Understanding Eczema

Understanding Eczema

It is estimated that eczema affects 35 million Americans: 1-3% of adults, and 10-20% of children. 

WHOAA!! That's a large number of people!!

Eczema is recognized by dryness,redness, itchiness that is recurrent and sometimes it can cause  weeping, oozing, and rough dry patches on the surface of the skin.  

Having eczema simply means the skin is lacking the particular body oils,fats, and moisturizers that are necessary to keep skin supple and hydrated. The bonds between the skin and cells have been weakened. Because of this cells tend to lose moisture, shrink and cause cracks allowing moisture to evaporate from the skin. Allergens and irritants can then get in and irritate the skin.

I found this diagram that really simplifies this condition and helps us to understand it better.

Normal, healthy skin has an "outer skin barrier" that helps to keep moisture in while keeping irritants out. People with eczema have a genetically weak outer skin barrier, which means that there are "holes" in the barrier that usually protects their skin. This damaged barrier easily loses moisture and lets irritants in, causing dry and itchy skin. 

Eczema can “flare up” anywhere and at any time on the body, but the most common areas have been outlined. Summer and Winter are typically when folks feel the most discomfort. Hot weather can make an eczema rash itch more . Humidity also makes eczema harder to control. In the wintertime, the low humidity of cold, dry winters can cause skin to dry out, which can lead to itching and flare-ups. Heating homes in the winter can also dry out the air and the skin. This can easily be remedied by using a humidifier.

There are a few areas of the body that seem prone to eczema. I personally don’t believe in treating these areas with anything that comes by way of pharmaceutical companies. It takes only 26 seconds for what goes on our skin to absorb into our bloodstream. So, if you are treating these areas with chemicals, just think...the chemicals will only further the irritation.

Here are a few simple tips that can be used to help get relief.

1. Use a moisturizing soap. If you soaps that contain sulfates, please discontinue. Sulfates are degreasers. Just as they strip moisture from your hair. It strips moisture from the skin.

2. Shower with lukewarm water.

3, After showering use a damp washcloth to wipe away excess water.

4. Moisturize your skin with an emollient based moisturizer such as Daily Hydrating Lotion or any natural moisturizer of your choice. You should then create a barrier to lock in the moisture by using a body butter like Nurture Butter. Moisturizers work best while skin is moist. Moist skin makes it easier for the products to absorb into the skin.

I hope this helps those of you who suffer with this condition. Small changes can make a world of a difference.

Stay tuned for more blogs to come!

Blessings

Divine Purity