The Management of Eczema/Dermatitis (Eczema eyelid)
Eczema is a drying of the skin which results in inflammation and the risk of infection. Those infections create further inflammation and more drying. Combating eczema is a three fold fight, healing the skin and keeping it healthy, preventing flare-ups, and treating symptoms.
Treatment revolves around keeping the skin healthy with the use of moisturizers. The methods used here vary and a certain amount of experimentation is necessary to find out what works for the individual. It will take time to find out what works best. Never introduce more than one thing at a time, for example a mixture of creams and new diet, instead change only one thing at a time giving each change a chance to work so you have an accurate account of the results. Moisturizers should be applied right after bathing, this immediately restores the skin’s barrier trapping the water and protects as well. Diligence is the key to having the most success in maintaining proper moisture levels and combating flare-ups. This could involve using 400-500 grams of moisturizer (for children) per week–this will be proportionately larger for adults.
Developing a strong daily moisturizing program has been shown in studies to reduce the need for topical prescription medications. This has also become even more pertinent considering the recent warning issued by the FDA concerning two steroid-free topical medications, Elidel Cream and Protopic. These two medications have been incorrectly deemed safer than the commonly used hydrocortisone. These two drugs were just recently approved in 2000/2001 and the FDA has had reports of lymphoma and skin cancer in children and adults treated with Elidel or Protopic. The FDA recommends these two drugs not be used in children before two and that ONLY in older children if unresponsive or intolerant to other eczema treatments or remedies.
Petrolatum /petroleum jelly also sold under well known names such as Vaseline and found in many personal care moisturizers has also come under new scrutiny. Petrolatum is found in one of every 14 items on the market and the FDA allows no more than 10 parts per million in food with strong restrictions in the impurity levels of the cancer causing agent PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).There are NO RESTRICTIONS on the use of petrolatum and it’s purity in personal care products. Manufacturers are free to use the same petrolatum in shoe polish as they are in lip balm or baby lotion. Petroleum jelly is used in over 40% of moisturizers, shaving products,sun products, anti-aging cream, 45% of rash and itch creams, baby lotions, hair remover, 50% menopause creams, 35% of eye creams, concealers, foot creams and conditioners.
The rediscovery of a very old treatment has offered relief for many eczema sufferers in recent years. This treatment utilizes a closely held formula containing beeswax. This formula which is over 150 years old is a most remarkable product. It is totally non- alergenic and can be used on even the most sensitive of skin.
Eczema flare-ups can be very painful and itchy and the most effective treatment for those symptoms remains steroid creams. Topical cortisteroid preparations seem to work quickly and effectively, you of course should be using an emoillient regularly and applying one after using the steroid cream. Steroid creams come in different strengths and should be used as little as possible, using the mildest one necessary and sparingly. Steroid cream is very hard on the skin and over use may result in the skin breaking down and becoming very fragile.
The flare-up can usually be brought under control in a fairly short length of time with this method. The success and time it takes to bring the flare-ups under control often depends on the way you use and apply the treatment. Once again, diligence and the right combination is the key often testing one’s patience. Removal of irritants from one’s surroundings in the form of chemicals, deodorants, soaps, shampoos all can make a difference. If the skin becomes sensitised or allergic to them a flare-up may take place, certainly the case in irritant contact eczema, where the hands are often involved.
Some people do find that certain foods will trigger flare-ups, again a trial and error situation where one food at a time should be experimented with. Some as well will find relief with antihistimines in releiving itching. Choosing a healthy and balanced lifestyle that above all else includes a personalised skin care program seems to be the most successful way to handle eczema.
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A most effecteve moisturizer for eczema is Alfred Taylor’s Natural Beeswax Skin Cream. It has no added perfumes or scent, is non-alergenic and can be used on even the most sensitive of skin. For more information about this product visit: http://www.safe-e-com.com/lan120105.htm Tom Taylor is a graduate of the University of Guelph conducting private research and production in the field of beehive products. |
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