SECRETS TO HEALING YOUR ECZEMA AND HAVING BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT SKIN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Get to Know Your Skin...................................................................................................... 3

Types of Eczema ............................................................................................................ 12

Medical Intervention of Eczema ...................................................................................... 20

Caring For Your Skin Overall .......................................................................................... 26

Strengthening the Immune System Overall .................................................................... 34

Conclusion: 5 Quick Tips for Beautiful, Healthy, Radiant, Glowing Skin........................ 42


GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN
How well do you know your skin?
If you're like most people, you probably take your skin for granted, as people typically do
with most of their body. Unless you're experiencing a health problem or physical
problem, how often do you think about the functions of your different limbs, organs and
muscles? Do you ever think about your lungs unless you're short of breath? Do you
ever consider your heart unless it feels like it's going to pound out of your chest? Do you
ever think about your eyes unless they're dry, watery, or unable to focus?
Most people give very little thought to the functions of the parts of their body until there's
a problem, and skin is no exception. Unless it itches, is burning, needs covering, has
broken out in acne splotches, has a rash, looks unattractive for some reason, is starting
to sag or wrinkle, or is about to get a new tattoo, people rarely think about their skin, its
health, its importance to other parts of the body, and what it does overall.
This is unfortunate because the skin is actually the largest organ in the body and
performs probably more functions than any other organ. It's also one of the most

misused and outright abused, as it's constantly forced against uncomfortable fabrics,
rubbed raw on all sorts of items, is consistently overexposed to the sun's burning rays or
the biting cold of winter, is subjected to harsh chemicals in shampoo, deodorant, and
other hygiene products, is mercilessly pierced and tattooed, gets cut and scratched
every day often without a person even realizing it, is almost always dehydrated, and the
list goes on.
Despite all this maltreatment, skin performs a wide array of purposes that are vitally
important to your body's health and function. Do you know what they are? You might
assume that you know these functions; of course skin keeps your insides where they
belong, but it does so much more than that! Skin is not just a big garbage bag keeping
us assembled properly. If you knew everything that your skin did for you, this might
motivate you to take better care of it and to pay attention to problems it might have,
including eczema.
Consider just a few of the skin's functions here.

INSULATOR
Yes, the skin keeps our insides right where they belong - on the inside - but it also keeps
something else inside other than our organs, muscles, and bones. Do you know what
that is? It's body heat! Skin functions like a warm winter coat, keeping our body heat
inside which in turn keeps everything on the inside healthy and functioning.
Without body heat the heart wouldn't be able to pump blood and oxygen and the
muscles would become stiff and unable to move. Body heat is about more than being
comfortable; it's necessary for those organs and muscles to stay healthy and supple.


What is so amazing about the insulating factor of the skin is that while it keeps heat in, it
still lets some escape. If you've ever felt uncomfortable and stifled from wearing a nylon
windbreaker or other thick material, you know how important this balance is. Allowing
too much body heat to escape is dangerous but not allowing any out at all is also a
problem. The pores in the skin not only allow sweat to be created and escape to the

surface of the skin, they also act like little vents for some body heat to get out as well.

HANGING ON
Have you ever tried to hang
on to something when your
hands were wet or when you
had just put some lotion on
them? The reason that things
slip out of your hands when
they're wet or covered in
lotions and oils is that these
substances cover up the
fingerprints and the creases in
the skin. These creases are
not there just for police to
identify you if you do
something wrong but act as
little suction cups which
enable a person to hold onto
things, even slippery or
smooth things like glass.
Without the ridges in our skin
we would constantly be
slipping around as we try to
walk and would be virtually
unable to hold onto anything.

Like a warm coat, skin keeps body heat
inside while still allowing some to
escape in order to keep the body just the

right temperature at all times!

It's interesting how we often
see lines in the face as being
a bad thing but without these
lines on our fingers, toes and
feet, we would have an
absolutely impossible time functioning in our everyday lives. Without those tiny lines in
our fingers we wouldn't even be able to pick up a fork much less hold a scalpel or pencil
or a paintbrush. Without lines on our feet, it would be like trying to walk on wet tile near
a pool - you would do nothing but slip and slide all the time! So skin is much more than
decoration but it helps us to hold things and to walk and maintain balance as well.

PROTECTION
Sure, the skin keeps all the inside stuff inside, but it also keeps outside stuff outside as
well. What do we mean by this? Simply put, there are many pollutants and irritants in
the air that the skin keeps out. Dust, dirt, allergens, and things like these are caught in
the skin and washed away or they get rubbed off by the oil on the skin and as dead skin


cells flake away. The skin is virtually flawless in acting as a filter in this way and as
being a protector for the internal organs and systems. The oils that are present on the
skin not only keep it soft and supple but they also help to wash away some of these
pollutants and irritants.
Your skin is like an umbrella that blocks out sunlight, a scarf that blocks out cold wind,
and a thick coat that keeps your body warm and protected. Without your skin there
would be a buildup of pollutants and other irritants along your internal organs and this
would be damaging and harmful to them.

FEELING

Can you imagine never being able to feel anything on your skin again? You might think
that would be a blessing since it would mean no more pain when you cut yourself or
burn yourself or at any other time, but even feeling pain serves a purpose.
We need to feel to function and you may not realize it, but your skin is picking up
sensations at every moment of the day. The brain often tunes out these sensations from
our conscious thought so that we're not overwhelmed with everything surrounding us,
but our minds are still processing them nonetheless. This sensation is what causes us
to sit the way we do and enables us to walk and make every other movement. When
you sit in a chair, your muscles automatically adjust their movement as the skin feels the
chair pressing up against you. Your feet know to pick up and push forward because of
the sensation of the floor underneath them.
Feeling is a protection for the body. When we feel cold we protect ourselves by
adjusting the thermostat or putting more clothes on. When we feel hot we get out of the
sun or turn on a fan. Even pain tells us that something is wrong and needs correcting.
While sensations on the skin can be pleasurable they can also serve as a warning sign
of a problem that needs attention. So no matter how unpleasant pain may be, it's a
necessary part of human survival.

INDICATOR OF HEALTH CONCERNS
Did you know that your skin is often an indicator of health problems or concerns? When
a person is dehydrated their skin gets very waxy and wrinkles up easily. Liver problems
can make a person look jaundiced or yellow as toxins build up in the body. And some
skin problems like rashes are actually a result of immune problems.
The skin also reacts to a person's health and habits. A person that smokes is depriving
their skin of necessary oxygen and is introducing toxins both internally and externally,
and it's not unusual for a smoker to have prematurely aging skin. Skin that's very dry
might also mean that a person is not exercising enough as physical activity increases
circulation which means more moisture to the skin's surface.
Of course not all skin problems are major concerns. Acne is often embarrassing to
those who suffer from it but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person is not taking care

of their skin properly. Everyone has dirt, oil and bacteria on their face but not everyone


breaks out. A rash or excessive dry skin can be the result of one's climate or
environment as many people get dry skin during the winter months where there is much
less moisture in the air. Oily skin and hair can simply mean that a person eats many oily
foods in their diet, some good and some perhaps not so good. These things may be a
bit embarrassing or inconvenient to the sufferer but again, they're not necessarily
indications of serious health problems or concerns.
Eczema as a health indicator.
Did you know that some forms of eczema can actually work as an indicator of health
problems? Very often these cases are the result of allergies or sensitivities to elements
in the air such as pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and so on. If your skin reacts
with redness and rashes to these things, it's best to avoid them as much as possible.
Your lungs and immune system may be compromised as well if you continue to be
exposed to items to which you have a sensitivity.
Sometimes eczema is also the result of harsh environmental concerns, such as for those
who work with chemicals or the fumes and vapors from chemicals. If these things irritate
your skin so severely that eczema results, then this may be an indicator of your lungs
also being at risk and that you should be taking additional precautions to protect yourself
around these things.
There are cases where eczema is just a sensitivity or a genetic issue, but sometimes it
can be and often is a sign of a problem that should be addressed.
There are some skin problems that can and even should be addressed by those who
suffer from them. Let's take a quick look at them here.

SKIN PROBLEMS
So by now you probably understand the importance of skin; it's more than just pretty to
look at but it performs many valuable functions that are actually necessary for survival!
And yet there are also many problems that can crop up with the skin. Ask anyone that

struggles with acne or blackheads and they'll tell you that sometimes skin can seem
downright ugly or embarrassing. Dry skin can also be a constant irritant as you feel the
urge to scratch it, which of course just makes the problem that much worse. Uneven
skin tone and blotchiness may not be a health problem but can make a person feel very
unattractive. Rashes are not just irritating but they're typically a symptom or sign of
something such as an allergy or injury to the skin. A burn, including a sunburn, can be
painful for hours and even days. Scars don't always heal and can be unsightly for the
rest of one's life.
Problems with the scalp are also problems with the skin. Dandruff is not a problem with
one's hair but of the skin on the head, as is oily hair. This problems originate from the
skin even though it's often assumed that they're caused by the hair.


Here are some other common skin problems, their causes, and potential solutions as
well:
Acne.
Many people who have acne believe that their skin is not clean; it is true that acne is
typically caused by dirt and oil that gets caught in the pores and builds up into what we
call a pimple. However everyone has dirt and oil on their face and not everyone has
acne. Those who suffer from breakouts have a type of defect wherein the skin doesn't
break the way it should and allow these elements to be rinsed or rubbed away.
When someone has acne, it is good to use those products that dry up the excess oil
since this does help, but thinking that the skin just needs to be cleaned more or with
harsher products can actually make it worse. When you clean you skin too much you
strip its natural oils, and the skin can react by producing even more to make up for this.
It's actually good to moisturize the face with something that won't clog the pores when
you do have acne.
Wrinkles.
Every time you move your skin, it pulls and presses against itself. This means every
time you move your fingers, smile, and open your mouth to talk.

Typically the skin is springy enough to snap back into place like a new rubber band.
However as a person ages they lose collagen and elastin, two substances that give skin
its springy texture. As these substances break down, every time the skin gets pulled or
folded it's not so quick to go back into place and little lines that we call wrinkles start to
appear.
Dry skin tends to wrinkle quicker as of course moisture helps to plump up skin and make
it softer, which means it will smooth itself out easier. Hydrating from the outside is good
but so is drinking water and other hydrating beverages.
Dry skin.
Many people have dry skin because of genetics whereas others are affected by the
environment in which they live; skin also tends to get drier as a person gets older. Dry
skin can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to wrinkles and other problems as skin
needs to be moisturized to be smooth and healthy.
There are many moisturizers and lotions available for skin today; browse any skincare
aisle of any pharmacy or cosmetics store and you'll find plenty of options for you. Some
work very well and others not so much. Some have found that simple and natural
solutions like vitamin E oil are even preferable to high-end products. The key is to find
something that works well with your skin's natural composition and to use it consistently.
Think of your environment as well if you have dry skin. Warm mist humidifiers are great
to use especially during the winter months and especially at night when the cold makes


your skin even drier. Try one in your office if where you work is particularly dry. Avoid
soaking in a hot shower as this dries the skin as well. It's also good to protect it from the
elements in both winter and summer, but the biting cold of winter is very bad for skin's
health!
Eczema.
If you're reading this book
you're
obviously

concerned
about
eczema, which is a type
of dry skin rash that
actually
takes
many
forms. Anyone can be
affected by eczema, from
adults to babies, and it
can start to become a
problem later in life for
those who've never had a
problem before.
Eczema is not typically
what you would call a life
threatening condition, but
if left untreated severe
cases can leave the skin
open and vulnerable to
bacteria and infections.
These infections can
The skin's composition is not simple by any
travel in the body and
means. Understanding it can make it easier
attack weakened areas
to address skin problems, including eczema.
which can lead to serious
complications.
For

instance, a small chip in a
bone can be the host to an infection that may eventually require surgery to correct!
Eczema is also painful and difficult to deal with for the sufferers. Because the patches of
eczema are dry and itchy, it's not unusual for the sufferer to scratch endlessly which in of
course makes the problem much worse. And because the skin is compromised, many
products that a person might try to address the problem only make it worse.
There are things that one can do to address and treat eczema, and we'll go into those
details in later sections.

SKIN'S COMPOSITION
Understanding how the skin is composed will make it that much easier to address
problems that crop up and to keep it healthy as well. This is true of everything about
one's body - if you understand how and why and the heart works you can understand


how to keep your cardiovascular system healthy; if you understand how the ears work
you can better protect your hearing from damage, and so on.
The skin is actually quite complicated, more so than most people realize. Because it's
so very thin, most don't realize how many layers there are to the skin. However,
dermatologists and even tattoo artists need to be familiar with the layers of the skin and
their purpose. Tattoos need to be inked so deep or else they won't be permanent.
Because so many parts of the skin are buried in deeper layers, it's easy for problems to
crop up from beneath the skin's surface.
The color or pigmentation of the skin is caused by melanin, which absorbs much of the
potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays.
Epidermis.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. This layer contains no blood vessels; this
is why you can sometimes cut yourself and not necessarily bleed. A cut needs to reach
layers underneath the epidermis where blood vessels are in order to actually bleed.
One reason the epidermis has no blood vessels is that it needs to be thick enough to

handle the contact of the skin with everything around it. Without this thickness, skin
would not only cut but be rubbed off completely just by everyday activities and function.
Dermis.
The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue
and cushions the body from stress and strain. Nerve endings are actually in the dermis
layer so things like heat and other sensations need to reach through to this layer to be
experienced. This helps to protect the body of far too many sensations at once and from
overreacting to every bit of warmth and contact. The dermis also contains the hair
follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood
vessels. This is why skin and pores can get clogged at times - the epidermis is covering
this very active layer of skin called the dermis. If for example hair does not push up
through the epidermis the way it should it becomes trapped in its own pore or follicle.
Hypodermis.
The hypodermis is not technically part of the skin but is what connects the skin to bone
and muscle. Nerves and blood vessels are also part of the hypodermis. Some 50% of
the body's fat is also contained in the hypodermis, and this fat serves as an insulator for
body heat but also moisturizes skin and keeps it supple.

UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA
With this "crash course" about the skin, you may be wondering about eczema - what
causes it, where in the skin can it be found, and of course how can it be prevented and
treated?


While no one can say what skin problem is worse than another, and certainly anyone
suffering from acne or overly wrinkled skin or any other situation deserves sympathy and
support, eczema can be more than just a minor annoyance to its sufferer. Severe cases
are downright painful and unsightly. They can also be a sign of a health concern or
condition in the body, as most cases of eczema are caused by issues with the immunity
system, not just the skin itself.

Sufferers of eczema may do well to visit a doctor but often do so only to find that they
know very little about their condition and treatment options. It's difficult to get an
education from one's physician about any condition overall, which can mean that you
may actually be making your problem much worse! There are also typically things a
person can do to treat their conditions, whether eczema or anything else, without
medical intervention - and of course your doctor will never tell you those things either!
If you suffer from eczema you're probably tired of the rashes, the cracking, the bleeding,
and the pain. You may be frustrated with trying useless creams and ointments and may
wonder how to actually get to the root cause of your condition in order to treat it once
and for all. And of course if your child is suffering from this condition you may be just as
concerned and just as frustrated! Perhaps you're wondering just how to put this
condition behind you once and for all.
That's where we come in! We've done all the research and have spoken to all the
skincare experts and have learned those secrets to treating eczema and avoiding it in
the first place. We've also learned how to care for your skin and strengthen it so that
you can avoid not just eczema but other common problems including:
ƒ

Acne

ƒ

Blackheads

ƒ

Premature aging

ƒ

Wrinkles

ƒ

Dryness

ƒ

Rashes

Having clear and radiant skin is about more than just avoiding eczema, but it's about
taking care of it from the inside out. And for cases of eczema and other forms of
dermatitis, avoiding irritations and allergens as well as nourishing the skin are going to
be key.
In this book, we're going to tell you:
ƒ

How to recognize the many different forms of eczema and to tell if your case
is inherent, an allergy, or the result of an irritation from the environment
around you.


ƒ

What creams and treatment options you can try at home.

ƒ

When to call for medical intervention for your eczema and what medications
your doctor might prescribe.

ƒ

Homemade remedies and treatment options for this condition.

You may have been suffering from eczema for so long that you've come to think of
taking care of it as part of your everyday routine, like showering and brushing your teeth.
But it doesn't need to be this way! You can treat this condition when it happens and you
can avoid it happening in the first place.
So if you're ready to start addressing this constant and chronic problem and are ready to
get rid of your eczema once and for all, let's get started!


TYPES OF ECZEMA
The term "eczema" actually refers to a variety of inflamed skin conditions; another word
for these conditions is "dermatitis." These conditions cause an inflamed, itchy rash that
is very uncomfortable for the sufferer. They can also cause edema or swelling, crusting,
flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Some even have scars on their skin
from eczema.
This condition is nothing to be dismissed. When skin is red and inflamed and in pain it
can make simple, everyday movements impossible. And if the condition is so severe
that there is blistering, cracking, or other such problems then the sufferer can also be
more prone to infections since they now have open sores on their body.
Let's take a look at the most common form of eczema and then discuss how each one
happens and what can be done to address it as well.

CONTACT DERMATITIS
This type of dermatitis or eczema is exactly what it sounds like - the result of some type
of contact of an irritant on the skin. As an example, the rash one gets from poison ivy is
a form of contact dermatitis. A severe reaction to things such as detergents or wet

cement are also common forms of contact dermatitis.
What's interesting about contact dermatitis and what can often make it difficult to
diagnose properly is that the sufferer can have a delayed reaction to any particular
irritant. If you've recently been in the woods and suspect you've brushed up against
some poison ivy then it may be easy to figure out where and how you got your rash. But
if you don't realize that it's your clothing detergent or that you have a sensitivity to a
substance in your workplace, it may be difficult if not impossible to diagnose the cause of
your condition.
The skin can have a reaction to many substances or irritants around it but typically these
reaction subside almost immediately. You may notice a red or sore spot on your hand or
fingers from a slight scrape against a counter or table, and within an hour or so it's gone.
Contact dermatitis however is much more severe and typically takes days or even weeks
to disappear.
Common causes.
The common causes of contact dermatitis include:
ƒ

Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac. These plants produce a skin irritating oil
called urushiol.


ƒ

Highly alkaline soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents. These strip the skin
of its natural oils which serve to protect it from irritations.

ƒ

High concentrations of dust and pollutants, including sawdust and materials
in production plants.

ƒ

Extreme physical irritation, such as from scratchy clothing or fiberglass
particles.

ƒ

Extremely low humidity levels. When there is an extreme lack of moisture in
the air this causes skin cells to be starved of needed moisture in order to stay
healthy and connective tissue breaks down. This can cause dermatitis itself
or make the skin more vulnerable to irritants and pollutants in the air.

Indications.
A red rash, blisters, and itchy or burning skin are all common indicators of contact
eczema.
Treatment.
Treating contact dermatitis or eczema may be easier than all other forms. Doctors
typically recommend simply avoiding contact with the substance that causes the
irritation. For those living or working in extremely low humidity levels, a good humidifier
can make a tremendous difference and of course a sufferer needs to be sure that he or
she is drinking enough water and other liquids as well.
Remember too that everyone's skin composition is different. You may dismiss the area
in which you work as causing your eczema because you're the only worker that has this
condition. Or you assume that clothes made from a particular fiber can't possibly be as
irritating as you assume or else manufacturers wouldn't use those fibers. But you may
just have skin that is more sensitive or drier than someone else. If you suspect contact
eczema from any substance, try protecting yourself from that substance for a week and
note the results. Where gloves to work and long sleeves. Try a thick oil-based
moisturizer on exposed areas of skin as this can protect it from such irritants.

It's good to rinse your affected area of skin with cool water to remove any residue of the
irritating substance. Antihistamines may also help, as may calamine lotion.
Medical intervention.
If the rash persists and is painful or does not respond to home treatments, it may be time
for medical intervention. Your doctor can prescribe stronger antihistamines than what
are available at your pharmacy.


ATOPIC ECZEMA
This form of eczema is believed to be caused by an allergy and is considered to be
mostly hereditary. Very often it will be found in families with other members that have
eczema, hay fever and asthma. Typically the itchy rash is particularly noticeable on
head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and on the buttocks.
Common causes.
Atopic eczema is typically inherent and genetic. However, while a person may have
inherited the sensitivity to allergens and irritants, it's important to remember that like
other allergies, atopic eczema typically only flares up when the person comes into
contact with the items to which they are sensitive. If a person can pinpoint the allergens
to which they are sensitive, they may reduce and even eliminate these flare-ups.
Common allergens that are
associated
with
atopic
eczema include:
ƒ

Dust and dirt are very
common allergens for
people
and

a
sensitivity
can
develop with those
who work in very
dusty and dirty areas.
Thos with a certain
sensitivity may react
more profoundly than
those without.

ƒ

Common
food
allergens
include
milk, nuts, cheese,
tomatoes,
wheat,
yeast, soy, and corn.

An example of atopic eczema that has
been scratched by the sufferer.

ƒ

Animal dander is also
a common allergen for many.

ƒ

Smoking, even secondhand smoke, can irritate skin and tissue.

Indications.
As well as the areas of the body that typically become sensitive when a person has
atopic eczema, the prevalence of conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and other
allergies can also mean that the patient has atopic dermatitis. Additionally, if this
condition is found in other family members this too can be an indication.


Many studies have shown that this condition is commonly found in families so if other
family members suffer from eczema this too can be an indication of atopic eczema.
Allergists can give a patch or scratch test to someone suffering from atopic eczema to
determine if they have a certain sensitivity to certain items.
Treatment.
There is no true cure for
atopic eczema; sufferers
need to avoid their triggers
as much as possible. If the
patient works in a dusty or
dirty
environment,
they
should wear gloves and other
protective clothing.
If the
sensitivity is to animal
dander, it's not enough to
simply remove the animal

from the room as their fur
and skin particles get into
furniture and clothing and
stay there.
Food labels
should be checked carefully
as it's surprising how often
these common ingredients
are found in certain food
items.
The skin's natural oils
typically help to protect it
An acute form of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
from allergens and excessive
dryness. Be mindful of harsh
soaps and body washes that
strip these oils every time
you wash. Choose those made for sensitive skin instead.
The immunosuppressants tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be used as a topical
preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of or in addition to
traditional steroid creams. There can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such
as intense stinging or burning, which mostly get better after the first week of treatment.
A more novel form of treatment involves exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation
exposure has been found to have a localized effect on affected tissues, and may be
used to decrease the severity and frequency of flare-ups of atopic eczema. Speak to
your doctor about this; do not simply sit in a tanning salon expecting this to correct your
eczema!
Doctors may also prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections.
These topical ointments are very effective in treating severe eczema as they calm the

irritation and treat the allergen at the source. The disadvantages of these creams is that
they can actually cause stretch marks and thinning of the skin.
Cortisone shots are sometimes administered for severe cases so that the medication
can reach the layers of the skin under the epidermis.

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not particularly harmful but is very irritating for the sufferer. It
typically affects the areas of the skin that have the sebaceous glands, which are the oil
producing glands around hair follicles. This means the scalp and areas of the leg.
Infants commonly suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis on their scalp, which is often
referred to as "cradle cap." This may be because their oil glands are not fully developed
and so moisture is lost in the scalp area. Excessive use of shampoos and cleansers, as
well as tight fitting caps that irritate baby's delicate skin, can also be part of the culprit.
Common causes.
Typically this type of dermatitis is genetic, environmental, or hormonal. Some believe
that it is a reaction to a common form of yeast but this connection has not actually been
proven.
Some believe that an excessive amount of vitamin A in children is a cause as well. Lack
of biotin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin (vitamin B2) may also be a cause. Very often
however this condition is simply genetic and something that a sufferer will need to treat.
Indications.
This type of eczema typically occurs where hair follicles grow so the location of the rash
is the most obvious indicator.
Because this form of eczema typically occurs near the hair follicle and oil gland, very
often the sufferer can experience hair loss due to this condition. In severe cases, this
hair loss can be permanent.
Treatment.
There are many effective treatment solutions for seborrhoeic eczema, including:
ƒ

Avoiding soaps and detergents that contain sodium laureth sulfate. These
are particularly drying and strip the skin and scalp of natural oils and
moisturizers. Many who have this form of eczema experience flare-ups when
using these types of products.


ƒ

Using shampoos that contain coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole,
selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione may be recommended. These may
remove the dense scale that builds up and irritates the skin when a patient
has this condition.

ƒ

Pimecrolimus topical lotion may be prescribed. Other ointments that have a
high concentration of vitamin B6 may be used.

ƒ

Accutane may also be prescribed in severe cases, however, this medication
is thought to cause liver damage in some patients. Those who use this
medication should have regular checkups on their liver function.

ƒ

Home remedies may include biotin, B complex, zinc, and flaxseed oil.

OTHER FORMS

There are other, less common forms of eczema, including:
Dyshidrosis, or "housewife's eczema."
This occurs on the palms, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers and toes. Small
bumps called vesicles appear, as well as thickening of the skin and cracks that itch
constantly. They often get worse at night and in warm weather.
Often this condition is caused by
exposure to harsh chemicals such as in
cleaning products. Emotional distress,
allergies, and changes of the season
may also cause this condition. Nickel
allergies can also be a culprit; cocoa,
chocolate, whole grains, and nuts all
contain nickel and so may trigger an
outbreak.
It's good to avoid scratching these
blisters as this just makes the situation
worse and can cause the blisters to
bleed.
Discoid eczema.
This condition is often found on the
lower legs and is typically worse in
An advanced case of dyshidrosis.
winter. Round blisters with a dry rash
are typical. The cause is unknown and
flare-ups are rare and sporadic, and are
more common among senior citizens than others. Some assume this condition is
caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin that is found as skin ages. Stress and


caffeine may also contribute to the condition. Typically a cortisone cream is best for this

type of eczema.
Venous eczema.
This type of eczema typically occurs in persons with impaired circulation and varicose
veins. It is often found in the ankles of persons over 50.
Symptoms of venous eczema include:
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Thin, brown tissue-like skin with skin lesions, red spots, superficial skin
irritation and/or darkening and/or thickening of the skin at the ankles or legs.

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Skin ulcers in certain areas.

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Swollen legs, ankles, and other areas.

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Itching and leg pain.

Leg ulcers typically follow cases of venous eczema. Topical creams as well as
compression stockings are good for increasing circulation in these areas. These
stockings also force out the buildup of fluids in these areas.
Dermatitis herpetiformis.
The lesions that form with dermatitis herpetiformis resemble those that are caused by
the herpes virus, although not caused by this virus. The rash typically appears on the
arms, thighs, knees, and back.
This form of dermatitis is associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease of the

lower intestine. Symptoms of this disease include chronic diarrhea, failure to grow and
thrive in children, and extreme fatigue. It's believed that this disease is associated with
an allergic reaction to wheat and gluten. Typically a gluten free diet is best for celiac and
for the dermatitis that accompanies it.
Neurodermatitis
Typically this form of eczema is due to rubbing and scratching, either by the sufferer
directly or by clothes and materials that are up against the skin. Often the best and only
cure is to stop scratching the skin and to use topical ointments to heal the redness and
rash.
Autoeczematization
This type of eczema is a reaction to an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or
parasites. Typically the best treatment is to use a topical cream that addresses the
infection.


CORRECT DIAGNOSIS
How can you tell what type of eczema you have and how to treat it properly?
You may already have your suspicions; if you work with cleaning agents or other
chemicals and notice the rash and irritation around your hands and fingers. Or you may
have hay fever or asthma and realize you have allergies and sensitivities.
The only real way to get a correct diagnosis regarding your own eczema is to see your
doctor. He or she can do a patch test on your skin to see the types of bumps you have
and the extent of your irritation. This can help determine the exact type of case you
have.
A dermatologist of course would usually be the best doctor to see but your general
practitioner or family doctor can also be helpful.
Keeping a record.
It's also helpful to keep a record of your breakouts in case you do have an allergy that's
food related or that is result of pet dander or pollen. Note your daily diet; what you eat
and how much. Also make notes of your daily activities as well. For instance, if you

notice a breakout when you go to visit a certain friend that has cats, it may be cat dander
that is bothering you. Or those friends might smoke and it's the cigarette smoke in the
air and that gets caught on the furniture that produces a flare-up.
Your doctor may even ask you to keep such a record but starting this on your own can
be very helpful to him or her in pinpointing the cause of your condition. You may not
have made these connections before when it comes to your case and food allergies or
sensitivities to animals, but once you see that record and go over it with your doctor then
it may be easy to isolate the cause of your eczema and eliminate it completely.


MEDICAL INTERVENTION OF ECZEMA
Eczema is a very serious condition and absolutely no fun for the sufferer. While others
may dismiss it as being less than life threatening, and certainly it is, it's very painful and
unsightly. It can also lead to other problems as the skin's natural barrier against bacteria
and microbes is constantly compromised.
The specific forms of eczema each have their own forms of treatment but typically there
are things you can do to address the problem overall. Let's go over a few different
medical methods of addressing eczema so that you can be sure you're treating the
condition properly and doing everything you can to protect yourself. It's good to
understand your options so that you know what your doctor is prescribing for you and
how these things work.

ORAL MEDICATIONS
The following is a list of common oral medications prescribed to treat eczema, including
how they work and potential side effects. Be sure that you speak to your doctor about
each and every medication you may be prescribed and pay attention to his or her
instructions and precautions.
Here are some common medications used to treat allergies and allergic disorders.
These medications are considered steroids and so they increase the body's immune
response and also cut down on swelling and redness of the skin.

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Methylprednisolone (Medrol).

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Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)

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Prednisolone

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Betamethasone

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Veripred 20 (Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone)

Side effects.
Common side effects for all the above medications include:
Side effects may include:
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Stomach upset and nausea

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Headache and dizziness

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Menstrual period changes

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Trouble sleeping - problems falling asleep or staying asleep

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Weight gain

Rarely do the users of this medication experience side effects, but your doctor should be
notified if you experience:
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bone/joint pain

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easy bruising/bleeding

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black stools

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vomit that looks like coffee grounds

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severe stomach/abdominal pain

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increased thirst/urination

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fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat

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shortness of breath

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swelling of the ankles/feet

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persistent weight gain and puffy face

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unusual hair growth

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thinning skin

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slow wound healing

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signs of infection (persistent fever/cough/sore throat, painful urination, eye
pain/discharge)

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muscle weakness/pain

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mental/mood changes (mood swings, depression, agitation)

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vision changes

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seizures

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unusual skin growths

If you experience any severe side effects from these or any medications, seek
immediate medical attention. Make sure your doctor knows of all the medicines you are
taking, including homeopathic remedies to reduce the risk of drug interaction.


OINTMENTS AND TOPICAL SOLUTIONS
Oral treatments are fine for addressing the problems of allergic reactions that cause
eczema but often a topical solution is much better for immediate relief and may be the
only solution when treating infants and children.
Here are some common topical ointments and creams that may be prescribed for
eczema:
Bactroban, Mupirocin
This topical ointment is used to treat infected cuts or wounds. It is an antibiotic that
stops the growth of certain bacteria.
Side effects may include:
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Burning, stinging, itching.

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Headache.

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Nausea.

If there are signs of a severe rash, you should notify your doctor at once.
Ala-Quin (Albaform HC, Corque, Topic Form HC, Viocort)
According to WebMD, "This combination medication is used to treat a variety of skin
conditions (e.g., eczema, fungal skin infections such as ringworm/athlete's foot/jock itch).
This product contains 2 medications. Clioquinol (also known as iodochlorhydroxyquin) is
an antibiotic that works by preventing the growth of fungus/bacteria. Hydrocortisone is a
mild corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that occurs
in the affected skin."
Side effects are rare but may include:
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skin irritation/burning

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extreme hair growth

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skin thinning/discoloration

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acne

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stretch marks

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"hair bumps" (folliculitis)


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trouble breathing

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rash

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dizziness

If you suspect an allergic reaction to this medication, you should seek immediate
medical attention.
Over the counter topical solutions.
There are many ointments and creams you can buy at your local pharmacy that can
address the redness and
itching of eczema flare-ups.
Included are capsaicin and
menthol solutions.
These lotions and creams may
not address the root cause of
eczema but will provide
temporary relief from the pain
and swelling.
Use them

cautiously but if they work and
don't cause any additional
concerns for your condition,
they should be considered an
acceptable treatment option.

HOME REMEDIES
What about home remedies?
Are these effective or do they
make the condition worse?
How can you know if any are
right for you?

Do home remedies work? Are they just a
waste of time? The answers might
surprise you.

Many home remedies are
preferred by sufferers because they have few if any side effects, however, many do not
address the underlying cause of eczema. If you have an allergy to a certain substance
and are only treating the inflammation and redness and not that allergy itself, your relief
will be temporary at best.
Trying home remedies is going to mean some discretion on your part. If you try a
remedy and it seems to make your condition worse or does no good at all, it's time to try
something else. And if your doctor tells you that your eczema is the result of an allergy
or sensitivity, you need to pay attention to that. Most homemade remedies won't
address these underlying causes and so eczema will just continue to flare up.


Here are some common remedies to consider:

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Mix 1 teaspoon camphor and 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste; apply this to the
affected area.

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Apply nutmeg paste to the affected area.

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Try vitamin E oil, readily available from your pharmacy in the cosmetics or
lotions aisle. Dab it gently on the rash and allow it to be absorbed.

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Try zinc supplements.
affected areas.

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Shark cartilage and lotion of blueberry leaves reduce inflammation and
redness. These are typically available at most health food stores.

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Pine tar soap should be used rather than regular soap. Pine tar has a natural
moisturizing property and does not strip the skin of natural oils the way most
commercially produced soaps do.

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Have some tomato juice every day.
infections and allergens.

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Mashed papaya seeds can be used as a paste and applied to the affected
areas and rash.

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Avocados are very good for the skin; they contain many natural oils and
vitamins which are healthy for the skin. Try a mashed paste made of
avocadoes.

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Chamomile tea bags are often used to sooth puffiness in the face and around
the eyes. They are good for swelling and redness. Make sure the tea bags
have cooled completely before using them.

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Ginkgo is an antioxidant and healing element that is know to help increase
blood circulation and therefore blood flow to the skin.

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Glycerin is very thick and not good for using on the face as it may clog pores

and cause acne breakouts. For other areas of the body however it can
relieve redness and swelling and add moisture to the skin.

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Shea butter has a very high concentration of essential fatty acids that make it
a great treatment for the skin, helping it to stay moisturized and to retain its
firmness. You can typically find many products that contain shea butter.

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The wheat germ is the part of the wheat plant that has the highest
concentration of oils and moisturizers. Wheat germ oil is often used to soften
skin and relieve swelling and redness.

You can also apply zinc directly to the rash and

Tomatoes are thought to help fight

Other remedies you can consider include wearing cotton and avoiding synthetic fabrics
such as polyester. These materials can irritate skin whereas cotton allows more air
circulation which can help the skin to be healthy and radiant.


Homemade masks.
Using homemade masks is a great idea not just for the face but for other areas of the
skin as well. While homemade masks are often used to soothe the pores of the face
and clear up acne breakouts and problems such as these, they can also be applied in
other areas to add moisture to the skin and to reduce redness, irritation, and swelling.
Here are a few simple homemade masks you can try to put on the affected areas.

Remember to use caution; if you feel burning or stinging or if these remedies seem to
make things worse, discontinue their use.
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Eggs are full of vitamin A, fatty acids, and protein that are very good for the
skin. You can use plain raw eggs as a mask or treatment. All you need to do
is whip them up with a fork or beaters until they're frothy and then apply this
to the affected areas. After about 15 minutes you simply rinse it off with a
cool wet cloth.

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For added moisturizer on your skin you can simply mix equal part of
unflavored yogurt with honey and pop this in the microwave for less than a
minute so that it's warm and runny. Apply this to your face and leave it on for
15 minutes before rinsing with a warm damp cloth.

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Honey and oatmeal is one of the oldest face masks there is. You simply
need to mix these two elements until you have a gooey paste and apply it to
the affected area. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with a
warm washcloth. Honey and oatmeal both have many natural moisturizing
properties and can help with redness and itchiness as well.

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Avocado and honey are also a common mixture for homemade masks. You
simply mash these two together and apply it to the area and allow it to sit as
well. After 10 to 15 minutes you rinse this off with a warm washcloth.

These homemade masks work not just for areas of eczema but may also improve the
appearance of your skin on your face as well. If you're lacking moisture around your
face or notice you have some breakouts, use these masks not just for your eczema but
for added moisture on the face as well! Just be sure to leave them on for a good 15
minutes so the skin can absorb the moisture from the components completely.