by Meredith Scott

Created on: November 06, 2009

Eczema is defined as a medical condition that affects the skin. A person can suffer with eczema from the time they are an infant and throughout their adulthood. Symptoms include inflammation of the upper layers of skin, itching, and redness. Eczema is not contagious, but affects a sufferer physically and emotionally. People with eczema suffer from more than just the pain and discomfort of the condition, there are also self esteem issues due to the embarrassment caused by the visible scars and rash, and lack of sleep due to itching and pain. While there is no cure for eczema, there are many ways to ease the discomfort one deals with on a daily basis. Doctors prescribe Corticosteriod creams and ointments or antibiotics depending on the severity of the individual case. But, most medications prescribed by doctors for eczema are steriodal and are not first choice for those with the condition, especially children. Because there is no cure, natural care may be the best way to approach eczema and ease pain during flare-ups.

The first step in healing eczema is to pinpoint the cause for the condition, which can vary for individuals. Some factors that can trigger eczema include heredity, allergies, and stress. Once the cause is determined, the healing can begin. Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. It is hereditary and stems from family members that suffer from allergies such as hayfever and asthma. Its symptoms include dry and itchy skin or scaly and weeping rashes in the creases of the knees, elbows and other body joints. If this is the case, individuals must eliminate factors in their lives that can trigger flare-ups. Sufferers should eliminate the use of products with perfumes or dyes, including laundry detergents, fragrances and lotions. Avoid over exposure to water and clothing made of fabrics other than cotton including wool, polyester, silk, etc. Cotton keeps the skin cool and allows it to breathe. Stress from anger or frustration can trigger flare ups and chances can be decreased with anger management and stress relievers like yoga and meditation.

It is good to fight this condition internally and externally. An eczema sufferer may have an allergy or sensitivity to certain foods. Nuts, fish, dairy products, soy, wheat, artificial preservatives, and processed sugars can trigger an attack. Sufferers should also avoid fatty and oily junk foods. Instead, a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fatty acids will work together to control eczema symptoms. The milk consumed by infants may cause eczema flare ups and mothers should be aware of the foods that they consume while nursing. Flax seed oil and probiotics like acidophillus, taken internally, have been suggested to prevent inflammation and stop flare-ups before they occur.

The key to avoiding and healing dry, itchy skin is keeping it moisturized. Moisturizers best for eczema include Eucerin products, Vaseline products and shea butter. Purchasing a humidifier will help to regulate the air in your home or bedroom and eliminate the dry air which can cause dry, itchy skin. Eczema sufferers will find the need to moisturize their skin more in the winter than in the summer. Sweating can irritate the skin and increase the need to scratch.

Sufferers must look at their individual cases of eczema and find the relief that best fits their condition. Because this may take experimenting with different remedies, it is best to do it naturally and avoid filling your system with different prescription medications that also run the risk of side effects.

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