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My Blog
Sophie: Posted on December-14-11 5:25 PM
Eczema - how to treat Eczema simply means inflammation of the skin. Inflammation may have many causes and since the skin is the interface between the outside world and the inside body, there are many possible causes of this inflammation.The causes which I see in order of importance are as follows: Causes and things to try - Dry Skin: Avoid soap and water which remove oils from the skin. Use an emollient such as Oil Emol as a soap substitute, shower rather than bathe, or best of all hardly wash at all.
- Nutritional Supplements: All eczema patients should take nutritional supplements and also essential fatty acids like evening primerose. Zinc is a common deficiency and 30mgs daily should be taken in addition to the nutritional supplements I like people to take at all times.
- Infection: We all have bacteria on our skin but eczema patients seem to get allergic to these bacteria especially the staphylococci. These bacteria inhabit the cracks in the skin where there is an allergic/infectious reaction causing inflammation and itching. I think this explains why children are prone to eczema in the creases of the elbows and behind the knees where the skin is thinner. I recommend using an emollient which has at least 2 different antibacterials , in order to prevent resistant strains of staphlococci emerging. All eczema patients should have a regular supply of Fucidin ointment and apply liberally to any broken or cracked skin to prevent infection getting in. Be careful of creams which contain preservatives and may cause allergy in their own right.
- Allergies: I think of allergies in 4 groups namely inhalants, foods, chemicals and micro-organisms (mites, yeast and bacteria).
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