Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches on the skin. There is a defect in skin barrier when it comes to eczema. One in ten individuals may develop eczema during their lifetime with the prevalence peaking in the early childhood.
Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis appears during the first six months to five years of a child’s life. The areas affected also may vary at different ages.
During the first six months it starts on the cheeks and can spread to other areas on the face. The skin looks redder and weepier.
In babies six to twelve months old, eczema usually appears on the elbows and the knees as they crawl. Around the age of two it appears in the creases of the elbows and the knees or on their wrists, ankles and hands. The skin may start to look dry and scaly. In older children the folds of the elbow and the knees are commonly affected.
In adults’ different areas of the body can be affected including face, hands, even the eyelids.
The signs and symptoms of eczema vary widely from person to person. If the skin is dry, itchy and red you might have eczema. Finding the triggers are really important in each individual to reduce the flare ups.
Gut health certainly has an effect on the immune system, and there is a clear connection between eczema and gut health. One should also focus on improving their gut health.
If You are Having Eczema, Here are a Few Tips You can Follow to Prevent Flare Ups
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day or more in order to maintain the moisture balance. Thicker creams will provide more moisture than the lighter lotions.
- Avoid using harsh soaps, cleansers and detergents. Switch to milder ones with less chemicals.
- Bathe or shower in lukewarm (not hot) water for no longer than 5-10 minutes.
- Avoid clothing that is made from wool or polyester. Skip fabric softeners.
- Reduce indoor allergens, particularly dust mites and pet dander.
- Protect your skin from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Avoid getting too sweaty as sweating dries out your skin and the salt in sweat can irritate the skin.
- Avoid skincare products with strong fragrance and irritants.
- Keep your fingernails trimmed to prevent the skin damage from excessive scratching especially in children.
- Finding ways to control stress is important (doing deep breathing, yoga, meditation, listening to music, etc). Stress can cause flare ups.
The most important thing is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. In chronic conditions even when you have no visible skin symptoms the underlying inflammation may be still present. Just focusing on the external skin symptoms might not be enough in case of eczema. Here is where homeopathy treatment can help with internal medication.
Homeopathy treats eczema with an individualized remedy that fits the individual as a whole like how homeopathy treats any other chronic illness. The healing begins from inside out by stimulating and strengthening your body’s own natural healing mechanisms.
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