Eczema
What is Eczema and What Causes It?
Eczema, otherwise known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a skin condition that is thought to occur as the result of allergens or pollutants that come in contact with the skin. Any type of allergen can lead to an outbreak of Eczema, including things like dust, pollen, food allergies or contact allergies (i.e. if you touch something and your skin reacts by forming a rash).
Eczema is a condition in which areas of skin become very itchy and red. As the condition progresses, the itchiness will increase, leading to tiny fluid filled blisters.
Many Eczema patients cannot resist the urge to scratch at their skin, which results in these little blisters bursting. As the blisters heal, the skin will develop a crusty scab that can be quite large and sometimes resembles the same scaly condition as seen in people who suffer from Psoriasis.
Eventually the scabs will go away, and your skin will return to its normal look until the next exposure to an allergen or pollutant occurs.
Can Cold Laser Therapy Help Clear Up Eczema?
Yes! At Vancouver Cold Laser, our cold therapy laser treatments are highly successful for patients who suffer from Eczema.
Cold Laser Therapy involves the use of a special laser that emits ultraviolet B light (UVB) deep within the skin’s layers. This light targets cells beneath the surface, and helps to encourage regeneration and healing.
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What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated With Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold Lasers can be used on any part of the body. Most commonly, patients who suffer from Eczema will see the rashes and blisters appear on areas such as the arms, legs, chest, neck and scalp. It’s important to note however, that any area of the body can be affected, and quite frequently, Eczema sufferers will experience the rashes on multiple body areas at the same time.
The beauty of using cold lasers to treat Eczema lies in not only the speed with which they deliver the healing UVB light, but the accuracy with which they deliver it. Treating skin conditions that occur around joints such as the elbows and knees can be tricky with other treatment methods (creams, lotions, bandages etc.) but with Cold Laser Therapy, the UVB light can be applied directly to very precise areas of the skin. This is a concentrated dose that is highly effective, yet non-disturbing to the surrounding tissues that are not affected by Eczema.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects With Cold Laser Therapy for Eczema?
There are very rarely any risks or side effects to Cold Laser Therapy. However, some patients may experience minor side effects such as itching or increased redness post-treatment. This is more likely related to the Eczema itself rather than the cold laser.
During treatment, the most a patient would feel would be a mild tingling as the light penetrates the skin’s surface. It is important to understand that there is no pain involved with cold laser treatment – the treatment is non-invasive, and as noted, is directed specifically at the areas of Eczema while avoiding the surround areas of the body.
How Many Laser Treatments Will I Need?
The number of cold laser treatments required to treat your Eczema will depend on how severe the condition is, and how many areas of the body are affected. Your Vancouver Cold Laser technician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will include a maintenance program to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits of your treatment, even after your Eczema has cleared up.
Generally speaking, we find the most effective length of treatment to be around two months with treatments spaced out every two or three days during this period. After this, patients should have ‘maintenance’ or follow up treatments once every few weeks to help extend the benefits of the treatment, and keep skin clear of Eczema.
How Long is Each Laser Treatment?
Each treatment will last for about twenty minutes. Again, this time could vary in either direction depending on how many areas of the body are affected by Eczema and needing treatment.
How Long Will it Be Before I See My Eczema Clearing?
Some of our Vancouver Cold Laser patients see results after their very first treatment. Typically, patients will see an improvement after each treatment, and eventually will see the lesions and blisters associated with Eczema disappear completely. How your body responds to treatment is based not only on the treatment we offer, but by other factors such as your overall health, your diet and nutrition, and any topical (steroidal) or oral medications you may be taking.
How Should I Take Care of My Skin After Cold Laser Eczema Treatment?
As with any other skin condition, taking good care of your skin before, during and after treatment is very important. Avoiding the sun, using a good SPF cream when outside, and good hygiene habits can all have a positive impact on your Eczema.
Avoiding allergens and pollutants that can lead to an outbreak can also help. Using allergy medication during spring and summer months may help to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
Diet, nutrition and good hydration will also help to keep your skin healthy. But if you find that you are taking all of these steps and you still aren’t seeing a reduction in the episodes of your Eczema, why not give us a call at Vancouver Cold Laser? We will come up with a treatment plan that will see you on the fast track to healthier more beautiful skin.
