Eczema (or dermatitis) is a chronic skin disorder that is usually characterized by itchy rashes (these rashes can be red, scaly, dry, and/or leathery.) It covers a variety of inflammations that take place on the most outer portion of the skin. It is also known as: atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and infantile or baby eczema.
For the non-systemic or local causes of eczema such as contact dermatitis, you want to avoid having your skin come in contact with the offending item. Sometimes you may have to do a little detective work to figure out what is causing it. The most common contact dermatitis offenders include jewelry, perfumes, chemicals in cosmetics, shellac in mascara, lipstick, nickel (in jewelry-bras- eyeglasses, etc.), lotions, soaps, fabric softener sheets, pesticides from contact around the lips, mouth and chin, latex gloves, latex balloons, latex bandages, tomatoes, etc.
Once skin is exposed to one of these triggers, it releases chemicals that climb to the surface of the skin, which causes the patient to itch, sometimes profusely. The eczema creams on the market today are often used for both skin hydration and to reduce inflammation but virgin coconut oil is better and a cheap reliable home remedy.
The condition called Irritant Contact Eczema is caused by contact with a substance that one could be exposed to daily, such as soaps, chemicals, and detergents.
People who have eczema have skin that is very sensitive to many substances such as soap, wool, detergents, make-up, cosmetics, mascara, lipstick, nail polish, shampoos, etc.
My favorite and the best treatment I've found to heal eczema is organic virgin coconut oil. The coconut oil stops the itching and flaking too. I use coconut oil for everything including as a make-up remover and under my foundation and my skin is always soft, silky, smooth, and free of rashes, bumps, blemishes, blisters, etc. To apply the virgin coconut oil, apply it lightly on the affected area. It's important to keep the dermatitis area moist with the oil; you can apply a loose bandage to your skin, soaked with the oil if you'd rather, but the area should have adequate exposure to the air. Also you can expose the dermatitis area to direct sunlight for 20 minutes or so every day, if possible.
Depending on how severe the eczema is, it can be applied three or four times a day or more and at bedtime. You should make sure to get the organic virgin type of coconut oil that is not refined, bleached or deodorized. Whole foods market types carry organic virgin coconut oil in pint and quart jars. Or you can order it online in pints, quarts or gallon containers.
I add one big tablespoon of coconut oil to my smoothies, to help my skin from the inside out too, and have been doing so for many years; it's a plant fat not an animal fat. And it's a good medium chain fatty acid, not a bad long chain fatty acid.
For an attack of eczema to take place, two conditions need to be present: a predisposition or a special irritability of the skin, and a directly exciting cause. You'll want to make sure to eliminate any internal cause such as in non-contact allergies, rashes, and any known foods or nutritional deficiencies.
If you were to do nothing, eventually the immune system and body would take care of it, but coconut oil can speed up the process. Many people have reported using coconut oil as a treatment to cure or heal their eczema or even their baby's eczema. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil daily as needed and at bedtime to see astonishing results.
Causes of Eczema
There are number of factors that may increase the risk of a person getting eczema. While people of any age can get eczema, it is most common in babies and young children. About one-third of all eczema patients develop symptoms before their first birthday, and almost all develop symptoms before five years. Genetic factors are also thought to play a key role, but these are not well understood.
Eczema is more common in people with a family history of eczema. People who have a pre-existing allergic condition, such as hay fever, sinusitis, or allergies to plant pollens or animal dander, are also more likely to develop eczema. Other medical conditions, such as respiratory infections, may also act as triggers.
Environmental factors are implicated in many cases of eczema. Such factors include extreme temperatures, or exposure to a large number of skin irritants. Some known environmental triggers of eczema include detergents, bath and beauty products, chemical compounds like nickel and cobalt, certain foods, and certain types of fabric. Emotional stress can also trigger eczema.
Symptoms of Eczema
Itching is one of the common symptoms of eczema. Although a rash is also present when you suffer from eczema. Another symptom of eczema is redness. When your blood flow is increased, the skin is very red. In cases of eczema, the process of the skin inflammation is a very complex one and can be triggered by many different factors. Eczema can also flare up if your skin gets infected by bacteria.
Blisters are also a symptom of eczema. In an active eczema, the blisters seen are small. Though, there are cases of eczema when the blisters are larger, because either of an infection of the skin or the type of eczema that you have. This blisters that are an eczema symptom are filled with fluid, but there are times when eczema blisters are filled with pus.
Eczema Natural Remedies
Here are few simple natural remedies you can try to gain control over your eczema without having to resort to prescription medication.
Prevent eczema with a good moisturize
The best way to treat eczema is to prevent it from flaring up in the first place. An easy way to do that is to keep your skin well moisturized. Use an all-natural body lotion without additives daily. This is particularly important after you get out of the shower or anytime during the winter months when your skin is dry. Moisturizing your skin will help prevent the dry itchy patches that are characteristic of eczema from appearing.
Natural healing lotions
If you have been scratching your skin as a result of your eczema, you should get it heal as quickly as possible. Natural healing lotions can help along in the healing process. Both Zinc and Vitamin E can shorten healing time.
Oatmeal as a natural treatment for Eczema
Oatmeal baths are also a great way to treat eczema. The oatmeal will sooth the skin, and stops the itching. Once you stop scratching your itchy skin, it has a chance to heal and clear up the eczema spots.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
Both Nick Clipton & Nick Mutt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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