Archive for March, 2009

Eczema Shampoo – What Type Of Eczema Shampoo Should You Be Using?

Eczema on the scalp is excruciatingly uncomfortable and can cause embarrassment due to the white flakes appearing on the shoulders. If the scalp eczema is left untreated in many cases it will not heal and can become worse.

Firstly, you should go to your doctor to be diagnosed to determine whether it is, in fact, eczema on the scalp, then your doctor will give you suitable treatment. This may come in the form of a steroid lotion or tar based formula.

However, it is always best to use steroid, eczema treatment very sparingly and when there are more natural alternatives, unless the scalp is very severe, using the more natural methods are more beneficial.

Most people do not realise that everyday shampoo, even the “good ones” and the those which are created to eliminate dandruff etc. all contain a chemical called sodium laureth sulphate (SLS), which is included in the ingredients to facilitate lathering. You may find that some shampoos lather more than others.

It might shock you to realise that the SLS’s are used in car engine de-greasing and other activities that require a harsh chemical mixture are also used in eczema shampoo and other medicated shampoos.

The inclusion of SLS’s in shampoo have been reported to cause severe eye and skin irritation and hair loss with the follicles being damaged. If you find your scalp feeling tight and itchy after washing your hair this could be because of these harsh chemicals. The next step is to change you shampoo to that of an organic structure.

Back in the day it was difficult to find any organic shampoos on the market, now, however, most high street chemists will stock them.

You will find with organic shampoo slightly less of a lather forming, however, they are more than sufficiently able to clean the hair and scalp without any damage or irritation.

SLS’s do not cause irritation in everyone, otherwise non-organic shampoos would not sell, however if you are prone to eczema on the scalp and have sensitive skin, this is something to look out for. For baby eczema treatment, a gentle shampoo is better.

There are many natural methods to heal and maintain good scalp health. To discover the methods that can be implemented quickly and easily for an eczema-free and comfortable scalp, continue to natural effective treatment for scalp eczema

Toddler Eczema

The development of eczema can occur in anyone. The disease is largely hereditary but can also appear as toddler eczema, after the first few years of life where previously there were no signs of eczema.

Surveys suggest that one out of ten children can develop eczema, many going on to have the disease permanently where others grow out of it. If you see rashes on your child, consult your doctor and/or dermatologist immediately to confirm the diagnosis.

Babies and children up to 5 years old can experience eczema on the forehead and cheeks, which appear as red, inflamed rashes. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the child and must be treated to avoid further discomfort. There are many creams and ointment available but it is best to try for the more natural treatments as opposed to harsh steroid creams.

For older children, eczema often develops on knees, wrists, ankles and elbows which can be aggravated by clothing and other external substances.

You can avoid the flare ups of toddler eczema by following these prevention measures.

1)Use cotton clothing, as this natural material is soft on the skin and does not usually cause of worsen existing eczema, helping the skin breathe and cool down. 2)Use mild soap, preferably of natural ingredients with warm water when bathing. Fragrance free soaps are gentle on skin. Use a cloth to apply the soap and try not to rub the skin roughly.

3)Regular moisturizing of the skin helps reduce dryness which increases itchiness. Use creams and ointments that are advised by the doctor to maintain the skin’s moisture and reduce irritability. However some creams which your doctor may prescribe may not always be compatible with your child’s skin. So look out for signs of increased redness and itchiness. It should become apparent if the cream is not working. In this case try something else.

4)Encourage your child to avoid scratching and rubbing the affected areas. This will be very difficult for the child but is absolutely necessary.

5)Make sure to keep your child’s nails are trimmed down and clean.

6)Keep your environment clean and dust-free. Also restrict pets on some areas at home.

7)Consider having your child take an allergy test. As this can eliminate substances which cause the eczema.

The comfort of your child is of utmost importance and finding a suitable treatment for eczema can be difficult. When you choose a treatment or eczema medication, you should discuss with your doctor. Fortunately, however, there are tried and tested methods to treat eczema that will clear it up permanently if you follow the steps correctly. Next continue to Toddler Eczema.

Eczema On Hands – How To Treat It

Eczema anywhere on the body but eczema on hands is particularly unbearable. Apart from the fact that they are constantly visible to others, we use our hands everyday and when they are sore with open wounds we are a distinct disadvantage.

Following are a few effective methods to avoid eczema flare-ups and heal existing eczema on your hands.

1) Find a dermatologically tested skin cream that does not irritate your skin. Emollients are not always the way forward, although they are unperfumed they can cause irritation due to the heavy layer on the skin and not allowing the skin to breathe. If they cause you irritation try a 100% organic cream or a brand cream which has skin friendly ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe.

2) Find out what materials irritate your skin and avoid them where possible. Certain materials such as wool, polyester, rubber and latex are all known offenders. You could always take a skin test to find out for sure.

3) Keep your hands clean. Bacteria on the skin can aggravate existing eczema and cause irritation on clear skin. If you smoke, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards as nicotine and smoke are high on the skin irritant list. Use a gently, natural soap and moisturize your hands after washing. Frequent moisturizing is always a plus. However, there is a fine balance, don’t over moisturize. Around 3 times a day is sufficient.

4) Try not to scratch or pick the eczema on hands as this will cause itchiness. Any eczema sufferer knows this is nigh impossible but with a bit of discipline it can be achieved. Excruciating as it is when bearing the itch, it only lasts for a few minutes then it is gone. If your hands feel itchy, try washing them in cool water and moisturizing afterwards. This will get rid of the itch, which may have been started due to dryness itself.

If you follow these steps, you should be on your way to healing the eczema on your hands and reduce if not completely eliminate future break-outs of eczema. For a fully comprehensive, natural guide to eliminating eczema, continue to the full step by step guide to Remedy For Eczema On Hands

Eczema Clothing To Reduce Irritation

We all know, or those of us who have suffered with eczema, know how sensitive the skin is and the least little thing can bring on an eczema break-out. One of the most common irritants of eczema is clothing, obviously because it has more contact with the skin than anything else. Following are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your “eczema clothing”.

Following are factors that may contribute to the flare-up of eczema.

1) Over-heating Firstly, the skin likes to breathe and in most cases of the eczema sufferer, another factor high up there on the irritant scale is skin over-heating and sweating. Therefore it is vital to keep the skin cool. Materials such as leather, artificial leather, silk, denim and rubber are all candidates for potential irritation. In the winter there maybe less cause for concern, however, as a general rule, these materials are irritation alerts.

2) Scratchy Irritation Next are the scratchy, culprits. Skin that is prone to eczema is sensitive to material that is abrasive therefore causing interference with the top layer of skin and consequently causing itching and discomfort. Toddler eczema can be exascerbated by rough clothng. This is not necessarily purely for eczema sufferers but sensitive skin in general.

Materials such as linen, wool and polyester are the worst offenders with acrylic sometimes causing upset. If you have clothes with such material, try wearing a softer material underneath.

3) Soft Is Best The only material, which is luckily the most common material for clothing, is cotton, 100% cotton. Those who are not allergic to wool, can also wear cashmere and other soft wools.

Cotton, is light but keeps you warm and is very soft on the skin. As “eczema clothing” goes it is by far the best option and in many cases can prevent eczema to break out at all.

Clothes that are mostly cotton, with a blend of another material maybe ok, however it must be predominantly cotton for maximum benefit.

This also goes for underwear, night clothes, sheets and anything else which is coming into close proximity of the skin for an extended period of time.

Clothing is a huge cause for individuals to suffer an eczema attack, however there are many other avoidance measures and natural methods to combat and prevent eczema out-breaks to create a fully-comprehensive remedy for eczema. If you want to start living your life eczema-free, continue to proven, natural methods for Healing Eczema

Baby Eczema Treatment

Baby eczema treatment is absolutely necessary due to the intolerable suffering that eczema causes. Seeing your child suffer with eczema is very difficult with the pain and discomfort caused by its symptoms which include, redness, swelling, inflaming, and itching. Eczema can range from the occasional flare up to the more severe cases.

Eczema can be difficult to treat. It is even harder to deal with in the case of babies because they have a low control to itching. Since eczema is really scratchy, prickly and very stubborn, however baby eczema treatment is by no means impossible. Babies and children can outgrow eczema, but some unfortunately carry on the sting for the rest of their lives. Adults with eczema can have their jobs, sleep and many other factors of their life interfered with.

Doctors say there is no cure for eczema. But it can certainly be treated and managed by the following means: For children, keep them cool with cotton clothes and keep their nails short, the best eczema clothing is key for a more comfortable child. Know what foods can cause flare ups to avoid symptoms to be trigger. If you consult your doctor, they can perform a food allergy test. Maintain the skin by washing it with gentle soaps. Avoid detergents, alcohol and strongly perfumed products, as this could start the flare up. After washing, dab skin with a towel and pat it dry. Never rub the skin roughly.

Discipline is required here and a routine where the skin is kept clean and moisturized thoroughly every day. Your baby’s comfort and standard of life are of utmost importance and finding a suitable treatment for eczema can be difficult. However, there are tried and tested methods, which can clear up the skin permanently if you follow the advised regime. For access to these life changing methods, continue to Remedy for Eczema Baby Eczema Treatment

The comfort of your child is of utmost importance and finding a suitable treatment for eczema can be difficult. When you choose a treatment, you should discuss with your doctor. Fortunately, however, there are tried and tested methods to treat eczema that will clear it up permanently if you follow the steps correctly.  

Eczema Medication

When a patient is diagnosed with eczema, the doctor will decide upon a treatment plan after considering other factors like the patient’s medical history, family health history, the severity of the eczema and the link between eczema and diet then prescribe the necessary eczema medication.

Eczema is a kind of inflammatory skin condition, where the skin suffers from dryness, swelling and an itchy feeling. This particular skin condition can cause much discomfort and damage to the skin, so a treatment plan is essential. Here are the common treatments for eczema.

Moisturizers. Specialists recommend frequent skin moisturizing. Dryness of the skin aggravates the problem of eczema so it is important to always retain moisture in the skin by regularly applying moisturizers. You can use creams and ointments as a means and source of moisture. Emollients can be good for dry skin in some cases, however, they are not suitable for all skin types. Ask your doctor so you can better find the right one for you.

Oral antihistamines medications. Fight the histamines that trigger symptoms of inflammation. Histamines are naturally produced in the body. So upon taking oral antihistamines, the symptoms of eczema are reduced. Some brands of antihistamine may cause drowsiness. Thus, before getting them over the counter, always double check by asking a chemist or a doctor. Antihistamine should not be used as a daily/weekly eczema medication. Not only because after long-term use, the body can become immune to it’s effects.

Corticosteroids or Topical steroids. These types of eczema medication creams have different strengths. High strength creams usually have side effects, especially when used on the face. It may cause thinning of the skin when used for a long time. Your doctor may only prescribe a steroid cream to be used for a few weeks until the worst of the eczema is gone. Apply the cream in the most affected area after bath, but make sure the skin is thoroughly dry.

The above forms of eczema medication will indeed treat eczema. However, none of these methods will cure eczema. A more natural approach can not only treat eczema sumptoms but avoids break out completely.To start implementing these natural approach methods for permanently clear skin continue to Eczema Medication Natural Methods

Eczema is an uncomfortable skin condition which is characterised by dry, flaky skin which is often itchy and a has a slight burning sensation. The eczema can be set off by a multitude of factors which in turn leads to vigorous scratching of the affected areas and damages the skin further. The eczema symptom is usually based on the skin being itchy, red, swollen, and weeping. However the symptoms vary slightly between the different types of eczema.

Four of the most common types of eczema are, atopic, varicose, discoid and contact.

Atopic Eczema is by far the most common form of Eczema and is often suffered alongside hay fever and asthma. This form of eczema is widely genetic with one or both parents suffering from the disease. The sensitive, easily allergic skin is irritated by many irritants in the environment.

These irritants can be found in the household including, dust (dust mites) animal hair/dander, chemicals found in detergents and many foods.Varicose Eczema affects is mostly present on the legs. It is associated with varicose veins and can be a pre-cursor to varicose vein problems. It is also associated with poor circulation. Unlike Atopic eczema, it tends to affect the middle aged and the elderly.

Contact/Dermatitis Eczema

This is a response to a sensitivity after being exposed to a particular material. This condition is caused when the immune system reacts to a particular substance. This is often associated with eczma on hands.

Discoid Eczema can occur at any point in a persons life, however, it tends to appear at a later stage in life. It tends to affect the lower legs and feet and shows itself as a distinct round patch of eczema.

Symptoms of Eczema Atopic An atopic eczema symptom is characterised by red, dry, itchy skin. The skin can become raised with small blisters containing clear fluid. Scaly areas will develop where the skin has been continually damaged by scratching.

Varicose A Varicose Eczema symptom will begin with a mild itching just above the ankle. This will then become patchy inflamed and itchy. Occasionally, ulcers can form.

Contact/Dermatitis Contact eczema ,as the name suggests, is when the skin has come into contact with a substance that the body sees as a foreign substance and irritant. The eczema symptom will see the skin rash and become enflamed and itchy as the allergic response progresses. The eczema can appear to spread in other areas of the body.

Discoid Discoid eczema is known to include round patches of rashy, red skin, they can blister and sometimes become infected.

Treatment for Eczema It is usually best to discuss with your doctor before embarking upon any course of treatment. There does not appear to be a cure or a vaccination for eczema, however, there are a number of treatments which can control the symptoms.Your doctor may prescribe you with steroid creams and will probably tell you to use sparingly and for a limited time. This is because these creams can thin your skin among other health problems.

When seeking a treatment for your eczema, you can use avoidance measures where you find out what you are allergic to and eliminate from your lifestyle.

There are also many organic creams available to use on your skin with no side effects or irritation.

It is not difficult to implement a natural remedy into your lifestyle and reap the benefits of clear skin and eliminate the eczema symptom. To discover how to change your lifestyle to combat your eczema continue to How To Eliminate The Eczema Symptom

The Connection Between Eczema And Diet

Eczema is a skin condition where the top layer of the skin becomes itchy, red and enflamed. There are several causes for this occurrence, one being eczema and diet.

Those suffering from eczema, more than likely have allergies to particular substances. These allergies will occur within the body at a cellular level then manifest as a eczema symptom, in the form of hives (raised itchy lumps), swelling, general itchiness causing scratching and damage to the skin.

There can be varying degrees of severity in the allergic responses, however they will all cause a variation of an eczema symptom.

Research has shown that there are common culprits within the diet, these being wheat, dairy products, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds among others. When one of these products is consumed, the body undergoes an allergic reaction resulting in an eczema symptom being displayed.

It is not always obviously apparent which foods are the allergens. Sometimes the allergic response may be quite mild or delayed, making it difficult to distinguish the cause of the out-break of eczema.

Nowadays, it is possible to obtain a food allergy, skin prick test, where certain foods are placed on the skin in a controlled, clinical environment.

Removing foods from the diet which are known to cause allergic reactions will greatly decrease eczema symptoms and reduce damage to the skin.

Although research and traditional treatment for eczema is still very much in the dark ages, there are natural methods in which to combat and control eczema which can be easily incorporated into everyday life.

To discover the methods involved in these natural remedies to fight eczema, including eczema and diet findings, continue to Remedy For Eczema