Eczema Treatment That Works

[Owen Reid]

Eczema is an unpleasant inflammatory skin condition that is most
common amongst infants and children, but millions of adults are
affected as well. It usually occurs on the neck, face, hands and legs,
often in folds of the skin such as the inner elbow or behind the ears.
It is not contagious, and is not caused by viral or bacterial
infection, though it looks very much as if it is. In fact, health care
professionals are not certain what the exact cause is. Eczema
treatment, however, is still possible by focusing on alleviating the
symptoms and bolstering the immune system, even if the root cause is
not known.
Possible Causes
Scientists have recently isolated the gene that is likely to cause
people to be predisposed to having eczema. Carrying the gene, however,
does not necessarily mean that someone will experience an outbreak.
Environmental factors contribute to irritation, and an immune system
deficiency allows the condition to become problematic and require
eczema treatment.
Eczema has been particularly linked to allergies, including food
allergens, dust mites, wool, nickel-plating, and cosmetics. Rapid
changes in temperature, sweating and drying of the skin, are also
known to contribute to an outbreak. However, the underlying cause in
most cases is a suppressed immune system, generally caused by stress.
Stress weakens the immune system, and allows many biological problems
to manifest.
Medical Eczema Treatment
The most common response to eczema treatment by western doctors is to
prescribe topical cortisone steroids. Steroids have a very good track
record with suppressing inflammatory skin diseases, however the eczema
treatment comes with a price. Steroids also suppress the immune
system, and though they can be effective in treating an area of
inflammation, they interfere with the body's natural healing ability
and, if overused, are potentially harmful. Some people also react
badly to cortisone creams, and can actually make the condition worse.
Coal-tar based creams are also prescribed to alleviate symptoms. These
are more benign than glucocorticosteroids, but have been used
successfully for many years. Finally, ultraviolet light radiation is
used to reduce the inflammation, but this is an advanced form of
eczema treatment usually reserved for the most serious of cases.
Natural Eczema Treatment
The good news is that eczema treatment can be achieved naturally and
for little cost. Dealing with the condition is a two part process;
dealing with the inflammation directly, and bolstering the immune
system to help combat the disease.
The outbreak should be treated gingerly, with hydrating creams that
are free of any perfumes or other irritants. Coconut oil had been
found effective, as has Aloe Vera cream, which contains some anti-
inflammatory properties. A few drops of Tea Tree Oil, mixed with a bit
of Vitamin E cream, is also an excellent eczema treatment. Evening
Primrose oil and Flaxseed oil are both known to have a positive
effect, and can be applied externally as well as taken internally as a
dietary supplement. Sunshine, or a sun lamp, are also used to positive
effect in drying up a breakout.
If it occurs on the body, an effective first step in eczema treatment
is to take a warm (but not too hot) bath in Epsom salts, which act as
a drying and anti-inflammation agent. Obviously, this can't be done if
the outbreak is on the face, but on the neck it can be treated in this
way. Pat dry the body with a soft towel after the bath, and apply a
lotion immediately while the skin is still damp.
As for boosting the immune system, any stress reduction program can
help. Look to yoga, or meditation, or even just deep-breathing daily
to ease tension. Massage and exercise are also excellent stress
reducers. Often be an indicator of internal health problems, when
eczema is acting up, it is a good time to examine your lifestyle and
see what changes can be made toward improving your health in general.
Eczema is a very common condition around the world. Though there is no
exact known cause, nor any cure, it can usually be controlled by
topical applications that reduce the swelling, and by boosting the
immune system to prevent further outbreaks. Children and infants are
often affected, but in many cases it is a temporary condition that
completely disappears within a couple of years. Except in the most
severe cases, the commonly prescribed cortisone steroid eczema
treatment is unnecessary, and can even be harmful. Give some of the
natural eczema treatment options listed here a try first before
resorting to the steroids, and enjoy a breakout free life!