This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
For Rachel Ogola, the diagnosis of eczema in her four-week-old son was a wake-up call. She had never heard of the condition and was unsure of how to proceed. Doctors recommended steroid creams, but Rachel had questions about their effectiveness.
Published on September 14, 2019, eczema is more common than many people realize. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it often affects children and can persist into adulthood in some cases.
The symptoms of eczema can be distressing, including an itchy rash that persists and flares up from time to time. If left untreated, the intense itching and subsequent scratching can lead to skin breakage and infection.
Common areas affected by eczema include the inside of the elbows, the back of the neck, and the back of the knees. In children, it often manifests on the cheeks. People with allergies or a tendency to develop allergies are more likely to experience eczema flare-ups, triggered by allergens such as certain foods, dust mites, and pollen.
Asthma is another condition commonly associated with eczema. To manage the condition, it's essential to dress the patient in breathable cotton fabrics, maintain moderate temperatures, and monitor their diet. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding scented products is also crucial.
Living with eczema can be challenging, with flare-ups causing discomfort and sleepless nights. The public's perception of the condition can also negatively impact patients, leading to low self-esteem and depression. Rachel Ogola, a survivor of eczema, is working to raise awareness about the condition through her foundation, the Eczema Society of Kenya.
