Eczema Cures, Symptoms, Types, and Alternative Treatments!
eczema
What Is Eczema Cures? and what are the Treatment Options?
Eczema and dermatitis are synonyms for a disease that is the most commonly seen in dermatology practice. Eczema-dermatitis has the symptoms of itching, reddening, scaling, and edematous papules, and the condition progresses in a specific inflammatory reaction pattern.
Eczema-dermatitis is histopathologically characterized by intercellular edema called spongiosis, which can be caused by extrinsic factors, such as irritants or allergens, or by intrinsic factors, such as atopic diathesis.
These Factors,
interact in complex ways, and extrinsic and intrinsic factors are seen together in many cases. There is no international agreement on the subcategories of eczema. If the cause is not identified, eczema may be called acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on the clinical and pathological features.
A. Causes of Eczema:
We don’t know what exactly causes eczema. However, for most types of eczema, researchers believe a combination of genes and a trigger are involved.
People with eczema tend to have an over-reactive immune system that when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, responds by producing inflammation. It is this inflammation that causes the red, itchy, and painful skin symptoms common to most types of eczema.
Research Also Shows,
that some people with eczema have a mutation of the gene responsible for creating filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps our bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier on the very top layer of the skin. Without enough filaggrin to build a strong skin barrier, moisture can escape and bacteria, viruses and more can enter. This is why many people with eczema have very dry and infection-prone skin.
But there are some probable causes for eczema:
I. Genetics:
- Genetics is believed to be one of the eczema causes.
- Meaning eczema can be carried by the genes.
- The exact process of this is still not determined but specialists say that if you have a family history of eczema.
- You will likely get the disease also.
- Acquiring eczema through genes is reasonable enough.
II. Harmful Chemicals:
- Harmful chemicals can irritate and damage the skin and can also lead to eczema.
- Cleaning products, soaps or jewelry can cause the skin to react.
III. General Allergic Oversensitivity:
- Allergens can cause an allergic reaction in people who have sensitive skin.
- These allergens can cause eczema in people who are very sensitive to allergens found in the air.
- Some of the eczema causes listed above are only probable verdicts.
Studies are still on-going in order to point out the real causes of the disease. Since they can’t pinpoint the main cause yet they haven’t found a way to cure the disease, but they have found preventions for the disease.
B. Signs And Symptoms:
There are many signs that may indicate Eczema:
- Dry skin.
- Itching, which may be severe, especially at night.
- Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp.
- Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
- Thickened, cracked, scaly skin.
- Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching.
C. Types of Eczema:
1. Atopic Eczema:
Atopic eczema is the most common form of the condition and is suffered by both adults and children alike. It is characterized by extreme itchiness of the skin, which is caused by the immune system overreacting to allergens in the environment.
In the most severe cases of atopic eczema, sufferers will feel overwhelmed by an urge to scratch at the itchy skin, and this will cause the skin to tear. Once the skin has become broken like this, the infection can set in.
The main medical treatments for atopic eczema include creams that help to moisturize the skin and steroids which help reduce the inflammation.
2. Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema:
This form of eczema usually affects adults between the ages of (20 and 45) and is thought to be due to an overgrowth of yeast. It causes a flaky dryness to the scalp, which can also spread to the face and also the chest, causing the skin to become red and inflamed.
3. Child Seborrhoeic Eczema:
This version of seborrhoeic eczema is also referred to as “cradle cap”, and starts on the scalp. It does not include any itching or inflammation and usually clears up without treatment.
4. Varicose Eczema:
Varicose eczema tends to only affect adults and is caused by bad circulation in the legs. This type of eczema only occurs on the legs, usually around the ankles.
5. Irritant Contact Dermatitis:
This type of skin inflammation is caused by the skin coming into contact with some form of irritant. For example, chemicals such as detergents can cause the skin to react, causing the inflammation.
6. Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This type of skin inflammation is similar to the one mentioned above but is caused by the person being allergic to certain substances. For example, some people are allergic to some types of metal and will develop inflammation where their skin has been in contact with belt buckles, jewelry, or metal buttons.
7. Nummular Dermatitis Or Eczema:
Chronic, coin-shaped red spots, crusting, scaling. This occurs after aged 35, associated with emotional stress, and winter dry skin.
D. Complications:
- Leaky Gut Syndrome.
- Allergies, Food Allergies.
- Vitamin B deficiencies.
- Adrenal fatigue.
- Hay fever, Allergies
- Food allergies.
- Rosacea.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
Working With Eczema Cures:
Eczema is a disorder of the immune system that manifests itself in the manner of dry scaly skin which flakes and itches horribly. In serious cases of eczema, bleeding as well as broken skin can be experienced. Doctors appear to have disillusioned folks today. They have made people believe that the most effective eczema cure is to modify your lifestyle as well as everyday habits.
This is because medical doctors are still not able to uncover a cure for eczema. As mentioned before, eczema is said to be a condition caused by issues in the immune system. By going to a doctor, you will just be totally wasting your cash and dealing with rejection by the medical doctors.
Serious side effects are frequent in doctor-prescribed medications linked to eczema.
So you must not go and see a medical professional, you should alternatively search for one of the eczema cures that will provide you the benefits you are in need of.
If you are really serious about the treatment of your eczema, you will be expected to make adjustments to your day-to-day lifestyle because eczema is in connection with your body’s defense mechanism. To protect yourself from another eczema attack, the above ought to be accomplished. You need to comprehend what causes your breakouts to be able to make the day-to-day changes in your way of life.
Another thing that plays a role in helping you to recuperate from eczema is your diet regime.
What you can do is do away with all the items in your diet regime which set-off eczema breakouts. In addition to this, your diet program needs to be very nutritious so that the body gets all the appropriate inputs. Your diet should be full of vitamin supplements and nutrients that are beneficial for your skin.
In order for your skin to remain healthy, it needs you to consume vegetables, fresh fruit as well as drink lots of water. Eczema cures are repeatedly in demand.
Since fish oil is great for the skin,
you should include fish or it’s oil in dietary supplement form in your diet plan. Eat this as well as other supplements that nourish your skin, allowing it to continue being moist as well as supple.
All of the improvements will be sure to help you in overcoming your eczema issue. The convenience of changing your way of life is you will not have to consume any bad chemicals (medicines) or shell out any additional cash. All the ingredients to cure your eczema can be found all around the home so you won’t need to pay out any extra cash.
E. Treatment Options:
While there are many eczema treatments that may provide relief of itching or provide relief for short periods of time, the ultimate goal is to find a treatment that offers long-term benefits. Sufferers will find an array of eczema treatments on the market, but many of them do not work or work sufficiently.
The treatment that works best is based on each individual person. Eczema treatment depends on a number of factors, including age, the severity of eczema, and other health conditions that may be present.
Most often a topical ointment is given as eczema treatment.
- The creams should be high in oil and low in water ingredients.
- These topical creams should be applied frequently, especially after taking a bath or shower.
- Antihistamines can also be given to stop the inflammation and itching.
- Cool compress packs can also be used to soothe the area.
In Addition to These Topical Treatments,
- Eczema treatment should include lifestyle changes.
- Sufferers of eczema should avoid taking to many baths, and should also make changes according to their doctor’s instructions.
- Which can include using free-detergents and dish liquid, using mild soaps, changes in foods that are consumed, and the type of clothing that is worn?
F. Prevention:
Eczema cannot be prevented, but these tips can help ease the outbreaks of eczema that occur as well as the itching and inflammation of the condition when it is present. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe additional types of oral medications used for short-term periods to subside eczema. Treatment can change the life of an eczema sufferer dramatically.
1. Moisturize Your Skin at Least Twice a Day:
When you have eczema, it causes your skin to become dry and itchy, so using a moisturizer to keep the skin moist can help. Moisturizing your skin regularly locks in the skin’s own moisture and this prevents dryness and cracking. The most effective way to lock in moisture is to apply lotion right after bathing.
2. Avoid Harsh Soaps:
- One of the best ways of preventing eczema is to stay away from products that contain harsh chemicals or soaps.
- Avoid shampoos and body washes that contain soap.
- This goes as well for hand soaps, face washes, and laundry detergents.
- Look for cleaning products containing all-natural ingredients and that are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
3. Eliminate Allergens:
- Breakouts can come as a result of allergens in your home.
- You should clean your house often and use a vacuum instead of a dust mop or broom.
- Wash your sheets regularly to rid them of dust mites and use mattress and pillow wraps.
- You can also replace your carpet with wood, linoleum, or any other type of flooring as dust mites are in love with carpet.
4. Avoid Stress:
- Stress actually lowers your body’s ability to fight infection and reduces its ability to heal.
- Excessive stress can aggravate eczema, worsening your outbreak.
- So do what you can to avoid stressful situations, and remember to breathe deeply and try to relax when faced with such situations.
5. Take Comfort In Clothing:
Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing is much better than either wool or polyester, especially wool. Synthetic fabrics feel rough and itchy to the touch and will often aggravate the skin and trigger a flare-up.
6. Don’t Scratch That Itch:
Probably the hardest thing to avoid. It can be terribly difficult to resist, but scratching can actually worsen your eczema symptoms and make it more difficult for the skin to naturally heal itself. Your skin may actually be more prone to infection as bacteria will be able to get in if you break the skin while itching.
7. Invest In a Good Humidifier:
Dry air can irritate the skin and bring on itching, especially during the winter months when you have the heater turned on full blast. Keep indoor air moist by using a humidifier.
G. Alternative Treatments For Eczema:
1. Diet For Eczema:
Making a conscious effort to change the diet will help to alleviate eczema symptoms. It is recommended to remove food allergies, drink lots of water, avoid the triggers (usually acidic food), and change the diet to 90 – 100% alkaline foods.
Alkalizing The Body Will Help Relieve Eczema:
Certain foods are acid-forming to the body, and when they are digested, they produce acid which acts as a toxin to the body. The acid circulates throughout the body causing damage to every cell wherever it goes through 60,000 miles of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
To protect itself, your body stores the acid into the fat cells, but it cannot store everything. Then calcium and other acid-neutralizing nutrients are taken from the body to neutralize the excess acid. This may cause osteoporosis.
If There is Still More Acid,
the body cannot stop it from causing damage to the vital organs or from being leached through to the skin. This may cause skin problems like itching, dryness, rashes, and eczema. Hence, an alkaline diet is important to health as well as to prevent eczema symptoms.
To monitor the pH levels of the body,
- purchase pH paper from the drug store and test urine, which should be 6.6 – 7.0 pH (7.0 is neutral, not acidic nor alkaline).
- Keep a food diary of when and what you ate, followed by how you felt afterward.
- Also include any items that touch your skin, such as clothing with fabric softener, lotions, creams, soaps, water even.
- This will help to identify triggers and prevent flare-ups.
Determine Food Allergies:
- Even without knowing all your food allergies, avoiding all wheat and dairy products such as milk, cheese, etc. will be helpful, since most people have allergies to these.
- Eat green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit, these foods are alkaline and prevent eczema symptoms.
- Some alkaline foods: Asparagus, Onions, Vegetable Juices, Parsley, Raw Spinach, Broccoli, Garlic, Lemons, Watermelon, Limes, Dates, Figs, Melons, Grapes, Papaya, Kiwi, Berries, Apples, Pears, Raisins, Olive Oil, Lemon Water, etc.
Avoid,
- acid-forming foods that will increase symptoms.
- Avoid acid-forming foods: processed food, junk food, refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, white sugar, etc, soda, alcohol, coffee, tea, dairy, pizza, candy, cookies, eggs, peanuts, gelatin, meat, fish, chocolate.
- Raw food is best, followed by steamed, boiled. Avoid microwaved, fried, broiled, and baked foods.
- Avoid excessive amounts of citrus and sour items, as it may aggravate itching.
Drink,
- Lots of water throughout the day to flush out toxins from the body that will aggravate symptoms.
- Include essential fatty acids into the diet such as flax, flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive, and coconut oil.
- For infants, delaying solid foods may be helpful for symptoms, if there is a family history of allergies, hay fever, asthma, food allergies.
Nutritional Therapy:
Taking a multivitamin that shows good absorption into the body will be helpful for relieving symptoms. Take vitamins with meals. In addition, the following may be helpful.
- Zinc.
- E Vitamin – Reduces susceptibility to itching and dryness, is a powerful antioxidant giving protection to skin damage.
- A Vitamin – Overdosing can cause skin itching for pregnant women and those with liver problems. Malformations may occur for unborn children.
- B Complex Vitamin; B6, especially B12. These vitamins help produce new skin cells and tissue and support the nervous system, which is important for immunity and proper functioning health. Lowered vitamin B levels result in itchy and flaky skin, and may cause psoriasis.
- C Vitamin – is a powerful antioxidant giving protection to skin damage.
- D Vitamin – low levels may trigger itchiness, weight loss, tiredness.
- Magnesium.
- Essential fatty acids – occasionally with GLA.
Chiropractic Care For Eczema:
Along with changes in Diet, Nutritional Therapy, and other therapies, chiropractic care may help relieve eczema symptoms and improve overall health. Most importantly, it balances the adrenals, which may be overworked for eczema sufferers.
- Cortisol is a natural antihistamine produced by the adrenal glands which are anti-inflammatory (anti-itching, swelling).
- For eczema sufferers, the adrenal glands may be overworked, leading to cortisol depletion, and eventually other health problems such as the break down of the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, musculoskeletal systems which will lead to osteoporosis and arthritis.
- Eczema is not just an itchy skin rash but can lead to further health problems.
Here are some ways that Chiropractic care can benefit Eczema sufferers:
- Balances Hormone levels, Adrenals.
- Increased Immunity.
- Improves Allergies.
- Also, improves Gastrointestinal problems.
Eczema Treatment Oils:
1. Dry Eczema Treatment Oil Blend:
- Melt 10g shea butter.
- Add 30ml Thistle Oil, 10ml Borage Oil, 10ml Chickweed Macerated Oil, 10ml Jojoba Oil, 8ml Rosehip oil, 20 ml/g Vitamin E undiluted, 2ml Vitamin A palmitate.
- Add 15 drops of any of the following essential oil: lavender, sandalwood, roman or Moroccan chamomile, geranium, orange, bergamot.
2. Wet Eczema Oil Treatment Blend:
- 20ml Borage Oil, 20ml Rosehip, 20ml Jojoba, 10ml Thistle, 10ml Chickweed Macerated, 18ml/g Vitamin E undiluted, 2ml Vitamin A palmitate.
- Add 15 drops of any of the following essential oil: lavender, sandalwood, roman or Moroccan chamomile, geranium, orange, bergamot.
Herbs Treatment:
- Cleavers, nettle, yellow dock, red clover.
- Combine #1 with relaxing herbs like chamomile, linden flowers, skullcap.
- Infuse equal parts of cleavers, nettle, chamomile, and drink as an infusion 3 times per day.
- Stronger combination: equal parts tinctures of figwort, burdock, cleavers; take 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
- Itch Relief: lukewarm or cold bathe with chickweed infusion, kelp & bentonite clay, colloidal oatmeal baths.
- External application- goldenseal.
- Calendula salve for cracked, dry, painful skin.
- Turmeric Tea – itch relief, a powerful anti-inflammatory, Camomile tea will calm itching skin and may be used externally by placing leaves over eczema.
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Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”