Seeing an Online Doctor in Australia for Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema affects more than 1.6 million Australians. A chronic inflammatory skin condition, it is mostly seen in children, although adults can get it too. People suffering from atopic dermatitis often inherit the disease, although there are many different types of eczema that may be caused by different triggers.
If you’re wondering whether the rash on your baby’s legs is eczema and are not sure whether you need to see an online GP for it, it can help to know what you’re looking for when trying to differentiate eczema from other rashes. Read on to find out more about the dermal condition:
What is Eczema?
An inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition, atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema often affects babies and young children. Many of these children will also show symptoms of having food allergies, asthma and sensitivity to pollen and hay fever later in life, but the symptoms of eczema are likely to reduce with age.
This disease that affects the skin is caused by the body’s inability to repair damage to the skin barrier, which is usually a result of a mutation in the filaggrin gene. All cells in the body typically have two copies of this gene, but people with this gene mutation only have one copy of the gene. This affects the body’s ability to repair damage to the skin barrier, resulting in dry, scaly skin that may have lesions and severe to moderate itchiness.
Symptoms of Eczema
The most common symptoms of eczema include:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Redness
- Moderate to severe itchiness
- The rash appears on the scalp and cheeks in babies, and in the creases of the elbows or knees in adults
- Small, itchy bumps that may weep with watery fluid when scratched
- Sores that may get infected
Common triggers for Eczema:
Triggers are some common everyday things that may make the symptoms of eczema worse for some people. Although the triggers for every person may be different, there are some common triggers that many people suffering from eczema share. Some of these include:
- Certain irritants in shampoos, soaps and cosmetics, or even detergents, bubble baths or washing liquids
- Environmental allergens like pet fur, pollen, grass, moulds, house dust mites, or even cold and dry weather and humidity
- Certain materials like wool and synthetic fibres worn for a long time
- Hormonal changes: many women report that their symptoms get worse right before their period or during pregnancy
- Stress, and
- Food allergies.
Treating Eczema
Although there is no known cure for the condiiton, symptoms can be effectively managed through the following methods:
- Use thick, hydrating emollient (an ingredient present in moisturisers) to prevent the skin from becoming dry and dehydrated
- Use topical corticosteroids that may help manage swelling, itchiness and redness during flareups
- Avoid common triggers
- Switch to non-fragrant soaps and shampoos and detergents made for sensitive skin
- Consult a doctor to look at further treatment methods if none of the above work.
Seeing an online GP for eczema
A question often asked is, “Can an online doctor effectively help me with my eczema if they’re not physically present to see my rashes?” The answer is, simply, yes! Telehealth appointments have come a long way from being a call over the phone, and now harness the power of smartphones to allow you to send your doctor pictures of your flare-ups, or book in a video consultation if you’re not comfortable taking pictures.
For an online GP appointment, all you need is a smartphone with internet, audio and video capabilities and the app or website of the telehealth service provider. Simply book an appointment with an online doctor in Australia and wait for your appointment time to roll around. The doctor will get in touch with you at the time of your appointment, and you may discuss any of your or your child’s symptoms with them just as you would at a regular appointment. The doctor will also be able to write a prescription for you, refer you to a specialist if required, or send you to the labs if more information is required. Not all conditions require an in-person visit with a doctor, and luckily, eczema is one of them.
Is an online medical consultation really worth it?
When you consider how much time and money you save by skipping the commute and the waiting time associated with seeing a GP, we’d certainly say so! Instead of having to take time off work to make it to your appointment, you can simply go about your day as you wait for your online GP to call you and can simply slip away to your car for 10 minutes at the time of your appointment. Many online healthcare services also offer after-hours and 24/7 services, which can be especially helpful for single or working parents or those who can’t afford to miss work.
