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Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin
Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin
by: Dr. Rita Louise
Eczema can best be described as a non-contagious skin condition, which is
characterized by hot dry itchy skin, with symptoms that often fluctuate
seasonally and even over the course of the day. Eczema typically begins in early
childhood. Research indicates that eczema may be genetically determined and
studies show that there is often a family history of allergies, asthma, eczema
or hay fever. Children who experience eczema may also suffer from asthma or hay
fever as well.
Like an allergy, eczema tends to flair up when exposed to certain triggers,
especially mechanical irritants, allergens, emotional stress, heat and sweating.
When exposed to an offending situation, inflammation producing cells come to
surface of the skin and release chemicals, leaving the skin red, pealing and
thickened. Sometimes tiny blisters form, rupture, weep and crust over.
Eczema most often appears in and round the creases of joints of the arms and
legs and around trunk of the body. For some, it also emerges on their hands and
on the sloes of their feet. Sufferers also experience an intense itching makes
them want to scratch it, causing additional damage which can lead to bleeding
and infection.
Solvents, chemicals, detergents, bleach, woolen clothing, skin care products
that contain alcohol and certain soaps or fragrances are all considered
mechanical irritant that can cause burning, itching or redness to the skin and
bring about a flair-up. And while allergens, like food, pollens and pets, do not
irritate the skin, they can also trigger a flair-up. The same holds true to
emotional stress. Intense emotions such as anger and frustration can flair up
symptoms. Many individuals with eczema also do not tolerate extremely hot or
cold temperatures as well. High humidity can cause increased sweating, while low
humidity can dry the skin.
Recommendations For Wellness
The key to controlling eczema is prevention. Avoid or reduce your exposure to
things that can irritate your skin such as household cleaners, detergents,
certain soaps and wool clothing.
Use a moisturizer on your skin every day to help keep it soft and flexible.
Don’t scratch even if it itches! Scratching can further irritate the skin and
can even cause the skin to break and crack, opening the door to infection.
Take the time to identify your triggers. This can help you to avoid or limit
your exposure to the offending item even better. If you think a food item is
causing your problems, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy test or try
an elimination diet to help you identify the offending product.
Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.
Wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate them.
Learn to manage your stress through regular exercise, breathing techniques,
biofeedback, meditation and yoga.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to help reduce the inflammation,
dryness and scaleness often associated with eczema. GLA can be found in evening
primrose oil, borage oil and currant seed oil.
If your skin becomes infected, the herb Oregon grape has been used for hundreds
of years to treat infections and a variety of skin problems.
Natures Sunshine’s Golden Salve is a blend of herbs, oils and beeswax that
sooths and moisturizes rough, chafed, chapped skin.
A homeopathic remedy for eczema may help relieve the itching and irritation
associated with eczema and dermatitis of the skin and scalp. |
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