Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition charachterized by inflammation, dryness, flakiness, heat, and itching. Dermatitis is another name commonly used to describe these symptoms. It affects more than 15 million Americans and ten percent of all children have it. There are different types of exzema: Atopic or allergic which is often seen in people who also have hay fever or asthma.
Allergic contact due to skin contact to a substance to which the individual is sensitive. The same substance does not cause eczema in a person who is not sensitive to it.
Irritant contact due to skin contact with irritating chemicals, powders, cleaning agents, etc. Contact with such a substance is likely to cause eczema in any person, although a degree of individual variation still exists.
Discoid which appears as discrete patches on a background of normal skin.
Seborrhoeic in infants appears in the scalp area. In adults it appears on the scalp and in the skin creases between the nose and sides of the mouth. May be caused by a yeast infection.
This red, itchy rash can be confined to a small area on the hands or arms, or may cover large portions of the body. It is commonly found in the folds of the skin where limbs bend, like inner elbows, or behind the knees.
Other Symptoms Include:
Red, itchy and scaly skin.
Inflamed areas that may weep or bleed when scratched.
Blistering.
Cracked and painful skin.
Risk of infection in severe case.
The exact cause is not known, but eczema does seem to run in families and is commonly found in families who also experience asthma and hayhever.
Some Possible Triggers Include:
Contact with substances which irritate the skin such as detergents, soaps, diesel or engine oils, strong chemicals, and household cleaners. Allergic reactions to substances like nickel, rubbers etc. Some women experience rashes from their bra clasps, jewellery and watches.
Stress. Emollients and topical steroids form the basis of conventional treatment, but response is often incomplete.
Treating Eczema Naturally
Avoid substances that cause reactions.
Keep the skin as healthy as possible.
When bathing, use soaps that are not harsh to the skin.
Do not use any cortisone products that contain steroids. Steroid-bases products are known to have many side effects and should be avoided.
Consider food allergies. Avoid foods known to contain allergens that can aggravate the body are daily products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, eggs,and yogurt. Lobster, shrimp, squid, prawns, clams, oysters, and other crustaceans can cause allergic reactions.
Avoid color dyes, especially Yellow #5, and NutraSweet.
Mushrooms sometime cause reactions in people with eczema.
Hot,spicy foods can cause intestinal inflammation which may cause outbreaks, though there is little proof of this. Professional Formulas Eczema Cream for Itchy, Inflamed, Red, Dry and Flaky Skin.
Useful Herbs & Supplements for Eczema
Essential fatty acids can be very useful for relieving the itching and inflammation.
Milk Thistle is a good herb for the skin because it helps liver function, and rids the body of toxins.
Aloe Vera Gel can be applied topically to relieve inflammation.
Burdock Root can be taken internally to cleanse the blood and minimize destruction of skin cells.
Calendula Cream can be quite effective for soothing inflamed, red skin.
Oregon Grape Root tincture taken internally helps reduce inflammation and clear toxins.
Oatstraw infusions infusions are nourishing to the skin. You can also apply topically, or add to a bath. Rosemary essential oil added to bath water can help stimulate skin circulation.
Homeopathy for Eczema
Arsenicum is indicated for severe itching with weeping sores.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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