Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, which means that it causes redness, a sore and tender feeling in the skin, and swelling. Furthermore, eczema has the potential to completely dry out the skin, resulting in rough, cracked skin that is prone to infection. Some types of eczema can also cause blisters. Different types and stages of eczema affect roughly 10% of the U.S. population. Many children that develop eczema manage to outgrow the condition; for others it can be a lifelong condition. There is no cure for eczema. Instead, doctors will try to treat the symptoms of the condition to prevent any worsening of the condition and to heal any irritated skin.
DIY Care
Natural remedies cannot cure eczema, but they can help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Some treatment strategies include moisturizing the skin at least twice per day, and after every bath or shower. Another strategy to treat eczema flare-ups is to apply Aloe Vera gel to the affected areas to soothe the itching sensation, seal in moisture, and to allow the skin to heal itself. Colloidal oatmeal has also been shown to reduce the intensity of the itching sensation, reduce inflammation, and reduce roughness in the skin. Coconut oil has also been proven to be more effective than mineral oil for the treatment of eczema. Tea tree oil is also another home remedy for those suffering from eczema symptoms, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Learning to Manage Your Eczema
If you happen to have eczema, it is important to recognize and avoid any triggers that might cause flare-ups. Common irritants to avoid include, but are not limited to, cigarette smoke, certain fabrics like wool or polyester, certain soaps, household cleaners, rubbing alcohol, and fragrances. Products containing rubbing alcohol are more likely to dry out skin, which can lead to a flare-up. Weather conditions have also been known to cause eczema flare-ups. For example, the cold dry air in the winter will dry out and irritate skin, resulting in a flare-up in many cases. For some, stress can also trigger a flare-up of their eczema.
Breathwork
Breathing techniques can be used to manage stress and reduce eczema flare-ups. The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise can be incredibly calming, energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems. To do this breathwork exercise, breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and breathe out for 8 counts. Repeat this for 4 rounds. Breathing exercises are especially useful for children experiencing eczema symptoms.
Wet Wraps
For extra stubborn eczema symptoms, wet wrap therapy has been found to be rather effective at reintroducing moisture to the skin and allowing topical medications to work more effectively. Wet wrap therapy is a treatment where wet dressings are applied to skin to rehydrate and soothe it.
First, soak gauze or fabric in warm water. Then, apply to the affected areas of the flared-up skin. Cover with a layer of dry cloth and leave it there, usually for a few hours or overnight. This cools and hydrates your skin, reduces the itching sensation, soothes inflammation, and helps topical medications take effect more readily.
Notable People with Eczema
Some notable celebrities have also suffered from eczema; including Brad Pitt, Adele, and Kate Middleton! Supposedly, when Brad Pitt filmed The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, the prosthetic make-up he wore for the role aggravated his skin and he broke out with eczema! Cate Blanchett, who co-starred alongside Brad, loaned him several skin creams to treat his skin.
After winning a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for the James Bond film Skyfall, Adele revealed that she had eczema in a press conference. "I am exhausted," she told reporters. "That’s how [motherhood] changed me. I have eczema from boiling bottles." Exposure to heat has the potential to trigger the onset of eczema in those suffering from the condition.
Kate Middleton, The Duchess Of Cambridge, suffers from eczema as well. She has explained that as a teenager she battled with red flaky skin, that is characteristic of eczema. Not only did she have a battle with her irritated skin, she was bullied by other girls at her boarding school for her not-so-perfect skin.
Prescription Care
One of the more commonly prescribed medications for various types of eczema are topical corticosteroids; or steroids for short. Steroids are naturally occurring substances that our bodies make in order to regulate growth and immune functionality. Corticosteroids have been used for well over 60 years as topical medications to treat many kinds of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. Topical steroid creams are used for eczema in adults and children. One thing to keep in mind about corticosteroid use is to be mindful of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Some very common side effects surrounding use of corticosteroid creams are thinning of the skin, acne, development of a rash, or stretch marks. Topical steroid withdrawals usually occur when longtime users of topical steroids stop using them.
An alternative medication to use would be Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors, and are worth asking your doctor or physician about. They are nonsteroidal medications that work by stopping certain cells of the immune system from “switching on,” which prevents eczema symptoms such as redness, itch, and inflammation.
In summary, eczema cannot be cured, only treated. There are many many ways to cope with symptoms and soothe skin, but the most important takeaway is to find what works best for yourself individually, and take care to adhere to a skin care regimen that not only doesn’t irritate skin, but also hydrates it and keeps it healthy.
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