Eczema Treatment & Care
About Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema:
Important: This is general information, based on the best available data at the time of writing. Do NOT rely on or use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema most often presents in infancy or early childhood and can continue into adulthood. The diagnosis is predominantly clinical, based on a group of characterising features.
Eczema is not contagious, however it is appears that susceptibility to eczema is inherited, and that individuals who experience childhood eczema will have an increased chance of developing food allergies, asthma and hay fever later in life. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that use of suitable emollients from birth can help to prevent allergic symptoms such as eczema in later life[i].
In more than half of eczema sufferers, the symptoms are a consequence of natural, inborn, genetic factors that affects the skin’s ability to continually maintain a ‘normal’ barrier and thereafter to repair damage.
This skin barrier dysfunction is due to deficiency in a natural protein called filaggrin. Filaggrin is necessary for skin cells to mature properly into the tough, flat corneocytes that form the outermost protective layer of our skin and also constitute part of the ‘natural moisturising factor’; important in maintaining the physical defence mechanism of the skin.
It’s convenient to visualise skin cells like bricks in a living, protective wall with the mortar being emollient lipids; holding cells together and keeping us waterproof. Where filaggrin is substantially deficient, the outer skin layer does not form properly, and the corneocytes (bricks) dry out, the lipid layer (mortar) is easily lost so that the skin becomes dry and cracked. Unfortunately, science cannot yet adequately redress a filaggrin deficiency.
In other sufferers, the cause remains unknown however the symptoms and recommended management regimes remain the same.
Eczema is associated with dry skin, and skin hydration correlates with disease severity. When the skin barrier is compromised, natural emollients and moisture escape the skin and the skin becomes dry and scaly. Xerosis (dry skin) predisposes to the development of microfissures and cracks in the skin that permit the entry of allergens and microorganisms. These irritants activate the immune system, producing inflammation that manifests as pruritus (itch), erythema (redness), desquamation (peeling), plaque, papules and/or vesicles, all characteristic of eczema.
It is thus appropriate to use suitable emollient moisturisers regularly. The skin condition can improve significantly with the liberal use of appropriate emollients moisturisers, so that the use of prescription medications can be minimised.
Current medical opinion[ii] indicates that eczema can be uncomfortable and distressing because of the associated pruritus and unattractive lesions. Individuals with severe eczema may experience lack of sleep, (and thus daytime tiredness), irritability, emotional stress, lowered self-esteem, and potentially psychological disturbance. The disruption of school/work, family, and social interactions can impair the quality of life. Parents, caregivers and patients may experience guilt, frustration, resentment, exhaustion, and helplessness due to this condition. There can also considerable economic costs associated with caring for children and adults with eczema.
Unfortunately, as yet not all of the medical profession is aware of the extended impact of eczema on individuals and families; and some are, as yet unaware of the current clinical guidance for best managing this disease. Successful management of this sometimes chronic condition requires a holistic approach that consists of avoidance of triggering factors, optimal skin care, pharmacotherapy during acute exacerbations, and education and of patients/caregivers. Current, best practice clinical guidance on the management of eczema in children can be found via
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg57
[i] Simpson et al J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Oct; 134(4): 818–823.
[ii] M. Lodén, H.I. Maibach (eds.), Treatment of Dry Skin Syndrome, 59 DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-27606-4_5, 2012
About Grahams Natural C+ Eczema and Dermatitis Cream, a formulated medical device:
Important: What works well for one person, may not be as effective for others. If symptoms persist or worsen contact your healthcare professional and show the product labels. Excluding a personal intolerance to one or more of the ingredients, adverse affects are not anticipated when this device is used as directed. Some individuals may be sensitive to constituent ingredients, CHECK before using this or any topical product.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Wool Fat, Squalane, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Monostearate, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Isopropyl Myristate, Honey, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Stearic Acid, Guar Gum, Sodium Pca, Disodium Edetate, Xanthan Gum, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid.
This information has been provided to help you and your healthcare practitioner to make informed decisions about your eczema management regime. Its does not include all of the information about this device.
Grahams C+ Eczema & Dermatitis Cream is an un-medicated, emollient cream. It has been designed to primarily protect the skin from stressors including water loss by including protective and emollient lipids, antioxidants and moisturisers that replicate skin’s own natural moisturising system. Depletion of this system leads to dryness, permitting ingress of irritants and excessive moisture loss, both of which can contribute to flare up and impede repair.
This defensive approach protects the skin barrier while supporting normal skin structure and repair function.
Maintaining normal, healthy moisture levels and protecting the skin from irritants can be key to preventing and redressing systems of eczema.
Measurements[i] indicate that when applied to dry[ii], dermatitis affected skin, hydration levels rapidly increase and are maintained at optimum levels for 3 hours[iii]; with the treated skin remaining substantially hydrated for 6 hours[iv].
Grahams C+ Eczema and Dermatitis Cream is
- formulated as ‘oil-in-water’ to provide cool, soothing skin feel.
- intended to be suitable for use by all ages, infants through to elderly.
- Intended to complement and supplement your professionally prescribed eczema management regime. Tell your doctor you are using this cream.
The complex cream formulation provides skin with naturally derived substances that replicate skin’s own natural moisturising system. These are typically deficient in dry, damaged eczema prone and affected human skin
- Cholesterol and complex fatty esters are protective, essential constituents of a healthy stratum corneum
- Squalane effectively improves flexibility and provides antioxidant effects
- Lubricant triglycerides provide cushioning of cells and softening effects
- Water and oil phase antioxidants that help to protect lipids from degradation and to defend against irritants, supporting reduced inflammatory responses and Nature identical humectants hold moisture within the skin
This product has been manufactured in Australia, under GMP using (excipient, non-drug) pharmaceutical and food grade ingredients. It is NOT intended for and not suitable for application to large open wounds. Store below 30oC, protect from freezing, if the cream separates, develops atypical odour or particulates it is important NOT to use it. Discard and replace as merited.
[i] EEMCO guidance for the assessment of stratum comeurm hydration: electrical methods (BT analyse device)
[ii] Hydration level is <25%
[iii] Above 35%
[iv] Between 35 and 25%