What Is Eczema?
Eczema comes from the Greek word “ekzein,” which means “to boil.” Ancient medical practitioners described that individuals with this condition appeared to have boiling skin. Nowadays, however, eczema is not considered a specific disease, but a skin reaction. You may often hear the term used interchangeably with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema.
Define Eczema
When asked to define eczema, healthcare professionals will tell you that it’s not a single condition. It’s actually an inflammatory reaction pattern that appears in various skin problems. It often runs in families as certain genes may cause an overactive immune system. Having a parent, sibling, or any other relative who has eczema makes you more likely of having it too. If you have hypersensitive skin or any other skin condition that lets out moisture and invites microorganisms in, you may also be at a higher risk of developing this problem.
A number of factors may trigger eczema. Being continuously stressed out is one of its major risk factors. You may have noticed eczema starting to form on your skin when you’re trying to meet deadlines or when you’re late for an important meeting. Staying in places with cold, dry climates may also cause this problem. That said, eczema may appear when you’re sweating too much or the temperature is too hot. This may happen when your skin is in frequent contact with irritating substances, such as soap, wool, or synthetic fabrics, as well. This problem is common among those with dry skin too.
Various skin conditions may have eczema as one of its symptoms. The most common of which is atopic dermatitis. In fact, eczema is sometimes used interchangeably with this condition. It’s a long-term disease that causes skin redness and itchiness. It usually flares up periodically and accompanied by asthma or hay fever. While it’s often detected in children, it can affect anyone at any age. Allergic eczema also occurs when your skin is constantly exposed to irritating matter or your specific allergens.
Eczema may happen when you have irritant dermatitis or your skin is repeatedly subjected to harsh substances, such as when you often wash your clothes with soap that contains strong chemicals. Those with poor blood circulation may have eczema as one of its complications, a problem known as stasis dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis often presents with eczema on your scalp, ears, and face.
Scabies and some types of fungal infections may produce skin reactions similar to eczema, as well. Pompholyx, also referred to as dyshidrotic eczema, causes eczematous, itchy rash with tiny blisters on your hands and feet. Other conditions that are associated with eczema are dry skin, lichen simplex chronicus, and nummular eczema.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema symptoms may vary from person to person. That said, most of the time, this skin reaction starts with red, tiny blisters containing clear fluid. Also known as vesicles, they are seen on top of red, elevated plaques. When the blisters rupture, the affected skin may ooze and weep. Your skin may become scaly, cracked, or thickened, as well. You may also have red to brownish-gray patches on your hands and feet. Other typical sites include your neck, wrists, and elbows. Eczema may be seen on your face as well, particularly along your hairline and around your eyes. Your groin, ankles, and the back of your knees may be affected too.
Mild Eczema
You may only have mild eczema when you only have a few red patchy areas or the inflammation is only concentrated on part of your skin. Your symptoms may only flare up a few times every year. Whether you have severe or mild eczema, you’re sure to complain of itching. This problem may not only affect your health and comfort, but also your well-being and quality of life. It’s best to manage the symptoms before it gets worse.
How to Get Rid of Eczema
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Most of the time, lab tests are not necessary to diagnose atopic dermatitis or other types of eczema. Your doctors can most likely identify this problem after a comprehensive review of your medical history and an extensive examination of your skin. That said, they may resort to patch testing or other similar tests to rule out other skin diseases or conditions, avoiding misdiagnosis that may render your treatment plans ineffective.
There are things you can do at home to help relieve your itchiness and discomfort. First, observe proper hygiene measures. While eczema is not contagious, it’s important that you wash your skin thoroughly with mild soap not just to keep it clean, but also to leave it moisturized. For severe eczema, you may find it helpful to add a small amount of bleach to your bath water. Take short, warm showers to prevent drying of your skin. You may want to lather moisturizing lotion, creams, or ointments afterward, as well. There are products from Cetaphil for eczema you may want to try. Getting a humidifier for your room or home can also help. Wear loose, cool, and smooth-textured clothing too.
Engage in relaxing activities, such as listening to music, meditating, or taking up a new hobby. Hanging out with friends and getting a good laugh can also reduce your stress levels. Avoid scratching your skin. If the itchiness is too much, try pressing on your skin instead. You may also consider over-the-counter anti-itch oral or topical medications. You may have to take or apply them a number of times each day for your improved comfort. For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe specific anti-inflammatory medications. Covering the affected area with bandages may help too.
Soap for Eczema
Keep in mind that good skin care is key when it comes to treating eczema. Apart from keeping your showers short, use mild soaps. They don’t usually contain substances that are harsh on your skin, like strong dyes or perfumes. A good product you may want to try is our Eczema Soap, a clinically tested homeopathic soap. Handcrafted in the U.S., it was specifically formulated to reduce irritation due to eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and chronic dry skin.
What makes the Eczema Soap different from others is that it’s made of natural and premium ingredients, such as fucus vesiculosus (tinc), hydrocotyle asiatica (tinc), yogurt extract, and sodium palmate. It also contains three times of aloe and melissa officinalis. Sodium cocoate, glycerin, avena sativa (oat), and kernel flour were used, as well. It has cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, sodium citrate, alcohol, and sodium chloride too. All these are approved and registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatments and Other Types of Eczema Treatment
Eczema management largely depends on its underlying cause. When you have dyshidrotic eczema, the palms of your hands and/or soles of your feet may be covered in blisters. While the exact reason behind this is unknown, experts believe it’s related to hay fever and other seasonal allergies. As blisters may erupt more often in spring, take precautionary measures during this season.
If eczema breaks out on your skin after eating a certain food, it may be possible that you have allergic dermatitis. Avoiding this specific food can help relieve your symptoms. If you have atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, you may want to use products that help keep your skin moisturized. Steroidal creams, drugs that control immune system, or exposure to ultraviolet light may be good ideas, as well.
About Deanna Wallin and Naples Soap Company (Specific to Eczema)
Having struggled with eczema and psoriasis most of her life, Deanna Wallin, Naples Soap Company founder and CEO, was bent on finding a solution to this problem. Having been a nurse for many years, she had in-depth knowledge on the negative effects commercial chemicals can have on the body. Using her training and background in healthcare, she dedicated her time researching and developing a skin care line that will help manage eczema and other skin ailments. Thus, Naples Soap Company was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Eczema Kit is a nine-item regimen you can use to cleanse, treat, and soothe your sensitive skin. Apart from the Eczema Soap, two Sea Salt Soaps come standard in every kit. They help detoxify your pores and work wonders for those with acne. The Sea Salt Scrub, on the other hand, is great for gently exfoliating dry skin and improving blood flow in your body. Meanwhile, the Body Butter helps lock in moisture, giving your skin the nourishment it needs.
For intensive moisturizing while on the go, you can count on the Moisturizer Stick. The Face Cream is gentle enough to be used in the morning and at night. The Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are ideal for those with sensitive scalps, with each comes a handy travel case for storage at home or when on the move. This way, you won’t have to worry about eczema flare ups even when you’re away for work or on vacation.
To learn more about eczema and the wonders of The Eczema Kit, feel free to reach us at (239) 325-8263 or (888) 256-8265. You may also send us a message or shop from the comforts of your home. We look forward to hearing from you.