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What is eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition where the skin becomes inflamed, red and itchy. It is a type of dermatitis and is a skin problem that can lead to dryness in other areas of the body, even if they are not directly inflamed. Someone who suffers from eczema has a gene variation that affects the skin's ability to protect it from bacteria and allergens. This results in the skin overreacting to certain triggers such as dust, skin care products, detergents, animals etc. Eczema is not contagious & if the person is not scratching his/or her skin, it is purely cosmetic. The skin discolorations are side effects of a patient's body trying to heal after a skin breakout.

The cause of inflammation varies from person to person, but some common triggers are:

• Allergies (foods, animals, environment)
• Stress (very common)
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Not drinking enough water
• Sleep (Sleep reduces inflammation throughout the body)
• Body overheating

It’s good to point out that psoriasis is often confused with eczema. Although they have some similarities, they are different skin conditions. You can read more about the difference between the two conditions here.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

• Redness
• Hives
• Itchy Skin
• Dry skin
• Cracking
• Blisters

Types of eczema

There are a number of different types of eczema, which vary in symptoms and treatment options. Some of the more common types include:

Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema, and is an allergic disorder which is usually hereditary. This is typical for people whose other family members may have other health issues like asthma and hay fever. In most cases, it comes in the form of a rash that leads to intense itching, especially in the ‘hot’ areas of the body such as behind the knees, elbows, neck, chest and inner thighs.

Xerotic eczema
erotic eczema is commonly found in individuals with extreme cases of dry skin, also known as winter’s itch. During the winter period, patients suffering from xerotic eczema can experience heightened symptoms, with the eczema usually affecting the core area, legs, and arms.

Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is another form of eczema, which is triggered when someone comes into contact with a substance they are allergic or sensitive to. Common irritants include chemical based soaps, detergents and washing cleaners. This is one of the easier forms of eczema to treat, as the individual can stop using the products they know cause irritation or allergic reaction.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is another common type of eczema, which appears as red, scaly, itchy and inflamed skin. It is also common amongst babies which is known as cradle cap. This particular type of eczema is often associated with dandruff, peeling or flaking of the scalp.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage the condition - calming inflammation and reducing itching. There are a number of over-the-counter solutions available to treat eczema, however these are often full of chemicals and ingredients that can be harmful to your overall health. These products can have a range of side effects when used over a long period of time, including:

• Increased skin sensitivity
• Thinner skin (very easily bruised)
• High blood pressure
• Suppressed hormone production
• Weight gain
• Pimples
• Cushing syndrome

At Grahams Natural, we recommend a natural approach to treating eczema. We have developed a range of products made from all natural ingredients that have been clinically formulated to help your skin. Our products have been designed to:

• Hydrate the skin
• Treat the inflammation
• Treat the infection

One of the most important aspects of maintaining and keeping eczema under control is a proper moisturising routine on a daily basis to avoid the problems with dry skin. The best time to moisturise is directly after a shower or bath; this is when the skin's pores are raw and open. If patients have dry skin, they can expect even more problems. So, maintaining a moisturised skin barrier is one of the best things that you can do.

Our top recommended products for treating eczema are:

C+ Eczema & Dermatitis Cream

Grahams Natural C+ Eczema & Dermatitis Cream offers 6 hours of hydration while fighting inflammation with the powerful herbs (Calendula, Gotu Kola and Jojoba Oil) and controlling bacteria (Manuka Honey). We have created an ‘oil-in-water’ formula, which means it provides a cool, soothing feel to relieve itching and pain. Suitable for all ages, our Natural C+ Eczema Cream is a must-have for all eczema sufferers.

Natural Body & Bath Oil

Grahams Natural Body & Bath Oil rejuvenates the skin’s natural oils while leaving your body feeling hydrated and replenished. With an all-natural gentle combination of oils, this oil can be added to your bath, or applied directly to your skin for ultimate hydration.

Therapeutic Skin Care Pack

Using these products together is ideal. Coating the skin with the oil will hydrate the skin and create a protective barrier, while the cream works to fight inflammation and control bacteria, keeping your skin clean. Save 25% with our Therapeutic Skin Care Pack which combines the two products.

We have also created a handy ‘How-to guide’ for further recommendations on how to treat eczema. Check it out here.

Management & controlling your eczema

The good news is that there are many different things that people can do to control and minimise the effects of this skin condition. Try and stay away from harsh detergents, soaps, powders, and chemicals. There are natural hypoallergenic detergents and moisturising soaps on our website that specifically made for people with sensitive skin! It is also a good idea to avoid perfumes and powders of any kind. These products are not good for the skin and will most likely make the situation even worse.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions!

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that commonly presents itself in the form of scaling and redness of the skin. Psoriasis occurs when there is an intensified production of the skin, accumulating in white patches on the knee, elbow and scalp areas. It can also have an impact on the joints but in most cases, outbreaks come in the form of patches known as psoriatic plaques. Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not the same as eczema (although often confused), and it is not contagious.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with psoriasis are often confused with eczema, you can read more about eczema here. Typically the skin on the area affected by psoriasis comes with a silver or white colour. Other symptoms may include:

• Patches of skin that are dry, inflamed or red
• Flaky skin
• Itchy skin

A doctor should be able to diagnose psoriasis with a simple visual check up. There is no need to perform special tests or other medical procedures to diagnose this condition, however, if there are other symptoms present on the skin, doctors may conduct a skin biopsy.

Causes & triggers

Modern medicine has still not identified the exact cause of this disease. However, most experts support the theory that it is a result of a certain genetic disorder. While the exact cause is unknown, we are aware of a number of triggers that can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare:

• Certain foods - check out our blog post on the top 5 foods to avoid here
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Cold, dry weather
• Some medications

Triggers will vary from person to person, so it’s important to learn what your body needs to help manage this disease.

Types

Just like many other skin conditions, psoriasis can come in different forms. Below are the most common types of the condition.

Plaque

This is the most general type of this skin condition. About 85% of all patients diagnosed have this type of psoriasis. It usually occurs in the form of elevated inflamed skin regions. The skin in these areas is flaky and white.

Flexural

This type is described as a smooth patch of skin affected by inflammation. In most cases, it is found in the bends of the skin. Friction and perspiration will make the situation worse.

Nail

This leads to the modification of the physical appearance of toe and finger nails. The changes usually come in the form of ridges in the nails, discoloration of nails, thickening of the skin located under nails, pitting and crumbling of nails and loose nails.

Guttate

This type is characterised by relatively small round patches. The patches are small, but they are usually covering large areas. They are most commonly found on the scalp, core section, legs, and arms.

Erythrodermic

This is another type which usually covers a larger area of inflamed skin. Redness, extreme dryness, pain swelling and itching are some of the symptoms of this particular type.

Pustular

You can easily recognise pustular psoriasis because it has a specific appearance. It comes in the form of elevated sores that look very similar to blisters. They too have pus. Typically, these patches/blisters occur on the feet and hands.

Treatment

Every person dealing with psoriasis is different, as is the type and severity of psoriasis they are experiencing. Therefore it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before starting out on any new treatments. Dermatologists can conduct a range of treatments, and will work with you to determine the best possible treatment for you.

Typically, topical treatments are an effective treatment for those suffering from psoriasis. Dermatologists will often recommend the use of specific moisturisers and bath treatments, which work to hydrate the skin, reduce redness and soothe the skin. Unfortunately, many of these treatments are chemical based and can cause additional irritation when used over an extended period of time. That’s why we would always recommend a natural product, such as the Grahams Natural Psoriasis Cream.

Grahams Natural Psoriasis Cream

Our naturally formulated psoriasis cream has been scientifically developed to treat psoriasis, with no added chemicals. It is a topical emollient therapy, to be used in conjunction with professional medical management of psoriasis. This cream works to hydrate the skin and relieve the common symptoms of psoriasis. For best results, we recommend using in conjunction with our Body & Bath Oil, Cleansing Bar or for scalp psoriasis try our Psoriasis Care Pack.

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Management & controlling / prevention

While psoriasis cannot be cured, there are ways to prevent or lower the severity of this condition. Things to avoid include:

• Excessive drinking of alcohol
• Stress
• Extreme heat
• Powders
• Chemical based detergents & soaps

If you have any questions or concerns, check out our how to guide here or feel free to contact us!

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is one of the most skin problems today. A chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the blood vessels, Rosacea most commonly occurs on the face and appears in the form of reddened skin. Rosacea is often confused with acne, eczema or a skin allergy. When left untreated, it can worsen over time, so it’s important to seek diagnosis if you suspect you may have rosacea.

Symptoms

There are a range of symptoms of this skin disorder, the most common being the altering of skin colour. Typically skin will appear red and while it can occur anywhere, it’s most commonly found on the forehead, nose and cheeks. In addition to red patches, people with rosacea may also experience flushed skin on the neck, chest, scalp and ears. Symptoms may include:

• Inflamed blood vessels on the face
• Flushing / blushing
• Persistent redness
• Red bumps (often mistaken for acne)
• Bulbous nose (less common)

Causes & triggers

While there is no scientific evidence to prove the exact cause of rosacea, there are some common triggers that cause symptoms to flare. These triggers vary from person to person, but typically occur when stimuli dilate the blood vessels for example some foods, alcohol, medications & bacteria.

• Food - for some rosacea sufferers, spicy or hot foods can trigger symptoms to flare.
• Alcohol - while not a cause of rosacea, alcohol can cause symptoms to worsen
• Medication - some medications, topical and nasal steroids
• Skin care products - in particular products that contain chemicals such as many anti-wrinkle treatments
• Stress - feeling stressed, embarrassed or angry can cause a flare
• Extreme temperatures - e.g. hot weather, being in a spa or sauna
• Bacteria & mites - skin and intestinal bacteria are the main culprits

Types

Similarly to many other skin conditions, there are a range of different types of rosacea. Each type has its own specific symptoms and treatment methods.

Phymatous rosacea

Phymatous rosacea appears as irregular skin surfaces and nodularity, thickened skin and increased visibility of tiny blood vessels close to the skin’s outer layer. It has a direct impact on the eyes, nose, cheeks, ears, chin and forehead and can also be related to nose enlargement problem known as rhinophyma.

Ocular rosacea

As the name suggests, this type usually has an impact on the eyes. It comes with symptoms like itching and burning and a constant feeling that the patient has something stuck in the eyes. Patients suffering have to deal with dry and red eyelids and eyes. Eye irritation is not unusual in cases like this.

Papulopustular rosacea

Many people mistake papulopustular rosacea as acne problems. The typical symptom of papulopustular rosacea is the occurrence of red bumps (papules) with pus. These bumps are known as pustules. These papules last for about five days before they are naturally dissolved. Patients with this type experience continuous redness on a certain part of their skin, an occurrence known as erythema. The papules are prone to blushing and flushing and some patients can experience itching or burning sensations.

Treatment

The best treatment varies based on the type and severity of rosacea you’re experiencing. We recommend seeing a dermatologist who will detect the symptoms and diagnose the correct type of rosacea, before recommending a suitable treatment.

Laser treatment

This is a popular form of treatment, where a dermatologist will use a special light that penetrates the epidermis and focus on the dermis capillaries.

CO2 laser treatment

Another type of laser treatment, CO2 laser treatment relies on CO2 beams to cut the tissues and eliminate tissue formations. This type of treatment is usually used for phytamous rosacea.

Grahams Natural Rosacea Cream

We’ve developed a naturallly formulated rosacea cream that has been scientifically formulated to treat and manage rosacea. Designed to reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin, this cream can reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin.

"Rosacea has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s the one thing that I really hate about my skin. I have been using Grahams Rosacea Cream morning and night for the past 2 months. My redness has calmed quite a lot although not disappeared totally but then I never really expected that. My skin feels soft and hydrated. For anyone with Rosacea, sensitive and reactive skin I would suggest giving Grahams Rosacea Cream a try."
- Anna Maree

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We have also created a handy ‘How-to guide’ for further recommendations on how to treat rosacea. You can download this here.

Prevention

While there is no known cure for rosacea, there are a few things people can do to try and prevent a flare up of the condition.

• Modify your skin care routine. Try using gentler products, specifically designed for sensitive skin
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. You can also try an elimination diet to see if there are specific food types causing skin problems.

Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.