Eczema: Triggers, Tips & Treatment |

Eczema is a dry skin condition that affects many people living in the UK. In recognition of National Eczema Week from 15th to 23rd September, 2012, there are many events taking place across the UK to help raise awareness of this condition and to improve the quality of life for eczema sufferers and their carers.
Many different factors can cause eczema and there are changes to diet and environment that can help to bring the symptoms of eczema under control. Many sufferers also benefit from treating and healing their bodies internally with the aid of natural supplements. CLICK HERE for more information, or to buy online.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects men and women equally. There are different types of eczema including atopic dermatitis, discoid, contact dermatitis, and varicose. Although eczema can affect people of all ages, it is more prevalent in children and young adults. It is currently estimated that I in 5 children living in the UK suffer from eczema. Recent statistics suggest that in approximately 65% of cases, atopic eczema clears up before the age of 16. However, for others eczema can be a life long battle, with 1 in 12 adults in the UK suffering from the condition.
Atopic Eczema
Atopic is most common form of eczema. It causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and cracked. Atopic eczema commonly appears where the skin naturally creases, such as the hands, elbows, and knees. The constant itching can disrupt the quality of day-to-day life and sleep patterns. The term atopic refers to the fact that this form of eczema is inherited from a parent and is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Eczema is not contagious.
Triggers & Causes of Eczema
Common cold or fluHigh stress levelsAllergies to dust, pollen or other substancesEnvironmental irritantsSudden environmental changesSudden changes in body temperatureSome soaps and detergentsCertain foods, commonly milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts.Household chemicalsToo much sugar in the diet

How to Cure Eczema
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for eczema, however, there are preventative steps you can take to limit the appearance of symptoms. Try to identify what triggers flare-ups and avoid them as much as possible. If this is unsuccessful, ask your doctor for an allergy test. This will help you to avoid triggers and potential flare-ups. You could also try to keep a diary recording when the symptoms flare up.
What to do - Helpful Tips
ECZEMA & DIET
Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.Work out what food aggravates your condition.Try eliminating cows milk from the diet to see if symptoms improve. Cows milk is the most common dietary trigger for eczema.Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Do moderate exercise on a regualr basis.Get lots of sleep, at least 7 hours per night.If you swim on a regular basis, apply a thick layer of emollient beforehand to help the skin retain moisture and reduce irritation from chlorine.

ECZEMA SKIN CARE
Take baths instead of showers, as the spray from showers can irritate the skin. Use warm water, as hot water will further dry out the skin.Change your shampoo and soaps. Try to avoid parabens and other synthetic substances.Pat your skin dry gently with a towel, don’t rub it.Reduce scratching. Scratching will break the surface of the skin and increase the risk of infection.Avoid products that contain perfumes or alcohol as they can dry out and irritate the skin.Wear clothing made of natural fibres. Try to avoid wearing itchy wools or synthetic fibres.
Natural Eczema Treatment – Heal from Within
SimplyBest VitaFem Plus™ & VitaMen Plus™: These exclusive multi-vitamin and multi-mineral formulas contain a vast array of nutrients including vitamins A, C and E. These are powerful antioxidants that can help to moisturise the skin and boost the body’s immune system. These supplements also contain zinc, which regulates cell production and improves the skins ability to heal itself.
Omega 3: The essential fatty acids found in omega 3 help to keep the skin healthy and supple. They also offer anti-inflammatory benefits that can reduce inflamed skin conditions. The most potent sources of these essential fatty acids are oily fish such as mackerels and sardines.
Evening Primrose Oil: Contains the omega 6 fatty acid GLA. When taken in supplement form, recent meta-analysis shows that GLA can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and significantly reduce the dryness and itchiness of skin after a 12 week period, when compared to a placebo.
Sweet Almond Carrier Oil: A vitamin-rich oil with a long history of use as a treatment for dry skin. It is believed to offer anti inflammatory benefits around the body and as a result can help to repair and heal the skin. Try massaging the oil all over the body to prevent dryness. It is best used in combination with other oral treatments.
CLICK HERE for more information about nutritional supplements to help relieve eczema symptoms, or to buy online.
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