Imogen suffering
with Eczema
Imogen 6 weeks after
using Hope’s Relief Cream
Imogen suffering
with Eczema
Imogen 6 weeks after
using Hope’s Relief Cream
Imogen suffering
with Eczema
Imogen 6 weeks after
using Hope’s Relief Cream
Imogen suffering
with Eczema
Imogen 6 weeks after
using Hope’s Relief Cream
Around 1 in 5 Australians suffer from some form of dermatitis. Eczema is one such condition, affecting up to 10% of pre-school age children, with this number increasing. An intensely itchy, inflammatory skin condition, eczema often occurs on the face, wrists and on the insides of elbows and knees.
It is common for people to be confused about the difference between eczema and dermatitis, even dermatologists sometimes have trouble identifying these skin problems. Both eczema and psoriasis are types of dermatitis, which simply means "inflammation of the skin." Eczema is considered more of a symptom than an actual disease, and is best treated by dealing with the underlying cause. Psoriasis can be controlled by prescription drugs, but these are hard on the liver and therefore must be carefully administered, especially considering that impaired liver function is thought to contribute to psoriasis.
Most types of dermatitis result in inflamed, red skin that is often itchy and may develop into lesions. Eczema can include crusty sores, scabs, thickened skin, pimple-like eruptions and some-times even lesions. The skin can be either oozing or crusty and easily becomes infected. Psoriasis produces reddish lesions with a characteristic silvery scaling that flakes off, causing the skin underneath to bleed. These scales are actually excess skin generated when certain substances in the body that are responsible for directing skin cell growth go out of control and make the cells grow too quickly—sometimes 1,000 times faster than the normal rate of growth. Most people with eczema test positive to some type of allergy have elevated levels of antibodies in their blood (a sign of an allergic reaction) and often do not have enough stomach acid, a common cause of food sensitivities. People with psoriasis usually have high levels of polyamines, an undesirable, toxic type of amino acid that is formed during poor protein digestion, another cause of food sensitivities.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that can help you manage the symptoms of eczema.
Consistent skin care is one of the most critical methods for treatment and prevention of eczema flare-ups. Caring for your skin will not only help prevent outbreaks of eczema, but it may also help prevent bacterial skin infections common in people with eczema.
Outbreaks of eczema are often caused by skin exposure to irritants such as
Protect your skin by maintaining cool, stable temperatures and average humidity levels. Avoid cold, dry weather conditions and minimize outdoor exposure during cold weather. Wear clothing that covers and protects your skin as much as possible and hydrate the skin with moisturizers after exposure.
Also avoid conditions where you will be exposed to excess moisture, such as in saunas and steam baths or when sweating after strenuous exercise.
Because there are many allergens that may trigger eczema, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate all allergens from your environment. However, there are many things you can do to help reduce allergens and minimize your exposure to allergic triggers. For example, to limit your exposure to dust, animal dander, molds and pests, keep your home and work environment clean and dry. Recognize and Limit Emotional Stress
Maintaining emotional balance and avoiding stress are strongly recommended, as stress is a strong trigger for eczema outbreaks. If you need support or assistance in reducing stress, you may want to try some of the following techniques:
People with eczema seem to be more sensitive to itching, and feel the need to scratch longer in response. Often, this creates an “itch-scratch cycle”—the skin itches, the person scratches, and the skin becomes even itchier. This scratching pattern will affect your skin reaction and healing patterns, sometimes resulting in thick, leathery skin from excessive scratching. Keep your skin moisturized to minimize irritation, and try not to scratch or rub whenever possible.