The Value Of Good Hygiene With Atopic Eczema

One of the most important functions of the skin is to act as a barrier against infection in the outside world. This natural barrier is impaired in atopic eczema making people of all ages who have this skin complaint more vulnerable to certain bacterial and viral skin infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Herpes simplex.

Staphylococcus Aureus s

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus) is a bacterium. There are about 30 different species of Staphylococcus, many of which live harmlessly on the skin’s surface. However, Staph aureus is a potential pathogen or ‘bad guy’ which can cause several skin problems including folliculitis (a spotty rash due to infection of the hair follicles), boils and abscesses. Certain rarer strains of Staph aureus can cause a crusty yellow rash called ‘impetigo’, which is highly contagious.

People with atopic eczema are more vulnerable to skin infections with Staph aureus because it adheres to their skin more easily, and penetrates through the tiny cracks in the skin surface. This means that virtually all atopic eczema sufferers have Staph aureus on their skin. When low levels of bacteria are present and there are no obvious signs of infection, the skin is said to be ‘colonized’. However, Staph aureus can thrive and multiply on eczema skin. When the bacterial load increases, signs of infection appear and the eczema flares. On infected eczema there may be over 10 million bacteria on a patch of skin the size of a fingernail. Staph aureus is rarely found on the skin of people who do not have atopic eczema, although they may carry it at certain body sites such as inside the nose without any ill effects.

Why Is Staphylococcus Aureus Bad For Eczema?

When Staph aureus proliferates (overgrows) on atopic eczema skin, it boosts the already over-active immune system and can trigger an itchy flare. Scratching causes more damage to the skin surface as well as bleeding and weeping, and this provides an ideal environment for more bacterial growth. This leads to higher levels of Staph aureus and a vicious circle of infection and worsening eczema. Certain strains of Staph aureus act as if ‘turbo charged’ and release toxins called ‘superantigens’, which trigger a very vigorous reaction.

The importance of Staph aureus in eczema has been shown in experiments where these bacteria were applied to the skin. In normal skin, this application triggered a small patch of eczema, but when Staph aureus was applied to the forearm of eczema sufferers, it caused a more widespread flare spreading to the elbow crease.

It is not possible to permanently eradicate Staph aureus from the skin of atopic eczema sufferers, but levels can be kept low by getting the eczema under good control, and using moisturizers to restore the skin’s outer barrier.

Treatment Of Staph Aureus Infection

The choice of treatment for Staph aureus infection usually depends on how badly the skin is infected.

For milder infections with a minor eczema flare, it may be possible to reduce the level of bacteria simply by treating the eczema actively with moisturizers and topical steroids. Bath oils and soap substitutes with added antiseptics may help reduce infection, and some dermatologists recommend these on a long-term basis in children or adults who have repeated infective flares. Antiseptics that are widely used in eczema products include benzalkonium chloride, triclosan and chlorhexidine. Bathing in a dilute solution of potassium permangonate will dry up weeping infections.

Sometimes a topical antibiotic will be prescribed, usually as a combined formulation with a steroid. Several combination creams and ointments exist, but it is best to avoid using them as a long-term treatment because this can encourage resistant bacteria to develop.

If there are signs of heavy bacterial infection with a lot of redness, oozing, crusting and pustules (spots), a course of oral antibiotics is needed. The most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for treating infected eczema are flucloxacillin and erythromycin. These usually work quickly and the eczema should improve in a few days. However, if other measures are not included to keep it under control and restore the skin barrier, the infection will usually relapse quickly after the antibiotic treatment is completed.

General hygiene measures for people with infected eczema at home include the following:
Use antibiotic or antiseptic treatment as prescribed and for the full length of treatment
Bath or shower every day
Use separate hand and bath towels
Avoid face cloths which may harbor bacteria
Change bed linen regularly and wash in a hot wash
Do not prepare food without wearing gloves if the hands are affected.

Suffering with eczema is not something we should have to live through. Finding an eczema treatment which works for you doesn’t have to be challenging. Regretably medicine do not have all the right answers so why not look into a natural treatment for eczema.

Eczema Relief – How to Naturally Treat Your Skin

You might think of eczema as a physical problem with biological causes, but there is a lot more to it than that. Anxiety and stress can also play a big role in eczema flare-ups. If you can reduce the negativity in your life – along with understanding the biological factors involved – you can wind up with better skin.

to dry up your skin to prevent oil from clogging pores. With eczema, the last thing you want to scrub your already dry skin with is another soap that will dry it even more. In this case, you want to use an all natural, moisturizing soap or facewash. Make sure it is free and clear of any fragrances or other unnecessary ingredients.

The best way to deal with eczema is to make use of natural oils. One of the most effective treatment for eczema is the coconut oil. It hydrates the skin as well as keep infections at bay. It is also a very good moisturizer to keep the skin supple and soft.

Studies show that by applying coconut oil over the human skin drastically reduces skin dryness. This happens because coconut oils contain high level of healthy vital nutrients required for a moisturised skin. And therefore by simply applying coconut oil for long periods of time you can banish eczema forever.

Bathing can cause your skin to become dry, itchy and more prone to eczema. It is important to moisturize your skin regularly, especially after bathing. Try adding infusions (teas) of chamomile, calendula or chickweed to any plain white lotion or skin cream. Apply it several times per day to affected areas. Plain aloe vera gel can also act as a moisturizer, and it has antiseptic and cooling properties that can relieve the discomfort of eczema.

You may also want to try evening primrose seed oil. This herb has had mixed results, as far as being effective in treating the itching associated with eczema. Some patients swear by it, while others didn’t notice much effect. It is important to remember that different herbs work differently on different people, and that some herbal remedies may work for some people and not work for others. With any herbal essential oil, first put a small amount on your hand to see if you have any allergic reaction.

Using an anti-itch lotion will prevent you from scratching at the affected area. Simply apply a thin layer to the affected area daily or whenever your skin becomes itchy. Alternatively, you can alleviate the itchiness caused by Eczema by taking Benadryl. Author is an online medical researcher on eczema treatment and skin care. Click read more on eczema treatment, eczema herpeticum, facial eczema treatment.

Tetrasodium Can Aggravate Eczema Symptoms

Tetrasodium etidronate is a substance found in many personal care products that has the potential to cause adverse effects in people with eczema. Tetrasodium etidronates and disodium etidronate are chelating agents that are also used in water softeners and soaps.

Because tetrasodium can be an irritant to the skin and mucus membranes people with eczema should exercise caution before using products that contain it. One reason that tetrasodium etidronate is used in soaps is for its preservative properties. Commercial soaps are required to have no more than two percent of tetrasodium etidronate but even small amounts can trigger eczema symptoms.

People who suffer from eczema should use only products that contain natural substances. Many soaps and other personal care products that are billed as natural actually contain tetrasodium etidronate. In fact, many of the soaps sold in health food stores contain tetrasodium etidronate. Always check ingredients before purchasing any personal care product. Check with your holistic practitioner to find out which soaps, if any, are safe for you to use.

Eczema suffers have to be very careful about the soaps they use. In fact, some medical doctors and holistic practitioners recommend that people with eczema dont use soap at all. They recommend that baths be taken in lukewarm water and excessive time in the bath is discouraged. People with eczema should apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. Moisturizers containing glycerin are highly recommended because glycerin helps the skin to retain moisture. During flare-up moisturizers should be used frequently throughout the day.

In addition to after bather moisturizers, people with eczema are advised to avoid sudden temperature changes. The type of forced air heat that is used during the winter can be very irritating and trigger symptoms. Dry, cracked skin is easily aggravated when the air lacks humidity. For that reason, eczema sufferers should sleep in rooms with humidifiers during the winter months when forced heat is being used.

Foods and substances that may irritate sensitive skin include soaps, bubble baths, perfumes, cosmetics, gasoline, turpentine, wool, pet fur, juices from meats and fruits, plants and jewelry. Personal care products that contain alcohol should also be avoided. Many people find that their eczema symptoms worsen during periods of stress. Some women have flare-ups a few days before menstruation begins. It is important to be self aware and understand what triggers your eczema attacks.

Because tetrasodium etidronate is used in many cleaning agents and laundry detergents, people with eczema should check the labels of these products before purchasing them. Sleeping on bed linens that have been laundered in a detergent containing tetrasodium etidroante can trigger an eczema attack. Work with your holistic practitioner to develop a list of natural products to treat your eczema that do not contain tetrasodium etidronate.

Types of eczema treatment

There are many classifications of eczema as a skin disease. For this reason, eczema treatments are also just as varied. There are about four most common types of eczema. The first one is known as Atopic eczema which is believed to run in families and can be inherited from parents by young infants. This type of eczema is noticeable mostly on the head, neck, inside elbows of young babies. Eczema can also result from contact with allergens. This type of skin disorder id called contact dermatitis. This results from your skin coming into contact with substances that irritates it. The other type of eczema skin disease is xerotic eczema which is at the initial stages just dry skin. If eczema treatment is not sort then this condition turns into eczema. Xerotic eczema is worse in dry weather conditions and mostly affects the trunk and limbs. This type of disorder is however more common with older people as oppose to the younger ones. The fourth and last type of eczema infection is Saborrhoeic dermatitis which is commonly associated with dandruff. This condition will result in the dryness and peeling of the scalp. It may even lead to peeling of the eyebrows and scalp in severe cases. There are many types of eczema treatment available in the market. One such treatment is the use of Corticosteroids. These are very effective in suppressing or controlling the symptoms caused by eczema infections. Only a very weak steroid should used for moderate or mild eczema infection. In a case of sever eczema attack then a more powerful steroid is recommended The other form of eczema treatment is the use Immunomodulators. This kind of treatment is effective in its ability to suppress the immune system especially around the affected areas. Closely related to it is the use of immunosuppressant. These are however only used in very severe cases. What this medication does is, it dampens the immune system and could result in very dramatic changes in the sufferer. Eczema treatment also comes in the form o f Anti itch drugs that are effective in reducing the itchiness cause by eczema attacks. By reducing the itchiness, it eliminates the possibility of scratching which would have made the situation even worse. Eczema can also be treated using moisturizers which reduces the dryness of the skin. Moisturizers are known as the most effective self care treatments for those who are suffering from this very depressing condition. Remember to keep the affected area moist as this will help promote quick healing of the skin and relieve the sufferer from the symptoms of eczema.

Even as you seek eczema treatment, you need to remember that there is not one single known cure for eczema. The treatments will only try and control the symptoms. They will only reduce inflammation and relieve the itchiness that comes with eczema treatment. Remember to keep away from harsh soaps or scrubs as this will only end up worsening the condition by stripping the skin of its natural oil and leading to further dryness.

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Dyshidrotic Eczema And Phompholyx Related

Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition which is responsible for the appearance of small blisters, which can turn red and become inflamed; mainly on the feet, hands and fingers. There are a few other names by which this skin disease goes by, such as “dyshidrotic dermatitis”, “dyshidrosis” and “pomphloyx”.

While no single cause for the disease has been identified, there are a number of factors which have shown some links to causing an outbreak of the disease. Most commonly, it is associated with high levels of emotional stress or anxiety, seasonal changes and exposure to certain irritants or allergens. Some common items that have been linked to dyshidrosis are latex or vinyl gloves, fragrances, fresh fruit juices, some types of soaps and chemicals. Certain allergies, like those to nickel, soy or chocolate also appear to have a link with it.

Despite the fact that the disease may look quite unsightly, contrary to what some may think, it is not contagious and therefore cannot be spread by direct contact with a person suffering from it.

There are some available treatments for it, which will vary depending on how severe one’s dermatitis is and what the suspected cause is in that particular patient. If it is believed that appearance of dyshidrotic dermatitis is linked to exposure to a certain allergen that has either been ingested or came into contact with the skin, then it is obviously recommended to avoid contact with said allergen.

While research is still underway to try and find an effective eczema cure, there is no “magic solution” for dyshidrotic eczema. But there is still hope. Some very effective treatments exist which can help those who suffer from this skin condition take care of their symptoms and keep them from happening again. For example, if an area is causing itching, applying vaseline and hemp oil on it can relieve some of the itch. Affected areas can also be soaked in white vinegar.