Eczema, Do You Have Dry Skin Too?
What is eczema?
Why do so many people you know have it but don’t talk about it until they find out you have it. Well as I know eczema is inflamed skin that can be scaly, filled with pus, dry, itchy, red, and irritated.
Why does this happen?
It can be for many reasons such as allergies, calcium deficiency, stress, and the fragrance of chemicals in everyday products. One we know for sure is the type of food we are eating could be the cause of how it’s reacting to our bodies and alerting us that something isn’t right. As a child, I had severe eczema especially in middle school where it would be inflamed and cracked but I was eating so much fast food and junk that looking back if I knew then what I know now, that could have been the easiest change.
I would go to the doctor they would prescribe me a strong dose of cortisone and that would be it, there would be no further questions as to what may be the root cause of my flare-ups. The effects of using cortisone frequently lead to issues such as thinning out the layer of skin which makes it that much more sensitive. Eczema is due to excess wind (wind can be from really hot summer days, cold/dry air) all these outside forces your body takes in internally then show up on your body. I know if I’ve been in a humid environment and I feel sweaty it can cause my skin to become inflamed and sometimes itchy.
I learned that excess dairy products or poor quality dairy can cause this excess of dampness in the body that will lead to rashes including eczema. As I got older my rashes subsided but during stressful events in my life, they would get inflamed again. Doing your best to control stress will help flare-ups in your body. So many people I know have it and so do many others whether it’s severe or a mild case so why isn’t there more information on controlling eczema.
Eczema can also be from allergen sensitivities causing inflammation in the body so it’s good to get to the root cause. Most people have the same diet including conventional dairy products, processed sugar, and excess gluten which all are mucus-forming foods. These foods aren’t suitable for all bodies and this is why you should know your body and realize when eating certain foods can be linked to skin irritations and knowing what foods to avoid. Dermatitis shouldn’t be taboo or hard to talk about and shouldn’t be as frequent as it is. There should be many other options for people dealing with eczema or skin flare-ups to keep it under control other than cortisone.
Here are a few helpful tips to lessen flare-ups:
Limit dairy foods especially poor quality
Limit stress
Eliminate process foods and overconsumption of white sugar
Moisturize with coconut oil and lotion that are scent-free
Stay away from fragranced body products and detergents
Hand soaps that have strong fragrance can also be of concern
A dye scent-free living is easy and better for your skin
Hot water will dry out the skin
Don't dry off after shower just apply moisture directly onto the skin to absorb properly
Harsh chapstick scents such as mint or fruit-flavored can cause irritation
Wool, angora, and harsh fabrics that can irritate your skin avoid
Use natural shampoo & conditioner because that gets absorbed right through your body
Natural Remedies:
Oatmeal baths
Coconut Oil for skin
Tea tree for the affected area it also works as an antiseptic
Vitamin B3
Natural aloe plant for skin
Incorporating herbs such as turmeric and cardamom
Triphala is a supplement that can be useful
Favorite Brands That Help with Eczema:
Dr. Bronners Magic Balm
Badger Balm
Everyone has hand soap & body lotion that are safe for eczema-prone skin
Eucerin calming cream
Jason coconut oil for skin & hair