Atopic eczema is a disease distinguished by chronic inflammation of the skin. This is also called atopic dermatitis and can be hereditary. This is actually the most common form of eczema. Babies, children and adults are prone to this disease. But deviating from other people’s belief, it is non-contagious.

Those who suffer from this disease normally experience red, flaky, irritated and itchy skin. Babies have rashes in the face, elbows and knees. Children and young adults usually have the symptoms inside the elbows, behind the knees, on the wrist and on the side of the neck and hands. But of course, symptoms vary from one person to another. These are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to irritants and allergens scattered in the environment.

Aside from allergens, the disease may come about through other factors such as stress or fatigue. But typically, it attacks with other atopic diseases such as hay fever and asthma. So those people with history of these allergy problems have the biggest probability of undergoing the chronic inflammation of the skin and can be aggravated through the irritants and allergens.

To prevent atopic eczema, one has to know first what triggers the allergic reaction. Here are some common triggers among eczema sufferers:

* Changes in temperature
* Foods like peanuts, soy sauce, and etc.
* Clothes made from wool and other abrasive fabrics
* Allergens like dust, animal dander, mold, pollen and etc.
* Chemical irritants like astringents, perfume, detergents, alcohol, paint, pesticides and harsh soaps.
* Extreme fatigue and stress
* Other skin infections

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Basically, the prevention is obvious. One has to avoid these triggering factors to avoid eczema even for a short time only.

It’s no secret that we live in a world where we are surrounded by chemical exposure from environmental pollution.  What you may not know, is that not only is reducing your chemical exposure vital to keeping eczema at bay, but also to avoiding other health problems.  In fact, more than 5,000 chemicals are commonly used in our household and toiletry products.  This could be one reason why the number of people suffering with eczema is increasing.  Can you imagine how many chemicals we absorb through our skin everyday?  It’s no wonder that our bodies are finding it hard to cope and start reacting to this toxic overload.

It is difficult to have control over outdoor pollution, but you can have some control over your indoor pollution.  Within your home there are three main ways in which you can reduce pollution:

• Break the fragrance habit

• Stop using harmful household products

• Stop using toxic toiletries.

Break The Fragrance Habit

We are constantly exposed to various fragrances and smells from natural sources such as flowers, wet grass or cooking.  Also, we are surrounded by synthetic fragrances from perfumes, shampoos, bubble baths, cleaning products, facial and body products. As fragrance is the most common trigger for contact eczema, it’s vital that you break the fragrance habit and go fragrance-free.  You need to check out products individually because even so called fragrance-free products and natural plant extracts can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

Stop Using Harmful Household Products

Look around your house and you will probably find that you have a variety of potentially harmful household products.  These could be anything from air fresheners, toilet cleaners, floor and surface cleaners, washing up liquids, laundry liquid, fabric softeners and furniture polishes.  All these products may contain harsh and harmful chemicals that can trigger off a skin problem.  The solution is to stop using these products and find an alternative.  Here are a few tips that will help:

• Open the window and let in fresh air

• Use pumps instead of aerosols

• Buy house plants which can help to remove unpleasant odours

• Keep your house clean by regularly wiping down surfaces.  Hot water and elbow grease are all you need to keep your house clean

• Use ecologically friendly products that contain few harmful chemicals

• Make your own household cleaners using products such as distilled white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.  Cheap and chemical free!

Stop Using Toxic Toiletries

Even toiletries that we use everyday such as soap, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, face cleanser, day cream, night cream, anti-wrinkle cream, shaving cream all contain potentially harmful chemicals.  Even for babies we use potentially toxic powders and lotions.  Simply put, you need to stop using toxic toiletries and start looking at more natural products.  Here are a few tips:

• Use real soaps that are vegetable and glycerine based and fragrance free

• Choose a liquid castile soap such as Dr Bronner.  This is a great product that can be used on body, face and hair

• Avoid aerosols

• Instead of expensive facial moisturizers and creams, you can use simple vegetable oils such as apricot and jojoba oil.

• Use products that are 100% free of all synthetic chemicals.

It certainly is alarming to know that you are exposing yourself to thousands and thousands of potentially harmful chemicals every day.   It will take a lot of effort to reduce your environmental pollution, but using fragrance-free, non-toxic household products and toiletries will go some way to keeping eczema at bay.

When it comes to eczema treatment there are so many things that you can do to help your itchy, red and dry skin.  If you are not sure about what to do, then follow my seven best tips on caring for your skin which will help in preventing eczema symptoms.

1)    Do not overuse topical steroids
The most common medication used to treat eczema, especially in more severe cases, is a topical steroid cream.  These are available in different strengths and formulas which can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your doctor.  Steroid creams should always be used sparingly and for a short period of time.  The overuse of topical steroids can lead to a thinning effect on the skin, making it more fragile and prone to peeling and breaking. With steroid creams, it’s best to follow your doctor’s advice on which steroid cream to use and how long you should continue with its use.

2)    Care for your skin when bathing
Here’s some advice to make your daily bath of great benefit and to help soothe the skin and replace lost moisture.   Adding a bath oil to water that is not too hot will help lock in moisture to the skin.  Never use bubble bath as this dries out the skin. Instead use a suitable bath oil which is preferably chemical and fragrance free.  Some people recommend the use of Dead Sea Salts which contain minerals that help relieve irritation and itching.    After your bath or shower, make sure that you pat the skin dry with a soft towel, leaving your skin slightly moist so that you can apply moisturizing cream.

3)    Use a moisturizing cream on your skin every day
The regular use of a moisturizer, especially after bathing, can help lock in moisture and prevent dry skin.  Use a cream or lotion that is easy to spread, especially if you are treating a baby or young child who does not lie or sit still for too long.  Be careful to choose a cream which is free from potentially harmful ingredients such as harsh chemicals and fragrances.

4)    Continue skin care even after your skin has healed
Even if you think your skin is looking better or is healed, it is important to carry on with treatment.  Skin that is prone to eczema can easily get irritated again. So, always follow the recommended tips.

5)    Avoid scratching the itchy area
Sometimes this is easier said than done, especially if you have a baby with eczema.  It is essential that itchy skin is not scratched since scratching can break the skin and increase the risk of infection.  By avoiding potential triggers and keeping skin moisturized, itching can be stopped or at least ameliorated.  However, if you can’t resist scratching, make sure that your fingernails are kept short.  Another tip to discourage your baby scratching is to put them in an all-in-one sleep suit with attached mittens.

6)    Wear the right clothing
Since too much heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated and itchy, you should avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothing or clothing made from heavy material that doesn’t allow the skin to breath.  Materials that can cause itchiness of the skin include nylon, polyester and wool.  The safest material to use is 100% cotton, although some fabric mixes such as viyella, silk or soft acrylic seem to work well.  If the fabric feels soft against your skin then it will probably not cause any problems, but if it is rough and scratchy then you really ought to avoid it.  Also, watch out for zip fastenings, rough seams, elastic and labels which all might irritate the skin.

7)    Be careful what laundry products you use
Now that you know the best types of clothing to wear, it is important to know the best laundry products to use.  Avoid laundry products that contain fragrance because this may cause a reaction to the skin. Avoid using biological powders and liquids containing enzymes since enzymes can cause itchiness.  Choose non-biological products, preferably in liquid form, since the powders contain bleach.  Also, you should be aware that even environmentally friendly products may contain irritating enzymes or perfumes.  .

The best eczema treatment is caring for your skin.  So, by following my seven tips, you can manage the symptoms of eczema and live an itch free life.

So many products these days contain synthetic chemicals and other toxic ingredients that more and more people are turning to natural remedies for eczema.  Natural remedies come from ingredients obtained from natural sources such as plants, flowers, herbs and foods.  Natural remedies are extremely useful for treating eczema because they contain less harmful chemicals and so are less likely to irritate the skin and cause a flare up.

There are so many natural remedies available to help eczema that it can be a bit of a mine field when it comes to choosing which ones to try.  The only way to know is to experiment and find a solution that works for you.  However, to help you along, here are five natural remedies that you can try at home which are inexpensive, chemical-free and easily available.

Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most researched herbs in recent times.  It is widely known for helping keep colds, flu and infections at bay because of its general immune-boosting effects. However, echinacea has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which could help in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.  You can take this as a tincture to help boost your immune system and as a cream to help your skin.

Calendula
Calendula is commonly known as English marigold and is a member of the daisy family.  It has been traditionally used for the treatment of burns and abrasions, but is also used for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.  Calendula is available in tincture and cream form.

Evening Primrose Oil
There has been much debate as to whether evening primrose oil can help with eczema and this continues to be a controversial subject.  However, many studies have shown that taking oral evening primrose oil significantly reduced inflammation, dryness and scaling of the skin.  This is because the oil is high in essential fatty acids which make hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins regulate inflammation and swelling as well as improve digestion and maintain healthy skin.  Evening primrose oil can be bought easily and inexpensively in most health foods shops in easy-to-swallow capsule form.

Aloe Vera
The benefits of aloe vera have long been documented, mainly in the treatment of burns, wounds and digestive problems.  Aloe vera contains many powerful and natural substances that help in boosting the immune system and repairing skin tissue.  You can take aloe vera as a drink, or apply directly to the skin as a cream or lotion.

Probiotics
Probiotics contain friendly bacteria which are essential for good gut health.  Things like antibiotics, exposure to pollution, poor nutrition and stress are all factors which can reduce the level of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines.  Even though the role of probiotics in preventing allergies remains unclear, studies have shown that they can protect against eczema.  Many yogurt products have friendly bacteria added to them and this could be a great way of taking probiotics.  If you are allergic to milk products, then yoghurt would not be a good choice.  In this case, you can take probiotics in capsule form easily obtainable from a health food store.  Other foods that contain natural probiotics are fermented foods such as miso, tempeh and sauerkraut.

If you decide that you want to use natural remedies to treat your eczema then any of these five natural remedies will be beneficial as part of your regimen.  However, it is important to note that you should always inform your doctor if natural remedies are being taken in conjunction with medication in order to avoid any possible conflicts.

To sum up, it is important to include healthy eating as part of your eczema treatment.  By changing your diet to include healthy foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and foods rich in omega oils, you will find that healthy eating can be an effective eczema treatment.

The rise in baby eczema has become more and more widespread in recent times and can cause a lot of distress, especially for a new parent.  Nothing could be worse than to see your lovely baby covered with red, dry, or scaly skin which he or she can’t stop scratching.  When you have eczema one of the hardest things to do is to stop scratching, and as hard as you try sometimes, you just have to have a hard scratch.

Trying to stop your baby from scratching his eczema can be a real problem.  The major concern is that the constant scratching may lead to the condition getting worse and an infection developing.  Not only that, in more severe cases, baby eczema can be so itchy and irritating that it may even disrupt baby’s sleep which is not only distressing for your baby, but also for you as a parent.

The good news is that baby eczema is easy to treat and there are several steps you can take to help.  Here are some tips that may go some way to reducing itching, improving the condition of your baby’s skin and indeed avoiding further flare-ups.

• Keep skin moist by applying a generous amount of moisturizer several times a day, especially after a bath.  This helps to prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy.
• Avoid using soaps, shampoos or other skin products that contain perfumes since they may irritate the skin.  Look for products that are fragrance-free or hypoallergenic.
• Use a non-biological liquid laundry cleaner because these do not contain bleaches and enzymes which can cause irritation to the skin.
• Make sure your baby wears clothing that allows the skin to breathe.  Ideally the clothing should be 100% cotton.
• Using cotton bedding will stop your baby from overheating. Overheating can aggravate eczema.  Make sure that you wash the bedding regularly in hot water (55 degrees C or more) since this stops dust mites (a common trigger factor).
• Keep your baby’s nursery as dust free as possible by keeping furniture and soft toys to a minimum.  Vacuum the carpet as often as possible, or even better get rid of the carpet and have wooden floors.  Wash down furniture with a damp cloth rather than a dry one and avoid using any harmful cleaners.
• Keep your home as well ventilated as possible.
• Keep furry pets away from your baby as pet hair and dander are common irritants.
• Do not smoke near your baby as tobacco smoke has been found to increase the risk of eczema
• Breastfeeding your baby until they are at least four months old is one of the best ways to prevent eczema.
• Allergies to particular foods have been found to trigger eczema.  The most common culprits are dairy products, wheat, seafood, soy products and nuts.  If you are in the process of weaning your baby, try to introduce one food at a time so that you can notice if there are any reactions.  Seek the advice your pediatrician if you find that your baby is allergic to any particular food.
• You can discourage scratching by making sure that your keep your baby’s nails short and by putting them in an all-in-one sleep-suit with attached mittens.

It can be very distressing to see your baby suffer with eczema, but the good news is that most babies grow out of it by the time they are two or three.  Baby eczema is easy to treat, but takes a lot of hard work and patience on the part of the parent. By following some of these tips you will hopefully avoid baby eczema and have a happy and healthy child.

Using an eczema cream is one of the main ways to treat and manage the dry, red and itchy skin that eczema can cause.  This is because the regular use of an eczema cream helps soothe dry skin, reduce itching and prevent inflammation.  Not only should the affected areas be treated, but the whole body also to keep the skin hydrated and protected.

Choosing the best eczema cream can often be difficult – they all have their pros and cons. To help you choose, I have listed below some creams commonly used to treat eczema.

Topical Steroid Creams are the most often prescribed eczema creams.  They are available in different strengths and formulas which can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your doctor.  Whilst steroid creams can clear up the eczema quickly and effectively, these should always be used sparingly and for a short period of time.  The overuse of topical steroids can lead to a thinning effect on the skin, making it more fragile and prone to peeling and breaking. Because of the possible side-effects of steroid creams, it’s best to consult your doctor and to strictly follow his advice.

Creams such as E45, aqueous cream and sudocrem are some of the most popular creams recommended for treating dry, rough and itchy skin.  These types of creams contain paraffin, lanolin and other ingredients which provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin.  This works by preventing water loss and so keeping the skin moisturized.  On the positive side these creams help relieve eczema symptoms effectively and are inexpensive and easy to buy.  On the negative side, they contain paraffin and other ingredients which may irritate the skin and make the symptoms worse.

If you do not want to use an eczema cream that contains harsh chemicals then you could try a more natural alternative such as shea butter.  Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because it contains fatty acids which help retain skin moisture and elasticity.  It also contains vitamins A and E which help protect the skin from environmental damage, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.  Using 100% unrefined shea butter is the most ideal since all the original vitamins are retained. However, it can be a bit smelly.  Unfortunately, a lot of shea products contain potentially irritating additives and have only a small proportion of real shea butter.  If you have an allergy to nuts, then this type of moisturizer is not recommended.

Creams that contain ingredients such as calendula, evening primrose oil, chamomile, aloe vera and Chinese herbs are also natural alternatives.  Whilst these products have ingredients that come from natural sources and are kinder to the skin, you need to check whether they contain fragrances and other chemicals that might trigger a skin reaction.

There are so many types of eczema cream that it may take a bit of trial and error to find the one that suits you best.  It is always best to consult your dermatologist as he can advise you on the best eczema creams on the market.  Using a good eczema cream everyday is vital in keeping your skin moist, hydrated and protected.

Many people would agree that the best way to treat a disorder is naturally and without any chemicals. There is less to worry about in terms of side effects because there are no harsh additives or ingredients. But when treating eczema is it best to do it naturally? Is it as effective as treating the condition with chemicals?

Today,in dealing with eczema, you can always rely on the power of natural treatment.
• One should drink nine eight ounce glasses of water per day. The Regular intake of water helps to hydrate and retain skin moisture. This can go a long way in helping to relieve dry skin. It can also,as a result,give you some relief from the pain and itching. There are arguments being circulated now that drinking water to such an extent is not needed. However, no good alternative is given by these naysayers. So until a better method is demonstrated, drink plenty of water as a natural treatment for eczema.

• Taking probiotics or good bacteria can help as a natural treatment for eczema. Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms that are believed to be healthy for a person. Yogurt is an example of a probiotic as are some juices. These live microorganisms fight against bad bacteria to help strengthen one’s immune system. It is believed that probiotics, especially when taken by children, reduces the chances of developing of eczema. So this is particularly helpful for kids in avoiding the symptoms of eczema.

• Natural supplements such as vitamins C and E and virgin coconut oil helps damged skin cells. There have been a number of studies that show that the high lauric acid content of coconut oil is very beneficial in attacking bacteria as well as some other pathogens. These studies say that it builds the body’s immune system just as human mother’s milk does, which also contains lauric acid. These vitamins can repair damaged cells because of their anti-oxidant properties and when added to the powerful moisturizing effect of virgin coconut oil’s natural oils they can be quite effective as a natural treatment for eczema.

• An oatmeal bath is another way to sooth skin dryness and inflammation. Oats are anti-inflammatory and help ease itching. At the same time oats can be nourishing and smooth dry skin.

• Try your best to elimiinate stress to avoid an attack of eczema symptoms. One way to help manage stress is by inhaling flower essences. Essence therapies rely on the idea that plants have an energy that can have a healing effect. Most essence therapies focus on a person’s emotions rather than on physical healing. The ability to control your emotions can have the additional effect of helping you physically.

• A healthy lifestyle is always the best. Discipline in what you eat is a big plus. Of course you should avoid smoking. Drink alcohol in moderation only or even not at all. All this contributes to a person’s overall health.

While none of these methods will actually cure eczema, all of these methods will indeed act as an excellent natural treatment for eczema.

Eczema is one of the most infuriating skin diseases an individual could ever have. The soreness of its symptoms which include, redness, swelling, inflaming, itching and sometimes wounding make a person’s living really difficult. Eczema can range from the occasional flare up to the more severe cases.

Sometimes, this is sensitive 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 is really stubborn, babies and children become so irritable and upset. But there are cases wherein other kids are able to outgrow eczema, but some 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.
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