Are you looking for an atopic eczema treatment that does not include expensive doctors and stinky creams or damaging steroids? I was until I discovered a natural way to literally cure my eczema. First let's understand a couple things regarding this disease.
Atopic eczema is an inflammatory, continually relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic skin disorder. It has been given names like "prurigo Besnier," "neurodermitis," "endogenous eczema," "flexural eczema," "infantile eczema," and "prurigo diathsique".
Atopic eczema is awfully frequent worldwide and escalating in commonness. It affects males and females evenly and accounts for 10%-20 % of all referrals to dermatologists (physicians who focus in the care and healing of skin diseases. Atopic eczema occurs most often in infants and children, and its onset decreases substantially with age. Scientists estimate that 65% of patients develop symptoms in the first year of life, and 90% develop symptoms before the age of 5. Onset after age 30 is less common and often occurs after exposure of the skin to harsh conditions. People who live in urban areas and in climates with low humidity seem to be at an increased risk for developing atopic dermatitis.
Although symptoms could vary from person to person, the most ordinary symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Itch is the grand hallmark of the disease. Typical affected skin areas include the folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face, and hands. Less commonly there could be cracks behind the ears, and various other rashes on any part of the body.
Lots of factors or conditions can intensify the symptoms of atopic eczema, including dry skin, winter or cold weather, wool cloths, and other frustrating skin conditions. These factors may further trigger the itch-scratch cycle, further stimulating the many times already overactive immune system in the skin. Repeated aggravation and activation of the itch-scratch cycle could cause further skin damage and barrier breakdown. These exacerbating elements will be broken down into two main categories: irritants and allergens. Emotional factors and some infections may also influence atopic eczema.
To help lessen itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:
* try to identify and steer clear of triggers that worsen the inflammation. Rapid changes of temperature, sweating and stress can worsen the condition. Avoid direct contact with wool products, such as rugs, bedding and clothes, as well as harsh soaps and detergents.
* Rub on an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, that has at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, can temporarily relieve the itch. A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if itching is severe.
* Keep away from scratching whenever possible. Cover up the itchy area if you may't keep from scratching it. Clip nails and wear gloves at nighttime.
* Put on cool, damp compresses. Dressing the affected area with bandages and dressings could help shelter the skin and prevent scratching.
* Have a warm bath. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal - a lightly ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others). Or, add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of bleach to a 40 gallon (151 liter) bathtub filled with warm water. The diluted bleach bath is thought to kill bacteria that grow on the skin.
These are some awesome natural ways to treat eczema when it flairs up. But if you desire to be rid of this dreadful condition forever you need to know that eczema starts on the inside and understand that there are steps you will take to exterminate it from your life. Below is a link to the most fantastic atopic eczema healing guide; I utilized and I have not had a flair up in years!