Eczema Causes Prevention and Possible Home Remedies

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes dry, itchy and thickened skin that typically appears on the flexor surfaces of your body (crooks of your elbows or back of your knees).

 It’s not just an irritating skin condition; it also severely impacts your quality of life 

Many people with eczema use products and practices that are outside Western, or conventional, medicine to help manage their symptoms. If you use these natural therapies with doctor-prescribed medications, you are using a “complementary” method to manage your eczema.

If you are using natural therapies in place of conventional medicine, you are using an “alternative” method.

The following complementary and alternative therapies have been studied and found to benefit certain symptoms of eczema in adults. Check with your health care provider if you are interested in trying alternative therapies on your child’s eczema.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR TREATING ECZEMA

COCONUT OIL

Studies show that applying coconut oil topically reduces the amount of staph bacteria on the skin, which reduces the chance of infection.

Apply coconut oil once or twice a day to damp skin. Be sure to choose coconut oils that are “virgin” or “cold pressed.” This method of oil extraction does not use chemicals, which could further irritate skin.

SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil boosts the skin’s barrier function, helping it to retain moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply sunflower oil to adult skin twice a day, with one of those times being shortly after bathing while skin is still wet.
Avoid using sunflower oil, if you have a known allergy to sunflower seeds.

CARDIOSPERMUM

Cardiospermum is a flowering tropical vine native to India and Africa. When extracted and put into a topical ointment, cardiospermum can help reduce inflammation, itch and bacteria on the skin.

TOPICAL VITAMIN B12

Topical vitamin B12 has been shown to be effective on eczema symptoms in both adults and children. However, there is no commercial product as of this writing, and so it must be compounded.

Mind-body approach

Stress is a known trigger for atopic dermatitis flares.

Though the exact relationship between stress and atopic dermatitis is unknown, experts believe that when you experience a stressful situation, your body produces inflammation.

And inflammation is an underlying cause of atopic dermatitis symptoms.

TRAINING THE MIND

Some experts believe that there is a strong connection between the mind and skin disorders. In fact, some doctors practice what is known as “psychodermatology” to help the patient with stress, anxiety and other emotional disorders that may worsen his or her symptoms.

Psychodermatology is more commonly practiced in Europe than the U.S.
Some techniques used include:

Hypnosis

Biofeedback

Meditation

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but with physical pressure applied to certain points on the body, rather than needles, to unblock “life energy.”

Limited studies show that acupressure can help relieve the symptoms of itch and lichenification — thick, leathery skin.

MASSAGE

It is well known that massage helps relieve stress, which may then help reduce eczema flares.

It’s important to go to a massage therapist who is accredited and experienced with working with people with non-contagious skin conditions.

Prior to your appointment, check with your massage therapist to be sure the oils and lotions used will not trigger your eczema or make it worse. Bring your own, if you are unsure.

Eczema Soothing and Anti-itching Creams

Although not so popular these creams have been a resource center for those experiencing eczema and skin itches you can take a glance through a variety of eczema solution products that are currently available for sale HERE

WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA

Doctors don't know exactly what causes eczema.

The most common type of eczema -- atopic dermatitis -- resembles an allergy . But the skin irritation, which is more often seen in children rather than adults, is not an allergic reaction.

The current thinking is that eczema is caused by a combination of factors that include:

Genetics

Abnormal function of the immune system

Environment

Activities that may cause skin to be more sensitive

Defects in the skin barrier that allow moisture out and germs in
What We Know About the Causes of Eczema

Here's more detail on what's known about
eczema causes :

Eczema is not contagious .

You or your children can't catch eczema by coming in contact with someone who has it.

Eczema runs in families.

That suggests a genetic role in eczema's development.

A major risk factor is having relatives who have or had:

Eczema

Asthma

Seasonal allergies such as Hay Fever

Doctors also know that a large percentage of children with severe eczema will later develop
asthma or other allergies .

Mother's age at time of birth. It's not clear why, but children born to older women are more likely to develop eczema than children born to younger women.

Role of environment.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if they:

Are in higher social classes

Live in urban areas with higher levels of pollution

Live in colder climates

Eczema is not an allergic reaction.

Even so, a large number of children who have eczema also have food allergies.

That doesn't mean that certain foods such as dairy, eggs, and nuts -- common food allergy triggers in children with eczema -- cause it or make it worse.

Before removing particular foods from your child's diet, talk with your health care provider to be sure your child's nutritional needs will be met.

The Role of Triggers in Eczema

A trigger is not something that causes eczema. But it can cause it to flare or make a flare worse.

The most common triggers are substances that irritate the skin.

For instance, in many people with eczema, wool or man-made fibers that come in contact with the skin can trigger a flare.

Examples of other things that can irritate the skin include:

Soaps and cleansers

Perfume

Makeup

Dust and sand

Chlorine

Solvents

Irritants in the environment

Cigarette smoke

Flares can also be triggered by certain conditions that have an effect on the immune system.

For instance, things that can trigger or worsen a flare include:

Cold or flu

Bacterial infection

Allergic reaction to something such as mold, pollen, or pet dander

Stress has also been identified as a possible trigger.

Actions and environments that cause the skin to dry out or become otherwise sensitive can trigger flares.

Some examples include:

Prolonged exposure to water

Being too hot or too cold

Sweating and then becoming chilled

Taking baths or showers that are too hot or last too long

Not using a skin lubricant after a bath

Low humidity in the winter

Living in a climate that is dry year-round