How a ‘selfie’ can cure skin problems like eczema

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 26, 2014 6:03 pm

Looks like the selfie trend is being used for a good purpose. It has benefited several patients as they use it to send pictures of their skin problems. According to a research, selfies can help identify and cure skin problems, like eczema, without fuss, for patients who live in rural areas or those who have transportation problems. Also Read - Castor oil for dark circles: Here's how to use it

Also Read - DIY oatmeal face masks to treat acne, blackheads and other skin problems

The study, led by April Armstrong from the University of Colorado, Denver, in the US, included 156 adults and children with eczema: 78 received typical in-person, follow-up care, while 78 received online, follow-up care. Also Read - Foods that can help prevent or fight skin infections

The patients in the online care group sent photos of skin outbreaks to dermatologists who evaluated the photos, made treatment recommendations and prescribed medications.

After one year, clearance or near-clearance of eczema was achieved by almost 44 percent of patients who received in-person care and more than 38 percent of those who received online care only.

‘It shows that online dermatology services could help improve access to care at a time when there are not enough dermatologists to meet demand,’ said Armstrong.

‘This study shows something interesting – patients’ eczema improved regardless whether they saw the doctor for follow-up in the office or communicated online,’ added Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City.

The study appeared in the journal JAMA Dermatology.

What is eczema?

It is inflammation of the skin. It is characterized by itchy, red, vesicular and crusting patches. The term eczema is also commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema.

The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes that are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin swelling, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed injuries. Scratching open a healing lesion may result in scarring and may enlarge the rash.

Treatment is typically with moisturizers and steroid creams. If these are not effective, creams based on calcineurin inhibitors may be used.

The cause of eczema is unknown but is presumed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no known cure for eczema; with treatment aiming to control symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving itching.

There is no good evidence that a mothers diet during pregnancy, the formula used, or breastfeeding changes the risk. There is tentative evidence that probiotics in infancy may reduce rates but it is insufficient to recommend its use. Experts advocate monitoring your dietand skincare regime to reduce possibility of eczema.

Image source: Getty Images

With inputs from IANS

Published : October 26, 2014 6:03 pm

Read Disclaimer