Posts Tagged ‘Topical Creams’

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Eliminating Scalp Eczema

August 20th, 2010

Purple Delight

Eczema, an itchy inflammation of the skin, effects many people in different forms, with one of the most common being scalp eczema.

The scalp is vulnerable because the skin of the scalp is different than skin elsewhere on the body. The scalp has a very rich supply of grease from the sebaceous glands as well as carrying follicles creating long hairs.

There are other symptoms to watch for with eczema besides itching. A person suffering from a form of eczema may also experience redness of the affected area, dry skin, lumps or blisters, and possibly signs of superficial infection such as weeping or crusty deposits.

It is important to let your medical provider know if you are suffering these symptoms and to which parts of your body, as there are several types of eczema, including atopic, allergic contact, irritant contact, discoid, seborrhoeic, and many others.

Eczema is actually a fairly common condition with atopic eczema (the allergic type often seen in people with allergies or asthma), affecting about 10-20 percent of school children and 3-5 percent of adults in the UK.

This number is increasing and becoming more common. The cause of this strain becoming more common may be due to an increased exposure to allergens such as house dust or environmental factors.

Now that we know what the symptoms are, how is eczema and scalp eczema treated? Treatment can consist of topical creams or ointments that are applied regularly.

Or, if the area is infected, your medical provider may prescribe antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals. These may either be taken orally or topically.

Depending on the severity of your condition, either method has proven over time to be effective.

Although eczema or scalp eczema are conditions which can be annoying or troublesome, there is hope that the treatments can be effective and one suffering from eczema can lead a full, productive life.

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5 Plants Used for Eczema Treatment

July 20th, 2010

5 Plants Used for Eczema Treatment

You may not know it yet, but a natural eczema treatment may be right in your garden or kitchen. The following has been used for many years now in relieving the symptoms of eczema.

Aloe Vera

We all know the many wonders the gel from aloe vera leaves does to the skin. It is no surprising that many skin care products have aloe vera gel as one of their ingredients. You can cut the leaf and apply the gel directly onto the skin with eczema. The gel works by moisturizing the affected area the skin will become softer and the healing of tissue will become faster. Many people who have tried the aloe vera plant noted reduced eczema symptoms and improved skin quality.

Chamomile

There are two distinctive popular chamomile plants: German and Roman. They both look like small daisies and, by tradition, used as herbal remedy for almost the same problems. Chamomile has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties, therefore it is one of the many known natural treatment for eczema. The German variant is commonly used as a remedy for this skin condition. You can use chamomile tea as a compress on eczematous skin. Also, chamomile essential oils and topical creams may be used to massage the area with, and achieve similar healing effects.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been used for many centuries now because of its cleansing and anti-oxidant properties. You can purchase rosemary essential oils, bath soap and topical creams at aromatherapy and natural bath and body products stores. It is good at reducing skin inflammation and helps improve blood circulation. The camphoraceous smell also helps relive stress and invigorate you. Heres how to use this wonderful herb: as an essential oil, you can add a few drops onto your bathwater and soak yourself in it for minutes; as a soap and topical cream, massage onto the eczematous skin.

Walnut Leaves

The walnut tree leaves have been used for thousands of years now because of their medicinal properties, especially for treating various skin disorders. Their anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and astringent properties make them an effective remedy for scabies, skin ulcers, eczema and many others. You can utilize infusions and tinctures made from the leaves of a walnut tree to protect the eczematous skin from infection. A decoction may also be prepared as a compress on the affected area. To do this, cut 2-3 grams of dried walnut leaves into pieces. Place them in 100 mg cold water. Bring it to a boil then let simmer for 15 minutes. When cooled, apply on skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and is used worldwide for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. Yes, it is that yellow substance that adds color and flavor to curry. It has been found that curcumin, an active substance found in turmeric, has a wide variety of therapeutic actions, most especially its anti-inflammatory effects.

This works because of the substances ability to lower the bodys production of histamine, and possibly stimulate the production of cortisone a steroid hormone. You can purchase turmeric in pill form at natural food stores and take 500 mg of it daily. You may also apply it topically when bought as oil, cream or ointment. Mixing turmeric powder with water is also great for washing eczematous skin with.

A natural eczema treatment is definitely less expensive than conventional medications prescribed by doctors these days. They have been around for many years now and are used as a treatment for different conditions.

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Discover Creams for Getting Rid of Dry Skin

June 8th, 2010

Bad Left Foot Eczema Before

Many creams for getting rid of dry skin contain ingredients which could only serve to make the problem worse. You want to look for a product line which features only natural topical creams for dry skin. Heres a little overview of what you should look for.

One of the best ingredients in creams for getting rid of dry skin is olive oil, which is very similar to human sebum when it is processed correctly. It is also high in antioxidants, is anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal.

Another good ingredient found in the better natural topical creams for dry skin is jojoba. It can be used by people who have combination skin, because while it is moisturizing, it does not increase sebum production. Jojoba is drawn from the seed of the jojoba plant, and was used by the Native Americans for healing purposes.

Jojoba is also very similar to the skins natural sebum. When used in creams for getting rid of dry skin it forms a layer which prevents the loss of moisture. It will then add to the skins existing moisture, leaving your skin less flaky and prone to damage.

Natural topical creams for dry skin containing jojoba are far superior to those that contain mineral oil. This is because mineral oil will clog your pores, while jojoba will not. It will also fight acne, psoriasis, eczema, and can be used to reduce the severity of stretch marks.

One of the key ingredients necessary in creams for getting rid of dry skin is a good antioxidant. Jojoba is also very high in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that people have been using for years to relieve dry skin. One company has come up with an emulsion of natural vitamin E and CoenzymeQ10 for an antioxidant double whammy.

This company has produced arguably the best natural topical creams for dry skin available on the market today. Their products are full of antioxidants to really protect the skin deep down. They have even added grape seed oil to the mix.

Grape seed oil is a preferred ingredient in any creams for getting rid of dry skin, because it forms an invisible, non-waxy layer on the skin in order to lock moisture in. It possesses qualities that allow for greater control over moisture content. It is also sought after due to its regenerative and restructuring abilities.

Grape see oil in natural topical creams for dry skin can support cell membranes at an atomic level, helping to retain the normal structure of both nerve and epithelium cells. This oil also contains more linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, than just about any other oil. These acids help to maintain the health of cell membranes, so they help to prevent the skin from becoming dry and damaged.

If you could find any creams for getting rid of dry skin which contained a mixture of all of these ingredients then you would surely have a winner. This formula would definitely make for a superior care experience.

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Treat Your Eczema Naturally With These 3 Tips

April 26th, 2010

skinmdnatural

Eczema outbreaks can be from unpleasant to painful. Eczema sufferers are constantly looking for treatment options and relief for this condition. Some the most effective ways to provide relief for the red, dry and itchy spots are natural treatments. Here are three of these that you can try to treat your eczema.

Soothing Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths are a wonderful way to treat mild to severe eczema. Ground oatmeal is added to warm (not hot) bath water. The oatmeal soothes itchy skin so you can stop scratching and give your skin a chance to heal. You can purchase oatmeal baths at any drugstore or natural food store in your area. Of course you can also purchase plain oatmeal and grind it in a coffee grinder to make your own oatmeal bath. Make sure the water isnt too hot to prevent your skin from drying out and pat yourself dry with a soft towel after your oatmeal bath.

Natural Healing Lotions

Healing any irritated and scratched open areas of your skin is an important part of any successful eczema treatment. Natural healing lotions can help you do just that. Natural lotions that include either zinc or vitamin e have been shown to shorten healing time. Apply the topical creams or lotions several times a day. Another option is to take both zinc and vitamin e as a supplement.

Moisturize Your Skin To Prevent Eczema Outbreaks

While there isnt a cure for eczema (yet), there are things we can do to prevent future outbreaks. The most important part is to keep your skin well hydrated. Use a gentle moisturizing lotion daily. Avoid hot showers and baths and pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Avoid wearing rough clothing that will agitated your skin. You should also make sure you drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself from the inside. All of this is particularly important during the winter months when keeping our skin well hydrated becomes especially difficult because of dry, heated air.

These three natural eczema treatments work especially well for milder forms of this skin condition. Please consult your dermatologist before starting any type of eczema treatment. If your eczema is moderate to severe, you may need prescription medication in addition to the treatment options mentioned above.

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What is Eczema and What Causes It?

October 9th, 2009

Milky Chocolate

What is Eczema?

What Causes Eczema?

What are the different types of Eczema?

-Atopic Eczema
-Allergic Contact Dermatitis
-Irritant Contact Dermatitis
-Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema
-Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema
-Varicose Eczema
-Discoid Eczema

There is no cure currently available for eczema but there are a range of treatments aimed at minimizing the symptoms of the skin disease. Topical creams and skin care products are useful but the key to managing the disease is the identification of chemicals, allergens and detergents that exacerbate the disease. By identifying these irritants they can be avoided or eliminated from daily life. In the absence of a cure, the limitation of exposure to irritants can be an effective preventative measure.

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Discover the Limitations of Creams for Getting Rid of Dry Skin

October 21st, 2008

Bad Foot Eczema After

You might disagree, but hear me out on this…

The person, who has chosen to use one of the creams for getting rid of dry skin, should not expect to find decent portions of healthy food on his or her plate. No one who has purchased any of the creams for dry skin should expect a hand to come out of the sky each time that that he or she uses the selected cream.

Moreover, none of the creams for getting rid of dry skin can force those who use such creams to end their worst habits, such as smoking or overexposure to powerful UV rays. Still, poor diet, smoking, plus exposure to sun and wind rank at the top of the list of factors that can cause dry skin.

Sometimes adults and children have medical conditions, conditions that exacerbate their dry skin. In such cases, the affected patient might decide to use one of the natural topical creams for dry skin. Such creams help to heal the dry skin caused by eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or allergy symptoms.

Yet even the best topical creams for dry skin have their limitations. No such cream can heal the skin until it has been applied to the skin. Those who hope to have smooth skin must learn the importance of daily skin care. In addition, those who find a satisfactory skin care product tend stick with that same product.

Sometimes a person who once practiced good skin care needs help with resuming the habit of providing his or her skin with such care. Sometimes, someone who once used to use a particular skin care product no longer has access to that product, a so has ceased using any skin care product.

Suppose, for example, that a child born some fifty plus years ago had had extremely dry skin. Suppose that this same child had learned from her mother how to apply Rx Chap Cream to her skin. As an adult, that grown child would now find all manner of skin care products on the shelf, but not Rx Chap Cream.

At the same time, the disappearance of Rx Chap cream has not led to the disappearance of chapped skin. Those who might have used that cream years ago continue suffer from red, roughened and cracked skin. To what skin care product can such adults turn with confidence?

Those who must now seek alternate creams for getting rid of dry skin should not forget the basic purpose of such a cream. The most basic need of dry skin is moisture. A good skin care product moisturizes the skin.

What ingredients should consumers look for in any of the natural topical creams for dry skin? They might search the product label for the words “cocoa butter,” “shea butter,” “olive oil,” “palm oil,” “honey” or “petroleum jelly.” They should stay clear of those products that contain ingredients that are known to hasten the skin-drying process.

The best modern-day products for the treatment of dry skin also enhance the production of collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin are proteins, proteins that are found in the skin. Collagen gives skin its strength. Elastin allows skin to exhibit flexibility, to stretch when necessary.

Lack of collagen can cause skin to sag. Lack of elastin can keep skin from returning to its original position. Those facts underscore the reason that the two named proteins can be found in skin that has been treated with the proper skin care product.

The proper creams for getting rid of dry skin do not just fill in the existing lines and wrinkles on your face. The proper skin care product stimulates new collagen and elastin production in the skin. At the same time, the proper skin care product moisturizes any dry skin.

A good skin care product displays no limits when it comes to reversal of the aging process, at least the aging process within the skin.

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Tips for managing eczema

October 3rd, 2008

Inside NineWest

It first appeared on my face when I was nine months old. I was really too young to notice the itchy pink blotches of parched skin. However, by the time I had reached kindergarten, the rash had cleared up on my face and appeared on my hands, feet, elbows, and knees. One night I awoke to find I had been furiously scratching while I was asleep. There in the dark I could feel my numb hands throbbing and beginning to swell. Unable to stop the itching, I ran down the hall to my mother in her living room rocking chair. Crouching at her feet, I showed her my raw little hands. In the light I could see where the already scarred skin had been raked up again by my fingernails, which were now packed with shreds of dead skin. Mom squeezed my hands tightly and said how badly she wished she could have the rash instead of me.

My skin has never fully heeled, but after 25 years of living with this condition I have learned some important tips for keeping my eczema under control.

Antihistamines and steroids are the most efficient means of getting immediate control over an outbreak. At one point, my eczema had flared up so badly that my dermatologist actually gave me a steroid injection to get it back under control. However, most of the time a simple steroid cream does the trick to reduce the inflammation. If OTC creams such as hydrocortisone are not controlling the condition, your dermatologist can prescribe something stronger. In addition to topical creams, taking an oral antihistamine is a life saver when my skin is acting up. I usually take Benadryl, as it reduces the irritation in my skin and stops the agitation and anxiety that comes with a flare up.

Along with the pills and creams, basic care of the skin is also important. Brief, luke-warm showers are the order of the day with only sparse use of a mild cleanser. Avoid the tempting oatmeal baths as prolonged exposure to water drains your skin of its natural oils. To get the best use out of the soothing properties of oatmeal, fill a thin cotton sock with the oatmeal and soak it in warm water. After your shower, apply the oatmeal sock as a compress on any affected areas.

While soothing the skin on the outside is important, it is paramount that you nourish your skin from the inside at a cellular level. A daily multi-vitamin is a good idea for anyone, but for eczema sufferers there are a few extra supplements you should consider. First, is a pharmacy grade supplement of fish oil, or flaxseed oil.

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How to Select Creams for Getting Rid of Dry Skin

September 21st, 2008

Baby Eczema Before

You practically need a chemistry degree to read the ingredients on creams for getting rid of dry skin. There are many effective natural topical creams for dry skin, but the majority of products contain ingredients that do more harm than good. If you dont recognize an ingredient, look it up.

Before you buy creams for getting rid of dry skin, do a little research, especially if the problem has been with you for a while. I found that one of the medicated lotions, supposedly good for eczema and dryness contains a chemical used in silly putty.

Apparently it is widely used in moisturizing lotions to seal in moisture. If you dont like the idea of applying silly putty to your face, you can try something different.

Natural topical creams for dry skin contain things like palm and grape seed oil. Either of these will form a protective barrier that keeps in moisture and keeps out dirt and grime, without clogging the pores.

The other active ingredient in the medicated lotion that I looked at was menthol. That ingredient is also found in some natural topical creams for dry skin, because it temporarily relieves itching.

The only problem is that this is at best a temporary fix. What you are really looking for is something that will provide long term relief by improving the skins health.

Once again, you should try palm oil. The best creams for getting rid of dry skin contain a specific type of palm oil known as Babassu. It has proven benefits for eczema, itching, dryness and inflammation.

The most common ingredient, used by companies like Unilever and Gold Bond, is petrolatum. Dermatologists advise against the regular use of petrolatum, because it inhibits the skins natural rejuvenation process.

It does not penetrate, so it is not an effective moisturizer. It can lock in moisture, but we already talked about the best ways to do that. If you really want an effective moisturizer, you should look for natural topical creams for dry skin that contain Avocado or Macadamia Oil.

For most people, its enough to use them once or twice a month. But if you have a real problem with dryness, you can use them more often. Unlike petrolatum, both of these will penetrate, because they are so similar to the skins own sebum.

The best creams for getting rid of dry skin contain both avocado and macadamia, along with honey, protein peptides, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E and an extract from sugar beets. Some of these ingredients may sound like old fashioned herbal remedies, but in many cases, the older remedies were better.

Natural topical creams for dry skin are usually better than the big brand name products, but you have to be sure to read the label carefully. Anything that is a naturally occurring compound can be included and some manufacturers are out and out liars.

One of the natures own products, that I looked at, contained propylene glycol or PEG. They called it a vegetable emulsifier. It is an emulsifier, but it has nothing to do with vegetables. It isnt even naturally occurring. Theres a lot more that you can learn about skincare products and creams for getting rid of dry skin. So, keep reading. Information is the key to success.

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What You Should Look for in a Cream for Dry Skin

August 27th, 2008

Bad Foot Eczema Before

If you want to find the best creams for getting rid of dry skin, first you need to know the cause of your condition. Dry skin isnt an unusual condition, most of us suffer from it on at least part of our bodies at some time. Symptoms can range from flaky, itchy skin to red rashes or chaffing so severe as to cause bleeding.

Soaps, lotions, and body sprays are among the products that can cause your skin to dry out and itch. A lot of these products contain alcohol and fragrances that can drain moisture from your skin. Xerosis, otherwise known as dry skin, is an annoying problem that can be exacerbated by these types of products.

If you have sensitive skin then the problem may be even more difficult to control. Natural topical creams for dry skin dont contain the alcohols and fragrances that irritate your skin and cause it further dryness.

The good news about treating dry skin is that this is a condition that occurs on the surface of the skin and can be effectively treated on the surface. Creams for getting rid of dry skin have the ingredients to get right to the problem and start giving you relief right away.

When you put on your creams for getting rid of dry skin is just as important as the cream itself. If you apply the cream after a shower when your skin is still damp, the moisture is trapped on your skin. Give the creams time to soak in before patting skin dry gently with a towel.

Medications your take can also increase skins dryness. If you notice a big difference at the time you start taking a new medication, then that may be the culprit.

You may notice that your skin gets a lot drier in the winter months than at any other time. This is usually due to the dry air from heating during cold weather. That same dryness is what causes static electricity that you notice with your winter clothes. It pulls the moisture right out of your skin.

Under normal conditions, our skin produces enough oils to naturally keep it moist. Exposing yourself to long hot showers and baths, especially during winter, washes away the bodys natural oils and leaves dry, itchy skin behind. Nothing helps get rid of this type of dry skin more effectively than creams that are designed specifically to add moisture to chronic dry skin.

If not treated, these and other irritants can cause your dry skin to turn into more serious conditions such as dermatitis. Or you may have skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition to the medication to treat these conditions, applying natural topical creams for dry skin to increase moisture will help. Just make sure to ask your physician before using with your medicated creams.

If your dry skin doesnt go away or worsens, check with a physician. There are health problems such as diabetes and hormone imbalances that can cause dry skin. Otherwise, by being careful about using products with harsh ingredients, and applying the right cream for your skin type, you should be able to get your dry skin under control.

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Eczema: Symptoms and treatment – Part 1

July 8th, 2008

California Aloe Vera Cream 2oz

People who live with eczema can endure a miserable experience. Eczema manifests itself as a red, itchy, flaky rash that can occur over much of the body, resulting in a constant desire to scratch. Many people with eczema are self-conscious about their skin, and are often moved to keep their skin covered, so people can not see their rashes.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, and is nearly always caused by an allergen. When the allergen, such as pet dander or pollen, touches the skin, the irritation manifests itself as a scaly rash. The rash is generally chronic, occurring in the same spots on the body.The simplest solution is to prevent exposure to the allergen, but this is rarely possible.

Drug-Free Eczema Treatment

There are several drug-free methods to manage eczema. Frequent bathing can help to remove allergens from the skin, giving them less time to irritate the skin. Keeping the skin moist reduces the intensity of eczema flareups. Liberally applying a thick moisturizer can help to create a barrier between the skin and allergens, and using a humidifier if the air is dry can help keep the skin moist. For young children who find it difficult to refrain from scratching, wearing cotton gloves at night will prevent subconscious scratching while they are asleep. For sufferers with sensitive skin, changing laundry detergents and avoiding scratchy clothing and linens can provide some relief.

Using Medications to Treat Eczema

For many cases of eczema, drug-free treatment methods are not enough. There are two types of medications available for eczema management: topical creams, and oral medications.

Topical creams treat eczema from the outside by healing the irritated skin. Non-prescription creams containing hydrocortizone can help reduce the itchiness. Prescription eczema creams can provide a more rapid and effective treatment. The most powerful eczema creams contain steroids. Steroid eczema creams help to reduce inflammation and irritation caused by the eczema patches.

Oral medications treat the eczema by suppressing the allergic reaction that causes the eczema. Over the counter medications such as Benadryl can provide some short term relief, while Zyrtec, now available over the counter, can provide long term relief when taken regularly. For continuous treatment, prescription medications such as Singulair can provide effective relief to the eczema symptoms.

While there is no cure for eczema, it can generally be effectively treated and controlled through a combination of controlling contact with allergens and medications.

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