March 26, 2010
Help Eczema
Effectively treat eczema symptoms by understanding what causes the condition. Eczema is a general term used to describe skin dermatitis characterised by inflammation of the skin. The inflammation is unbearably itchy and scratching the affected area further damages the skin. The affected skin can be red and can even ooze. The scratching adversely affects the ability of your skin to act as a barrier, and allows more irritants into the dermal layer to further compound the symptoms of itchiness and redness. There is also the issue of infection by bacteria or fungi due to the break down of the protective layer of the skin.
The specific causes of eczema can be different for individuals, but all causes relate to the following factors. There is normally a family history of eczema, and this commonly is also linked to other allergic conditions asthma and hay fever. There have been studies showing that many people suffering from atopic eczema (the most common form of eczema) have a genetic condition causing abnormality of a protein playing an integral role in the skin’s function as a barrier. The immune system is also responsible in that it over reacts to stimulants internally or externally (likely both) which results in the skin becoming inflamed. There are the environmental factors whereby irritants come into contact with the skin causing an adverse reaction. The common irritants are mould, pollen, soap, cosmetics, detergents, sweat, dust mites, pet fur etc. Emotional stress or anxiety can trigger eczema outbreaks and this too is linked to the health of a person’s immune system, whereby stress can weaken immune function.
The key to effectively treating eczema long term is to realise that it is symptomatic of the general well being of a person. Conventional medicinal drugs can treat the symptoms effectively for the short term, but they have adverse side effects and therefore cannot be used long term. This allows the eczema to return to its previous level before the treatment began. To help eczema symptoms the sufferer must be willing to make some changes to their lifestyle, including improving the quality of their diet so as to tackle the problem from within.
External measures need to give the skin the best chance of being a protective barrier and minimise itchiness. Keep skin well moisturised with emollients with a high oil content (reduced water content). Avoid contact with irritants. Keep soap away from affected areas as much as possible. Wash with warm water (not hot) and minimise the length of bathing (shower preferable). Pat dry the skin rather than rub dry, as rubbing strips the skin of its natural oils. Protect skin from cold air (e.g. wear gloves) as this has a low humidity that dries the skin. There are many other practical actions to take to help treat eczema. Eczema can be treated effectively by knowing the causes and understanding what actions can be taken that will allow the skin the chance to heal itself and maintain a healthy condition.
