What is Eczema?

Beauty is only skin deep right? Well you really need to protect your skin from conditions like Eczema. The good news is that it is possible.

"Eczema is a general skin term used to describe a variety of rashes where the skin may be itchy, red & inflamed, weepy or blistering, dry, scaly and thickened.  One very common example is allergic contact dermatitis.  Characterized as an overactive immune system disorder. It is reported that anywhere from 7% to 20% of the world’s population suffers from some form of eczema.  And yet it is not contagious.

Although Eczema can develop any place on the body, it typically appears on the hands, wrists, arms, neck, upper chest, face and backs of knees.  The worst symptom for many is the intense itch which leads to the itch/scratch cycle:  you itch and you scratch … further damaging the skin and thus causing more itching.  Emotional stress can provoke it as well as internal and external chemical sensitivities and allergies."

Why eczema?

"The skin is supposed to be slightly acidic which protects us from harmful bacteria.  Remember:  good bacteria fights bad bacteria, but most people use alkaline soaps that destroy the skin’s acid mantle removing our natural protection against bacteria and our own skin's oils.   There's nothing better than your own oil, and I don't care how much it costs.  So, you remove your natural acid protection, your much needed moisture and then leave behind a soap film (scum) that is one of unfriendly bacteria's favorite foods.  A triple play bad whammy for the cosmetic industry.  Truthfully, urine is better for your skin than soap, and water is a cleanser. 

You can wash your hair and body with plain yogurt.  The pH is acidic and the good bacteria are desperately needed (read the section on bacteria below).  Clairol used to make yogurt shampoo, but people didn't want to use it, so they use alkaline shampoos instead messing up their scalp & hair by destroying their natural acid mantle that protects them from fungus--dandruff is a fungus.  Apple cider vinegar (which is acidic) will rid dandruff.  Yogurt is excellent for the the skin and hair, and the acidic pH will make the cuticle lay flat and your hair silkier.

Laundry soap residue left in clothes can also irritate (use 1/3 of recommended and a brand like All Free & Clear).  Many problems come from the use of harsh or sensitizing chemicals on the skin.  Cetaphil is gentle cleanser, but if you use it, use it only under the arm pits, soles of the feet and groin area and use water for the rest of your body.  To learn more about what to do while the skin is broken out, please purchase the book and start thinking about internal and topical good bacteria, and remember the caution against neomycin/Neosporin above." - eczema.net (We simply could not have said it better.)

Eczema can be linked to our environment as well as our general health as well as our habits. If we are suffering from Eczema then something has to be changed to break the cycle of flare ups. Start with taking in knowledge and follow by taking action.

Here is an excellent resource for learning more about Eczema and its treatment.

Visit: http://www.eczema.net/

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