Are you among 1 in 5 Americans suffering from eczema?
The skin is the body’s largest organ. Unfair as it sounds, the outward appearance of our skin and its overall health influences how people think of us, and how we think of ourselves. Which is why a skin condition like eczema can be physically and mentally debilitating.
About Eczema
Eczema is among the most common skin conditions and afflicts 20% of the population in the U.S. It often occurs in families. If one identical twin has it, there is an 80% chance the other will have it too. It typically starts before five years of age, affects city folk more than rural inhabitants, and females a little more than males. While it is most common among children, it often carries through to adulthood. Caused by extremely dry skin, irritants may include certain soaps and fragrances, clothes washed in harsh detergents, sweat and even extreme weather.
How to control it
Although there is no current ‘cure’ for eczema, with careful management and medical help its effect can be greatly reduced.
- De-stress: Stress is a leading cause of eczema flare-ups so find ways to manage the everyday stresses of life. This could mean anything from an active lifestyle or workout routine, yoga, massages to having a support network you can count on. Don’t forget that adequate sleep is the most obvious stress reliever; so do be sure to get your zzzs every night.
- Hydrate: One way to de-stress and get a good night’s sleep is to take a relaxing, cool bath about an hour before bed. This brings vital moisture to your skin and also cools down your irritated, overheated skin.
- Moisturize: A great way to lock down the moisturizer after a refreshing bath is to use a good moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. Apply the moisturizer at least 30 minutes before hitting the sack to give it time to provide relief to your irritated skin. A favorite is our very own Healing & Restoring Cream from Hylunia’s collection of products that treat eczema. In fact, here’s what one customer says about the Healing & Restoring Cream.
“I have terrible eczema and my skin has been so inflamed, EXTRA dry, and rashy. Eczema was on 70% of my body…After just one day of using this cream, the swelling and redness in my neck disappeared. I went straight back to the store and bought two more bottles. After one week of this cream, I have seen about a 40-50% improvement in my eczema. It has disappeared in many places.” – By Patricia (Age 25, Reviewed on 8/24/12)
- Ventilate: Many eczema sufferers complain about their struggle to get a full night’s sleep. Their sleeping environment may be partly responsible for this. Maintain a cool bedroom temperature. Ensure good air circulation. Avoiding heavy, stifling bedding and dressing in cool, comfortable cotton nighttime attire can help minimize sleep problems.
- Avoid triggers: While eczema cannot be entirely cured, it can be managed. Avoid triggers that can cause flare-ups. Anything that may irritate already inflamed skin come to mind right away, like perfumes, lotions with alcohol base and fragrances, some detergents and deodorant soaps (use bland soap without a lye base instead), or wool clothes.Long hot showers that dry the skin should also be avoided.
Then there are obvious culprits like poison ivy, poison oak and stinging nettles – generally any plants with fuzzy leaves and stems. Alliums, including garlic, onions, chives, and leeks contain allergens that should be avoided. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges may cause phototoxicity (a toxic effect triggered by exposure to light).
If you like to garden, we recommend that you take special care and wear latex-free gloves while you’re working in the garden. Daisies (belonging to a family which includes dandelions, artichokes, chrysanthemum, sunflowers and yarrow) contain allergens that can cause a localized rash. Tulips contain an allergen that may cause fingertip dermatitis called “tulip fingers”. Poinsettia sap can also be an irritant. The list goes on…and on.
Do you suffer from eczema or know someone who does?
We’d love to hear about your challenges in managing your condition, what hurts, and what helps, so please leave a comment below or on our Facebook page. October is Eczema Awareness Month and we’d love to share your experience with others who need help!
