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!