What Does Eczema Look Like?

Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.

Contact eczema: A localized skin reaction that occurs when the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) or with an irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical. The symptoms include red, itchy and burning skin.

Allergic contact eczema: A reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that is foreign to the immune system, such as poison ivy, poison oak or cosmetic agents used for preservation in lotions and creams.

Seborrheic eczema: Is a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause that presents as yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.

Nummular eczema: A condition which produces coin-shaped patches of irritated skin- most often found on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs. The irritated area of skin may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.

Neurodermatitis: A condition which produces scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when scratched

Stasis dermatitis: Is a skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to circulatory problems.

Dyshidrotic eczema: An irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.

There is no known cause for eczem,a but is is believed to be genetic. Children have a 60% chance of inheriting the condition if one parent has a history of atopic dermatitis and an 80% chance if both parents have a history of the condition.

Eczema often flares do to a variety of triggers. Once those triggers are determined the individual has a greater chance of preventing future outbreaks.

Possible Triggers

Allergic reactions to:

Detergents

Perfumes

Make-up

Facial cleansers with harsh ingredients

Household cleaners

as well as...

Stress

Sweat

Sythetic fabrics

Wool

Extended exposure to hot water(baths, showers, steam rooms)

Extreme hot or cold environments

1. Avoid triggers
   
2. Use a mild facial cleanser
   
3. Do NOT use toners or astringents
   
4. Avoid detergents with dyes and perfumes
   
5. Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day
   
6. Maintain a balanced diet
   
7. Combat stress exercise and meditation
   
8. Use a humidifier during cold months
   
9. Wear loose breathable fabrics such as cotton
   
10. Always moisturize*
    

*Moisturizing is very important when trying to avoid flare-ups, BUT pay attention to labels. Some moisturizers have harsh ingredients such as alcohol which will irritate your skin and worsen your condition.

A great natural treatment for eczema is Dead Sea minerals. Why Dead Sea minerals? Dead Sea minerals are rich in sulfur and zinc plus 19 other essential minerals and proteins needed for maintaining healthy skin. Sulphur and zinc have an exceptionally therapeutic effect on the skin when it comes to healing eczema.

In addition to treating a variety to dermatologic conditions, Dead Sea salts and mud have anti-aging properties. The balance of the salts in Dead Sea water are magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Magnesium combats stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging and calms the nervous system. Calcium prevents water retention, and increases circulation and strengthening bones and nails. Potassium balances the skin moisture.

Detergents and fragrances are often the cause of flare-ups. We learned this the hard way at my house. My daughter's reaction to various detergents is at times severe. Once the cycle began it seemed impossible to end. Changing detergents over and over again was not producing results. Fragrance free and dye free was not making a difference. I started to wonder if it wasn't the detergent at all. Perhaps it was a food allergy. As a last ditch effort I decided to make my own.

For approximately 3 months now I have been using this simple mixture.

1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1 cup ivory soap shavings

I place all three ingredients in a mason jar and shake until I feel they are thoroughly mixed. When doing laundry I add 1/2 cup of my mixture to the wash. Rather than using softener, I use a 50/50 water and vinegar mixture in my fabric softener dispenser. You will smell the vinegar when the laundry was wet. But after it has been dried the smell completely disappears.

Just one more thing to try. Hopefully, it will bring some relief to your house as well.