Eczema Causes, Eczema Treatment and A Personal Story
© Michelle Howard Smith - All Rights Reserved
Eczema is a skin condition that affects people of any age or
race. It’s generally a type of
inflammation that causes severe dry skin, usually in patches that itch and
burn. Eczema comes in various forms but
the most common form is called Atopic Dermatitis. It can affect any part of the body but most
commonly affects the following areas: neck, arms, ankles, crevices behind the
ears and elbows. Repeatedly scratching
the skin can cause the skin to become crusty, blistery and to ooze and/or
bleed.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of Eczema but they know
it’s triggered by coming in contact with certain things such as soaps,
detergent, skin care products with harsh chemicals, pollen, dust, and mold. It’s even speculated that certain foods such
as wheat, gluten and other food allergens may contribute to an outbreak of
Eczema.
Dermatologists are the best doctors to see to diagnose the
condition. Sometimes Eczema is mistaken
for other skin problems such as
psoriasis. Some doctors will do an
allergy test either by blood or direct skin contact with allergens to determine
if there are any particular reactions to certain substances. If it is determined that a person has an
allergic reaction, the doctor will suggest avoiding that substance to see if
the Eczema improves. (Tip: Many times what is
exposed on the outside of the body, in this case the skin, is often a
reflection of what’s going on inside the body.
Check your diet and drink plenty of water)
Some people experience mild cases of eczema while others
experience more severe cases. In both
situations, it’s a miserable condition to have.
Often, people with Eczema have a history of it in their families. My daughter suffers with Eczema on her
forearm and behind her ears. From the time she was a baby straight through
here preteen years, she would be treated with topical steroids and injected
with steroids in the affected area. The
problem with these treatments is it thins the lining of the skin. Thinning of the skin makes it easier for the
skin to be injured, cracked or bruised.
Of course, I didn’t want this for my daughter so I began to search out
natural treatments.
There are various natural products on the market for the
treatment of Eczema. Honestly, it’s a
matter of trying different remedies to see what’s best for you. Since there are different types of Eczema,
what treats one type may not necessarily treat the other as effectively.
There are also natural body balms and creams available on the market that can soothe eczema. It’s important to do your
research on the ingredients in the products and then try one natural treatment
for a while before trying another. If
you find that one is effective, great.
Stick with it. Sometimes however,
one treatment may seem to be working and then after a period of time, it may
not seem as effective. If that happens
try something else. Be diligent when
caring for Eczema. I know how
uncomfortable and miserable Eczema can make a person after having my daughter
experience it.
|