Eczema: Getting The Facts

Eczema

Eczema: Getting The Facts
Author: Lori Stryker
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:

• http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl " target=new>www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl
• http://www.eczema.org " target=new>www.eczema.org
• http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl " target=new>www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl
• http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl " target=new>www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl
• http://www.organicmakeup.ca " target=new>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.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

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Eczema And The Control Of This Skin Condition

Eczema

Eczema And The Control Of This Skin Condition
Author: Scott Michaels -
Eczema is an inflammatory, chronic, noncontagious disease of the skin caused by allergy and hypersensitivity. The term is loosely used to include many skin conditions more properly included under dermatitis. Eczema is characterized by a number of cutaneous lesions, such as macules, papules, pustules, vesicles, scales, and crusts.

Macules are nonelevated skin spots. Papules are hard, circular, and elevated. Pustules are papular like lesions that contain pus, and vesicles are small skin blisters that contain fluid. Eczematous lesions are usually accompanied by an exudation of serous fluid and by intense itching. One-third to one-half of all cutaneous conditions are eczematous.

There is no known cure for eczema, but new treatments are helping people to manage, and even prevent flares, better than ever before. Treatment is most effective when people with eczema work closely with a physician, preferably a dermatologist, who will customize a treatment approach based on the person's age, symptoms, and overall health. With the right treatment, most flares can be brought under control in less than three weeks.

In more severe cases of eczema, where other treatments have failed, systemic steroids may be used. Instead of applying the steroidal medication to the top of the skin, it is injected into the body, or taken in pill form. These medications should only be used for a short time.

Side effects can include skin damage, weakened bones, high blood sugar and/or blood pressure, infections, and cataracts. It is also dangerous to stop systemic corticosteroids abruptly, and patients must work closely with a doctor when changing doses or stopping treatment.

Antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor to treat secondary infections associated with eczema. Medications used to fight infection can come in ointment or pill form and are taken for a set period of time.

Sedating antihistamines, which are best to take at bedtime, can help ease severe itching associated with eczema, and help restless sleepers and "scratchers" to sleep. The sedating antihistamines are more effective at relieving itching than the newer, non-sedating antihistamines, but these drugs cause drowsiness, and can affect an adult's ability to work and think, and childrens' ability to learn if taken during the day.

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet A or B light waves, and is reserved for children over 12 and adults. It is very much like a tanning bed, and, like tanning beds, can cause skin cancer if used too much, for too long. Doctors use the minimum exposure necessary to ease itching and reduce inflammation.

In severe cases of eczema that do not respond to any other treatment, an immunosuppressive drug, like cyclosporine, may be used for a short time although the safety and effectiveness of cyclosporin in children has not been clearly established by clinical trials. These drugs block the production of some of the body's immune cells and curb the effect of others. They can provide relief from very serious eczema flares, but this improvement while on the drug often does not continue after the drug course is over. Side effects include hypertension and kidney problems, nausea, tingling or numbness, headaches, and a possible increase in cancer risk.

Keeping the skin happy and healthy is the first rule of good eczema care. This includes avoiding flare triggers, and sticking to a skin care routine that keeps the skin moisturized, and minimizes itchiness. Still, flares do happen. If inflammation cannot be reduced with good lifestyle and skin care habits alone, there are a wide variety of both over-the-counter and prescription medications available to manage the flares.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

There is no known cure for eczema but new treatments are helping people to manage, and even prevent flares, better than ever before.

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Eczema and Psoriasis- Information on the Conditions and the Introduction of All-natural Relief

Eczema

Eczema and Psoriasis- Information on the Conditions and the Introduction of All-natural Relief
Author: Penelope Marsh

Eczema can be an acute or chronic inflammatory skin condition with scales, papules, crusts, pustules, and/or scabs. There may or may not be a watery discharge. Eczema is more realistically describing a symptom rather than a disease. It is synonymous with another word, dermatitis, used to describe the body's external skin reaction to irritants.

Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that can be caused by a variety of substances. Solvents, paints, industrial chemicals, astringents, bleach, and some fabrics such as wool can cause redness, itching, and burning upon contact. Any irritant that is concentrated or potent enough can cause an irritation whether the person has skin sensitivity or not. Food allergies can initiate a flare-up. This is one of the more difficult sources to identify. Incorporating and removing certain foods from the diet usually determine it. If a food is suspect, it should be confirmed under the care of a physician. Presuming a food is the cause and simply removing it from the diet may deprive the body of needed nutrients while missing the real irritant.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, it is important to follow all the steps to control the disease. You can avoid the side effects that are often experienced with prescription medication by taking a natural approach to management. Eczana™ has been created specifically to address these conditions. The products at NeuLife laboratories are made from top quality, all natural ingredients. All formulations have been through a rigorous process of laboratory testing and clinical studies for effectiveness and safety.

Continual eczema treatment is essential to keep the condition under control. There is no cure, but there are several things that can be done to prevent flare-ups or an exacerbation of the symptoms. The first requirement is to have an accurate diagnosis. In order to have a treatment plan, you must know which type of eczema you are dealing with. You will also need to know the trigger for the symptoms.

Some of the information you will need to give the dermatologist includes when the condition first started, specifics about the signs and symptoms, circumstances that make the condition worse, and a family medical history regarding allergies, hay fever, or eczema. It may be necessary for the dermatologist to do a skin biopsy to rule out other causes before a diagnosis is made.

Depending on the type of eczema, a topical medication may be required to relieve the inflammation and discomfort from itching. Quite often, the prescription medication of choice is some type of steroid cream or ointment. Possible side effects include the very symptoms you are trying to control--dry skin, rash, redness, burning, or itching. If too much is absorbed, you may experience dizziness, persistent headache, or vision problems.

For excellent products to moisten the skin and to treat the flare-ups of eczema, browse through the products at NeuLife Laboratories. You will find products to repair and revitalize damaged skin. Eczana™ is an all-natural product designed specifically to treat the discomfort of itchy, scaly skin conditions. Regardless of the source of the eczema, NeuLife Laboratories can provide effective treatment with virtually no side effects.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it can be excruciatingly painful with an eczema flare-up. It is often difficult to determine the initial cause of eczema, but most people are found to have an accompanying medical history of allergies, hay fever, or family members with the condition. This condition goes away for many by the time they are in their teens. Unfortunately, it remains a life-long battle for hundreds of thousands. Sometimes an emotional state will precipitate a flare-up. Stress and anger are commonly noted among people experiencing an increase in eczema symptoms. Add frustration and anxiety to the mix, and one with a history of eczema is almost certain to experience a flare-up. Emotional highs and lows affect some people physically more than others.

Other causes for an eczema outbreak include temperature changes, weather changes, and sweat. It is important to acclimate slowly to changes such as from the outside cold to a warm fire. If the weather is particularly dry, use plenty of moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. If the humidity is high, make sure you wear clothing that can breathe so you don't collect moisture in skin folds.

Since there is no cure for eczema, it is necessary to maintain treatment to prevent a major flare-up. NeuLife Laboratories offers an effective natural approach to managing the unending battle against the itching and discomfort of eczema. One major component in Eczana™ is the Canadian Willowherb. It has been used successfully in regions of the Canadian forest to soothe irritated skin. The perfect blend has been developed by NeuLife and is offered to you at a price you can afford.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious genetic disease that is immune mediated. It may begin at any age. The first sign is a flat papule that is covered with a grayish-white, thin scale. It spreads peripherally. Some individuals have a widespread outbreak while others have only one or two spots.

Psoriasis can also be present as an arthritic condition. Psoriatic arthritis causes damage to the bone and connective tissue surrounding the joints. This disease follows the same pattern of psoriasis in exacerbation and remission. Between psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, almost 5 million people are affected.

If you have been recently diagnosed with either or both psoriatic conditions, you may feel relieved to have a diagnosis. At the same time, you are coping with the fact that there is no cure and you will have to learn to live with the cosmetic results of this disease. This can have a devastating affect on self-esteem. In addition to the physical difficulties, many living with psoriasis must deal with the depression that is often experienced.

While there is no cure, there are great products on the market to help with the symptoms of psoriasis. NeuLife Laboratories has a product that is helping people reclaim their lives. Eczana™ is an all-natural cream that will control the itching and help repair the skin. It includes ingredients to provide protection and moisture to the affected areas. This allows the body to heal and reduces the intensity of recurring episodes. Many factors go into finding the right psoriasis treatment. This includes the location on the body of the outbreak, the severity, one's medical history, and one's age. The right kind of treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. A trial-and-error approach is often necessary to find the best treatment for each individual.

Outbreaks of psoriasis are rated and treated according to severity. For moderate or mild psoriasis, topical treatments are the first line of defense. This consists of gels, ointments, or lotions with coal tar or steroids. Steroids are drugs that have been developed to mimic hormones such as cortisone that occur in the body naturally. Coal tar is a centuries-old treatment for itching and inflammation.

For moderate to severe outbreaks, an added therapy of ultraviolet light may be initiated. This involves the exposure of the skin to a specific light wavelength. If either of these treatments do not resolve or control the outbreak, systemic medications may be prescribed. However, these prescription drugs can have serious side effects. This is particularly true for the anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for psoriatic arthritis. To avoid the side effects of so many of the medications on the market today, check out the all-natural treatments available at NeuLife Laboratories. You will find products that provide support to the immune system and overall good health. Eczana™ is specifically designed to help with the discomfort and control of psoriasis.

Eczema and Psoriasis are incurable and uncomfortable. The introduction of Eczana™, from NeuLife Labs, has offered the public an all-natural defense against these afflictions and unfair skin ailments.

Penelope Marsh remains one of the most knowledgable and trusted sources for objective reporting on developments within the field of dermatology. She is committed to reporting on these incurable conditions and provides a voice for the millions who suffer.

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Eczema and Acne Herbs For a Powerful Footbath

Eczema

Eczema and Acne Herbs For a Powerful Footbath
Author: Rudy Silva

In 1979, Maurice Messe'gue', the famous French herbalist, who practiced herbal footbaths for all kinds of ailments, wrote a book called "Health Secrets of Plants and Herbs." In this book he outlined his footbath treatment for Eczema.

I have listed his herbal recommendations and have added a few more that are effective in reducing eczema symptoms. I have listed 11 herbs that you can buy in small quantities, ½ oz, to mix together, produce a tea, and use in a footbath.

As mentioned in my other article on footbaths, create a tea, with herbs and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. Then strain and add them to a footbath. Use the footbath in the morning and evening for 10 – 14 minutes.

Use at least 9 of the herbs listed here.

Artichoke leaves – You can use artichoke leaves dried whole or cut down and as an extract. Artichoke leaves have been used for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. They help increase bile and help the liver to regenerate. The liver needs to be in good condition to help eczema conditions when excess toxins are contributing to eczema. The liver helps to detoxify colon toxins and other toxins that may reach eczema locations and cause inflammation.

What I do is just buy some artichokes and cut them into small pieces – about a small hand full – boil water and put them into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then I take the boiling water off the stove and put my herbs.

Elecampane leaves – This herb is used to expel intestinal parasites, helps to pull toxins out of the body, stimulate digestion and the immune system. A tea of leaves and roots help clean the skin by removing toxins and allowing your immune system to heal your skin. Cabbage leaves – these leaves are known to reduce your susceptibility to cancer. It is thought that cabbage leaves have anti-inflammatory action. Cabbage has a healing action on open wounds. You can use fresh cabbage cut into small pieces and add them to the boiling water at the same time you add the artichokes. Nettles – Nettle tea is good for wounds, stings, and burns. It is also used to eliminate worms and for colon disorders. Many times skin disorders can be the result of a toxic colon. That is why cleansing and detoxifying the colon will help with any type of skin problem. Sage – is a strong astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It increases blood circulation, and helps digestive problems.

Lavender –It is used for inflammation from insect bites. Lavender helps to calms nerves. Many of the skin disorders stem from anxiety and nervous conditions which lower the immune system. This allows toxins or heredity conditions to surface and re-establish themselves as skin diseases.

Marigold – is used for pain and skin swelling. It is good for wounds, sprains, and inflamed and sore eyes.

Arnica – stimulates blood circulation and increases blood pressure. It is used for eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce swelling and pain and helps heal wounds.

Burdock root – Has an excellent history of helping bruises, swelling, and joint pain. It can help to eliminate ringworm on the surface of the skin.

Black Walnut – hull and leaves are used to rid you of various kinds of worms throughout the body. It is useful in constipation, parasitic and fungal infection. It also helps eczema, acne, herpes, skin parasites, and psoriasis.

Yarrow Flowers – helps to improve liver function. It has antiseptic and viral properties. It firms and tones tissue outside and inside the body. It helps to boost your immunity and kills many types of pathogens. Its oils absorb toxins and help the body dispose of them without out creating side effects.

There you have it. Don't be afraid of buying separate herbs and creating an herbal mixture that you can use in a footbath for eczema, acne and other skin conditions. One last thing, when you use the footbath, you will stir up toxins that may increase skin breakouts but this will pass as the footbaths help to clean out your body.

Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "natural-remedies-thatwork.com" and he has written an ebook called "How to Clear Up Your Acne by Enhancing Your Fighting Power." You can get more information on this ebook and more acne remedies at this site. http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info " http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

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Diet and Eczema

Eczema

Diet and Eczema
Author: 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 Author

Mel 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 " http://www.eczemasite.com

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