Eczema Gone

by PhylB

Article by Kim Archer

It’s all too common for people to pay attention to rumor when it comes to eczema and then believe the worst. Everyone has their own stories and their own experiences but educating yourself can go a long way in eliminating some of those concerns and fears you might have regarding this skin condition. Here are some key facts about eczema.

To start with, eczema is a term used for an assortment of skin ailments. The commonest kinds of eczema are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis (which explains the reason why the terms eczema and dermatitis are frequently used interchangeably). Contact dermatitis is triggered when your skin is exposed to some form of irritant. Atopic dermatitis is believed to have a hereditary nature. It can be mild or it can be persistent. It is most common in babies and children yet it can sometimes show itself in adulthood.

If you’ve ever been told that eczema is not unlike acne then it is time to clear the air – it most definitely is not. Acne and eczema are both skin conditions but are quite different in their characteristics. There are medications, though, that can result in acne and subsequently worsen an existing case of eczema. If you are afflicted with acne and eczema it’s always essential to work directly with your physician to seek out pharmaceutical drugs that won’t exacerbate either of your skin ailments.

Perhaps you have thought that eczema is a disorder that is triggered by emotional issues? This was once the theory accepted by medical experts. It is now known that eczema isn’t caused by emotions, but excessive stress can cause aggravation of the symptoms. That’s why it is advisable that those who are afflicted with eczema learn some effective means to relax and settle themselves in order to prevent outbreaks.

Are you concerned that eczema could be contagious? Did you get it from another person and can you pass it on to someone else? That is absolutely not the case. Eczema simply isn’t infectious at all. Rather it is related to heredity, allergic hypersensitivity and environmental irritants.

It is thought by some that because eczema is a disease which affects the skin it will therefore leave lasting scars. Most of the time this is not the case. Eczema can be unpleasant, uncomfortable and rather unsightly, but it is not likely to leave you scarred permanently. But it’s essential to be aware that some kinds of conventional treatment (such as prolonged use of corticosteroids) can potentially bring about discoloration and thinning of the skin and striae, which are shiny white stretch marks. At all times make sure you understand the potential negative effects of any course of treatment for eczema before you undergo it.

At this point in time there is no cure for eczema, yet there is a number of forms of treatment that are able to enable you to control it to the point where it will not get in the way of your way of life. Consult your physician about the options.

Find More Eczema Articles

by kadavoor

Eczema is a skin disease, which is observed as exfoliation of the skin, mostly accompanied by severe itching. In the chronic stages, there may be oozing of pus and bleeding from the affected regions. It is also commonly referred to as dermatitis.

In Ayurveda, eczema is known as Vicharchika. It is caused due to the vitiation of all the three doshas vata, pitta and kapha. Eczema is an infectious disease. It can spread from one person to another. It has been found to run in families. Especially if there is some allergy, then there is greater chance of eczema. Other factors that can bring on eczema are age, climate, food, stress and nature of skin. Eczema has more chances of occurring during puberty and menopause.

Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Eczema

- Babul (Acacia arabica) The bark of the babul tree is potent in the treatment of eczema. It is boiled in water and the fumes are used to foment the affected areas.

- Butea (Butea monosperma) In the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, its the seeds of the butea tree that are useful. The seeds of the butea are mixed with lime water and are applied on the affected regions to get the required benefits.

- Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Linseed is applied on the affected regions in the form of its oil mixed with lime water. This is effective in the treatment of many skin ailments including eczema.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica) Madhuca leaves are used to get the madhuca oil. This is applied on the regions where the eczema has occurred to obtain relief.

Dietary Treatments for Eczema

The following dietary rules are very important for eczema patients to be obeyed:-

- Salt must be reduced in the diet.

- Sour foods must be avoided. This includes all pickles, curds, etc.

- Bitter tastes are useful. These are obtained from vegetables such as bitter gourd, bitter drumstick and flowers of the neem tree.

- Turmeric has a soothing effect on the skin. It must be used liberally in flavoring the food. Turmeric is also useful if it is applied locally over the affected parts.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema

Eczema is a constitutional disease. Its cause is deep-seated within the body. Hence external medications are not effective in eczema. With such medications, the outer symptoms may disappear, but the underlying cause remains. Ayurveda attempts at curing eczema from its roots. The method used is an elaborate process to purify the blood of the individual.

The different steps involved are:-

a) Snehana This method oleates the skin, i.e. makes it smooth using oily preparations. b) Swedana This method induces sweating which removes the toxins from the blood. c) Panchkarma These are the five steps to improve the blood. They include vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), vasti (enema), siro-virechana (errhines) and rakta mokshana (blood-letting).

The following Ayurvedic preparations are used in the treatment of eczema:-

One teaspoonful of Panchatikta ghritam twice a day and one tablet of Arogyavardhini thrice a day are prescribed to all patients of eczema.

In addition, a dosage of 50 milligrams of Chaturmukha rasa with gold is prescribed to be taken twice a day along with 15 milliliters of Khadirarishta thrice a day. All treatments must be continued for one month.

Physicians would suggest massaging the area with Mahamarichyadi taila or Guduchyadi taila.

Home Remedies for Eczema

- Applying the juice of the wild almond (Terminalia catapa) on the affected parts provides relief.

- An emulsion can be made with the seeds of the karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and lemon juice. This is very beneficial if applied externally.

- An ointment is prepared using one part of sesame oil, sixteen parts of arka (Calatropics gigantica) and one part of turmeric. This should be applied externally.

- Prepare a brew of the peel of the banyan tree. Both drinking this brew and applying it externally over the affected parts show promising results.

- After meals, take one teaspoonful of Panchanimbadi choorna, which is available at all Ayurvedic outlets.

There are some other preventive methods that are necessary for people with eczema. These are enlisted below:-

- Soap must not be used over the affected regions. Mild soaps can be used, but it is best to avoid them. Hot water must not be used for baths. Adding some olive oil to the water helps.

- If the skin over the affected part is excessively dry, then a ghee or an oil massage will help. This will prevent the skin from erupting.

- People with eczema should take care that their bodies do not suffer from sudden extremities of climate. Hence, traveling must be done with care.

- The products of wool are not good for skins affected with eczema. Hence, people with eczema must avoid blankets and sweaters that are made of wool.

- People with eczema must take care that they do not sweat too much. Sweat can irritate the eczema.

More Eczema Articles