VOL. 18, DEC 2003 : Tips for Living with Eczema

1. How to survive with Eczema 

Winter is here and the air is getting very dry as expected. This is the type of weather that makes Eczema worse. Whether you have atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever… you should see your dermatologist for specific treatment. Meanwhile, here are some helpful tips for everyone.

• Try not to scratch your skin – it only makes irritation worse.

• Limit your bathing because as the water evaporates it leaves the skin dryer than ever. Remember, skin affected by eczema loses water more quickly than normal skin.

• If you love to bathe, then hydrate your skin by soaking in a cool bath, using bath oil, or hydrating bath products and then treating the skin with emollient cream or ointment. They should be applied as soon as you get out of the bath – before you are completely dry.

• Use a gentle soap such as Dove for Sensitive Skin or Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.

• Using ointment is better for hydrating the skin than cream or lotion, but as you know, it is sticky. For those people who don’t like the way ointments feel, you can use a light lotion after applying ointment. You won’t feel as sticky.

• Antihistamines — a type of allergy pill — may be very helpful for some people. Benadryl may relieve itching, as well as help children sleep.

• Antibiotics may help when you have a sudden eczema flare-up. Many dermatologists think these flare-ups are linked to infections.

• Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments are the mainstay of medical treatment. They slow immune responses and relieve itching. But there are some side effects. Steroids can cause thinning of the skin if high strengths are used for long periods of time. You should be particularly careful around the eyes, in the diaper area, and around body folds where penetration into the skin is the greatest.

• New topical immune-modulating drugs may also help. Sold as Protopic and Elidel, these drugs offer many of the benefits of corticosteroids — and avoid many of the side effects. Some dermatologists have begun to use these products as first-line therapies, though such use remains controversial.

• Use a humidifier during the winter, especially in the bedroom when you sleep. But make sure that it doesn’t get too humid or mites may find it comfortable as well. Set the humid to around 45% to 50%.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body in order to moisten your skin.

2. Gift Certificates are available at SHIZUKA new york for the Holiday 

These are available at any dollar amount (such as $50, $100, $125 and so on) and for any service (such as a basic facial for $85). We also have special gift packages.

·  $130 for a Basic Facial & 1 hour body massage (regular fee is $170)
·  $180 for 2 Micro Facials for any two people at the same time
(friends, couples, mother & daughter, sisters, etc.) (regular fee is $230)

3.  Temporary space for our renovation time in January

As we mentioned in our X’mas card, we are going to use my husband’s dermatology practice to set up a temporary shop while we renovate in January 2004.
Dr. Bernstein’s office is located at 125 E. 63rd Street, Suite 1A, on the street level (5 blocks directly north of us, between Park and Lex.).
Our telephone number will be the same, 212-644-7400.

As many of you know, his office is a medical suite, so we may not be able to provide the same relaxed atmosphere that you have been accustomed to. However, we will try to do our best to make you feel at home and accommodate your needs.

I apologize for this inconvenience, but it is necessary in order for us to improve future services at SHIZUKA new york. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.