Health Information

Common skin ailments can affect people of any age and vary from simply irritating to potentially dangerous. Whatever problem may be affecting your skin, the importance of treating it quickly, thoroughly and carefully can not be stressed enough. The skin is the largest and, in many ways, the most delicate of human organs. We only get one skin and it is up to us to take good care of it if we expect it to take care of us.

Though skin problems can vary from patient to patient and from one age group to another, there are some which bridge all the gaps. These include atopic dermatitis, or eczema; contact dermatitis, caused by various allergens; and dry skin, which is usually tied to a specific season of the year. From the time we’re babies, skin diseases can crop up at any time. For babies, the most common ailment is diaper rash, the result of contact with wet diapers. As we get older and begin to come in contact with a large variety of substances, we become more prone to developing contact dermatitis. Everything from plants to fabrics to foods can cause a skin based allergic reaction.

As we get older, the list of common skin ailments grows to include warts, hives, prickly heat and folliculitis. By far the most common skin problem associated with aging is dry skin. As we age, the skin stretches and becomes thinner, which in turn makes it harder to moisturize thoroughly. This can lead to bouts of extremely irritating dry skin, usually in direct reaction to temperatures extremes. Thus some people will find themselves suffering in winter’s chill, while others are plagued by summer heat.

Most skin problems are irritating and frustrating, but rarely serious, though they can often be a cause of embarrassment. Particularly difficult to deal with are ailments such as vitiligo which cause changes in the pigmentation of the skin. This can be a source of heartbreak for the sufferer, but fortunately with advances in medical science new treatments and even cures are being developed every day. Skin diseases such as melasma can sometimes be a warning sign for other illness so no matter how trivial they may seem, it is always a good idea to pay attention and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment for most common skin ailments can include everything from simple self help measures to topical and oral medications. Antihistamines can help to alleviate itching and reduce the effects of allergens, while corticosteroids work to decrease swelling. For conditions which affect pigmentation, laser treatment, tattooing and even skin grafting can be used to even out skin tone. In ailments which involve growths, incising to drain pus or surgical removal itself may be warranted.

Self help treatments for skin problems can range from cool baths to the application of warm moist compresses, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Natural remedies such as oatmeal baths and aloe vera gels can offer much needed relief, and reducing stress can also be beneficial. No matter which form of treatment you choose, it is extremely important to act quickly to prevent your condition from developing into something more serious.

By far the most important step you can take in treating and preventing common skin ailments is maintaining proper hygiene and exercising common sense. Keeping the skin clean and properly moisturized at all times can help to avoid most problems. Avoiding wearing tight clothing, especially when participating in strenuous activity which will produce sweat, and always using caution in terms of sun exposure can go a long way toward maintaining the health of your skin.

The health of our skin can affect the overall health of our bodies, so it is nothing to be taken lightly. Maintaining your skin properly and seeking medical attention at the first sign of any skin related issues are the keys to living a long, healthy life. The better we treat our skin, the better it will be able to protect us.

If you have been eating an Eczema Diet during the summer months you might be thinking of changing for the winter.

An eczema diet will consist mainly of wholesome fruit and vegetables, wholegrain, bean sprouts and nuts.

All natural and raw foods which act powerfully at cleansing and rejuvenating the body.

But now that the weather is getting colder, you might be tempted to include a lot more carbohydrates in order to help you stay warm and satisfied.

The problem is that most people will reach for the type of carbohydrates that are quick and require no preparation, the very same carbohydrates that pollute the body.

By consuming these types of carbs you run the risk of encouraging the return of your eczema and all the worry that comes with it.

Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your diet which will help keep you warm during the winter months and keep you on your healthy diet.

Eczema and Diet Tip #1

To alter your eczema diet for winter to ensure you stay warm and continue eating the right foods you can increase the amount of whole grains you eat on a daily basis. These include brown rice, turnip, potato and wholegrain pasta.

Eczema and Diet Tip #2

To alter your eczema diet for winter to ensure you stay warm and continue eating the right foods you can create more vegetables soups and stews for dinner.

Eczema and Diet Tip #3

To alter your eczema diet for winter to ensure you stay warm and continue eating the right foods you can reduce the amount of water base vegetables that you consume on a daily basis. Vegetables such tomato and cucumber are have a high water content.

Have you noticed that your irritating eczema eye is getting better following your eczema diet? If you have been sticking to the eczema diet then you should see a tremendous difference in your condition.

You will also notice a difference in your skin in general. It will feel smooth, well hydrated, clear and will heal at a much faster rate.

The foods you consume on the eczema diet are nutritious, wholesome and raw. These foods delivery the ingredients it requires to stay healthy. The foods supply the important nutrients that you are missing out on and that your skin is crying out for.

However as the weather turns cold you might find that you need to alter your eating to ensure that you stay warm and healthy.

It does not have to be a major change. Just a few adjustments to ensure your diet is comfortable. Without the changes you might be tempted to eat foods which you know are not good for you and once you start on that slippery road it can be difficult to get back up.

Eczema Eye Tip #1 - Alter Your Diet

To keep the body hydrated you should increase the amount of flaxseed or hemp seed oil that you take each day. One additional teaspoon per day will do.

Eczema Eye Tip #2 - Alter Your Diet

Create more soups and stews made from vegetables. These are easy to create meals and because of the vegetables they are full of goodness. Toss in an extra portion of potato or swede.

Eczema Eye Tip #1 - Alter Your Diet

Add an additional tablespoon for brown rice, wholemeal pasta or potato to your evening meals.

Why should anyone find out about natural eczema remedies or what causes eczema?

Well, statistics indicate up to 20% of people worldwide are affected by this condition (also known as atopic dermatitis) that usually affects the knees, elbows, chest, face or neck. Normally characterised by skin that is dry, itchy or red, there could be other symptoms such as scaly skin along with small water blisters on the epidermis.

With millions of people afflicted, chances are either you or someone you know are affected.

Here are three (3) common factors that trigger or cause atopic dermatitis along with suggested natural eczema remedies and treatment tips:

Humidity / Temperature Extremes

Atopic dermatitis is known to flare up as a result of triggers such as sweat or heat. Since dry skin is usually more prone to itching, here’s what you can do during those extreme periods:

- When it is cold and dry in winter, use a humidifier

- When it is warm and humid in summer, use an air conditioner along with moisturiser.

Stress

If emotional, physical or work stress is evident, try to keep a calm head and good mental outlook. Additionally, using meditation, relaxation and stress management techniques will help lessen the frequency / intensity of atopic dermatitis.

Food Allergy / Deficiency

Many (childhood) cases are caused by allergies in certain foods. You can consciously avoid such foods (include but not limited to eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy and wheat) by keeping a record of foods that you are allergic to. In addition, you may want to consider taking foods that provide beneficial nutrients resulting in healthier skin.

The above are just three ways that can help your atopic dermatitis condition.

You can find additional treatment alternatives by searching online, some of which may seem illogical initially. As an example, one proven relief method strongly advocates against wearing clothing that is dark in color!

This excellent online resource example focuses on natural eczema remedies. By following such an effective relief method along with the three ways explained earlier, you are in a much better position to alleviate that irritating / embarrassing skin conditions irrespective of what causes eczema.

Low humidity in the wintertime causes everyone’s skin to become dry and itchy. Scratching adds to the fire by removing the skin’s protective oils and other compounds. The constant scratching then triggers the release of histamines that cause redness and swelling.

Following are tips for soothing dry winter skin:

• Keep it cool. Overheated rooms bring blood to the skin’s surface in a process called vasodilation, making skin warmer and drier. Lower your thermostat to around 68-degrees. If your home is dry, consider using a cool mist humidifier.
• Avoid irritating clothing. Steer clear of scratchy fabrics, such as wool, that can irritate your skin. Cotton works best. Also avoid tight clothing that could cause chaffing and further irritation.
• Ease up on alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are vasodilators.
• Take warm baths or showers. Short, tepid baths or showers are better for your skin than hot baths or showers. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to avoid dry skin.
• Use a moisturizer. Pat your skin dry and use a good moisturizer after bathing. Use a heavier ointment rather than a light cream. For extremely dry skin, use a moisturizer with glycerin or other oils. For dry, flaky skin, try a moisturizer containing lactic acid.

Following are skin conditions that also lead to dry, flaky skin:

• Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes raised red patches that itch, crack, or bleed. Sunlight can help reduce psoriatic symptoms. In the winter, most people get less sun, so the psoriasis flares up.
• Eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by red, swollen, dry and itchy skin. See your doctor if you have a family history of allergies or asthma since this will make you more susceptible to eczema.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This skin condition causes flakiness on the face or dandruff on the scalp.

Good preventative habits and lots of moisturizer can help skin stay comfortable during the winter. If you have a skin condition, you may need prescription medications or other treatments to stop the itching.