Eczema in Adults
Eczema in adults can happen at any time. Although the question of "why" it occurs has not been settled yet, a lot of doctors are leaning towards a dysfunction in the immune system. I am often asked is it contagious? You can not catch it from someone else, but you may have inherited it from family members especially those with ongoing problems associated with this challenge such as asthma and allergy sufferers. There are basically two types: Atopic: Usually occurring in the very young where there is a family history.
Click here for information on children with eczema.
Both types seem to caused by some kind of deficiency within our bodies. Eczema Skin SymptomsThe symptoms of this condition are as follows:--dry, rough skin --irritated skin --inflamed skin --skin that erupts and oozes --itching This is not a one time thing, it is a chronic condition that occurs over and over again usually by some kind of triggering factor. What Does Eczema Look Like?Usually areas will appear as dry, extremely itchy, red patches. Often upon scratching it will appear as a rash. It normally occurs on the checks, forehead, neck, inside of elbows, knees, and ankles. The chronic itching of the areas will take on the appearance of leather eventually. The condition may be dry and red with scales or be characterized by erupting and oozing. Since we are all individuals there is a wide range of possible scenarios.Which Foods Cause Eczema?There are certain foods that can cause an allergic reaction which may lead to an eczema outbreak. eggs dairy food additives food dyes food preservatives nuts citrus fruits wheat products soy products These are the most common foods that people are allergic to. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Everyone should keep a food journal so you can track what may be causing your outbreaks. AllergensIn additions there are some common allergens to be aware of: pet-fur and dander tobacco smoke molds pollens detergents chemicals and solvents dust mites Again, this is not an exhaustive list. Please keep a journal if you are interested in tracking down what may be causing your outbreaks. Other considerationsYou should also avoid contact with these following items:perfumes dyes metals (especially nickel) rubber latex Note: The medical establishment has now found a link between eczema and asthma. Eczema TreatmentI can't express enough that a person with this disease needs to get in the habit of taking care of their skin on a daily basis. For some people bathing in a bath of lukewarm water (15-20 min.) and washing with a soap substitute (a water based cream), followed by patting the skin dry instead of rubbing it dry, and then using a moisturizer after wards will go a long way to prevent flare ups. Do this even if you think can skip today. You want to be proactive.Wear loose fitting, 100% cotton clothing whenever possible. The next best would be a cotton blend. This type of clothing helps speed evaporation of perspiration. Sweating in and of itself can cause flare ups also. Avoid anything that you know triggers an outbreak. Duh!! Don't let people cajole you into a stressful situation as stress can cause an outbreak. Simply tell them that you have medical issues that prevent you from enjoying that particular activity. Speaking of activities, avoid those that make you sweat. Check with your doctor for a steroid free cream to help in flare up prevention. And for heaven sake tell your doctor if you find something that really works great for eczema. He/she needs to know so he/she can check it out too. Also you may consider adding amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals supplementation to your diet. Want more information on what supplements I take? Click here. Have your doctor give you a thyroid function test. Have your doctor test for food allergies. Have your doctor test for low hydrochloric acid levels. Zinc taken orally or applied topically can be very beneficial. Wear a particle mask and gloves when cleaning your home and switch to a non-toxic line of cleaning products. For more information about this click here. Be sure to switch laundry products too. Click here for information on the laundry products I use. Wash all new clothes in a fragrance free, PH neutral laundry detergent before you wear them. Yes, and even weather and weather changes can cause outbreaks. Bundle up if it is cold, wear gloves, keep covered as much as possible. If it is warm try to limit sweating too much. Exercise in the morning when it is still cool. Never get sunburned. Stay in an air conditioned situation for the rest of the day. Need I say it, check with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and let him/her know how you are progressing.
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