Eczema – one person’s journey

Source: www.theremustbeabetterway.co.uk/Eczema_Tips.htm

1. If you are currently experiencing infected eczema, treat your eczema with the steroid treatment prescribed to you by your Doctor. Desperation usually gets the better of us. Alternative remedies are great, but the only sure way forward (in some cases) is medical intervention. But saying that, it’s one thing getting rid of eczema temporarily, but being rid of it for good is another issue.
2. Once the infection has cleared up (bleeding/weeping and general ‘rawness’) heavily moisturise your skin with natural skincare (after cleansing your skin). Keep moisturising even if large clumps of skin fall off. Constantly reapply creams/butters as eczema areas begin to dry. It is best to use products containing plenty of Essential Fatty Acids, for example body butters. Keep it very basic and generally avoid trying anything new on your skin when it is inflamed or infectious – it may just end up making you more sensitive even if the product is natural. Constantly apply heavy thick butters to your skin to keep your skin at optimum moisture levels (you may want to wear old clothes). This part of the process takes a few days to complete. Stay calm and relaxed as worrying, just makes the eczema more aggressive.
3. Are you still having trouble in trying to stop the itch? This is why eczema keeps coming back/becomes re-infected, it’s that unbearable urge to rip your skin off, that unbearable burning itch that you just can’t leave alone. Keep topping up your moisture levels, this is vital. Only stop moisturising when your skin no longer itches. However, do keep your former eczema skin well moisturised. The paranoia of eczema returning does get better, eventually, and the day that you can leave your skin free of any lotions and potions is very liberating indeed!
4. A little sunlight is very beneficial for eczema. After heavily moisturising the very dry and flaky skin sit in the sun for about 10 minutes, after 3:45pm, to avoid burning. Sunlight is needed for our skin to formulate Vitamin D.
5. Top up on the EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids) – they regulate the hormones that look after your skin and reproductive systems. Unfortunately, by the time you’ve noticed that you do lack EFAs, it can take up to 6 months to get your levels back to normal. Hair and skin are always the first to be affected when your system is running below normal. Whilst trying to increase your EFAs by eating the correct foods (avocados, nuts & seeds) it might also be a good idea to take supplements for increased effectiveness such as, Cold Pressed Flaxseed Oil, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin B Complex. These are excellent for skin disorders.
6. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED! Well, at least until you have the Eczema under control. Drinking alcohol may make the itching worse. This is due to the alcohol leaching precious nutrients from your body.
7. Eat plenty of ‘rainbow food’, these are vegetables and fruits of all colours, this will ensure that you ingest all the beneficial enzymes available for your bodily functions, best to make them Organic too.
8. Ensure that you receive plenty of rest, sleep is a wonderful rejuvenator.
9. SOAP – only use soap that is 100% natural– with plenty of natural vegetable glycerine, a good oily/fatted soap is best. Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulphates at all costs. This is a known skin sensitiser/irritant which is found in most, if not all commercial mainstream products. SLS can seriously unbalance the skin’s natural acid mantle. Skin needs to retain a natural water resistant base to defend itself from invading microbes. The sebum and sweat combine to form this healthy acid mantle (which is also a mild anti-bactericide). Over washing can seriously damage your skin. Give your skin the opportunity to heal itself by avoiding all products that contain petro-chemical derived emollients. Using harsh detergents means that the skin has to over compensate from an offensive attack. The skin starts to produce more and more oil (sebum) as a form of protection. Pores can become clogged and infected, resulting in spots. Of course, when choosing natural skincare, you still need to be aware that all base oils have differing characteristics; some are more suited to mature/dry skins whereas other base oils are more suited to more sensitive/combination type skins.
10. After moisturising your skin heavily, whether with natural or otherwise, your skin can become clogged. Your skin needs to breathe. Too much on your skin can also lead to that hot burning eczema itch. You now need to achieve a nice balance between using moisturisers/creams/oils/butters and a very mild and gentle soap at bath/shower time. When the eczema is at it’s most intense, a bath is the last thing you want. Perhaps showering might be a good option? Don’t soak the affected skin for longer than is necessary. Soaps containing Calendula & Lavender are excellent as they can help the pH balance of the skin. Also, very mild and effective for clearing the excess oily build-up whilst respecting natural pH balance/acid mantle.
11. Once your eczema is under control and your skin has gone back to normal EXFOLIATE. A good indication that your skin is ready to be exfoliated is 1 month of healthy skin. Once you have finished exfoliating, ensure that you seal the fresh bare layers of skin with a natural good moisturising lotion/cream/oil containing plenty of Essential Fatty Acids, to ensure you nourish and protect your skin.
12. Exercise on a regular basis and keep drinking plenty of water. The constant flow of fresh new liquid releases toxins from your system, sluggish lymph is able to move along far more efficiently when you exercise. Both will enable you to experience far more balance within your system.
13. Look into the type of detergent you use to wash your clothes, washing powders/liquids are usually the main source of skin discomfort/increase of eczema episodes.
14. I know it’s easier said than done, but do try and take some time to relax. Yoga & meditating will help keep you calm and content.