Eczema: Are You Over It?
Are you over struggling with eczema?
“Eczema” is actually a blanket term for a number of related skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is the chronic kind, also known as atopic dermatitis. This is the type of eczema we will focus on for the purposes of this article, but please do keep in mind that many of the tips shared here may also apply to other types of eczema, such as contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
If you suffer from eczema of any kind, you know what it feels like to deal with painful itchy, red, rough, flaky, and inflamed skin on a regular basis. Your condition likely began during childhood, with weeping, oozing, plaques of skin that were unbearably itchy. As you’ve grown older, the condition may have improved some, and retreated to smaller areas on the body, like the fronts of your elbows and the backs of your knees. However, after scratching and rubbing the itchy rash intermittently for a long period of time, your skin may have become thickened and plaque-like.
“Minimize the stress in your life…”
“Avoid sudden changes in humidity and temperature…”
“Don’t sweat or overheat yourself…”
“Don’t wear scratchy clothes, like wool…”
“Avoid foods that may cause an outbreak…”
“Protect your skin from cold weather…”
“Avoid smoke…”
“Wear lose clothes…”
“Don’t over bathe…”
“Bathe in warm water, not hot…”
…and…
“Stop Scratching!”
Sound familiar?
Many people, especially those who don’t even suffer from eczema, seem to have plenty of advice on how to prevent an eczema outbreak. It is impossible to follow ALL of them, and hearing the whole host of them on a regular basis may simply leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, there seem to be just as many “treatment” options for eczema, as no one method works for everyone:
Medications
Some of these, called topical immunomodulators, are used to alter your immune system’s results to prevent flare ups. Unfortunately, some governments are requiring that two of these medications- Elidel and Protopic- be sold with ‘black box’ warnings on the labels due to a potential link to cancer. Steroids, like cortisone creams, and antihistamines may also be used to manage eczema. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if an infection sets in after excessive scratching, leaving skin broken and vulnerable.
Therapies
Phototherapy, which relies on sunlamps and ultraviolet light, is used to limit the immune system’s response system that triggers eczema outbreaks. A series of phototherapy treatments may sometimes reduce eczema and prevent skin infections.
Home Remedies
This is the category that special teas, topical oils, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and acupuncture fall under.
Even though moisturizing has been hailed as an essential step in eczema treatment, truly nourishing the skin is not always discussed. Many commercial moisturizers that are targeted at individuals suffering from eczema include a whole host of unnecessary ingredients that could potentially irritate skin. Cleansing eczema affected skin regularly and gently is also recommended often, particularly for those whose skin may have been affected by exposure to perfumes or harsh chemicals, and can aid in preventing future eczema breakouts. The type of soap you choose to cleanse, however, can make or break your skin health and happiness. If you’ve tried many of the treatment options listed above with little or no success, it might be time to start over with your skincare routine.
Our all natural tallow soaps have all of the benefits that Mother Nature can offer to your skin. They can provide the nourishment and nutrients necessary to fuel your skin’s healing process after an itchy outbreak leaves it broken and damaged. Those same nutrients can also leave your skin healthy and moisturized, which can help prevent outbreaks in the first place. Take some time to explore our website and to learn more about the terrific benefits of grass-fed beef tallow soaps and moisturizers- you might just be surprised at the relief that you’ll find!
