Natural Cures

 Eczema: Getting The Facts

People from all walks of life and all ages live with eczema; however, it typically appears in infants. Also called contact dermatitis, eczema is actually a group of skin conditions. Although it may sometimes look like a contagious condition, eczema is not contagious.

Symptoms related to eczema depend on the causes and severity of the form of eczema. A person with mild eczema has dry, hot, and itchy skin. Severe eczema causes the skin to crack, bleed, and often takes a long time to heal. Inflammation in the area is common depending on the type of eczema.

Type of eczema

More information

Atopic eczema

Most common form of eczema; affects children and adults.Symptoms include:
extreme itchiness
dryness of the skin
redness
inflammation
Irritant contact dermatitis

Occurs when skin becomes irritated by detergents and other chemicals (e.g. perfumes, soaps, bubble bath powder and more).
Varicose eczema

Affects skin on the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation of blood.
Allergic contact dermatitis

Body’s immune system attacks a substance in the skin.
Symptoms are similar to those listed for atopic eczema.
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema

Found on infants under one year old.
Often looks unpleasant but does not affect the infant’s comfort and may appear on the scalp or bottom.
Discoid eczema

Typically associated with adults.
Found on upper body and lower legs.
Dealing with eczema

In order to deal with eczema, you need to figure out what type of eczema you have. A doctor can help a person living with eczema or someone caring for a child with eczema manage the condition.

Diagnosis of eczema is not simple. A doctor must look at the person’s medical history, when they first recognized the condition and what triggers the condition. Some people with atopic dermatitis have allergies and may need allergy testing, especially if treatment with medication is not working.

Reducing the number and frequency of outbreaks is the goal of any eczema treatment. To reach this goal, a person living with eczema may need to:

make certain lifestyle changes (e.g. avoid certain irritating products)
use medication to control the outbreaks
kidneys
follow a regular skin care routine
Lifestyle changes are often useful in reducing and preventing the symptoms of eczema. However, some of these lifestyle changes work for some people and not others. Some changes to consider include:

wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to reduce the itchiness associated with the condition. Synthetic fibres don’t allow the skin to breathe and wool can irritate the skin.
using biological laundry detergents, also avoid using fabric softeners. Synthetic laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may increase itchiness and cause a person to scratch more often. As a result, not using them may help reduce the skin’s itchiness.
vacuuming, dusting, and changing bedding regularly. This is extremely important because it reduces the number of house dust mites and the droppings from dust mites that are found in bedding, mattresses, curtains, and carpets.
possible changes to the foods you eat. Even though the link between diet and eczema is not conclusive, making changes to certain foods consumed in some severe cases of eczema, especially in babies and young children seems beneficial. Always ask your doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the foods eaten will include all necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of the skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person’s age, health, medical history as well as the type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:

lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on the skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since the non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing the skin after showering helps lock in moisture.
medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.
Other tips that may help people with eczema improve the skin’s condition include:

keeping nails short
avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments)
relaxing to reduce stress
References:

www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl
www.eczema.org
www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl
www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl
http://www.organicmakeup.ca
About The Author

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

info@organicmakeup.ca

Eczema Diet Secrets
 

Here is what the ebook contains:

What Are The Different Types Of Eczema?
What Are Eczema Triggers?
Causes Of Eczema
Conventional Treatment Of Eczema
Are Medications All That Bad?
How Should Your Overall Eczema Diet Plan Look Like?
How To Do Elimination Diet For Foods That You Are Allergic To? 
Why Cleansing Of Toxins Is Needed To Rid Yourself Of Eczema?  

How To Cleanse Your Body Of Its High Toxicity?
What Is The Eczema-Leaky gut syndrome link?
What Nutritional Support Is Known To Help Heal Eczema?
Which Ayurvedic Herbal Remedy Is Known To Help With Eczema Skin?

Healing Foods For Eczema?
How To Plan An Acid-Alkaline Diet For A Daily Eczema Diet?

To Get More Information On “Eczema Diet Secrets” 

 Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin

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.

About The Author

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2×4” and “The Power Within”. It is it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.

rita@soulhealer.com

Here is some of what is inside “Your Eczema Ebook” …

• What are the common causes and types of eczema (pages 6-8)

• Just how important is your skin and exactly what is its function (this is the hidden reason you need to clear up your eczema as quickly as possible) (pages 9-14).

• How severe eczema can get and how you can identify the severity of your condition (pages 15-23).

• What you should know about your daily chores and how they can adversely affect your skin (pages 23-33).

• How to diagnose eczema and its symptoms (pages 34-36).

• How the work place can affect your skin and what you can do to protect yourself (pages 37-42).

• 7 types of eczema you need to be aware of and how to tell which one you’re suffering from (pages 43-45).

• What to look for and the most common eczema problems that affect everyone from infants to adults (pages 45-60).

• The basic test to diagnose eczema and what can be done to find the cause and treatment  (pages 61-67).

• What is the main treatment for eczema and how helpful it can be (pages 68-70).

• Plus much, MUCH MORE!

To Get More Information On Eczema CLICK HERE NOW!

Diet and Eczema
 by: Mel Sinclair

Much controversy and argument surrounds the idea that food may play a role in triggering eczema. It has only been in recent years that doctors and health professionals have become aware of the significance of diet on eczema.

It is now generally acknowledged that some 10 – 25 percent of people are affected by food sensitivity, and it has become much more widely accepted that food intolerance may play a big part in eczema.

For many people, a change in diet is the crucial factor in the successful control of eczema. The underlying philosophy “you are what you eat” can be very true for people who are suffering from eczema. By paying attention to the food we eat and through planning a careful diet, the closer you will be able to get to understanding the underlying cause of your eczema flare ups.

By placing cream and oils on your skin, and avoiding contact with irritants like chemicals, dust etc is a way of approaching your eczema form the outside of the body. However, this is simply a way of suppressing the symptoms, not finding the cause and through paying extra attention to what you eat the symptoms are being attacked from the inside out not outside in.

Although just saying a change in your diet may seem like a simple and obvious approach, in reality it is a lot more complicated. Because eczema is a multi-factorial condition (that is caused by a combination of different factors), there is no single treatment that works for everyone.

One of the simplest things you can do to stay healthy and help your body heal itself is to eat a nutritious diet. However, if you suspect food to be a factor in your eczema, what foods can you eat and what should you avoid?

The first point you need to consider before you decide what approach to take will depend upon whether you are an adult with eczema or a parent of a child with eczema. The severe exclusion diets sometimes used to treat adult eczema can be extremely unsafe for children and should never be undertaken without medical advice.

Because there is no single reliable test for food sensitivity, one of the most important factors in identifying potential triggers is your own observation. Keeping a Food Diary in which you note down everything you consume is a good way to detect whether there is any significant pattern of reaction to a particular food or foods. As well as noting down what is eaten, you should note any symptoms, such as increased itching, redness etc that occurs after eating a particular food. Over a period of four to six weeks you may begin to notice a pattern emerging.

Deciding to focus of your diet and trying to identifying what foods you react to can often be a hard and sometimes long process. It will require willpower and patience, but if you do happen to identify that you have a certain food intolerance, the subsequent relief from avoiding this food will be well worth it.

About The AuthorMel Sinclair is a Registered Nurse (Nursing Sister) of almost 20 years experience. Mel has developed the highly respected Eczema Site. Free forums, free articles, free expert advice - it’s all there at Eczema Site - http://www.eczemasite.com

Scalp Eczema - The Six Reasons Why You Have Eczema
 by: Janet R Simpson

If you lack certain nutrients and are undernourished you are prone to various skin diseases.

People who live in the developed world tend to eat far too much junk and processed foods and yet are more likely to be undernourished. Foods which contain too much salt, animal fats and pesticides are high on the popularity list.

On top of this our foods are laced with preservatives and colourings.

It makes sense therefore by increasing our consumption of healthy foods, we can cure many skin diseases including that of Scalp Eczema.

By eating a healthier diet we can strengthen our immune system, our skin and our vital organs which will dramatically reduce our food sensitivities.

So here are some pointers for improving your diet, eliminating foods sensitivities and curing your Scalp Eczema:

#1 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Cut down on the amount of animal fat that you eat. Animal fat can be found in foods such as cheese and meat.

#2 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Dramatically increase the amount of raw foods you eat. Say anywhere between 50-75%.

#3 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Avoid all junk or heavily processed foods.

#4 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Reduce the amount of sugar and alcohol you consume.

#5 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Increase the amount of vegetable oils and oily fish.

#6 - To Eliminate Scalp Eczema; Take regular supplements of Evening Primrose oil, Fish Oils, Vitamin A, B and E, Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium.

We eat far too much junk food. As a result we suffer all manner of ailments including scalp eczema.

To make instant improvements look at your consumption of food and make a change where necessary. You can create clear, smooth, beautiful skin in a short period of time. It is that easy.

Here’s to beautiful skin.

What is Eczema and What Causes it?
 by: Steve Joseph

What is Eczema?

Eczema or as some people call it dermatitis, is a skin condition that can strike males or females of all ages. The disease varies greatly in both the area affected and in severity. Common symptoms of mild eczema can include dry, hot and itchy skin but more severe forms of the condition can result in the skin becoming raw, broken and bleeding. Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not a contagious disease in spite of its often unsightly appearance. There is a range of treatments available for eczema but the affected areas will always be prone to inflammation in the future.

What Causes Eczema?

Firstly, there are several different types of eczema and accordingly there is a range of causes and triggers. Atopic eczema is considered to be genetically related and is therefore thought to be a hereditary condition. Most forms of eczema are at least in part, due environmental factors to which the body overreacts to. The condition is an auto immune disease in which the immune system produces and excessive response to harmless allergens or mild concentrations of chemicals and detergents. Case of eczema in children is not adequately dealt with in this article but it is further explained at http://www.eczemababies.com . Cases of eczema that occur later in life are sometimes caused by a lack of circulation and some experts believe that stress may play a part in the recurrence of inflammation.

What are the different types of Eczema?

There a several different types of eczema, including:

-Atopic Eczema
-Allergic Contact Dermatitis
-Irritant Contact Dermatitis
-Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema
-Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema
-Varicose Eczema
-Discoid Eczema

How is eczema cured?

There is no cure currently available for eczema but there are a range of treatments aimed at minimizing the symptoms of the skin disease. Topical creams and skin care products are useful but the key to managing the disease is the identification of chemicals, allergens and detergents that exacerbate the disease. By identifying these irritants they can be avoided or eliminated from daily life. In the absence of a cure, the limitation of exposure to irritants can be an effective preventative measure.