Eczema,
often called dermatitis (inflamed skin), affects people of all age
groups, but is most common in infants and young adults.
Early stages of eczema can cause the
skin to turn red, blister, and ooze. Later stages of eczema can
cause the skin to turn a brownish color and be scaly. In almost
every case, eczema itches. Eczema can be widespread or limited to
a few areas. Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the
most common form of eczema.
Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
"Atopic" eczema is a condition in which there is excess
inflammation of the skin, which often runs in families. Atopic Dermatitis
(AD) is a disease that causes itchy, inflamed skin. It typically
affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face,
but can cover most of the body. Even though most people with atopic
eczema have a family member with a similar problem, approximately
20 percent of those suffering from atopic eczema may be the only
one in their family bothered by this condition.
Often the problem fades during childhood,
though people with AD have a lifelong tendency to have:
Dry skin—easily irritated
Occupational skin disease—hand dermatitis
Skin infections—Staph and herpes ("cold sores")
Eye problems—eyelid dermatitis, cataracts
Family and social relationships disrupted
Work loss
AD is a very common disease, present
worldwide, though it is more common in urban areas and developed
countries. An estimated 10% of all people are at some time affected
by AD (may not apply in the tropics.) It affects men and women of
all races equally.
Eczema is a general term for any
type of dermatitis of "inflammation of the skin." Atopic
dermatitis (AD) is the most severe and chronic (long-lasting) kind
of eczema. Although the term eczema is often used for atopic dermatitis,
there are several other skin diseases that are eczemas as well,
including:
| -atopic dermatitis |
-seborrheic dermatitis |
| -nummular eczema |
-irritant contact dermatitis |
| -dishydrotic eczema |
-allergic contact dermatitis |
All types of eczema cause itching
and redness, and some will blister, weep, or peel.
AD tends to flare-up when the person
is exposed to certain trigger factors. These substances or conditions
worsen the dermatitis, such as dry skin, irritants, allergens, emotional
stress, heat and sweating, and infections
Allergens are more subtle trigger
factors. An allergen does not irritate, but may trigger an AD flare-up
in those who have become allergic to it from prior exposure. Allergens
are usually animal or vegetable proteins from foods, pollens, or
pets.
Many older AD children and adults
recognize a relationship between stressful occurrences in their
lives and their AD flare-ups. Anger, frustration, and embarrassment
all may cause flushing and itching. The resultant scratching can
cascade into perpetuating dermatitis.
Additionally, Extreme cold or hot temperatures, or sudden changes
in the temperature, are poorly tolerated by persons with AD.
The best line of defense against
AD is prevention, but flare-ups rarely can be avoided. At the very
outset of the beginning of a flare up, prompt treatment with Eczema
No More or other medication as directed by a physician is needed.
Cortisone (steroid) creams applied
directly to the affected area are a mainstay of therapy. However,
overuse of highly potent steroids can be damaging. Cortisone pills
or shots are sometimes used, but they are not safe for long-term
use. Researchers are seeking new and safer drugs to control the
itch and inflammation, but Eczema No More has shown to greatly ease
the itching and provide fast relief.
Tar baths, antihistamines, and antibiotics
are often used, but these, too, meet with limited success. Treatments
that don’t seem to work include vitamins, mineral supplements,
enriched diets, or nutritional supplements.
AD sufferers always have very dry, brittle skin. The external layer
of the skin, called the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier.
When the stratum corneum cracks because of dryness, irritants can
reach the sensitive layers below and cause a flare-up of AD.
Using moisturizers is the best and
safest treatment to prevent dry skin. However, it is important to
find a moisturizer which is transdermal and can penetrate into the
cell membranes, which is not easy to find outside of essential oil
treatments like Eczema No More.
The oils in Eczema No More moisturize
the water beneath the skin, making it flexible and less likely to
crack. The triple unsaturated fatty acids in Eczema No More strengthen
cell membranes and help keep the skin moisturized.
Research has found that the most effective
moisturizers are ointment bases with these triple unsaturated fatty
acids. Lotions contain water and alcohol which can actually dry
the skin and are usually inadequate for the dry skin of atopics
which is why Eczema No More contains no water or alcohol and is
an effective eczema treatment.
People with AD are prone to skin infections,
especially staph and herpes. In general, infections are hard to
prevent but should be treated promptly to avoid aggravating the
AD. It is important that persons with AD, or their parents, learn
to recognize the early signs of skin infections and treat the condition
immediately.
Signs to watch for include increased
redness, pus-filled bumps (pustules), and cold sores or fever blisters.
If these conditions exist it is important to immediately treat them
with H-Balm from Forces of Nature, which is proven to eliminate
these staph and herpes outbreaks.
Sometimes viral illnesses such as
colds or flu cause AD flare-ups. Worsening can be avoided by taking
extra skin care while the virus runs its course.
People with AD do not have to be limited
by their disease. It can be controlled by by using Eczema No More.
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