What is Eczema?


 Eczema is a chronic problem that runs in families with a history of allergies and asthma. Some people believe that it is caused by immune system malfunction while others think that certain genes contribute to extra-sensitive skin. It is most common in infants, and many of them outgrow it before adulthood. However, it can come and go throughout life. Eczema has many types, but “Atopic Dermatitis” is the most common. Some of the symptoms include itchy, scaly, blotchy and inflamed skin that can develop blisters or crack into deep fissures. It can appear anywhere on the body.

What causes eczema?

The answer to what causes eczema is not definitive, but several factors are known to increase the risk. These could be everyday products you use or some natural substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Nevertheless, it is important to know that eczema affects everyone differently. One person’s triggers may be different from another. Some might experience it during winter while others in summer. Like any other allergy, it is best to treat eczema by preventing it from becoming a problem in the first place. If you can identify the triggers, you can avoid them.

Some of the common triggers of eczema include:

  • Hand or dish soap, detergents, surface cleaner, and shampoo.
  • Natural substances, like juice from fresh fruit, meats, or vegetables
  • Stress
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Fragrances
  • Synthetic fabrics
  • Metals
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Dry skin

If you are struggling with eczema, you know that when the symptoms spiral out of control, the discomfort becomes almost unbearable. Severe eczema can affect overall health and interfere with sleep, routine activities, and even social engagements. Although we ‘re not sure about the exact cause of Eczema, learning how to treat your eczema and identifying triggers that can cause flare-ups is the best course of action. While there’s no identified cure, symptoms can be managed or even healed effectively. There are several natural treatments, essential oils, and home remedies to ease the discomfort and help prevent future flares.

Tips to Manage and Prevent Eczema Symptoms:

  • Identify the triggers and avoid them.
  • Use a gentle soap without artificial fragrance.
  • Moisturize your skin with emollient oil that contains petroleum jelly after bathing.
  • Take lukewarm bath or shower, and wear soft, breathable clothes.
  • Instead of scratching your skin apply a cold compress or numbing cream.
  • Reduce mental and physical stress.
  • Try wet wrap therapy to control itching.
  • Use a gentle, fragrance-free skin cleanser with low pH
  • Moisturize your skin frequently throughout the day with an ointment or cream that contains ceramides.
  • Natural substances, like aloe vera gel and coconut oil, can be used to moisturize dry, broken skin. They can reduce inflammation and combat harmful.
  • Incorporate hypoallergenic foods in your diet. Some examples are fish, beans and lentils, leafy greens, colorful fruits, turmeric, vegetables, and cinnamon.
  • Switch to gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent and skip fabric softener.
  • Avoid products with coarse particles for exfoliating, as they can further irritate your skin.
  • Avoid strong heat sources.
  • Avoid physical and mental stress.
  • Take prescription medication consistently and as prescribed by your doctor.

Working to control your symptoms is important for staying healthy and comfortable while living with eczema. To alleviate two of your possible trigger of using certain soaps or detergents and the biggest issue of having dry skin. We recommend you try our moisturizing soap Mr Grey.  If you are not familiar with our Balance line of soaps you can take a look a what makes Mr Grey so special and a winner for eczema here.

We hope this article will help you better understand and manage eczema symptoms.

Bahamas Soap Maker

Rashad has been making soaps since the inception of Bahamas Candle and Soap in 2008. Since this time he has taught a number of students how make homemade soap using the melt and pour process or the cold process of soap making. His preference is cold process soap making because of the versatility you have in designing not only the ingredients but the aesthetics of the soap. Soap making became more than a hobby for Rashad and he loves trying new techniques and teaching others how they too can make their own soap at home.

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