Natural Skin Care

Frequently Asked Questions about Eczema

 

 

My friend has eczema, can I catch it?

 

Eczema is not contagious and is usually detected during infancy and childhood.

 

What are my symptoms if I have it?

 

Symptoms are dry, itchy, scaly skin, which begins to crack. Check for rashes behind the ears, on the cheeks, arms and legs. It alternately improves and worsens. During “flare-ups,” open weeping or crusted sores may develop from scratching or from infections. Some babies may have this on their cheeks, which may be a sign of a milk allergy.

 

What sets it off?

Certain things in individuals can trigger an attack, it may be due to substances or conditions or both. Stress can be a contributing factor.

 

A typical list of triggers

Dry skin, irritants (Irritants are substances that cause burning, itching or redness such as solvents, industrial chemicals, detergents, fumes, tobacco smoke, paints, bleach, woollens, acidic foods, astringents and other alcohol containing skin care products and some soaps and fragrances), allergens, food allergies – in touching the food whilst preparing, emotional stress, heat and sweating, and infections.

 

What can I do about it?

 

Try to avoid or reduce your exposure, wear gloves if you know you have to handle certain things, which may trigger it off.  Be aware of what you are sensitive to and carry a list with you. Always read labels to ensure there are none of the irritants are in the ingredients.

 

What about food allergies?

 

Food allergies can cause flare-ups. Try to identify which foods you eat or prepare cause the flare-up. Note down if your condition worsens with certain foods.  It is difficult to identify, as it may be a coincidence if it is a one off.

Your doctor may be able to offer a skin scratch test to try to identify the allergy concerned.

 

 What about emotional stress?

 

As our bodies develop so do our minds, adolescence brings with it hormone changes to the body, stress due to parental situations, stress at school, physiological events can be stressful and being able to control and resist scratching may add to the pressure of keeping eczema under control. All this has shown evidence of triggering eczema.

 

I heard if I lay in the sun it would improve my eczema.

 

Most forms of eczema are where the body produces new skin cells too quickly, and so going out in the sun will hopefully dry out and remove the extra skin, which may improve the look of your skin.

Remember the sun produces ultraviolet rays (UV) which can be also very harmful to the skin causing, cancers and premature aging, and only small doses in the shade are recommended.

 

If you lay in the sun where there is high humidity levels, this will cause sweating and probably worsen the condition.

Your doctor may prescribe Cortisone (steroid) creams, which are applied directly to the affected area, even though these creams can help in the short term, long term can be damaging. Cortisone pills or injections are sometimes used but they are not safe for long-term use. If you are using a Cortisone cream you are strongly advised to stay out of the sun.

 

What can be done when eczema flares up?

The best line of defence against eczema is prevention, even though this may not always work. Once you suspect your eczema is flaring up prompt treatment is needed. Consult your doctor. Using Ginseng care Serum Plus Medicare Serum may help to be effective in prevention as well as it cooling down the irritation when it does flare up.

 

I am susceptible to infections what can I do about it?

 

People with eczema are prone to skin infections. Your doctor should be consulted immediately. Keep the area as clean as possible. Try to avoid clothes which may snag and irritate the skin further.  Learn to recognise when a flare up will occur. Sometimes you may experience a sensation or tingling on the skin just before a flare-up.

 

I feel like a freak, will I ever live a normal life?

 

Of course you will! People with eczema do not have to be limited by their disease. It can be controlled by prevention, medication, and careful adherence to a treatment program supervised by a doctor. Usually the more you worry about it the worse the condition seems to flare up. Try meditation to fully relax. Be more positive about yourself.

If anyone knows someone who is suffering with eczema, be supportive, help them through the stressful times.