Beauty Information

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.

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

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" 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.


MORE RESOURCES:

BBC News

Success of protected beauty spots
BBC News, UK - 21 hours ago
Beauty spots across the eastern region, protected as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), bring in £844m in tourism, a new report says. ...
Trail guides Devon 24
all 3 news articles


Digital Nomads at LiftAsia08: Tending towards beauty
Wired News - 2 hours ago
The product-maker has to create beauty. What is beauty? Roman architect Vitruvius in 30 BC said: A structure must exhibit firmitas (solid, rugged), ...


A stage beauty and an assassin become friends in Montreal
The Gazette (Montreal), Canada - 1 hour ago
Kate was known for her beauty and sense of fun. Once, before her marriage, she found herself in a New York furniture store with a gentleman friend. ...


Best Syndication

Skin Care Beauty Throughout History
Best Syndication, CA - 1 hour ago
Skin care has always been an important part of the beauty regimen for women, and some men throughout history. The secret formula or tonic (ancient skin care ...


As drives go, this nearby beauty is the Rock
Chicago Tribune, United States - 1 hour ago
By Chris McNamara | Special to the Chicago Tribune It always surprises me how quickly we can shed our city. We'd not yet driven an hour outside of Chicago's ...


Vanity Case: Beauty products
Times Online, UK - 9 hours ago
I’m not afraid to admit I’m as susceptible to beauty mistakes as the next person — or that there have been some pretty comical ones. At school, for example, ...


Hindu

More to life than beauty
Hindu, India - 13 hours ago
Though we identify her with herbal cosmetics and also with the creation of the beauty parlour culture in the furthest nooks of India, Shahnaz takes you by ...


Cape May awash in natural beauty, history
Reading Eagle, PA - 4 hours ago
By Linda Lange CAPE MAY, NJ - We find diamonds on Sunset Beach. They are Cape May Diamonds, the smooth quartz crystals that land on the sandy shore along ...


Houston Chronicle

Film holds mirror to the ugly side of beauty
Denton Record Chronicle, TX - 8 hours ago
By Todd Jorgenson / Film Critic Darryl Roberts is a total outsider when it comes to the high-stakes beauty industry, whether it’s fashion, cosmetics or ...
Documentary tracks rise and fall of young model Houston Chronicle
all 2 news articles


Countryside Golf & Country Club: Beauty, class, and a test of nerves
Naples Daily News, FL - 4 hours ago
Like all golf directors, Matthews credits his right-hand man and grounds supervisor JD Varon for the appearance of the undeniable beauty of the course. ...

Beauty - Google News

home | site map
© 2006