Author: Louise Forrest
When the skin just becomes too itchy, too rash-like, or starts
to have sores that weep, it may be more than just dry skin.
Eczema is a term used to describe a wide variety of skin
conditions that consist of dry skin, cracking, bleeding, itch,
and oozing sores. One must determine what kind of eczema one is
experiencing, and then they are better able to address it and
begin to heal.
One type of eczema is atopic eczema. It's common in infants,
which is why this form is sometimes called infantile eczema.
It's believed to be hereditary, especially if members of the
same family suffer from hay fever or asthma. Atopic eczema can
present itself on the face, scalp, neck, inside of elbows,
behind the knees, and on the buttocks.
One way to determine the severity of the eczema is by process
of elimination. Many physicians believe that infant eczema
manifests itself due to external irritants or diet. By
eliminating dairy (in most cases), infant skin tends to clear up
or develops fewer breakouts. A certain type of laundry detergent
may also trigger rashes and eczema in infants, which is why it's
important to use gentle detergent, and use natural materials
that are friendly to young skin.
Contact dermatitis is a common disease in many developed
countries. Eczema can be a delayed reaction to an allergen that
the skin has been exposed to, for example poison ivy. This form
of eczema is curable, as one only needs to avoid the irritant,
once it is traced to the source. With the environment being as
it is today, contact dermatitis is the most common occupation
skin disease among the population. Toxins in the air, water,
ground, and food can all bring on eczema as the body is reacting
to something unnatural.
Another form of eczema is Xerotic eczema. It's common among the
older population, as skin tends to become drier as it ages. In
this case, this is dry skin turned to eczema because of the
level of severity. It gets worse in the winter, and the legs are
most often affected. Skin becomes cracked, dry and hard.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is another form of eczema. It's common in
infants, and it's also known as cradle cap. Dandruff is also
another name for it.
Eczema is bothersome, but it is treatable. Diet is essential.
One must start consuming more natural foods and oils, and
exercise and fresh air help rid the body of toxic build up.
Eczema may also be a result of a food allergy, so it's important
to go through a process of elimination to discover what foods
may be triggering the flare-ups.
Foods such as eggs, dairy, nuts, wheat and caffeine are common
culprits. Eczema, like psoriasis, responds well to light
therapy. Exposing the affected areas to the sun is helpful, but
one must be sure not to overexpose and have the skin turn
cancerous.
Gentle facial cleansers and body soap, as well as laundry
detergent, must be used instead of the harsher products.
Regularly changing bed sheets is good practice as well, as
people who suffer from eczema sometimes react to the excrement
left over by house dust mites.
Try to stay away from cortisone and steroid creams, as it tends
to thin the skin out over time. Natural creams such as calendula
cream, or urea cream, or plain petroleum jelly, may help more
and doesn't have any side effects.
Eczema may over time disappear, but for those who have it
chronically, it can be controlled. Do the research, go to the
doctor for advice, and you're well on your way to a better
quality of life.
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