The Face of Eczema
Over 7 million Canadians have eczema, but only 50 per cent of these have been diagnosed by their health care providers. Eczema usually starts in childhood. Twelve to 25 per cent of all Canadian children get eczema, and while many outgrow the condition, 80 per cent will have dry, irritable skin their whole lives.

Itching for Relief
Of the three most common symptoms of eczema - red, dry, itchy skin - the primary complaint is itchiness, which often leads to excessive scratching. With eczema, the itchiness regularly causes rashes, which is different than other skin conditions where the rash occurs first and then results in an itch. The inflammatory response causes the itch-scratch cycle, as depicted here. Some may even experience a burning sensation at the site as well. Inflamed skin starts the cycle again because it's so itchy. As the itching persists, the patches often seem to spread and grow larger.

Keep Triggers Top of Mind
The causes of eczema are unknown. Genetics may play a role.   It arises from the interplay of multiple genes with external environmental factors. Because there is no cure, effective eczema management requires a combination of prevention and treatment.  For example, Canadians can minimize their eczema flare-ups by avoiding certain internal and external triggers.  These triggers can include:

• Environmental allergens like dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen.
• Food allergens such as eggs, nuts, dairy, citrus or acidic foods.
• Irritants like latex, rubber or plastics, or clothes made with synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester, wool).
• Fragrant detergents, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfume, shaving creams, some make-up, bubble baths, etc.
• Sweat or bacteria left on the skin for an extended period of time.
• Extremes in temperature, either hot or cold (including outdoor and indoor temperatures – i.e. water temperature).
• Elevated stress levels.

• Switch to mild laundry detergents for clothes and bed sheets.
• Dress in 100% cotton clothing for breathe-ability and comfort.
• Remove food allergens from the diet: eg. switch to soya milk.
• Bathe in cool or tepid water with gentle soap.
• Use moisturisers immediately after you bathe to keep the moisture locked in. Be cautious of perfumes in these moisturizers, as they may worsen the condition.
• Avoid scratching affected areas. Some people wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching in their sleep.
• Keep your fingernails short.
• Don't let sweat stay on your skin.

About Spectro EczemaCare
Managing the dry, itchy skin of eczema or dermatitis can often be frustrating for sufferers and parents of child sufferers because there's no one quick, easy solution. The good news is that Spectro EczemaCare is a new, first-ever line of products available without a prescription that is effective in managing eczema symptoms and maintaining good health.

Proper eczema management requires a full treatment routine: recognizing the symptoms, removing known triggers, regulating flare-up, and restoring the skin's natural moisture barrier.

How does Spectro EczemaCare work?
Spectro Cleansers, like the new Spectro KIDS EczemaCare Moisturizing Body Wash, are specially formulated with a silicone class of surfactants, dimethicone, that act to gently remove debris, oil, and microorganisms with minimal disruption to the skin's natural moisture barrier. As well, Spectro cleaners contain a unique blend of emollients and humectants that moisturize the skin at the same time as cleansing.

The Spectro EczemaCare Medicated Cream combines clobetasone butyrate 0.05% with a moisturizing emollient base that clears up flare-up in as little as seven days. In fact, the medicated cream was found to have more effective anti-inflammatory activity and moisturizing properties than the more commonly prescribed hydrocortisone 1% cream. And, Spectro EczemaCare Medicated Cream is available without a prescription.

Spectro EczemaCare Intense Rehydration Cream for Adults and Intense Moisturizing Cream for Kids are clinically proven to maintain skin hydration using a unique blend of emollients and humectants. It works all day long to help skin stay soothed and protected.

Maintenance Care
A simple cleansing and hydrating routine helps to protect itchy, red, dry and sensitive skin prone to flare ups. For adults, cleansing with SpectroJel Sensitive Skin Cleanser prepares the skin for eczema treatement. Spectro EczemaCare Intense Rehydration Cream then helps restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier during and between flare-ups. For children, cleansing with Spectro Kids EczemaCare Body Wash helps prepare children's skin for eczema treatment. Spectro Kids EczemaCare Intense Moisturizing Cream then helps moisturize and reatin moisture deep within the skin. This soothes and helps prevent the itchy, red, dry skin prone to eczema.

Flare Care
For adults and kids +12 years of age, treat the itchy, red, dry skin of eczema immediately with the first and only moderate potent topical steroid available without a prescription. Cleanse the skin first to remove dirt and bacteria. Then, use Spectro EczemaCare Medicated Cream to treat the flare-up.