If you suffer from eczema, a dry, itchy, inflamed skin condition, you want all the information you can get on how to manage and minimize this annoying, uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition.
Eczema is generally a life-long condition caused by genetics, nutritional deficiencies and candida (and its related over-intake of sugars) and may be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, diet and stress.
Atopic dermatitis is the most severe and long-lasting type of eczema and nearly always begins in childhood.
It is estimated that 90 percent of patients experience atopic dermatitis before the age of five and that it affects over 30 million Americans.
The most typical spots affected are the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face.
However, it can be found nearly anywhere on the body.
Atopic dermatitis falls into a category of diseases called atopy because it is genetically connected to the allergic conditions of asthma and hay fever.
Physicians often refer to these three diseases as the "atopy triad".
Although atopic dermatitis is not infectious to other people, people who suffer with it do generally have high levels of staph on their skin.
The condition tends to be episodic and people experience flares as well as times of being relatively free from symptoms.
Let's talk about ways to stay in balance and keep flares to a minimum.
A good place to start is to stay moisturized by: -Not showering too often thereby washing away your skin's protective oils.
-Using a humidifier in the dry winter months.
-Using a good moisturizer.
I like Neutrogena Moisture Wrap products.
It is also helpful to: -Use a mild over the counter hydrocortizone product sparingly when necessary to tackle itchy spots before they get out of control.
-Reduce your intake of sugar (in all its many forms) which feeds the bacteria that can cause eczema flare-ups.
In addition to these ideas for every day maintenance, research over the last 50 years or so has shown that a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs) leads to inflammatory skin conditions in both animals and humans.
EFAs in the diet help the cells of the skin and body maintain proper moisture levels.
In addition EFAs are helpful in promoting health in of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.
Essential Fatty Acids (both Omega-3s and Omega-6s) are necessary fats that humans cannot make in their bodies and must be obtained through the diet.
EFA deficiency is definitely a factor to be addressed for eczema sufferers.
However, it is not the only deficiency responsible for an eczema flare-up.
People who focus only on replenishing Omega 3s and 6s may jeopardize the healing process.
Thinking that added intake of essential fatty acids should restore health may cause frustration and a subsequent rejection of the importance of EFA replenishment.
EFA is essential to eczema healing but it is not the only cause and should be part of a larger protocol addressing multiple factors which cause eczema and atopic dermatitis.
In order to get the EFAs required for good health, eat fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon at least twice a week or a daily high quality fish oil supplement.
In addition to the benefits to your skin, eating essential fatty acids helps to lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Eczema is generally a life-long condition caused by genetics, nutritional deficiencies and candida (and its related over-intake of sugars) and may be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, diet and stress.
Atopic dermatitis is the most severe and long-lasting type of eczema and nearly always begins in childhood.
It is estimated that 90 percent of patients experience atopic dermatitis before the age of five and that it affects over 30 million Americans.
The most typical spots affected are the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face.
However, it can be found nearly anywhere on the body.
Atopic dermatitis falls into a category of diseases called atopy because it is genetically connected to the allergic conditions of asthma and hay fever.
Physicians often refer to these three diseases as the "atopy triad".
Although atopic dermatitis is not infectious to other people, people who suffer with it do generally have high levels of staph on their skin.
The condition tends to be episodic and people experience flares as well as times of being relatively free from symptoms.
Let's talk about ways to stay in balance and keep flares to a minimum.
A good place to start is to stay moisturized by: -Not showering too often thereby washing away your skin's protective oils.
-Using a humidifier in the dry winter months.
-Using a good moisturizer.
I like Neutrogena Moisture Wrap products.
It is also helpful to: -Use a mild over the counter hydrocortizone product sparingly when necessary to tackle itchy spots before they get out of control.
-Reduce your intake of sugar (in all its many forms) which feeds the bacteria that can cause eczema flare-ups.
In addition to these ideas for every day maintenance, research over the last 50 years or so has shown that a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs) leads to inflammatory skin conditions in both animals and humans.
EFAs in the diet help the cells of the skin and body maintain proper moisture levels.
In addition EFAs are helpful in promoting health in of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.
Essential Fatty Acids (both Omega-3s and Omega-6s) are necessary fats that humans cannot make in their bodies and must be obtained through the diet.
EFA deficiency is definitely a factor to be addressed for eczema sufferers.
However, it is not the only deficiency responsible for an eczema flare-up.
People who focus only on replenishing Omega 3s and 6s may jeopardize the healing process.
Thinking that added intake of essential fatty acids should restore health may cause frustration and a subsequent rejection of the importance of EFA replenishment.
EFA is essential to eczema healing but it is not the only cause and should be part of a larger protocol addressing multiple factors which cause eczema and atopic dermatitis.
In order to get the EFAs required for good health, eat fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon at least twice a week or a daily high quality fish oil supplement.
In addition to the benefits to your skin, eating essential fatty acids helps to lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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