SECRETS TO HEALING YOUR ECZEMA AND HAVING BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT SKIN

If you're like most people, you probably take your skin for granted, as people typically do with most of their body.. And some skin problems like rashes are actually a result of immune p

T ABLE OF C ONTENTS

Get to Know Your Skin 3

Types of Eczema 12

Medical Intervention of Eczema 20

Caring For Your Skin Overall 26

Strengthening the Immune System Overall 34

Conclusion: 5 Quick Tips for Beautiful, Healthy, Radiant, Glowing Skin 42

G ET TO K NOW Y OUR S KIN

How well do you know your skin?

If you're like most people, you probably take your skin for granted, as people typically do with most of their body Unless you're experiencing a health problem or physical problem, how often do you think about the functions of your different limbs, organs and muscles? Do you ever think about your lungs unless you're short of breath? Do you ever consider your heart unless it feels like it's going to pound out of your chest? Do you ever think about your eyes unless they're dry, watery, or unable to focus?

Most people give very little thought to the functions of the parts of their body until there's

a problem, and skin is no exception Unless it itches, is burning, needs covering, has broken out in acne splotches, has a rash, looks unattractive for some reason, is starting

to sag or wrinkle, or is about to get a new tattoo, people rarely think about their skin, its health, its importance to other parts of the body, and what it does overall

This is unfortunate because the skin is actually the largest organ in the body and performs probably more functions than any other organ It's also one of the most misused and outright abused, as it's constantly forced against uncomfortable fabrics, rubbed raw on all sorts of items, is consistently overexposed to the sun's burning rays or the biting cold of winter, is subjected to harsh chemicals in shampoo, deodorant, and other hygiene products, is mercilessly pierced and tattooed, gets cut and scratched every day often without a person even realizing it, is almost always dehydrated, and the list goes on

Despite all this maltreatment, skin performs a wide array of purposes that are vitally important to your body's health and function Do you know what they are? You might assume that you know these functions; of course skin keeps your insides where they belong, but it does so much more than that! Skin is not just a big garbage bag keeping

us assembled properly If you knew everything that your skin did for you, this might motivate you to take better care of it and to pay attention to problems it might have, including eczema

Consider just a few of the skin's functions here

I NSULATOR

Yes, the skin keeps our insides right where they belong - on the inside - but it also keeps something else inside other than our organs, muscles, and bones Do you know what that is? It's body heat! Skin functions like a warm winter coat, keeping our body heat inside which in turn keeps everything on the inside healthy and functioning

Without body heat the heart wouldn't be able to pump blood and oxygen and the muscles would become stiff and unable to move Body heat is about more than being comfortable; it's necessary for those organs and muscles to stay healthy and supple

What is so amazing about the insulating factor of the skin is that while it keeps heat in, it still lets some escape If you've ever felt uncomfortable and stifled from wearing a nylon windbreaker or other thick material, you know how important this balance is Allowing too much body heat to escape is dangerous but not allowing any out at all is also a problem The pores in the skin not only allow sweat to be created and escape to the surface of the skin, they also act like little vents for some body heat to get out as well

H ANGING O N

Have you ever tried to hang

on to something when your

hands were wet or when you

had just put some lotion on

them? The reason that things

slip out of your hands when

they're wet or covered in

lotions and oils is that these

substances cover up the

fingerprints and the creases in

the skin These creases are

not there just for police to

identify you if you do

something wrong but act as

little suction cups which

enable a person to hold onto

things, even slippery or

smooth things like glass

Without the ridges in our skin

we would constantly be

slipping around as we try to

walk and would be virtually

unable to hold onto anything

It's interesting how we often

see lines in the face as being

a bad thing but without these

lines on our fingers, toes and

feet, we would have an

absolutely impossible time functioning in our everyday lives Without those tiny lines in our fingers we wouldn't even be able to pick up a fork much less hold a scalpel or pencil

or a paintbrush Without lines on our feet, it would be like trying to walk on wet tile near

a pool - you would do nothing but slip and slide all the time! So skin is much more than decoration but it helps us to hold things and to walk and maintain balance as well

P ROTECTION

Sure, the skin keeps all the inside stuff inside, but it also keeps outside stuff outside as well What do we mean by this? Simply put, there are many pollutants and irritants in the air that the skin keeps out Dust, dirt, allergens, and things like these are caught in the skin and washed away or they get rubbed off by the oil on the skin and as dead skin

Like a warm coat, skin keeps body heat inside while still allowing some to escape in order to keep the body just the right temperature at all times!

cells flake away The skin is virtually flawless in acting as a filter in this way and as being a protector for the internal organs and systems The oils that are present on the skin not only keep it soft and supple but they also help to wash away some of these pollutants and irritants

Your skin is like an umbrella that blocks out sunlight, a scarf that blocks out cold wind, and a thick coat that keeps your body warm and protected Without your skin there would be a buildup of pollutants and other irritants along your internal organs and this would be damaging and harmful to them

F EELING

Can you imagine never being able to feel anything on your skin again? You might think that would be a blessing since it would mean no more pain when you cut yourself or burn yourself or at any other time, but even feeling pain serves a purpose

We need to feel to function and you may not realize it, but your skin is picking up sensations at every moment of the day The brain often tunes out these sensations from our conscious thought so that we're not overwhelmed with everything surrounding us, but our minds are still processing them nonetheless This sensation is what causes us

to sit the way we do and enables us to walk and make every other movement When you sit in a chair, your muscles automatically adjust their movement as the skin feels the chair pressing up against you Your feet know to pick up and push forward because of the sensation of the floor underneath them

Feeling is a protection for the body When we feel cold we protect ourselves by adjusting the thermostat or putting more clothes on When we feel hot we get out of the sun or turn on a fan Even pain tells us that something is wrong and needs correcting While sensations on the skin can be pleasurable they can also serve as a warning sign

of a problem that needs attention So no matter how unpleasant pain may be, it's a necessary part of human survival

I NDICATOR OF H EALTH C ONCERNS

Did you know that your skin is often an indicator of health problems or concerns? When

a person is dehydrated their skin gets very waxy and wrinkles up easily Liver problems can make a person look jaundiced or yellow as toxins build up in the body And some skin problems like rashes are actually a result of immune problems

The skin also reacts to a person's health and habits A person that smokes is depriving their skin of necessary oxygen and is introducing toxins both internally and externally, and it's not unusual for a smoker to have prematurely aging skin Skin that's very dry might also mean that a person is not exercising enough as physical activity increases circulation which means more moisture to the skin's surface

Of course not all skin problems are major concerns Acne is often embarrassing to those who suffer from it but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person is not taking care

of their skin properly Everyone has dirt, oil and bacteria on their face but not everyone

breaks out A rash or excessive dry skin can be the result of one's climate or environment as many people get dry skin during the winter months where there is much less moisture in the air Oily skin and hair can simply mean that a person eats many oily foods in their diet, some good and some perhaps not so good These things may be a bit embarrassing or inconvenient to the sufferer but again, they're not necessarily indications of serious health problems or concerns

Eczema as a health indicator

Did you know that some forms of eczema can actually work as an indicator of health problems? Very often these cases are the result of allergies or sensitivities to elements

in the air such as pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and so on If your skin reacts with redness and rashes to these things, it's best to avoid them as much as possible Your lungs and immune system may be compromised as well if you continue to be exposed to items to which you have a sensitivity

Sometimes eczema is also the result of harsh environmental concerns, such as for those who work with chemicals or the fumes and vapors from chemicals If these things irritate your skin so severely that eczema results, then this may be an indicator of your lungs also being at risk and that you should be taking additional precautions to protect yourself around these things

There are cases where eczema is just a sensitivity or a genetic issue, but sometimes it can be and often is a sign of a problem that should be addressed

There are some skin problems that can and even should be addressed by those who suffer from them Let's take a quick look at them here

Problems with the scalp are also problems with the skin Dandruff is not a problem with one's hair but of the skin on the head, as is oily hair This problems originate from the skin even though it's often assumed that they're caused by the hair

Here are some other common skin problems, their causes, and potential solutions as well:

Acne

Many people who have acne believe that their skin is not clean; it is true that acne is typically caused by dirt and oil that gets caught in the pores and builds up into what we call a pimple However everyone has dirt and oil on their face and not everyone has acne Those who suffer from breakouts have a type of defect wherein the skin doesn't break the way it should and allow these elements to be rinsed or rubbed away

When someone has acne, it is good to use those products that dry up the excess oil since this does help, but thinking that the skin just needs to be cleaned more or with harsher products can actually make it worse When you clean you skin too much you strip its natural oils, and the skin can react by producing even more to make up for this It's actually good to moisturize the face with something that won't clog the pores when you do have acne

Dry skin tends to wrinkle quicker as of course moisture helps to plump up skin and make

it softer, which means it will smooth itself out easier Hydrating from the outside is good but so is drinking water and other hydrating beverages

Dry skin

Many people have dry skin because of genetics whereas others are affected by the environment in which they live; skin also tends to get drier as a person gets older Dry skin can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to wrinkles and other problems as skin needs to be moisturized to be smooth and healthy

There are many moisturizers and lotions available for skin today; browse any skincare aisle of any pharmacy or cosmetics store and you'll find plenty of options for you Some work very well and others not so much Some have found that simple and natural solutions like vitamin E oil are even preferable to high-end products The key is to find something that works well with your skin's natural composition and to use it consistently

Think of your environment as well if you have dry skin Warm mist humidifiers are great

to use especially during the winter months and especially at night when the cold makes

your skin even drier Try one in your office if where you work is particularly dry Avoid soaking in a hot shower as this dries the skin as well It's also good to protect it from the elements in both winter and summer, but the biting cold of winter is very bad for skin's health!

Eczema

If you're reading this book

you're obviously

concerned about

eczema, which is a type

of dry skin rash that

actually takes many

forms Anyone can be

affected by eczema, from

adults to babies, and it

can start to become a

problem later in life for

those who've never had a

problem before

Eczema is not typically

what you would call a life

threatening condition, but

if left untreated severe

cases can leave the skin

open and vulnerable to

bacteria and infections

These infections can

travel in the body and

attack weakened areas

which can lead to serious

complications For

instance, a small chip in a

bone can be the host to an infection that may eventually require surgery to correct!

Eczema is also painful and difficult to deal with for the sufferers Because the patches of eczema are dry and itchy, it's not unusual for the sufferer to scratch endlessly which in of course makes the problem much worse And because the skin is compromised, many products that a person might try to address the problem only make it worse

There are things that one can do to address and treat eczema, and we'll go into those details in later sections

S KIN ' S C OMPOSITION

Understanding how the skin is composed will make it that much easier to address problems that crop up and to keep it healthy as well This is true of everything about one's body - if you understand how and why and the heart works you can understand

The skin's composition is not simple by any means Understanding it can make it easier

to address skin problems, including eczema

how to keep your cardiovascular system healthy; if you understand how the ears work you can better protect your hearing from damage, and so on

The skin is actually quite complicated, more so than most people realize Because it's

so very thin, most don't realize how many layers there are to the skin However, dermatologists and even tattoo artists need to be familiar with the layers of the skin and their purpose Tattoos need to be inked so deep or else they won't be permanent Because so many parts of the skin are buried in deeper layers, it's easy for problems to crop up from beneath the skin's surface

The color or pigmentation of the skin is caused by melanin, which absorbs much of the potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin This layer contains no blood vessels; this

is why you can sometimes cut yourself and not necessarily bleed A cut needs to reach layers underneath the epidermis where blood vessels are in order to actually bleed

One reason the epidermis has no blood vessels is that it needs to be thick enough to handle the contact of the skin with everything around it Without this thickness, skin would not only cut but be rubbed off completely just by everyday activities and function

Dermis

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain Nerve endings are actually in the dermis layer so things like heat and other sensations need to reach through to this layer to be experienced This helps to protect the body of far too many sensations at once and from overreacting to every bit of warmth and contact The dermis also contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels This is why skin and pores can get clogged at times - the epidermis is covering this very active layer of skin called the dermis If for example hair does not push up through the epidermis the way it should it becomes trapped in its own pore or follicle

Hypodermis

The hypodermis is not technically part of the skin but is what connects the skin to bone and muscle Nerves and blood vessels are also part of the hypodermis Some 50% of the body's fat is also contained in the hypodermis, and this fat serves as an insulator for body heat but also moisturizes skin and keeps it supple

U NDERSTANDING E CZEMA

With this "crash course" about the skin, you may be wondering about eczema - what causes it, where in the skin can it be found, and of course how can it be prevented and treated?

While no one can say what skin problem is worse than another, and certainly anyone suffering from acne or overly wrinkled skin or any other situation deserves sympathy and support, eczema can be more than just a minor annoyance to its sufferer Severe cases are downright painful and unsightly They can also be a sign of a health concern or condition in the body, as most cases of eczema are caused by issues with the immunity system, not just the skin itself

Sufferers of eczema may do well to visit a doctor but often do so only to find that they know very little about their condition and treatment options It's difficult to get an education from one's physician about any condition overall, which can mean that you may actually be making your problem much worse! There are also typically things a person can do to treat their conditions, whether eczema or anything else, without medical intervention - and of course your doctor will never tell you those things either!

If you suffer from eczema you're probably tired of the rashes, the cracking, the bleeding, and the pain You may be frustrated with trying useless creams and ointments and may wonder how to actually get to the root cause of your condition in order to treat it once and for all And of course if your child is suffering from this condition you may be just as concerned and just as frustrated! Perhaps you're wondering just how to put this condition behind you once and for all

That's where we come in! We've done all the research and have spoken to all the skincare experts and have learned those secrets to treating eczema and avoiding it in the first place We've also learned how to care for your skin and strengthen it so that you can avoid not just eczema but other common problems including:

be key

In this book, we're going to tell you:

ƒ How to recognize the many different forms of eczema and to tell if your case

is inherent, an allergy, or the result of an irritation from the environment around you

ƒ What creams and treatment options you can try at home

ƒ When to call for medical intervention for your eczema and what medications your doctor might prescribe

ƒ Homemade remedies and treatment options for this condition

You may have been suffering from eczema for so long that you've come to think of taking care of it as part of your everyday routine, like showering and brushing your teeth But it doesn't need to be this way! You can treat this condition when it happens and you can avoid it happening in the first place

So if you're ready to start addressing this constant and chronic problem and are ready to get rid of your eczema once and for all, let's get started!

This condition is nothing to be dismissed When skin is red and inflamed and in pain it can make simple, everyday movements impossible And if the condition is so severe that there is blistering, cracking, or other such problems then the sufferer can also be more prone to infections since they now have open sores on their body

Let's take a look at the most common form of eczema and then discuss how each one happens and what can be done to address it as well

C ONTACT D ERMATITIS

This type of dermatitis or eczema is exactly what it sounds like - the result of some type

of contact of an irritant on the skin As an example, the rash one gets from poison ivy is

a form of contact dermatitis A severe reaction to things such as detergents or wet cement are also common forms of contact dermatitis

What's interesting about contact dermatitis and what can often make it difficult to diagnose properly is that the sufferer can have a delayed reaction to any particular irritant If you've recently been in the woods and suspect you've brushed up against some poison ivy then it may be easy to figure out where and how you got your rash But

if you don't realize that it's your clothing detergent or that you have a sensitivity to a substance in your workplace, it may be difficult if not impossible to diagnose the cause of your condition

The skin can have a reaction to many substances or irritants around it but typically these reaction subside almost immediately You may notice a red or sore spot on your hand or fingers from a slight scrape against a counter or table, and within an hour or so it's gone Contact dermatitis however is much more severe and typically takes days or even weeks

to disappear

Common causes

The common causes of contact dermatitis include:

ƒ Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac These plants produce a skin irritating oil called urushiol

ƒ Highly alkaline soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents These strip the skin

of its natural oils which serve to protect it from irritations

ƒ High concentrations of dust and pollutants, including sawdust and materials

or make the skin more vulnerable to irritants and pollutants in the air

Remember too that everyone's skin composition is different You may dismiss the area

in which you work as causing your eczema because you're the only worker that has this condition Or you assume that clothes made from a particular fiber can't possibly be as irritating as you assume or else manufacturers wouldn't use those fibers But you may just have skin that is more sensitive or drier than someone else If you suspect contact eczema from any substance, try protecting yourself from that substance for a week and note the results Where gloves to work and long sleeves Try a thick oil-based moisturizer on exposed areas of skin as this can protect it from such irritants

It's good to rinse your affected area of skin with cool water to remove any residue of the irritating substance Antihistamines may also help, as may calamine lotion

Medical intervention

If the rash persists and is painful or does not respond to home treatments, it may be time for medical intervention Your doctor can prescribe stronger antihistamines than what are available at your pharmacy

A TOPIC E CZEMA

This form of eczema is believed to be caused by an allergy and is considered to be mostly hereditary Very often it will be found in families with other members that have eczema, hay fever and asthma Typically the itchy rash is particularly noticeable on head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and on the buttocks

Common causes

Atopic eczema is typically inherent and genetic However, while a person may have inherited the sensitivity to allergens and irritants, it's important to remember that like other allergies, atopic eczema typically only flares up when the person comes into contact with the items to which they are sensitive If a person can pinpoint the allergens

to which they are sensitive, they may reduce and even eliminate these flare-ups

Common allergens that are

associated with atopic

eczema include:

ƒ Dust and dirt are very

common allergens for

people and a

sensitivity can

develop with those

who work in very

dusty and dirty areas

Thos with a certain

sensitivity may react

more profoundly than

yeast, soy, and corn

ƒ Animal dander is also

a common allergen for many

ƒ Smoking, even secondhand smoke, can irritate skin and tissue

Indications

As well as the areas of the body that typically become sensitive when a person has atopic eczema, the prevalence of conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and other allergies can also mean that the patient has atopic dermatitis Additionally, if this condition is found in other family members this too can be an indication

An example of atopic eczema that has been scratched by the sufferer

Many studies have shown that this condition is commonly found in families so if other family members suffer from eczema this too can be an indication of atopic eczema

Allergists can give a patch or scratch test to someone suffering from atopic eczema to determine if they have a certain sensitivity to certain items

Treatment

There is no true cure for

atopic eczema; sufferers

need to avoid their triggers

as much as possible If the

patient works in a dusty or

dirty environment, they

should wear gloves and other

protective clothing If the

sensitivity is to animal

dander, it's not enough to

simply remove the animal

from the room as their fur

and skin particles get into

furniture and clothing and

stay there Food labels

should be checked carefully

as it's surprising how often

these common ingredients

are found in certain food

items

The skin's natural oils

typically help to protect it

from allergens and excessive

dryness Be mindful of harsh

soaps and body washes that

strip these oils every time

you wash Choose those made for sensitive skin instead

The immunosuppressants tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of or in addition to traditional steroid creams There can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such

as intense stinging or burning, which mostly get better after the first week of treatment

A more novel form of treatment involves exposure to ultraviolet light Ultraviolet radiation exposure has been found to have a localized effect on affected tissues, and may be used to decrease the severity and frequency of flare-ups of atopic eczema Speak to your doctor about this; do not simply sit in a tanning salon expecting this to correct your eczema!

Doctors may also prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections These topical ointments are very effective in treating severe eczema as they calm the

An acute form of seborrhoeic dermatitis

irritation and treat the allergen at the source The disadvantages of these creams is that they can actually cause stretch marks and thinning of the skin

Cortisone shots are sometimes administered for severe cases so that the medication can reach the layers of the skin under the epidermis

S EBORRHOEIC D ERMATITIS

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not particularly harmful but is very irritating for the sufferer It typically affects the areas of the skin that have the sebaceous glands, which are the oil producing glands around hair follicles This means the scalp and areas of the leg

Infants commonly suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis on their scalp, which is often referred to as "cradle cap." This may be because their oil glands are not fully developed and so moisture is lost in the scalp area Excessive use of shampoos and cleansers, as well as tight fitting caps that irritate baby's delicate skin, can also be part of the culprit

Common causes

Typically this type of dermatitis is genetic, environmental, or hormonal Some believe that it is a reaction to a common form of yeast but this connection has not actually been proven

Some believe that an excessive amount of vitamin A in children is a cause as well Lack

of biotin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin (vitamin B2) may also be a cause Very often however this condition is simply genetic and something that a sufferer will need to treat

Indications

This type of eczema typically occurs where hair follicles grow so the location of the rash

is the most obvious indicator

Because this form of eczema typically occurs near the hair follicle and oil gland, very often the sufferer can experience hair loss due to this condition In severe cases, this hair loss can be permanent

Treatment

There are many effective treatment solutions for seborrhoeic eczema, including:

ƒ Avoiding soaps and detergents that contain sodium laureth sulfate These are particularly drying and strip the skin and scalp of natural oils and moisturizers Many who have this form of eczema experience flare-ups when using these types of products

ƒ Using shampoos that contain coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione may be recommended These may remove the dense scale that builds up and irritates the skin when a patient has this condition

ƒ Pimecrolimus topical lotion may be prescribed Other ointments that have a high concentration of vitamin B6 may be used

ƒ Accutane may also be prescribed in severe cases, however, this medication

is thought to cause liver damage in some patients Those who use this medication should have regular checkups on their liver function

ƒ Home remedies may include biotin, B complex, zinc, and flaxseed oil

O THER F ORMS

There are other, less common forms of eczema, including:

Dyshidrosis, or "housewife's eczema."

This occurs on the palms, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers and toes Small bumps called vesicles appear, as well as thickening of the skin and cracks that itch constantly They often get worse at night and in warm weather

Often this condition is caused by

exposure to harsh chemicals such as in

cleaning products Emotional distress,

allergies, and changes of the season

may also cause this condition Nickel

allergies can also be a culprit; cocoa,

chocolate, whole grains, and nuts all

contain nickel and so may trigger an

outbreak

It's good to avoid scratching these

blisters as this just makes the situation

worse and can cause the blisters to

bleed

Discoid eczema

This condition is often found on the

lower legs and is typically worse in

winter Round blisters with a dry rash

are typical The cause is unknown and

flare-ups are rare and sporadic, and are

more common among senior citizens than others Some assume this condition is caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin that is found as skin ages Stress and

An advanced case of dyshidrosis

caffeine may also contribute to the condition Typically a cortisone cream is best for this type of eczema

Venous eczema

This type of eczema typically occurs in persons with impaired circulation and varicose veins It is often found in the ankles of persons over 50

Symptoms of venous eczema include:

ƒ Thin, brown tissue-like skin with skin lesions, red spots, superficial skin irritation and/or darkening and/or thickening of the skin at the ankles or legs

ƒ Skin ulcers in certain areas

ƒ Swollen legs, ankles, and other areas

ƒ Itching and leg pain

Leg ulcers typically follow cases of venous eczema Topical creams as well as compression stockings are good for increasing circulation in these areas These stockings also force out the buildup of fluids in these areas

Dermatitis herpetiformis

The lesions that form with dermatitis herpetiformis resemble those that are caused by the herpes virus, although not caused by this virus The rash typically appears on the arms, thighs, knees, and back

This form of dermatitis is associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease of the lower intestine Symptoms of this disease include chronic diarrhea, failure to grow and thrive in children, and extreme fatigue It's believed that this disease is associated with

an allergic reaction to wheat and gluten Typically a gluten free diet is best for celiac and for the dermatitis that accompanies it

Neurodermatitis

Typically this form of eczema is due to rubbing and scratching, either by the sufferer directly or by clothes and materials that are up against the skin Often the best and only cure is to stop scratching the skin and to use topical ointments to heal the redness and rash

Autoeczematization

This type of eczema is a reaction to an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites Typically the best treatment is to use a topical cream that addresses the infection

C ORRECT D IAGNOSIS

How can you tell what type of eczema you have and how to treat it properly?

You may already have your suspicions; if you work with cleaning agents or other chemicals and notice the rash and irritation around your hands and fingers Or you may have hay fever or asthma and realize you have allergies and sensitivities

The only real way to get a correct diagnosis regarding your own eczema is to see your doctor He or she can do a patch test on your skin to see the types of bumps you have and the extent of your irritation This can help determine the exact type of case you have

A dermatologist of course would usually be the best doctor to see but your general practitioner or family doctor can also be helpful

Keeping a record

It's also helpful to keep a record of your breakouts in case you do have an allergy that's food related or that is result of pet dander or pollen Note your daily diet; what you eat and how much Also make notes of your daily activities as well For instance, if you notice a breakout when you go to visit a certain friend that has cats, it may be cat dander that is bothering you Or those friends might smoke and it's the cigarette smoke in the air and that gets caught on the furniture that produces a flare-up

Your doctor may even ask you to keep such a record but starting this on your own can

be very helpful to him or her in pinpointing the cause of your condition You may not have made these connections before when it comes to your case and food allergies or sensitivities to animals, but once you see that record and go over it with your doctor then

it may be easy to isolate the cause of your eczema and eliminate it completely

M EDICAL I NTERVENTION OF E CZEMA

Eczema is a very serious condition and absolutely no fun for the sufferer While others may dismiss it as being less than life threatening, and certainly it is, it's very painful and unsightly It can also lead to other problems as the skin's natural barrier against bacteria and microbes is constantly compromised

The specific forms of eczema each have their own forms of treatment but typically there are things you can do to address the problem overall Let's go over a few different medical methods of addressing eczema so that you can be sure you're treating the condition properly and doing everything you can to protect yourself It's good to understand your options so that you know what your doctor is prescribing for you and how these things work

O RAL M EDICATIONS

The following is a list of common oral medications prescribed to treat eczema, including how they work and potential side effects Be sure that you speak to your doctor about each and every medication you may be prescribed and pay attention to his or her instructions and precautions

Here are some common medications used to treat allergies and allergic disorders These medications are considered steroids and so they increase the body's immune response and also cut down on swelling and redness of the skin

Common side effects for all the above medications include:

Side effects may include:

ƒ Stomach upset and nausea

ƒ Headache and dizziness

ƒ Menstrual period changes

ƒ Trouble sleeping - problems falling asleep or staying asleep

ƒ vomit that looks like coffee grounds

ƒ severe stomach/abdominal pain

ƒ increased thirst/urination

ƒ fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat

ƒ shortness of breath

ƒ swelling of the ankles/feet

ƒ persistent weight gain and puffy face

ƒ unusual hair growth

ƒ thinning skin

ƒ slow wound healing

ƒ signs of infection (persistent fever/cough/sore throat, painful urination, eye pain/discharge)

ƒ muscle weakness/pain

ƒ mental/mood changes (mood swings, depression, agitation)

ƒ vision changes

ƒ seizures

ƒ unusual skin growths

If you experience any severe side effects from these or any medications, seek immediate medical attention Make sure your doctor knows of all the medicines you are taking, including homeopathic remedies to reduce the risk of drug interaction

O INTMENTS AND T OPICAL S OLUTIONS

Oral treatments are fine for addressing the problems of allergic reactions that cause eczema but often a topical solution is much better for immediate relief and may be the only solution when treating infants and children

Here are some common topical ointments and creams that may be prescribed for eczema:

Bactroban, Mupirocin

This topical ointment is used to treat infected cuts or wounds It is an antibiotic that stops the growth of certain bacteria

Side effects may include:

ƒ Burning, stinging, itching

ƒ Headache

ƒ Nausea

If there are signs of a severe rash, you should notify your doctor at once

Ala-Quin (Albaform HC, Corque, Topic Form HC, Viocort)

According to WebMD, "This combination medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, fungal skin infections such as ringworm/athlete's foot/jock itch) This product contains 2 medications Clioquinol (also known as iodochlorhydroxyquin) is

an antibiotic that works by preventing the growth of fungus/bacteria Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that occurs

in the affected skin."

Side effects are rare but may include:

Over the counter topical solutions

There are many ointments and creams you can buy at your local pharmacy that can address the redness and

itching of eczema flare-ups

Included are capsaicin and

menthol solutions

These lotions and creams may

not address the root cause of

eczema but will provide

temporary relief from the pain

and swelling Use them

cautiously but if they work and

don't cause any additional

concerns for your condition,

they should be considered an

acceptable treatment option

H OME R EMEDIES

What about home remedies?

Are these effective or do they

make the condition worse?

How can you know if any are

right for you?

Many home remedies are

preferred by sufferers because they have few if any side effects, however, many do not address the underlying cause of eczema If you have an allergy to a certain substance and are only treating the inflammation and redness and not that allergy itself, your relief will be temporary at best

Trying home remedies is going to mean some discretion on your part If you try a remedy and it seems to make your condition worse or does no good at all, it's time to try something else And if your doctor tells you that your eczema is the result of an allergy

or sensitivity, you need to pay attention to that Most homemade remedies won't address these underlying causes and so eczema will just continue to flare up

Do home remedies work? Are they just a waste of time? The answers might

surprise you

Here are some common remedies to consider:

ƒ Mix 1 teaspoon camphor and 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste; apply this to the affected area

ƒ Apply nutmeg paste to the affected area

ƒ Try vitamin E oil, readily available from your pharmacy in the cosmetics or lotions aisle Dab it gently on the rash and allow it to be absorbed

ƒ Try zinc supplements You can also apply zinc directly to the rash and affected areas

ƒ Shark cartilage and lotion of blueberry leaves reduce inflammation and redness These are typically available at most health food stores

ƒ Pine tar soap should be used rather than regular soap Pine tar has a natural moisturizing property and does not strip the skin of natural oils the way most commercially produced soaps do

ƒ Have some tomato juice every day Tomatoes are thought to help fight infections and allergens

ƒ Mashed papaya seeds can be used as a paste and applied to the affected areas and rash

ƒ Avocados are very good for the skin; they contain many natural oils and vitamins which are healthy for the skin Try a mashed paste made of avocadoes

ƒ Chamomile tea bags are often used to sooth puffiness in the face and around the eyes They are good for swelling and redness Make sure the tea bags have cooled completely before using them

ƒ Ginkgo is an antioxidant and healing element that is know to help increase blood circulation and therefore blood flow to the skin

ƒ Glycerin is very thick and not good for using on the face as it may clog pores and cause acne breakouts For other areas of the body however it can relieve redness and swelling and add moisture to the skin

ƒ Shea butter has a very high concentration of essential fatty acids that make it

a great treatment for the skin, helping it to stay moisturized and to retain its firmness You can typically find many products that contain shea butter

ƒ The wheat germ is the part of the wheat plant that has the highest concentration of oils and moisturizers Wheat germ oil is often used to soften skin and relieve swelling and redness

Other remedies you can consider include wearing cotton and avoiding synthetic fabrics such as polyester These materials can irritate skin whereas cotton allows more air circulation which can help the skin to be healthy and radiant