Eczema

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!