Eczema

Over fifteen million Americans are suffering from Eczema. Eczema refers to a broad range of skin conditions that cause one or more of symptoms such as skin redness, irritation and swelling, as well as crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding.

Types of Eczema
The most common type of Eczema is Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema. This condition is the most severe type of Eczema and involves an allergic reaction. It is usually hereditary and associated with families with members suffering from asthma or hay fever. Common in developed countries, symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include itchy rashes in various areas such as the head, scalp, neck, inner aspects of the elbows and knees and the buttocks.

Contact Dermatitis or Contact Eczema, on the other hand occurs after exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy or nickel, or direct contact with an irritant such as sodium lauryl sulfate, used in many cleaning products. In addition, substances such as wet cement, or even sunlight exposure can also cause this condition. Seventy-five percent of the cases of Contact Dermatitis is caused by an irritant and is the most common occupational skin disease to date. Symptoms include a red rash that’s more painful than itchy, sometimes blistered and forms into the pattern by which the skin was exposed to the agent that caused it. This type of Eczema is treatable, although the irritating agent must still be completely avoided.

Another type of Eczema is Xerotic Eczema. This condition manifests by itchy, tender skin that looks like a dry, cracked river bed. It starts with extremely dry skin that becomes more serious and turns into Eczema. Common in old people, this condition worsens during the winter season, when it is both cold and dry and more commonly affects the limbs and trunk.

Lastly, more commonly referred to as dandruff or cradle cap in babies, Seborrheic Dermatitis causes itchy red, dry or greasy flaking of the scalp, eyebrows, face and in some cases, the trunk. The cause of this condition is unknown and although it’s harmless, except on severe cases on infants, it still causes inconvenience and body image problems to those suffering from it. It’s also exacerbated by stress, season changes and infrequent washing.

Treatment
Because Eczema often involves itchy skin, an important component of its treatment routine is application of moisturizers to prevent dryness and itching. Cream or lotion application is done after bathing to lock in the moisture on the skin. When itching happens, cold compresses can also be applied to relieve it. For severe cases, doctors recommend corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation. When prescription corticosteroid creams are used, some side effects may be experienced such as skin thinning, and exacerbation of the condition when application of these topical medications are discontinued. Because of this, the use of these medications is done sparingly and never for long-term use. For severe flare-ups, doctors recommend the use of antihistamines to reduce itching. Unfortunately, a common side effect of this medication is drowsiness, so people who use this should not be driving or operating heavy machinery.
Also, because of the risk of infection in broken skin, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor to prevent or kill bacteria. Other treatments such as phototherapy are also indicated. For Eczema not relieved by other forms of therapy, cyclosporine A is prescribed to modify the person’s immune response. However, this causes very serious side effects that its use is restricted.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved two topical medications particularly tacrolimus and pimecrolimus under the drug class calcineurin inhibitors that modulate the immune response. Although new to the market, these drugs do not cause the serious side effects the other medications cause so more and more people are starting to use them.

Natural Remedies
Because of the scary side effects of medications associated with the treatment of Eczema, a lot of people are relying on natural remedies to help manage their condition. Some of these natural treatment modalities for Eczema are mentioned below:

1.Probiotics
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that naturally proliferate in the digestive tract. These good bacteria act to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, as well as strengthen the digestive tract’s protective barrier and keep the immune system functioning properly. According to various studies related to Eczema, infants and children prone to contracting allergic disorders have higher levels of harmful bacteria in their digestive tracts and taking Probiotic supplements can prevent the occurrence of Eczema in people.

In addition to its preventive functions, people already suffering from Eczema who are sensitized to food allergens can also take Probiotic supplements as treatment. Consult your doctor about Probiotics and only use as directed for your safety.

2.Herbal Creams and Gels
Herbal creams and gels such as chamomile, licorice and witch hazel to alleviate the symptoms of Eczema. Licorice gel reduces redness, swelling and itching. Licorice cream can alleviate the itch. Likewise, Witch Hazel application can also relieve itchiness and some even report that it cleared out their Eczema. A few other topical applications that have been used to relieve the symptoms of Eczema are Lavender for its soothing and healing properties and shea butter or Camellia oil to relieve dryness.

3.Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids found in fish oils, walnuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are necessary for proper body functioning. Supplements are great because it is very difficult to comply with the recommended 4:1 ratio of EFA to other forms of fat. Patients suffering from Eczema require EFAs to reduce inflammation and improve their skin condition. Some opt for supplements in various forms and strengths such as fish oil, pumpkin seed oil, borage oil, flaxseed oil and evening primrose.

4.Milk thistle
You can also use milk thistle. Milk thistle protects and enhances the liver, which clears many substances in the body. Because in most Eczema patients, their liver is working overtime, Milk thistle has been proven to prevent toxic substances from damaging the liver and fighting against free radicals that cause further damage to it. Its vital component Silymarin also promotes liver regeneration to help reverse any damage done to the liver. Milk thistle works best in organic, pharmaceutical liquid form.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Eczema, explore all the treatment options and consider utilizing natural remedies to help relieve the symptoms of this condition. It is your responsibility to consult a doctor prior to using or taking any of these suggested remedies to prevent further damage to your skin and prevent any harmful drug interactions between various medications. Eczema can be difficult to deal with but with proper dedication to a treatment program, you can make this condition more manageable. Give your skin, digestive tract and liver the proper nutrients they need and you’re on your way to becoming Eczema-free.