Why are You Still Suffering with Eczema?

What is eczema?

          Eczema, or “atopic dermatitis” (the most common form of eczema) is a chronic disease affecting over thirty percent of people living in the United States alone.  Most common in children, with most cases presenting before age five, eczema can occur at any age. 

Symptoms include-

• Red, itchy, scaly patches of skin
• Small, raised bumps
• Red-brownish, gray patches on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper-chest, eyelids and inside of the knees and elbows
• In infants, common presentation is on the face and scalp
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching
  • Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
• Dryness and flakiness of skin

*Symptoms may worsen at night as our body temperature decreases during rest.

What causes eczema?

Known causes of eczema include an overactive immune system, inflammation in the body, chronic disease and certain medications.  Studies have shown a gene variation that hinders the skin’s natural ability to provide protection from allergens, irritants and bacteria can be another cause of eczema. Having a family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma puts you at an increased risk of developing eczema.  Food allergies can also be an underlying cause of eczema.  Common food triggers are nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, fish and eggs.  These foods cause inflammation, which is then reflected in our skin as the itchy, red patches. 

Treatment for eczema–

          There is no current cure for eczema.  Physicians commonly recommend over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and ointments to treat the affected areas topically.  Natural treatments for eczema outbreaks include soaking in baths of oatmeal, chamomile tea or apple cider vinegar.  Soak in warm (never hot) water for fifteen minutes and then rinse in cool water.  Always make sure to properly dry the skin by patting with a towel, paying extra attention to folds and bends of skin. (Behind knees, elbows and neck, where eczema outbreaks are more prevalent).  Aloe Vera is a natural antibacterial, hydrating and calming moisturizer. 

          The holistic attitude is that eczema is the body’s outward response to inner inflammation.  Limiting exposure to dyes, fragrances and harsh chemicals found in commercial soaps and laundry detergents by switching to natural brands can alleviate eczema irritation from the outside.  Internally, identifying food allergies can decrease inflammation in the body.  Adding a probiotic can be beneficial to balancing your body’s natural bacteria and gut health. 

Pine Tar Soap

A natural remedy for eczema is Pine Tar soap.  Pine Tar soap has been used for centuries to treat skin irritations from eczema to poison oak to psoriasis and all skin irritations in between.  Pine tar soap is so effective at treating irritated skin because of it’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antipruritic (relieves itching) properties. 

While there may not be a cure for eczema, minimizing inflammation with proper gut health, identifying possible food allergy triggers, and switching to natural skin products and clothing detergents can successfully treat eczema and keep outbreaks to a minimum. 

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Take care and be well!

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