Eczema is an unpleasant inflammatory skin condition that is most
common amongst infants and children, but millions of adults are
affected as well. It usually occurs on the neck, face, hands and legs,
often in folds of the skin such as the inner elbow or behind the ears.
It is not contagious, and is not caused by viral or bacterial infection,
though it looks very much as if it is. In fact, health care
professionals are not certain what the exact cause is. Eczema treatment,
however, is still possible by focusing on alleviating the symptoms and
bolstering the immune system, even if the root cause is not known.
Possible Causes
Scientists
have recently isolated the gene that is likely to cause people to be
predisposed to having eczema. Carrying the gene, however, does not
necessarily mean that someone will experience an outbreak. Environmental
factors contribute to irritation, and an immune system deficiency
allows the condition to become problematic and require eczema treatment.
Eczema
has been particularly linked to allergies, including food allergens,
dust mites, wool, nickel-plating, and cosmetics. Rapid changes in
temperature, sweating and drying of the skin, are also known to
contribute to an outbreak. However, the underlying cause in most cases
is a suppressed immune system, generally caused by stress. Stress
weakens the immune system, and allows many biological problems to
manifest.
Medical Eczema Treatment
The most common
response to eczema treatment by western doctors is to prescribe topical
cortisone steroids. Steroids have a very good track record with
suppressing inflammatory skin diseases, however the eczema treatment
comes with a price. Steroids also suppress the immune system, and though
they can be effective in treating an area of inflammation, they
interfere with the body's natural healing ability and, if overused, are
potentially harmful. Some people also react badly to cortisone creams,
and can actually make the condition worse.
Coal-tar based creams
are also prescribed to alleviate symptoms. These are more benign than
glucocorticosteroids, but have been used successfully for many years.
Finally, ultraviolet light radiation is used to reduce the inflammation,
but this is an advanced form of eczema treatment usually reserved for
the most serious of cases.
Natural Eczema Treatment
The
good news is that eczema treatment can be achieved naturally and for
little cost. Dealing with the condition is a two part process; dealing
with the inflammation directly, and bolstering the immune system to help
combat the disease.
The outbreak should be treated gingerly, with
hydrating creams that are free of any perfumes or other irritants.
Coconut oil had been found effective, as has Aloe Vera cream, which
contains some anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops of Tea Tree Oil,
mixed with a bit of Vitamin E cream, is also an excellent eczema
treatment. Evening Primrose oil and Flaxseed oil are both known to have a
positive effect, and can be applied externally as well as taken
internally as a dietary supplement. Sunshine, or a sun lamp, are also
used to positive effect in drying up a breakout.
If it occurs on
the body, an effective first step in eczema treatment is to take a warm
(but not too hot) bath in Epsom salts, which act as a drying and
anti-inflammation agent. Obviously, this can't be done if the outbreak
is on the face, but on the neck it can be treated in this way. Pat dry
the body with a soft towel after the bath, and apply a lotion
immediately while the skin is still damp.
As for boosting the
immune system, any stress reduction program can help. Look to yoga, or
meditation, or even just deep-breathing daily to ease tension. Massage
and exercise are also excellent stress reducers. Often be an indicator
of internal health problems, when eczema is acting up, it is a good time
to examine your lifestyle and see what changes can be made toward
improving your health in general.
Eczema is a very common
condition around the world. Though there is no exact known cause, nor
any cure, it can usually be controlled by topical applications that
reduce the swelling, and by boosting the immune system to prevent
further outbreaks. Children and infants are often affected, but in many
cases it is a temporary condition that completely disappears within a
couple of years. Except in the most severe cases, the commonly
prescribed cortisone steroid eczema treatment is unnecessary, and can
even be harmful. Give some of the natural eczema treatment options
listed here a try first before resorting to the steroids, and enjoy a
breakout free life!
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