Category Archives: Eczema

It can be difficult to avoid all the triggers, or irritants, that may cause or worsen eczema flare-ups. In many people, the itchy patches of eczema usually appear where the elbow bends; on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the face, neck, and upper chest although any part of the body can be affected.

In an eczema flare-up, skin may feel hot and itchy at first. Then, if the person scratches, the skin may become red, inflamed, or blistered. Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly. Even though many people have eczema, the symptoms can vary quite a bit from person to person.

If you think you have eczema, your best bet is to visit your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin). Diagnosing atopic eczema can be difficult because it may be confused with other skin conditions. For example, eczema can easily be confused with a skin condition called contact dermatitis, which happens when the skin comes in contact with an irritating substance, like the perfume in a certain detergent.

In addition to a physical examination, a doctor will take your medical history by asking about any concerns and symptoms you have, your past health, your family's health, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other issues.

Your doctor can also help identify things in your environment that may be contributing to your skin irritation. For example, if you started using a new shower gel or body lotion before the symptoms appeared, mention this to your doctor because a substance in the cream or lotion might be irritating your skin.

Emotional stress can also lead to eczema flare-ups, so your doctor might also ask you about any stressyou're feeling at home, school, or work.

If you're diagnosed with eczema, your doctormight:

For some people with severe eczema, ultraviolet light therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer medicines that change the way the skin's immune system reacts also may help.

If eczema doesn't respond to normal treatment, your doctor might do allergy testing to see if something else is triggering the condition, especially if you have asthma or seasonal allergies.

If you're tested for food allergies, you may be given certain foods (such as eggs, milk, soy, or nuts) and observed to see if the food causes an eczema flare-up. Food allergy testing also can be done by pricking the skin with an extract of the food substance and observing the reaction. But sometimes allergy testing can be misleading because someone may have an allergic reaction to a food that is not responsible for the eczema flare-up.

If you're tested for allergy to dyes or fragrances, a patch of the substance will be placed against your skin and you'll be monitored to see if skin irritation develops.

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Eczema - kidshealth.org

Historical Examples

Unlike mange, eczema is not caused by the intrusion of an insect parasite.

Others say that she has eczema and dare not show her face, while others say she is mad.

When eczema is once inaugurated, excoriation is to be expected.

eczema may be due to constitutional or local causes, or to both.

Useful in eczema and diseases of the integument where cell destruction is a prominent factor.

What is to be said about the use of soap and water in eczema?

Unless business worries can be removed or family anxieties allayed the cure of eczema becomes a difficult matter.

Sulphur has been used with benefit in eczema, Impetigo, and Lepra.

When the eczema is not the result of an external irritant, it takes usually from one to two weeks to heal.

In eczema, and some other cutaneous affections, to allay irritation, &c.

British Dictionary definitions for eczema Expand

/ksm; zim/

(pathol) a skin inflammation with lesions that scale, crust, or ooze a serous fluid, often accompanied by intense itching or burning

Derived Forms

eczematous (ksmts) adjective

Word Origin

C18: from New Latin, from Greek ekzema, from ek- out + zein to boil; see yeast

Word Origin and History for eczema Expand

1753, from Greek ekzema, literally "something thrown out by heat," from ekzein "to boil out," from ek "out" (see ex-) + zema "boiling," from zein "to boil," from PIE root *yes- "to boil, foam, bubble" (see yeast). Said to have been the name given by ancient physicians to "any fiery pustule on the skin."

eczema in Medicine Expand

eczema eczema (k's-m, g'z-, g-z'-) n. An acute or chronic noncontagious inflammation of the skin, characterized chiefly by redness, itching, and the outbreak of lesions that may discharge serous matter and become encrusted and scaly.

eczema in Science Expand

Continued here:
Eczema | Define Eczema at Dictionary.com

Do you or one of your near and dear ones suffer from redness and dryness of the skin, irritation and pain? It could be eczema. Read on to know about its nature, symptoms, treatment and cures.

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Effective Bleach Bath Treatment for Eczema

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Avocado Oil for Eczema

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How to Treat Atopic Eczema

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Stress Induced Eczema

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Is Dyshidrotic Eczema Contagious?

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Calamine Lotion for Eczema

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Common Eczema Triggers

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How to Get Rid of Eczema on Arms

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How to Get Rid of Eczema on the Face

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How to Get Rid of Eczema Fast

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Hand Eczema Treatment

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Nummular Eczema Symptoms

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Best Soap for Eczema

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Creams for Eczema

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Eczema Diet

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Eczema on the Lips

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Eczema in Infants

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Hydrocortisone for Eczema

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Eczema | Buzzle.com

Eczema is known as a chronic dermatological condition that is characterized by skin rashes, dryness, crusting and flaking skin. The word eczema is derived from the Greek word ekzein meaning to boil out; the Greek word ek means out, while the Greek word zema means boiling. Research indicates that eczema is caused by chronic inflammation that affects the skin cells and causes scarring.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder characterized by increased inflammatory attack against the skin cells. Acne is associated with a chronic inflammatory attack against the sebaceous glands in the skin Natural lifestyle strategies allow the body to modulate the immune system to reduce inflammationand beat eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Eczema is a general diagnosis for any sort of superficial inflammatory process that primarily involves the epidermis (outer region of the skin). This is usually marked early by redness, itching, minute papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing and crusting and later by scaling and flaking. It is also commonly calledatopic dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

Acne develops as a result of blockages in the follicles with sebum and keratin. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production clogs the follicles. This increases the acne bacteria (Propionibacterium Acnes) in the pores and that in turn causes inflammation.

The inflammation than wears down the protective skin barrier and makes the pore moresusceptible to colonization by opportunistic bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus. This creates further inflammation and pus formation that we call a pimple.

In humans sebaceous glands occur over much of the body. They are usually associated with hair follicles and are particularly well developed in certain areas such as the scalp, face, upper back and chest. Hence you get more acne in these areas.

Psoriasis vulgaris (also known as chronic stationary psoriasis or plaque-like psoriasis) is the most common form and affects 85%90% of people with psoriasis (1).This typicallyappears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery-white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques and are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and back

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as eczema are characterized by a hyper responsive immune system. Individuals with eczema often also suffer from other hyperinflammatory disorders such as asthma, allergies and hay fever. Here are some of the major triggers of eczematic reactions:

1) Chemical Irritants: This includes soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, dish washing and laundry detergents, disinfectants like chlorine and bleach. This could also mean certain jewelry, electric blankets, excessive hand washing and certain clothing materials. What irritates one individual is often different from what irritates someone else with this condition.

2) Common Environmental Allergens: Allergens are substances that can cause the immune system to overreact and create a physical manifestation. Some of the most common allergens that can be causes of eczema include:

3) Very Hot or Very Cold Temperatures: Major changes in weather are challenging for the body to adapt too and can cause hyper immune responses and increase the risk of an eczematic reaction. In particular these things are known to trigger eczema:

4) Mental & Emotional Stress: Some people with eczema have worse symptoms when they are stressed. For others their eczema symptoms cause them to feel stressed.

5) Food Sensitivities: Certain foods can trigger an immune reaction that can aggregate eczema. The most common food allergens and sensitivities include gluten, dairy products, corn, eggs, chocolate, nuts and soy products.

6) Hormone Levels: Hormones are chemicals produced by the body. They can cause a wide variety of effects. When the levels of certain hormones in the body increase or decrease some women can experience flare ups of their eczema. Some women notice changes in eczema based around their menstrual cycle.

7) Microbial Overgrowth: Certain microbial species can aggravate eczema when they overpopulate. This includes bacteria like E Coli and Staph, certain viruses and yeasts.

The Allergy Triad is the triangle of allergy-related conditions that many allergy sufferers have. These include food or environmentally related allergies, asthma and eczema. If you have one of these you are at much greater risk of having all three. These conditions are related but they can also be found in isolation where an individual only deals with one of them.

Research has shown that 50-70% of children with severe atopic dermatitis go on to have asthma. This is extremely high since the rate of asthma among the general population is only 9% of children and 7% of adults (1, 2).

Scientists have found a compound called TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) as a possible link between eczema and asthma. When skin is damaged it secretes TSLP as an alarm signal to the rest of the body that the skin has been damaged. This is an important survival instinct as the skin is the first line of defense from microscopic invaders and a breakdown in the skin integrity could lead to a life-threatening infection.

TSLP is no ordinary compound, it is an interleukin-7 cytokine that is capable of creating a powerful Th2 mediated immune response (3, 4). TSLP travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and has an affinity for the lungs where it can trigger the hypersensitive characteristics of asthma.

Genetics play a role in why one individual will develop eczema when their body is stressed while another individual will not. Several genetic abnormalities have been noted in individuals with eczema and atopic dermatitis (AD). In particular, variants have been found in the FLG gene (which encodes the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin) (5).

Filaggrin plays a critical role in the skin barrier integrity. It is a vital epidermal protein that is needed to develop corneocytes and for the generation of intracellular metabolites that modulate the hydration and pH of the skin (6).

Research shows that 10% of the westernized population and 50% of individuals with eczema have mutations in the FLG gene. Other skin-related genes such as SPINK5/LEKT1 may also play a role in the pathogenesis of eczema (7, 8)

Although genetic polymorphisms predispose one to developing a certain health condition, epigenetics, or how the environment impacts our genes plays a larger role in the development of a chronic condition such as eczema (9, 10).

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as excema, acne and psoriasis are characterized by a hyper responsive immune system. There are several key epigenetic factors that must be addressed to regulate and better coordinate the immune system.

1. PoorBlood Sugar Stability: Blood sugar imbalances cause immune dysfunction and malcoordination. Stable blood sugar is critical for a healthy immune response.

2. Low Vitamin D Levels: Individuals with low vitamin D3 levels (below 40ng/ml) are at significant risk for developing chronic inflammation and allergy-like conditions(10).

3. Gut Dysbiosis: Poor microbial balance in the gut microbiome leads to leaky gut syndrome and chronic inflammation (11). The gut must be addressed in order to get well.

4. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The mitochondria are the energy producing organelles in each cell of the body. They are extremely key in the bodies ability to handle oxidative stress. Dysfunction in the mitochondria leads to increased free radical and oxidative stress which creates immune alterations.

5. Low Glutathione Levels: Glutathione is the major anti-oxidant within every cell of the body. It is critical for white blood cell (WBC) function as the WBCs encounter tremendous amounts of free radical and oxidative stress every second of the day. Low glutathione leads to chronic inflammation and often to auto-immunity (12).

6. Poor Omega 6:3 ratio: The average person has significantly more omega 6 fats than omega 3 fats. The increased omega 6 stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory mediating prostaglandin molecules. This is a key factor in the development of chronic inflammation and skin related disorders(13).

7. Upper Cervical Subluxation: The bottom of the skull (occiput) and the first bone (atlas) play a significant role in the coordination patterns of the brain and immune system. Dysfunction at this joint torques and compresses the top of the spinal cord and increases inflammatory activity in the body (14).

8. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to high levels of infectious microbes, environmental chemicals such as plasticizers, pesticides, herbicides, personal care products, heavy metals and biotoxins such as mold wear down the bodies glutathione levels, alter the gut microflora and increase inflammatory activity in the body (15, 16, 17).

9. High Stress and Poor Breathing Habits: High mental and emotional stress increases stress hormone production which induces inflammatory activity within the body. Short and shallow breathing habits can simulate chronic mental and emotional stressors on the physiological level (18).

10. Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep promotes immune dysfunction and increased inflammation. Good sleeping habits and optimal melatonin secretion reduce inflammation and promote improved tissue healing (19).

11. Methylation: Methylation is a key process that protects DNA, turns on and off genetic traits and helps to detoxify environmental chemicals. Many individuals have certain genetic polymorphisms that limit their ability to appropriately methylate. Methylation plays a very important role in T cell function and poor methylation status is associated with the development of auto-immunity (20).

12. EMF Exposure: Electromagnetic frequency exposure has been shown to alter the function of the immune system and increase ones susceptability to developing an auto-immune condition (21)

I will touch on a few of these key areas and how they relate to Rheumatoid arthritisin this article.

Research shows that there is a clear relationship between gut problems and skin disorders such as acne, eczema and rosacea. A 2008 study reported that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), was 10 times more prevalent in individuals suffering with acne and rosacea than in groups without these skin disorders. The study also showed that the eradication of the SIBO created an almost complete regression of symptoms (22).

One study involving over 13,000 adolescents showed that those with acne were more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, halitosis, and gastric reflux. In particular, abdominal bloating was 37% more likely to be associated with acne and other skin related disorders such as eczema and rosacea(23).

Research has shown that as many as 40% of those with acne have hypochlorhydria (24). When one has less than adequate stomach acid the body is unable to effectively disinfect the food it consumes. This increases the microbial load on the body which stresses the immune system.

In addition, the lack of stomach acid sets the stage for migration of bacteria from the colon towards the distal portions of the small intestine, as well as an alteration of normal intestinal microflora (25).

Another study with over 80 patients showed that those with acne had higher reactivity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins in the blood. LPS is the microbial waste from gram negative bacteria such as E Coli. The healthy control group did not react to the LPS, but 65% of the acne patients had a reaction (26).

The main goal of the skin is to act as a defense system to protect the body from physical, chemical and microbial stressors. Inflammation along the gut lining along with a genetic polymorphism can break down the protective epidermal barrier of the skin. This process decreases the antimicrobial proteins produced in the skin and can lead to skin infections or hyperinflammatory processes (27).

The gut flora has profound influence on the structural components of the skin including the fatty acid profiles and sebum production. Altered fatty acid and sebum production leads to increased inflammation and possible infection of the skin cells and increases the development of acne, rosacea and eczema.

When the skin is irritated a neuropeptide called substance P is produced that triggers an inflammatory response. Individuals with dysbiosis or abnormal bacterial balance, have increased substance P production. Substance P increases sebum production along with mast cell degranulation and a hyperinflammatory response.

Research has shown that oral consumption of probiotics reduced thevasodilation, edema, mast celldegranulation and TNF-alpha release induced by substance P, compared to the control group (28).

Most people think that you have to apply something topically in order to effect the skin, but numerous articles discuss the importance of oral probiotic consumption and reduce skin related inflammation, reinforces skin barrier function, decreases skin sensitivity and modulates the skin immune system leading to the preservation of skin homeostasis (29).

Gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability create a heightened immune response to specific dietary agents. Research has shown that individuals struggling with eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders of the skin are often aggravated by certain foods (30, 31).

The most common food sensitivities include wheat and gluten, dairy products, soy, corn, eggs, nuts, chocolate and sugar. Additionally, genetically modified foods are harmful to the gut lining and can increase skin related inflammation.

There are specific enzymes found throughout the body called transglutaminases that function to bind proteins together. They are key to the digestion of wheat and gluten. When someone has a food sensitivity to gluten they can often develop antibodys to transglutaminase enzymes.

Transglutaminase-2 (TG-2) is found in the intestinal lining and anti-bodies to TG-2 are a marker for celiac disease. Transglutaminase-3 (TG-3) are found in the skin and anti-bodies can lead to chronic acne, eczemaand dermatitis. Transglutaminase-6 (TG-6) is found throughout the central nervous system and antibody formation leads to neurological disorders.

Transglutaminase enzymes are also used by the food industry to tenderize meat to hold processed meats together in specific shapes. Individuals with transglutaminase reactivity would have significant reactions when they consume these processed meats as well.

Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing eczema, acne, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. A 2011 studylooked at children with mild, moderate and severe eczema and a direct relationship this vitamin D status and severity of eczema. The children with the most severe eczema had the lowest levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D3.

Vitamin D has been shown to be active in the nuclei of the epidermis tissue where it enhances keratinocyte differentation (32). It is able to modulate skin cell growth in such a way as to favor keratinocyte proliferation in normal tissue and inhibit the proliferation in psoriatic tissue (which is marked by excessive proliferation) (33).

Vitamin D also reduces inflammatory cytokine production in the dermal and epidermal tissue and strengthens the permeablity barrier of the epidermis. This reduces the occurence of infection in the skin and makes it resist stress more effectively (34, 35).

Many individuals have found success using phototherapy to reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Phototherapy is simply narrowband ultraviolet B light that is emitted from a special machine at 311-312 nm. This maximized UVB expression and reduces the more harmful UVA frequencies that are more damaging to the skin.

Phototherapy works by (36)

Glutathione is the bodies master anti-oxidant it is one of the major modulators of the immune system. A 1982 study looked at61 healthy subjects and 506 patients with various skin disorders. Depressed glutathione levels were observed in patients with psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, vasculitis, mycosis fungoides and dermatitis herpetiformis (37).

Some studies have demonstrated that individuals with eczema, psoriasis, vitilago and other skin disorders have genetic polymorphisms in their glutathione production pathways (38, 39). This would indicate higher glutathione needs through dietary precursors and nutritional supplementation. Studies have demonstrated improvement in these conditions with the addition of glutathione precursors via diet and supplementation (40).

The levels of omega 6:omega 3 are critical for the development and regulation of epidermal barrier integrity and sebum formation. Individuals with higher omega 6 levels had more inflammatory cytokines in the skin tissue, a weakened epidermal barrier and increased sebum production (41, 42).

One type of omega 6 fat, gamma linoleic acid, happens to be very beneficial for individuals with eczema and other skin disorders. Additionally, supplementing with long-chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA help to reduce inflammatory cytokines in the skin and strengthen epidermal barrier function (43, 44).

Zinc and selenium deficiencies are rarely known but rather large and widespread issues that promote inflammation and increased risk of inflammatory disorders. Zinc and selenium deficient diets are associated with increased inflammatory cytokines in the skin and reduce epidermal barrier function which predisposes one to developing eczema and other skin disorders (45, 46).

Zinc deficiency is a common issue with infants suffering from eczema (47). Because breast milk is naturally low in zinc, it is important for mothers to supplement and consume a high zinc diet during pregnancy to reduce risk of eczema in infancy.

When treating eczema with zinc and selenium, it is best to take chelated supplements such as zinc glycinate and selenomethione. In chelated forms the zinc and selenium are bound to an amino acid that help transport it through the gastrointestinal tract. Free selenium and zinc are potentially toxic to humans.

Histamines are important neurotransmitter and immune messenger molecules. They are involved in processes involving hydrochloric acid secretion for digestion, triaging water reserves to key areas of the body and the inflammatory response.

Histamine only becomes a problem when we have metabolic disturbances that do not allow us to effectively metabolize histamine properly. A new study recently found that mast cells (which release histamine molecules) are a key culprit in causing eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis).

The researchers also revealed that a protein known as STAT5, plays an important role in the equation by triggering major mast cell increases in some. Mast cells release histamine and when their activity is increased can cause a major histamine reaction leading to inflammation in various tissues of the body (48).

Mast cells are present in most tissues characteristically surrounding blood vessels and nerves, and are especially prominent near the boundaries between the outside world and the internal world. This includes the skin and the mucosa of the lungs, intestines, mouth and nose.

One study found that an individual showed significant improvement in atopic dermatitis symptomsusing a balanced low-histamine dietary regimen (49). I use a nutrient dense low-histamine diet for a period of time to help my clients with eczema, psoriasis, hives and other skin disorders. This is especially important if I see that they have seasonal allergies, headaches and other histamine related symptoms.

Here are the best action steps to get started with on your journey to prevent and/or beat eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin disorders. You should always consult with your physician before stopping or changing medications or taking on new health strategies.

Additionally, you should be working with a functional health practitioner to help guide you through these strategies. This is not an exhaustive list and there are other natural therapeutic strategies that I and functional health practitioners will utilize to help individuals with eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin disorders.

1) Change Your Diet: Follow an Anti-Inflammatory nutrition planhereandconsider the auto-immune diet and/or the low-histamine diet, both of which you can find here

You can also do a biofeedback test to determine what foods are causing stress in your system and an elimination diet to test how you are responding to eliminating certain foods for periods of time. Use high quality collagen protein and bone broths to help heal the gut lining and improve the strength and integrity of the skin barrier.

2) Reduce Stress: Find ways to reduce stressful activities and enjoy more peace and calm. Learn to thrive under stress by reading this articlehere

3) Improve Your Sleep: Sleeping a high quality 8-9 hours each night is key to healing and reducing inflammation. Follow the steps in this articleto improve your sleep.

4) Consume Zinc and Selenium rich Foods: This includes healthy organic, pasture-raised meat and wild-caught fish. It includes pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts and green vegetables.

5) Get High Quality Vitamin A and Vitamin E: Fat soluble vitamin A & E are super key for healthy skin and reduced inflammation in the epidermis. In particular, the fat soluble retinol version of vitamin A is significantly better than the water soluble beta carotene found in carrots. The best foods for retinol and vitamin E include grass-fed butter or ghee, avocados, cod liver oil and organ meats from pasture-raised animals. Be sure to consume ample amounts of these super foods to improve your skin health.

6) Focus on Deep Breathing: Improving your posture, seeing a high quality chiropractor and optimizing your breathing patterns is highly recommended to reduce stress and inflammation. Follow these tips hereto improve your breathing patterns.

7) Use Anti-Oxidant Rich Herbs: Add turmeric, ginger, oregano, garlic, basil, thyme and rosemary to as many dishes as possible and drink organic herbal teas on a regular basis.

8) Ground Your Body: In our society we are surrounded by toxic electromagnetic frequencys (EMFs). These EMFs increase stress within our body and alter neurotransmitter function. By going outside daily and walking barefoot on grass, dirt or sand you absorb natural EMFs from the ground that balance your electrical rhythms. Follow the steps in this article here.

9) Supplement With Omega 3s: Omega 3 fatty acids and in particular the long chain variety EPA and DHA and the omega 6 fat GLA are critical for improving epidermal function and reducing skin related inflammation.Consume grass-fed meat, grass-fed butter, wild-caught fish and spirulina to get it in your diet.

It is also advisable to supplement with 1-2grams daily of EPA/DHA along with 150-200 mg of GLA. Clinically, I use ProEFAto boost up omega 3s.

10) Juice Your Veggies: Juicing is one of the best ways to get high quality anti-oxidants and powerful phytonutrients into your system. Here is my articleon Best Juicing strategies.

11) Intermittent Fasting: Going 16 hours between dinner and breakfast is one of the best ways to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and repair the gut lining. Consume your meals in an 8 hour window such as 11am 7pm. Read thisarticlefor more info on fasting.

12)Optimize Your Vitamin D: Be sure to increase your vitamin D through good amounts of regular sun exposure and/or taking a high qualityvitamin D3/K2 supplement. Consider using phototherapy through safe tanning bed exposure if you are unable to get healthy sun exposure.

13) Practice Oil Pulling: Oil pulling helps to reduce the microbial load in your mouth. This takes stress off of the immune system and reduces inflammation levels throughout the body. Read more about oil pulling here and practice this 2x daily.

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18 Ways to Beat Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis - Dr. Jockers

Dyshidrosis (,[1] also known as "acute vesiculobullous hand eczema,"[2] "cheiropompholyx,"[3] "dyshidrotic eczema,"[3] "pompholyx,"[3] and "podopompholyx"[3]) is a skin condition that is characterized by small blisters on the hands or feet. It is an acute, chronic, or recurrent dermatosis of the fingers, palms, and soles, characterized by a sudden onset of many deep-seated pruritic, clear vesicles; later, scaling, fissures and lichenification occur. Recurrence is common and for many can be chronic. Incidence/prevalence is said to be 1/5,000 in the United States. However, many cases of eczema are diagnosed as garden-variety atopic eczema without further investigation, so it is possible that this figure is misleading.

This condition is not contagious to others, but the compromised integument can increase susceptibility to infection, and the accompanying itching can be a source of psychological distress.

The name comes from the word "dyshidrotic," meaning "bad sweating," which was once believed to be the cause, but this association is unproven; there are many cases present that have no history of excessive sweating. There are many different factors that may trigger the outbreak of dyshidrosis such as allergens, physical and/or mental stress, or seasonal changes.

Small blisters with the following characteristics:

Advanced stage of dyshidrosis on the fingers

Advanced stage of palmar dyshidrosis on the palm showing cracked and peeling skin

Advanced stage of dyshidrosis on the foot.

Rim of scale on the palmar surface of the thumb from a resolving dyshidrotic flare

Causes of dyshidrosis are unknown. However, a number of triggers to the condition may include:

There are many treatments available for dyshidrosis. However, few of them have been developed or tested specifically on the condition.

See more here:
Dyshidrosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Origem: Wikipdia, a enciclopdia livre.

Eczema, tambm chamada de dermatite,[1] se refere a qualquer tipo de inflamao da pele. Os eczemas, em geral, iniciam-se pela aparecimento, superfcie da pele, de vermelhido (eritema) e inchao (edema) da superfcie cutnea. Como consequncia, pode ocorrer um acmulo de lquidos em pequenas vesculas, com prurido das vesculas, um lquido seroso secretado, o que favorece a formao de crosta. Com a progresso do quadro a pele torna-se espessa (liquenificada).[2]

bastante comum na infncia e adolescncia, afetando cerca de um em cada nove jovens (11%-15%), mas provavelmente muitos casos no so diagnosticados.[3] Tambm frequente em profissionais de sades, pessoas responsveis pela limpeza e lactantes. Atinge cerca de 5-10% dos adultos.[4]

Em alguns pases, como a Inglaterra, 15-20% das crianas j foram diagnosticadas com eczema em algum momento e o ndice para adultos semelhante ao nosso (5-10%).[5] Enfermeiras desenvolvem dermatites pelo menos uma vez em 85% dos casos, sendo mais comum nas que lavam as mos frequentemente com lcool gel ou sabo bactericida, pois seu uso regular danifica a pele.[6] Entre profissionais de sade a mdia varia entre 10 e 45%, sendo considerado uma sria doena ocupacional.[7]

Os principais sintomas so:

Os outros sintomas vo depender da origem do eczema. Manchas tambm causam prejuzo significativo na socializao, um problema srio para crianas com dermatites frequentes que so estigmatizadas e excludas do convvio social.

O diagnstico essencialmente clnico e consiste na localizao das leses e dos sintomas levando em conta a idade do doente, o carcter crnico ou agudo da doena e o histrico pessoal ou familiar de alergias. A bipsia cutnea pode ser til no diagnstico diferencial mas raramente necessria.[2]

Os eczemas e dermatites so abordados pelo Dicionrio Internacional de Doenas como sinnimos, e esto no L20 ao L30:[1]

Existem tambm dermatites classificadas em outras partes do CID:[1]

A principal causa a hipersensibilidade, nesse caso sendo chamada de dermatite atpica, que possui fatores hereditrios mas s so ativados por um estmulo que desencadeie a alergia (como leite,[10]camaro ou plen).[11] Podendo ser originada por fatores de ordem interna ou externa, variando de acordo com a resposta imune de cada organismo, ao ambiente em questo.

Pessoas vulnerveis a dermatites frequentemente possuem um defeito na filagrina, uma protena estrutural da pele, fundamental para a manuteno de uma funo barreira normal.[12]

Fatores psicolgicos como estresse excessivo ou situaes traumticas podem desencadear uma dermatite por somatizao. Outras possveis causas incluem fatores hormonais (como a menstruao), a troca do leite materno pelo industrial (uma das principais causas em bebs), pode ser desencadeado por certas vacinas (geralmente na infncia e sem graves consequncias) e pode ocorrer por atrito com certos materiais (fibras sintticas). Pacientes acamados h muito tempo geralmente desenvolvem eczema por no mudarem muito de posio, mantendo as mesmas partes do corpo em contato constante com o tecido.

Uso de cremes com corticoide, como hidrocortisona, recomendado para o tratamento de episdios agudos e hidratao da pele mas no para episdios crnicos pelo risco de repercusses graves quando o tratamento interrompido subitamente.[2] Uma alternativa so os inibidores da calcineurina como pimecrolimus e tacrolimus.[13]

Deve-se, tambm, evitar coar a pele para prevenir agravamento da infeco. A melhor opo procurar um bom dermatologista que indique que quais remdios voc deve usar. Pacincia, acompanhamento mdico e cuidado so muito importantes.

As infeces bacterianas, geralmente por Staphylococcus aureus, devem ser tratadas com antibioterapia sistmica, como cefalosporinas de 1.a gerao ou as penicilinas. A limpeza deve ser feita gentilmente, o banho deve ser rpido e morno e em seguida aplicar um emoliente (creme hidratante) com alta oleosidade.[2]

Anti-histamnicos sedativos podem ser usados para controlar o prurido e coceira, e assim permitir um sono mais revigorante.[14]

Quando as causas envolverem fatores psicolgicos como ansiedade, compulses, transtornos de humor, transtornos somatoformes ou traumas psicolgicos necessrio acompanhamento psicolgico de longo prazo.[15]

No h evidncia que leo de peixe, leo de borragem ou outros, bem como suplementos vitamnicos ou minerais tenham qualquer eficcia teraputica na dermatite alrgica.[14] Alguns dermatologistas tambm podem recomendar fototerapia e ciclosporina ou outros imunossupressores dependendo do caso.

Um alergologista pode fazer testes com diversas substncias para descobrir as causas de crises alrgicas frequentes.

Link:
Eczema Wikipdia, a enciclopdia livre

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders seen in infants and children, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the childhood population. There could be many causes of atopic dermatitis, including allergic or immune mediated components. In adulthood, the disease typically worsens and the skin becomes thicker and drier.

Brought to you by: National Eczema Association

Take care of your skin with the eczema treatment that's right for you.

Your skin becomes dry when it fails to retain water. Good skin care habits including bathing are an important part of managing eczema, use a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing with a washcloth or rubbing with a towel; pat instead.

Use of an OTC moisturizer several times every day helps to relieve the irritation and itch to improve skin hydration and protect the skin moisture barrier. Moisturizers are more effective when applied to skin that has been soaked in water and still wet.

Brought to you by: National Eczema Association

Take care of you skin by following these eczema management tips.

Original post:
Eczema Creams, Lotions & Treatments | AVEENO

This is not just a temporary treatment for eczema.

I suffered from moderate to severe eczema, pompholyx, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis,... for almost forty years. That was until seven years ago when I came across a cure for my eczema. Not a treatment for eczema, but for me, a cure for eczema.

If you are reading this, I am going to assume that you also have some form of skin rash. Whether you have dry skin, eczema, psoriasis or any of the several types of eczema skin symptoms, my heart goes out to you.

I know how frustrating and debilitating this skin disease can be and I want to help you with a cure for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or whatever skin disorder you are struggling with through "My Story, Your Cure".

"My Story, Your Cure" chronicles my experiences and struggles with eczema, and then describes in detail how I cured myself of this awful affliction.

February 16, 2010Until very recently I have lived with severe eczema and for those of you who share this condition I have a very good idea of what you may be going through. I also have been free from eczema for six years, a fact I attribute to a significant change in my eating habits.

I started showing symptoms of eczema, according to my mother, when I was two years old. My earliest recollection of having eczema is when I was four. For many years I had almost permanent scabs in the folds of my forearms, behind my knees, my groin and the front of my neck. I was especially self-conscious about the neck rash. It looked like a very nasty rope burn. At night it would get so itchy that I would scratch each spot clean. My mom suffered from eczema also and certainly understood what I was going through. She did everything to try to figure out what was causing the rash. We went for allergy tests which were completely useless. I learned at a very young age that I was allergic to almost everything, including cats, dogs (& all furry or hairy critters), dairy, chocolate, oranges and house dust. House dust? Seriously, where do we go from here? Well, we got rid of the cat. I settled for a turtle, instead of the kindergarten chick. I drank goats milk and ate goats cheese (for a six year old this was a real treat) and for added humility, no more chocolate. None of these remedies made much, if any, difference. We abandoned future efforts to find the root cause of my eczema and focused more on treating the symptoms. I continued my daily regimen of cortisone cream and at times would go for weekly cortisone shots. Every once in a while my skin would clear up for a few days or weeks and I would be the happiest kid on the block. (Summertime was the best). But it always came back as ugly as ever.

When I was thirteen I got a lot better. I used very little cortisone cream and became almost symptom free for five or six beautiful years.

As magical as it disappeared at age thirteen, at nineteen it reappeared without warning and with different symptoms. The eczema was no longer in my joints, but more on the outsides of my arms, chest, legs and face. Yes, face. Why not on the bottoms of my feet or something? Not the face. This left my face raw, red, itchy and stinging, all the time. Oh and my hands would break out with a million of these tiny little blisters (fronts and backs of my hands completely covered). The next few years were a real struggle with my skin and my confidence. The cortisone cream wasnt nearly as effective as it was when I was younger. The only thing that would clear my skin up, even temporarily, was a wonderful little steroid called prednisone. But this was a short term fix and doctors were careful not to prescribe this very often. At one visit to my dermatologist in Edmonton, I asked him if there was anything I could do to improve my eczema, could it be brought on by diet or smoking? (Yes, I was a smoker, started when I was thirteen). I will never forget his reply, You have Atopic Dermatitis and there is nothing you can do except put on more cream. And as I questioned him further he softly replied again, more cream. Of all the dermatologists I saw over the years, this physician was my favorite dermatologist but the only advice that I got from him, from a cure standpoint, was more cream. Though, at the time, I would not have survived without it. I knew there had to be someone out there with the answer.

I listened to any advice that people had to offer and put it to the test. I tried every type of lotion, mineral oil, baby oil, and natural oil that I could possibly find. I even tried a tar-like ointment, and synthetic amniotic fluid cream. Nothing worked, some of it even made it worse. One doctor prescribed a stand up tanning bed treatment, which actually helped a little. I tried acupuncture from a Chinese gentleman who also prescribed a mixture of several roots and herbs, which I had to cook in water to form this highly noxious potion that he called tea. Oh my goodness, it stunk up the house something fierce. After eight or so visits it didnt make even a little bit of difference.

So for many years I stuck with the cream and this little green pill (APO-HYDROXYZINE) at nighttime. The little green pill was great. If I took it a couple of hours before I went to bed it kept me from scratching and I would fall asleep right away. The only problem was that it made me very sleepy the next day. Every few years I would go on prednisone for a week or two to clear things up. I would often coincide this with any holidays that I would take.

I know that my favorite Dermatologist said that smoking was not the cause of my eczema, but I had to rule it out anyway so I quit smoking for a year and a half. I was really hoping this would end my battle with eczema (and apparently psoriasis as well, according to another doctor). Although I felt much healthier, it had no effect on my skin. I tried to stay positive. I told myself that there are people who suffer from far worse conditions than I. As long as I dont let my prescription for the cream and the little green pills run out, I would be okay. Hey, I have dealt with this my whole life and I was going to be okay. I took solace in the fact that it couldnt get any worse. My favorite Dermatologist said to an intern during one of my visits that I was one of the worst cases of eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) that he had ever seen. So how can it get any worse? Well, it can get worse, much worse.

I was in my late thirties and felt as though I was being tested by some higher beings and I am sure they were saying How much pain and discomfort can we put this poor guy through?

I developed eczema all over my entire body. It was so incredibly itchy all of the time, even during the day now. And when I say my entire body, I really mean just that. The worst was on my back. It was one large open wound which covered every square inch of my back. Even by upping the little green pill dosage to two at bedtime, I was often up until three or four in the morning scratching and tearing at my body. With only three or four hours left to sleep, I would get up and shower in the hottest water I could stand. Really, you might think cold would be better, but the hot water was the only thing that lessened the itch. It probably didnt help to heal my skin though. At this time of the night I would often sob with frustration. After showering I put the cream on all over and I would wake my wife to put some on my back. She was not fond of being woken up in the middle of the night. (Much like a bear or similar wild animal) but she got up without hesitation to do this for me. Peggy helped me keep my sanity through this trying time and for that I am truly grateful. By the time the weekend came, I was exhausted. At times turning offers down to go golfing. Okay, now I have to really get this figured out.

I went on steroids (prednisone) twice over the next six months, this offered only temporary relief and then I would break out again.

When I was forty one, a friend of ours introduced me to some material on pH balancing (or alkalizing) diets. I thought, okay, this will probably be very helpful, thank you. What I didnt realize at the time was that I had finally found the answer. As I read through the information, it began to make perfect sense to me. I got on the computer and searched Alkalizing Diets. What I found was amazing. There was so much information on this topic. How could I have missed this?

The following is how I have become to understand pH balance within our body and the effect that our diet has on that critical balance. PH is quite simply (okay, maybe not quite so simply) parts hydrogen. The blood has a pH balance of 7.365 (slightly alkaline). Any significant variance to this pH balance in our blood would mean that we are very ill and likely would not survive. Fortunately our body does everything it can to maintain the pH in our blood. For example, if we become too acidic, our body creates extra fat which is a means of storage for the extra acidity. This in turn leaves our skin too acidic and prone to many challenging diseases (eczema and psoriasis for example) In fact, when our bodies become too acidic, there is a myriad of resulting diseases. The cells that make up our bodies must have a healthy pH balanced environment in order to function without disease. These cells are constantly dying and being recreated. So after a few years our bodies completely renew themselves. So if our bodies are completely made from these little things we call cells, and these cells require a certain pH balance to function properly, then we had better make sure we give the cells what they need.

I really got hooked on this and started learning more and more about the Alkalizing Diet. I quit smoking (this time for good). I started running everyday for twenty minutes, drank lots of water (avoid tap water with chlorine) and followed the Alkalizing Diet to the letter for three months. After one month my eczema cleared right up. And after three months I didnt need any cortisone cream, prednisone or the little green pill. I had so much energy and felt so good, but above all I had normal skin for the first time in my life. As you could imagine, I was so grateful for this. Over the next three months I slowly veered away from the diet and stopped running due to a badly sprained ankle while golfing.

I am still very much amazed by this cure. I was on this diet and exercise regimen for only three months. That was seven years ago and my eczema is gone.

This event has absolutely proven to me that this is the cure for eczema and psoriasis. The pH balanced (acid/alkaline) diet works on the principle of consuming 20 30% healthy acidic foods. These have a pH value of <7 and typically include meats, fish, & most fruits, (except grapefruit, lemons and limes) and 70 80% healthy alkalizing foods. These have a pH value of >7 and typically include all green leafy vegetables, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, onion, garlic, almost all raw vegetables, raw almonds, seeds, sprouts, avocado. It is extremely difficult to determine the exact percentage of acidic versus alkaline foods you are eating, so, dont sweat it too much. However, if you are eating pizza with a slice of tomato on it, you arent quite there yet.

When I was on the diet a typical breakfast would be tomatoes with avocado cut up with ground pepper and sea salt, and a handful of raw almonds. I learned later that it is well worth your while to soak the almonds in water for a couple of minutes and to limit the amount you eat to avoid an upset stomach. Other meals would typically include raw vegetables, raw almonds, chicken breast, or fish and at least one big mixing bowl size salad with raw vegetables and sprouts every day. I know I could have improved my diet a lot with maybe some more beans, lentils or maybe some more research but I never put anything that was not completely healthy into my body for three months. Only eat pure foods. Eliminate all processed foods e.g. sandwich meats, bread, cereal, sugar, table salt. Do not cook your vegetables. They are designed to eat raw. From my reading I learned that If you cook vegetables, this can create an acidic effect in your body and that would defeat the whole purpose of this exercise. Yes, that includes potatoes. Try a few thin slices of raw potato with sea salt if you really insist on potatoes. Do not eat red meat. Lets look at a typical bad meal to understand why to avoid it. A typical bad meal includes meat, potatoes and maybe a cooked vegetable. Okay, to start with, all three items are acidic. If it is red meat then its even more acidic. Red meat can take up to 3-4 hours to digest. If you mix red meat with a carbohydrate or a starch, it can take up to 10 hours to digest that meal. This creates an unhealthy state in your body. If you have to have a steak (only after three months) a bit of fruit 20 minutes before will aid in digestion and then just add a steak and salad for the meal. If you can continue on the alkalizing diet for the rest of your life, I hope you will find that you will be incredibly healthy. Some researchers with PhDs have professed that no known virus can survive in a body that is ph balanced. I am not asking you to believe that though. The only research that I know for certain to be accurate is my own experience with eczema and the effect the alkalizing diet had on me. The effect was so dramatic that it could not be called anything but a Cure. If you want to be a little more cautious than I was have your doctor or nutritionist approve a diet for you using these principles. Just be smart about it. For instance, too much grapefruit can be harmful if on certain medication. So if you are on any medication, or have any health concerns get your diet approved by your doctor.

Look, I am not a doctor, or researcher, or scientist of any kind, but what I have been is my own test subject in my life-long search for a cure for eczema. And in my search I, in fact, found a cure. A cure that worked for me, anyway, and I am hoping will work for you also. So, please, do as I did and follow the diet and a twenty minute daily aerobic exercise (consult your Doctor to approve an exercise that is right for you) for at least three months and then please let me know how you did. Just remember not to put anything into your body that is not completely healthy for you or doesnt fit into the alkalizing diet.A nice steady pleasant aerobic workout every single day is absolutely essential in order to, lets say, rinse your skin of any toxins. Aerobic exercise also releases endorphins (which have a profound effect on your well being). By keeping your workout nice and easy, it keeps you motivated. Trust me on this, all you want to do is break a sweat for 20 minutes every day. I predict that your skin problems will subside and you will feel absolutely amazing. Please do not form your opinion until three months is over, as you may experience initial flu-like symptoms as built-up toxins leave your body. This should happen within the first week or two though.So prepare yourself mentally, and commit yourself to three months on the pH diet. I will definitely say that this requires some discipline but I will also say that this changed my life and I am hoping it will do the same for you. Commit yourself to this diet, dont do it half way. Consider everything you put into your body and make sure it fits into the diet. Yes, I am sorry; this does mean no good things for at least three months. Trust me it will be well worth it. Your skin will clear up, your eyes will be brighter and you will have way, way more energy. If you can think of eating as a way of delivering nutrients to your cells, this might help in eating only the best of foods.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story. If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis I would be humbled if this story helps you. I strongly believe that if you follow the pH diet, drink lots of water (moderate amounts regularly throughout the day) and engage in twenty minutes of easy aerobic exercise (approved by your Doctor of course) for at least three months you will see improvement in your symptoms, if not completely cure yourself from this awful affliction. So plan your meals and make sure you have all the groceries you need on hand. Commit yourself 100% to the diet and aerobic exercise. Then create an image of yourself with clear, beautiful skin.

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A cure for eczema, is it really posible?

Today we have a guest post from Christina, who suffered from eczema from childhood all the way through to her adult years. Christina only finally managed to control her eczema when she addressed the health of her digestive system.

The gut is a very important organ in your body, and much more complex than most people think. I never thought that something as seemingly unconnected as the gut could have an impact on my eczema or skin issues in general.

But before I go deeper, let me give you a little background about me

Christina as a child

Ive had eczema ever since I was a kid, about 8 years old. I remember it would just randomly appear on various places on my body, specifically my arms and legs and sometimes on my chest and neck. I was often brought in to see dermatologists and skin doctors, but the diagnosis was always the same thing: Its just eczema, its normal for kids to have. The doctors would prescribe some creams and ointments to relieve the itchiness and help dry it up, but it never got rid of it completely.

As a teenager it was rough. I wasnt able to do other normal things, like wear shorts or sleeveless shirts or go swimming in the summer. I was so embarrassed of my eczema that I even made up stories to the friends I did have, telling them it was bug bites or that it was a rash from something I ate. Most of the time I would try to just change the subject whenever my peers or adults would ask me what it was -because I didnt really know myself.

I remember hoping it was an age factor and that it would get better as I got older. I had read testimonies of people who had horrible breakouts that miraculously disappeared once they hit their 20s. Even my dad told me that he had really bad eczema when he was younger, and that it had gone away eventually. I desperately hoped this would apply to me! Unfortunately, the hope of it only being teenage eczema wasnt the case, and my eczema followed me through my 20s and after.

An adult with a crisis

As an adult I became so frustrated at this never-ending problem that I considered just giving up trying to find solutions. I had doctors tell me that since it seemed hereditary, there was a big possibility it would never go away. I was prescribed steroid creams, corticosteroid creams, antibiotics, and medicines that just didnt work! I was spending lots of money and not seeing any of the results I wanted.

Eczema flare-up

Because I had to use the creams and medications regularly, I was at the point where if I DIDNT use them my eczema would get out of control. (The picture is how my eczema looked when I was using creams) When I would have a flare up, I hid it the best I could. Out came the creams, topical ointments, gauze, tape, and band aids. I would apply and re-apply until it went away, then repeat the process when it came back. At some point my eczema was returning as fast as it was clearing. It would flare, I would apply the cream for 2 or 3 weeks, and then it would go away-only to return 2 weeks later.

I was so frustrated and unhappy. Even having a physical relationship was uncomfortable, and some nights it was so bad I would cry out of frustration because I couldnt sleep. When I was on vacation or traveling I couldnt enjoy myself because I always had this very literal itch.

Research

Just like many of you struggling with eczema, I spent a lot of time online. I would browse new medications and look on forums for peoples experiences with eczema, trying to find a new solution to an age old problem. It surprised me to see how many people were suffering from the same issue that I was, and getting near to no help from their doctors either.

It was one of these days that I stumbled across an article on gut healthrelated to adult skin problems. The article talked about how gut health could be critical in healing skin conditions like adult acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It talked about gut health as the key to revolutionizing the way dermatologists treat eczema.

Now from what I knew, eczema was an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, and so far the only reasonable way for me to treat it was to use medicines or creams to help my body fight against it. I would use antibiotics and medicines (to help my bodys immune system), anti-inflammatory creams (to lessen inflammation), and so on. I never considered that I could go natural and try to heal my body from the inside-out!

Consequences of an Unhealthy Gut

For years I had been addressing my eczema as just a surface problem, never realizing it went way beyond that. As I did more research,I realized that in order to heal your skin you had to go a lot deeper than just lotions and topical creams.

As I mentioned before, the human gut is something so overlooked, but very important as it is responsible for so many different functions in our body. It promotes normal gastrointestinal function, provides us protection from infections, regulates our metabolism and comprises more than 75 percent of our immune system. Most importantly, its home to over 100 trillion micro-organisms, (bacteria) both good and bad. Research has shownthat in order to maintain a healthy gut, there should be a ratio of around 80 percent good bacteria vs 20 percent bad bacteria.

This balance of bacteria in particular has a lot to do with skin and our overall health. Medical researchers and experts in mucosal biology have shown that that the gut was a key factor in autoimmune diseases, like coeliac, diabetes, obesity, and more. Their conclusion was that an unhealthy gut was the main cause for a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin issues.

The gut-skin connection

I started to better understand that the link between the gut and overall health was in fact, very strong. In my case, the consequences of an unhealthy gut showed up through my skin. From research and studies, heres what I discovered:

The gut is a big part of the digestive system. What ever goes in, goes out or at least this is how its supposed to work. Now remember how in order to maintain a happy healthy gut, there has to be IDEALLY a 80-20 balance of good to bad bacteria? Well, studies have shown that if you continually consume certain inflammatory foods or toxins, these types of foods can cause the bad bacteria to grow at a rapid pace, outgrowing the percentage of good bacteria.

This is a problem because when the balance is thrown out of proportion, the overgrowth of bad bacteria starts to create toxins that are damaging to our gut lining. These toxins then hit the walls of the gut lining, creating spaces and holes between the cells.

These holes are dangerous because they allow the guts bacteria (remember theres a lot of bacteria in there!), toxins, as well as incompletely digested proteins and fats, to leak out of the gut and into the bloodstream.

This is what is commonly referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome or increased intestinal permeability. Instead of going straight OUT (like it should), its going back INTO your body (where it shouldnt).

So how does eczema come into play?

Well, because the damaged gut is no longer up to the job of dispensing these bad bacterias and toxins, the body has to use another method of eliminationthe skin.

The skin is the bodys largest elimination organ, so its not surprising why a myriad of skin diseases come into play during this clean-up process. Because of this bacterial breach into our bloodstream via our leaky gut, the body now has no other choice but to react by pushing the toxins out through our skin. Our body is simply trying to eliminate the bacterial problem the best way it can and rid us of the escaped toxins in our blood.

Unfortunately for us, it essentially puts our skin under assault, resulting in multiple breakouts in skin rashes, acne, eczema, pimples, acne and psoriasis. Along with these effects, you may also experience gas, bloating, fatigue, sinus congestion, and foggy thinking.

How to heal your gut and help clearyour eczema

Now that I understood how the gut-skin connection worked, I wanted to do something about it. Looking into my diet was important in helping me clear my skin. I realized that using creams and taking medicines to heal my eczema wasnt the way to heal my bodyI needed to focus on gut health in order to heal my eczema.

Here a few things I did to start healing my gut:

1) Get rid of inflammatory foods. When I first started to heal my gut, I stopped eating inflammatory foods like wheat(gluten), dairy, soy, and high amounts of sugar. Many people think that just because they arent allergic to these types of foods that it means they can eat them all they like. The fact is, however, that these kinds of inflammatory foods can create problems in your gut that cause the bad bacteria to grow. Sugar, for example, actually feeds bad bacteria in your gut, causing them to grow at a really fast pace.

2) Increase the amounts of probiotics. Just getting rid of inflammatory foods isnt enough for your gut to fully heal. If youve been on medications, and especially antibiotics, youre going to need to grow good bacteria. The fastest way to grow good bacteria is to increase probiotic foods and even supplement if necessary. Foods that contain good probiotics are things like sauerkraut, kimchi (marinated cabbage), kombucha (fermented drink), and kefir.

3) Add Omega 3s to your diet. Another thing that greatly helps build gut-lining are healthy fats that contain high amounts of Omega 3s and essential fatty acids. Fish oil, extra virgin coconut oil, and avocado oil are all good sources of essential fatty acids that will help rebuild your leaky gut lining.

How I healed my eczema through healing my gut

Christina's skin before and after she changed her diet.

In my experience, I had never tried anything more revolutionary than using gut-health to clear eczema. As I learned more about the gut-skin connection and went off the creams and antibiotics that were inflaming my gut, I began to see my eczema heal.

After over 12 years of suffering from eczema, trying creams, medications, fad diets, artificial methods, and spending hundreds of dollars and having none of them work, I was finally able to see new skin! Through gut health I found the REAL, inexpensive, natural way to heal my skin, clear my eczema and keep it off permanently.

Ever since I healed my gut, my eczema hasnt returned and Im no longer hiding or covering my body. Instead I feel healthier, more confident, and Ive even gotten rid of some other issues that I thought would never go awaylike my chronic canker sores and dandruff problem.

Doctors told me it was something I couldnt get rid of, and that I would have eczema and be reliant on creams and medications for the rest of my lifebut Im proud to say I proved them wrong..and you can too!

Creams, steroids, and medications are not long-term solutions. It all starts with the gut.

Bio:

Christina Reeves is the Author and Creator of The Flawless Program: a program focusing on gut health as a way to permanently clear skin issues.

Her website http://www.flawlessprogram.com, gives insightful information for anyone looking to heal their gut and fix their skin, naturally and forever!

View original post here:
Everything For Eczema | Prevent the itch stop the scratch

Atopic dermatitis can be persistent. You may need to try various treatments over months or years to control it. And even if you respond to treatment, your signs and symptoms may return (flare).

It's important to recognize the condition early so you can start treatment. If regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don't help, your doctor may suggest the following treatments and drugs:

Light therapy. The simplest form of light therapy (phototherapy) involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms use artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) and narrow band UVB either alone or with medications.

Though effective, long-term light therapy has harmful effects, including premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. For these reasons, phototherapy is not used for infants and young children. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of light therapy in your situation.

Treatment for infantile eczema includes:

See your baby's doctor if these measures don't improve the rash or if the rash looks infected. Your baby may need a prescription medication to control the rash or to treat an infection. Your doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine to help lessen the itch and to cause drowsiness, which may be helpful for nighttime itching and discomfort.

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Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Treatments and drugs - Mayo Clinic