Herbal Eczema Treatment

Understanding Eczema and How It Can Be Treated

Eczema is a skin condition that results in areas of the skin that become red, dry and itchy. In some cases, it can even cause the skin to crack and take on a leathery appearance. When it comes to treating the disease, you need to have an understanding of it, and how the various treatment options can help.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that often appears in the form that is similar to an allergic reaction. However, the actual cause is not known, and researchers do not attribute the condition to an allergy. While the cause is not known, there are a variety of factors that may contribute to the condition:

• Genetics – It is believed that eczema runs in families, especially those with a history of allergies, asthma and eczema. Genetics also plays a role in those with extremely sensitive skin, which is also prone to eczema as well.
• Environment – More cases of eczema are seen in urban areas that have increased pollution levels. Additionally, those who live in areas with colder climates tend to have an increased risk of eczema.
• Immune System – Researchers also believe that eczema results from the immune system being overactive or functioning abnormally.

Eczema, which is often referred to as atopic dermatitis, most commonly affects infants and young children, although there are some cases that occur or are first diagnosed in adulthood. The areas of inflammation are often seen in areas with skin folds, such as the neck, elbows, knees and groin. However, patches can also appear on the face, neck, wrists and ankles. Many younger children tend to outgrow the condition as they get older, but there are some who continue to suffer the flare-ups throughout their lives.

Triggers

In addition to the causes of eczema, there are also triggers that can cause a flare-up to happen in those who have been diagnosed with it. These triggers can include:

• Diet – Foods such as nuts, eggs and dairy can cause eczema to flare. However, you should always consult your doctor before removing specific foods from your or your child’s diet.
• Stress – Eczema often flares during periods of stress for both children and adults that have the condition.
• Temperature Extremes – Exposure to higher temperatures, especially those that result in sweating, as well as colder temperatures can trigger an eczema flare.
• Irritating Substances – Clothing made from wool or synthetic materials and soaps and lotions with fragrances and other irritants can cause eczema patches to arise on the skin as well.
• Dry Skin – Dry skin is another factor that can affect eczema. Whether due to environmental conditions or repeated exposure to water or cold, dry air, anything that causes the skin to become drier can result in a flare-up.

Eczema Treatments

For many sufferers, eczema treatment starts without medication. Making sure to use only mild soaps or cleansers can help prevent irritation. Those who have the condition should also avoid taking long baths or showers and should use only warm water when doing so. Moisturizing the skin using lotions, ointments or creams within three minutes of bathing can also help the condition by making sure the skin doesn’t become dry.
It is also recommended that those who have eczema and live in colder environments use a humidifier to help replenish moisture in the air. Additionally, those with severe cases may also be advised to add a very small amount of bleach to a warm bath in an effort to help kill the bacteria on the skin.

Medications

If following the above recommendations don’t work, there are also eczema treatments that include medications. These may be in the form of creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor.

• Hydrocortisone – Ointments and creams containing hydrocortisone may help control eczema symptoms. Most are available without a prescription.
• Steroids – Steroid creams and oral medications may be prescribed for those who suffer from more serious cases of eczema. Whether using the medication in a pill form or as a cream, it is important to follow all doctor recommendations to avoid side effects.
• Antihistamines – Antihistamines may be prescribed for eczema flares to help control itching and other symptoms.
• Immunosupressants – If other types of treatment have failed, doctors may prescribe drugs that work by suppressing the immune system, resulting in less symptoms and flare-ups.

In addition to the above treatments, doctors may also prescribe ultraviolet light therapy and moisturizers that replace the skin’s barrier to help keep more moisture in and inflammatory agents out.

Eczema Natural Treatment

Another option for those suffering from eczema is natural herbal treatment. Merry Clinic’s herbal treatment options focus on the underlying causes of inflammation, which include toxins within the body. By eliminating the toxins in a natural way, many sufferers find relief from the condition without the unwanted side effects related to prescription treatments. If you are interested in finding out more about Merry Clinic's eczema herbal treatments, feel free to contact us or use our free online consultation to find out how eczema natural treatments can help you.