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Tips on How to Care for Your Skin |
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Articles, How-To's and Interviews -
Spirit and Spa
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Written by Dr. Rita Louise
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Eczema can best be described as a non-contagious skin condition, which is characterized by hot dry itchy skin, with symptoms that often fluctuate seasonally and even over the course of the day. Eczema typically begins in early childhood. Research indicates that eczema may be genetically determined and studies show that there is often a family history of allergies, asthma, eczema or hay fever. Children who experience eczema may also suffer from asthma or hay fever as well.
Like an allergy, eczema tends to flair up when exposed to certain triggers, especially mechanical irritants, allergens, emotional stress, heat and sweating. When exposed to an offending situation, inflammation producing cells come to surface of the skin and release chemicals, leaving the skin red, pealing and thickened. Sometimes tiny blisters form, rupture, weep and crust over.
Eczema most often appears in and round the creases of joints of the
arms and legs and around trunk of the body. For some, it also emerges
on their hands and on the sloes of their feet. Sufferers also
experience an intense itching makes them want to scratch it, causing
additional damage which can lead to bleeding and infection.
Solvents, chemicals, detergents, bleach, woolen clothing, skin care
products that contain alcohol and certain soaps or fragrances are all
considered mechanical irritant that can cause burning, itching or
redness to the skin and bring about a flair-up. And while allergens,
like food, pollens and pets, do not irritate the skin, they can also
trigger a flair-up. The same holds true to emotional stress. Intense
emotions such as anger and frustration can flair up symptoms. Many
individuals with eczema also do not tolerate extremely hot or cold
temperatures as well. High humidity can cause increased sweating,
while low humidity can dry the skin.
Recommendations For Wellness
*The key to controlling eczema is prevention. Avoid or reduce your
exposure to things that can irritate your skin such as household
cleaners, detergents, certain soaps and wool clothing.
*Use a moisturizer on your skin every day to help keep it soft and flexible.
*Don’t scratch even if it itches! Scratching can further irritate the
skin and can even cause the skin to break and crack, opening the door
to infection.
*Take the time to identify your triggers. This can help you to avoid or
limit your exposure to the offending item even better. If you think a
food item is causing your problems, talk to your doctor about getting
an allergy test or try an elimination diet to help you identify the
offending product.
*Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.
*Wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate them.
*Learn to manage your stress through regular exercise, breathing techniques, biofeedback, meditation and yoga.
*Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to help reduce the
inflammation, dryness and scaleness often associated with eczema. GLA
can be found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and currant seed oil.
*If your skin becomes infected, the herb Oregon grape has been used for
hundreds of years to treat infections and a variety of skin problems.
*Natures Sunshine’s Golden Salve is a blend of herbs, oils and beeswax that sooths and moisturizes rough, chafed, chapped skin.
*A homeopathic remedy for eczema may help relieve the itching and
irritation associated with eczema and dermatitis of the skin and scalp.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the
books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within". It is her
unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and
enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and
wholeness back into your life. Her unique insights bridge the worlds
of science, spirit and culture and are changing the way the world views
physical, mental and emotional health. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com
or call 972-475-3393 for more information.
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