be applied to the affected parts. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Drugs to control inflammation: Steroids may be prescribed for a specific period to reduce the inflammation. Prolonged use of steroids is not recommended due to side effects.
- Monoclonal antibody injections: This new treatment injects antibodies and is used to treat severe cases of eczema.
- UV light therapy: This treatment includes exposing the skin to controlled amounts of artificial UV radiation.
- Wet dressings: This is an intensive treatment for severe cases of eczema where wet dressings are applied together with corticosteroids.
Conclusion
Eczema may affect daily activities and cause social problems leading to mental stress. Discussing the condition and treatment options with a dermatologist is important to keep eczema under control.