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Red Skin Syndrome: Learn to Heal Outside and Within

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

Although quite controversial, RSS or Red Skin Syndrome, also known as Topical Steroid Addiction (TSA) or Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a real thing. This week, we take a deeper look at Red Skin Syndrome and what treatment options are available for those suffering with the condition. We also take a look at some of the work the TSW community is doing to help heal within as well.

If you’ve been suffering from RSS, TSA or TSW and have tried countless creams and treatments, we encourage you to read on. Please keep in mind that although these suggestions can help provide relief, we are in no way medical professionals. This condition requires medical intervention to avoid infection.

What is Red Skin Syndrome?

Red Skin Syndrome is a debilitating condition that arises after the misuse of topical steroids to treat a skin condition (like eczema). Topical Steroid Addiction is another term coined for this condition. Many people with Red Skin Syndrome condition experience extremely red, itchy, burning skin, which is both extremely painful and uncomfortable. The term Topical Steroid Withdrawal is used to define the symptoms that arise after discontinuing, reducing potency or reducing application of topical steroids.

Reported symptoms for Red Skin Syndrome, Topical Steroid Addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal are:

  • Red sunburnt-like skin
  • Visible flaking of skin
  • Oozing skin
  • Red sleeves (arms or legs become red and inflamed)
  • Body temperature changes
  • Hypersensitivity of skin to water
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Hair loss
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Depression, anxiety, and mood changes

This condition is an iatrogenic (an illness caused by medication, in this case, the misuse of a medication). While there is much research out there both denying and supporting topical steroids, the truth is that this condition is very real. However, like many other debilitating conditions, there are misconceptions of the illness as well as topical steroids in general.

If you think you or your child may have Red Skin Syndrom, I highly recommend you read Is it Just Eczema or Steroid Induced Eczema? Then definitely speak with your physician – we do not recommend weaning your child off steroids without medical help. If you have been on topical steroids for more than two weeks without a break, you are at a higher risk for topical addiction and it’s very important to talk to your doctor about either learning to use steroids correctly with the mandatory break between two week doses or weaning yourself off the medication all together.

We recommend you also read more about the risks of weaning yourself off topical steroids if you do in fact have Red Skin Syndrome. This post is a good read on the topic.

Dr. Peter Lio has been studying this condition for many years and has helped countless patients going through these symptoms. To learn more about what his thoughts are on topical steroids, as well as Red Skin Syndrome, make sure to check out our blog post: Topical Steroid Withdrawal: Myth vs. Reality.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal Treatment

Because Red Skin Syndrome is a debilitating condition, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. At the moment, there are no universally approved medications or methods of treatment that can quickly cure the symptoms of Red Skin Syndrome, yet your doctor can advise pain/itch management strategies, as well as appropriate medical treatments. Many doctors look at weaning a patient slowly off of topical steroids, so that their skin doesn’t immediately flare up.

There is a new treatment methodology which is receiving a lot of attention these days is called the Aron Regime. We had the pleasure of recently meeting Dr. Richard Aron, who created this new approach to treating both severe eczema and Red Skin Syndrome. While we are not big supporters of topical steroids, after learning about Dr. Aron’s success rate with helping patients with severe Red Skin Syndrome, we were intrigued. And it turns out many patients are able to use his method to safely and slowly reduce and discontinue their use of steroids all together. What’s the key to his approach? He treats the inflammation with a low dose topical steroid, dryness and skin barrier weakness with an emollient and the essential key to the treatment formula…..treating topical infection with a topical antibiotic. The second essential part is that he combines all three things – steroids, moisturizer and antibiotic – in a recipe that is compounded at a local pharmacy. Why does it work so well? Dr. Aron has said 70-100% of eczema patients have a topical infection of Staphylococcus Aureus on their skin. Steroids will not stop infection, so only treating with steroids is not the answer to healing eczema. The key really is treating the infection, inflammation and dryness together. Curious? Learn more on Dr. Aron’s website.

While working with your physician, here are some things you can try for added relief.

  1. Find and eliminate triggers – it is critical. In fact, I dare to say that this is the #1 thing anyone with eczema should be doing in order to find relief and possibly heal their eczema. If you don’t eliminate your triggers, your eczema will come back and you’ll have to continue using medications and skincare and all that jazz. Diet often plays a part in eczema and certain foods can be triggers. Try an eczema elimination diet to find your food triggers – always work with a nutritionist to make sure all proper nutrients remain in your diet, especially when nursing or when children are involved. There are a lot of other triggers that can be at play beyond food, learn more in Eczema 102: What Can Trigger Eczema?
  2. Relieve the itch-scratch cycle. Eczema sufferers are known to have an increased risk for staph infection, as indicated above, so keeping skin properly protected, as well as moisturized is key to healing from Red Skin Syndrome. To prevent scratching, consider eczema mittens and gloves. Keeping the hands covered with eczema gloves for adults or for children is essential to prevent scratching and causing an infection. Another idea is to soothe the itch during the day or overnight with Remedywear clothing for eczema. These garments are made with cooling fabric, as well as zinc oxide to reduce itching and inflammation.
  3. Keep skin well moisturized and hydrated. During Red Skin Syndrome or TSW, the skin becomes extremely dry and as such causes an itch-scratch cycle that can be quite unbearable. Opting for a natural eczema treatment that uses few ingredients is a great choice, as it will be sensitive enough for skin going through these symptoms. Some wonderful natural eczema treatments that can be used are this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream, which contains only olive oil, beeswax, manuka oil, manuka honey, filtered water, and grape seed oil. Not only is this cream extremely moisturizing and can relieve the driest skin, but the manuka is also anti-bacterial and wound healing. Another topical steroid withdrawal treatment is using Chinese herbs to help relieve angry, red skin like with this Emily Skin Soothers for Red Eczema Rashes.This balm is a perfect treatment for weeping, crusty and red eczema. Not only does it relieve irritation but it also treats topical bacteria, yeast, and fungus. This treatment also uses natural ingredients like organic sunflower oil, beeswax, frankincense, red peony root, dictamnus root bark, and phellodendron bark.

Coping with Red Skin Syndrome

Aside from healing from the outside, it’s important to also focus on your inner health as well. Like mentioned previously, Red Skin Syndrome can affect mental health. Many of those suffering from this condition experience depression and anxiety as well. What turns out to be a physical journey, can manifest into both a mental and emotionally draining journey as well. This is why we recommend watching these incredible tips for living with the emotional challenges of eczema from a dear life coach friend of ours.

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety from this condition, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Seeking help from both a medical doctor for your Red Skin Syndrome, as well as a therapist or psychologist is important, as the journey can be difficult.

Aside from seeing specialists, it’s also important to keep stress down to a minimum. Remember that stress is a huge trigger for eczema. For more guidance on how to heal both your skin and mind, make sure to check out our blog post: Eczema and Depression: How to Help your Skin and Mind.

And remember! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There is quite a large community of TSW survivors and sufferers. Briana Banos, is part of that community and made this video to remind those suffering that you don’t need to be so hard on yourself:

Briana is currently filming a new documentary that focuses on the severity of this condition. Learn why she produced the above video and what she hopes to accomplish with her new documentary, Preventable: Protecting our Largest Organ.

“My motivation behind creating the music video stems from the inner battles we all face going through TSW. Our condition is way more than a surface issue. Our self worth is diminished, our demons magnified, and the loneliness we feel can consume our every thought. We become our worst critics and it’s difficult to face the world when all we can think most days is about how ugly and unlovable we are through Topical Steroid Withdrawal. I wanted to show our community that we are more than our skin and that we could tackle our fears. We need all the support we can get since this condition still isn’t recognized or taken seriously in many doctor’s offices.

My documentary, Preventable: Protecting our Largest Organ is about showcasing how this completely preventable suffering is tearing people’s lives apart. We deserve to be heard and acknowledged. I was able to interview individuals with TSW as well as doctors who were willing to open up about the dangers of over-prescribing topical steroids. It is running rampant in the medical community and I pray this project will open the medical community’s eyes as well as spark a change in how topical steroids are prescribed. The pain and loss needs to end. It is negligent. It is irresponsible. It has gone on long enough.”

Are you suffering with Red Skin Syndrome, Topical Steroid Addiction or Topical Steroid Withdrawal? Please tell us about your journey.

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Eczema and Sweat: How to Prevent Summer Induced Flare Ups

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

One of eczema’s worst enemies = sweat. Sadly, humidity and eczema just aren’t friends in most cases. This week, we’re taking a look at eczema and sweat and what can be done to avoid flare ups from summer heat and humidity.

Please keep in mind that although these what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Eczema and Sweat

So why is eczema exacerbated from sweat? Well, normally, as sweat evaporates, it cools and provides relief to the surface of healthy skin. But it’s quite the opposite for anyone with eczema. Researchers have found that eczema sufferers are quite sensitive to their own sweat and that their bodies release a histamine response from hot temperatures, which can worsen itching. [1]

There is also the theory that sweat that is secreted through the sweat duct is rapidly absorbed by the outside layer of the skin, which results in rapid swelling around the opening of the sweat duct at a microscopic level, eventually causing its closure. This is an issue, as the sweat leaks onto the surrounding skin rather than being secreted onto the skin surface. [2,3]

However sweat worsens eczema, the itch-scratch cycle can be even worse from sweat, as the skin becomes dry and irritated.

Humidity and Eczema

Now with humidity and eczema you have a few things that can happen. With high humidity, and especially when temperatures are extremely warm like during summer months, the body will produce more sweat, leading to the issues we mentioned above. With low humidity, which we see in winter months, the body will have the opposite reaction – instead of producing sweat, the skin will actually dry out. Sweat vs drying, neither are ideal. This is why humidity and eczema are not ideal and something anyone with eczema must try to avoid.

How to Avoid Sweat Induced Eczema?

Although it is almost impossible to entirely avoid sweat induced eczema, there are many ways to reduce itching from sweating.

Above all, it’s important to stay hydrated. People with eczema generally have inherently dry skin and a weaker skin barrier, so drinking water to keep skin hydrated is very important. Aside from drinking water, staying cool with both cold showers, as well as staying in cooler areas can keep flare ups at bay. When showering or bathing, always gently pat the skin dry, don’t rub, and always follow with a an emollient moisturizer like this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.

Aside from staying hydrated, it’s also important to shower immediately after exercising. Whether you’re playing with kids outside or going to a spinning class, it’s important to gently wipe sweat off as soon as possible. Sodium from sweat can cause further irritation to the skin.

Another important tip for dealing with eczema and sweat is opting for moisture wicking clothing that can easily absorb sweat and keep the skin dry. By choosing the right type of clothing, you can minimize skin irritation as the body rises in temperature.

Because eczema can be induced by several allergies and irritants, it’s important to avoid clothing that contains nylon, spandex, latex and more. Although a little pricier, opting for clothing that is specifically tailored for skin conditions is a great idea. Not only do these garments reduce the severity of conditions like atopic dermatitis, but they can drastically reduce itching and infection. Not only do they protect the skin from scratching, but they can also reduce chaffing which is so common during long, hot summer days.

One clothing brand to keep an eye on is Remedywear – clothing for eczema. These garments are made with both TENCEL™ and anti-bacterial zinc that calms skin. They also naturally wick moisture to target sweat induced flares. In a clinical study [4],this blend of fabric and zinc was proven to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis, reduce itchiness and improve quality of sleep when worn overnight for three consecutive nights.

For eczema that’s on the chest, back, arms or stomach, take a look at this unisex Remedywear Long Sleeve Eczema Shirt for adults. Not only is this shirt moisture wicking, but it can be worn as an undershirt for a day at work or to bed as a pajama top for night relief.

For leg, calves, thighs, hips or buttocks eczema, make sure to check out these unisex Remedywear Eczema Pants for adults that can be worn as a layer underneath jeans or pants during the day or like the shirt above, as pajamas.

Lastly, to help spot treat sweat induced eczema, check out these Remedywear Eczema Sleeves and Bands (for babies all the way up to adults) that are perfect for treating elbows, knees, arms and legs. Like the garments mentioned above, these can be worn in the day (or during exercise) to keep sweat from irritating affected skin.

Psst…our owner Jennifer uses these bands on her son’s knees when he’s playing soccer! Due to his pollen allergies, the creases behind his knees become extremely inflamed and itchy during the summer months, actually a type of contact dermatitis from pollen combined with traditional allergies. When he wears these and keeps his knees covered up, he experiences zero flares! These garments are perfect for seasonal allergies, as they will keep skin covered and protected by irritants in the air.

Hesitant because of contact or textile dermatitis? These Remedywear garments were made with irritants and allergies in mind. All clothing is chemical free and hypoallergenic. They are also completely free of latex, nylon, nickel, formaldehyde, and use an allergy free safe dye (disperse dye free, phenylenediamine free).

By using garments like those mentioned above, staying well hydrated and keeping the affected area cool and protected, odds for heat induced flare ups are significantly decreased.

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For more tips on how to control your eczema during the summer months, check out our blog post: Summer Eczema: The Ultimate Care Guide.

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Are humidity and eczema and sweat your nemesis? Let us know how you keep your skin protected below!

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

References

[1] Hide M, Tanaka T, Yamamura Y, et al. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity against human sweat antigen in patients with atopic dermatitis. Acta Derm Venereol.2002;82(5):335-340; PMID: 12430731

[2] Chrostowska-Plak D, Salomon J, Reich A, et al. Clinical aspects of itch in adult atopic dermatitis patients. Acta Derm Venereol.2009;89(4):379-383; PMID: 19688150

[3] Sulzberger MB, Herrmann F, Morrill SD, et al. Studies of sweat, lipids, and histopathology in children with dry skin (xerosis). Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol.1959;14(3-4):129-143; PMID: 13640734

[4] Wiegand, 2013, Skin-protective effects of a zinc oxide-functionalized textile and its relevance for atopic dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol; 6: 115–121.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3656624/

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What is the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?

Did you know that like eczema, psoriasis is a common skin condition? In fact, psoriasis affects close to 125 million people worldwide. Also, like eczema, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes itching, scaling, and pain. This week, we discuss what is the difference between eczema and psoriasis. If you’re suffering from either skin condition, then we know how difficult it can be to find a treatment plan that works well.

Please keep in mind that although these recommendations might relieve psoriasis, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe psoriasis symptoms like fever or an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately. It’s also important to seek medical attention immediately if you begin to suffer from psoriatic arthritis.

Eczema or Psoriasis?

Onset of Symptoms

Although eczema and psoriasis might have similar symptoms, there are ways to differentiate between the two. Below we’ll examine what is the difference between eczema and psoriasis.

Eczema can be caused by a variety of triggers and conditions; however, the exact cause of it is unknown. While there are many types (or subsets) of eczema, including those that result in itchy red patches, this skin condition tends to affect more children. Many children who suffer from eczema end up outgrowing it, but there are many who will continue to suffer throughout their life. On the other hand, psoriasis tends to develop somewhere between 15 and 35 years old.

Of course, it is not uncommon to see eczema symptoms developing in adult life and psoriasis developing during childhood, but it is less common. In fact, The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 1% of children have psoriasis, while 10% of children have eczema, according to the Nemours Foundation.

ILW recommends: What Causes Psoriasis to Flare Up? Avoid the Top 10 Triggers

Appearance

Eczema often appears on creases like the inner elbows and behind knees, yet it can appear on the face, hands, groin, and body too. Although there are many different types of eczema (which have different causes and different appearances), the symptoms are usually similar across the board.

ILW recommends: How to Identity The Type of Dermatitis You Have

The most common symptoms/appearance of eczema are as follows:

  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Red, inflamed skin (looks like a rash and can blister too)
  • Intense itching
  • Dark colored patches of skin
  • Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
  • Oozing or crusting (including weeping skin)
  • Areas of swelling

One of the biggest identifiers for eczema is intense itching, as many sufferers experience something known as the “itch-scratch cycle.” This is a cycle in which the itch gets so bad that is a scratched until it bleeds. Not only can this cause skin to swell, but eczema sufferers usually become more susceptible to staph infection due to consistent broken and damaged skin.

Psoriasis is often characterized by red elevated patches and flaky silvery scales. Unlike eczema, psoriasis is triggered by white blood cells in the immune system that cause skin cells to surface and shed at 10 times the normal rate.

Other psoriasis symptoms include:

  • Rashes on the scalp, genitals, or in skin folds
  • Itching and skin pain
  • Joint pain, swelling or stiffness
  • Nail abnormalities
  • White lesions on elbows, knees, scalp, chest and lower back.

Similarly to eczema, there are many forms of psoriasis such as plaque, inverse, guttate and more. However, unlike eczema, psoriasis can affect the joints as well. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that can affect those with psoriasis. This is characterized by joint pain, stiffness and swelling that can appear in the fingers, toes and feet. Some people can also develop a condition known as spondylitis, which causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and pelvis.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for psoriasis (similarly to eczema), there are a variety of treatments and procedures that can be carried out to heal skin and find relief.

Skincare

Like eczema, you want to make sure that any skin affected by psoriasis is kept well hydrated. By properly moisturizing you can keep skin calm and reduce both the itch and possible inflammation. This Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream is the perfect “crointment” (cream/ointment blend) for moisturizing skin while offering wound healing abilities. Due to its natural ingredients like Manuka oil, Manuka honey and beeswax, this crointment is both anti-bacterial and keeps both plaque and scaling under control. Learn more about why Manuka Honey Heals Skin Naturally.

Another excellent option is Chinese medicine and herbs found in Emily Skin Soothers Soap. Not only is this soap rich and fatty, but it will help keep moisture in and help ease the pain and itching.

Here are some more ideas for Natural Remedies for Psoriasis you may want to try.

Wet and Dry Wrap Therapy

If you haven’t heard about wet or dry wrapping, then we definitely suggest you check it out. Many psoriasis sufferers have found relief from these two therapies.

For more information on wet wrap therapy, make sure to check out our post: Our Eczema Trials: Wet Wrap Therapy. Alternatively, for dry wrap therapy, which is a good first step, take a look at our blog post: Our Eczema Trials: Dry Wrap Therapy.

To get started with either wet or dry wrapping, you will need both an emollient cream or balm, as well as a wrap or clothing to help the product penetrate the skin. You can use any of the creams or balms mentioned above, as well as these Remedywear Eczema Sleeves for all ages. These bands are perfect in treating psoriasis on the elbows, knees, arms and legs. They are made from eco-friendly TENCEL embedded with zinc oxide (known for its anti-inflammatory properties) and can be worn all day long or at night. Check out the full line of Remedywear – clothing for eczema and psoriasis here.

For wet or dry wrapping psoriasis that is on the face, full arms, full legs, chest or back, check out both our wet wraps and dry wraps!

Reduce Stress

Similar to eczema, psoriasis is also triggered by stress. There are a variety of activities and programs you can take on to help reduce and manage your stress levels. For example, research different yoga, meditation and exercise classes in your area. There are also TONS of resources online! In fact, we love using the phone app Headspace to help us with both meditation and mindfulness. Feel free to also pamper yourself with a professional massage to reduce your stress. Just be careful – make sure you are not allergic to the products they use beforehand! We have some great tips here on eczema and stress you should check out!

For a variety of other natural treatments and procedures, please read: 9 Natural Remedies for Psoriasis You Should Try.

Psoriasis can be a tricky skin condition, but there are many natural treatments and resources out there that can help relieve your pain or discomfort. For more resources and research on psoriasis versus eczema, make sure to check out the National Psoriasis Foundation.

For other information on psoriasis, make sure to check out:

Psoriasis Is So Much More Than a Skin Disease

Developing Thick Skin, Coping With Psoriasis As A Child

Not sure if you’re suffering from eczema or psoriasis? We want to hear from you in the comments below!

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The NEW Paleo Mom: Eczema Guide

Every once in a while, we like to partner with a variety of health and blog experts who share their experience with eczema here or offer new resources to help our community. This week, we’re happy to announce that we’ve partnered with The Paleo Mom on a new Eczema Guide!

The Paleo Mom was created by Sarah Ballantyne, PhD., medical biophysicist, mom and best-selling author who lost over 120 pounds, reversed a list of auto-immune conditions and discontinued multiple long term medications after moving to a Paleo lifestyle.  Now she is passionate about teaching the scientific reasoning behind why a Paleo lifestyle change can be so beneficial for so many people. Make sure to check out her site for a variety of resources on both diet and lifestyle.

Eczema is one condition that can benefit greatly from a Paleo lifestyle. Check out Sarah’s blog post on 4 Tips to Combat Eczema, which discusses a few lifestyle, nutrition, and skincare recommendations that can help heal your eczema. Sarah also featured a post from our editor and founder, Jennifer Roberge, about 7 Tips for Quick Eczema and Itchy Skin Relief!

Now Dr. Sarah Ballantyene is hoping to further her reach and help more people understand the role of eczema and diet and how specifically the Paleo diet can help transform skin and overall health. We’re so excited to share The Paleo Mom’s Guide to Eczema! If you’re suffering from eczema and are not sure where to turn, we definitely recommend adding it to your reading list. It’s FREE!

guide to eczema

Here’s just a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:

  • The different types of eczema
  • Current scientific ideas on the cause of eczema
  • Comprehensive treatments for eczema
  • The relation between eczema and diet

To start healing, it’s important to understand the condition, as well as discover possible causes for flare-ups. By becoming more knowledgeable on the subject, you’ll be one step closer to understanding the underlying cause of your eczema, as well as discovering new treatments and learning about a dietary lifestyle change that can help heal your skin.

If you’re new to our blog, then we also suggest you take a look at our recent Eczema Series that focus on the cause of eczema, its triggers and how to heal from within and with natural eczema treatments:

Eczema 101: What is Eczema?

Eczema 102: What Can Trigger Eczema?

Eczema 103: How to Heal Eczema From Within

Eczema 104: How to Protect & Treat Eczema Naturally

Have questions for us or The Paleo Mom? Leave them below in our comments section and we’ll try our best to answer you!

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Our Eczema Trials: NAET Treatment Review

If you’re suffering from allergies or asthma or eczema, I bet you’ve looked into countless remedies and treatments. A quick search on Google will show you that there are dozens of new treatments and natural remedies that are said to cure these conditions, but many of these treatments come with a hefty price tag.

When my son was first battling eczema, as well as terrible allergies and asthma, I decided to take him for NAET treatment. NAET stands for Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques and is a non-invasive, drug free solution said to eliminate allergies of all types. Since allergies and eczema go hand in hand and food and pollen and other allergens are often triggers for eczema, I figured NAET could help my son’s severe eczema allergies and asthma.  This week, I’m sharing my experience with NAET allergy treatment.

When my son Tristan was three years old, we were honestly at our wits end with his allergies, asthma and eczema. You can read more about our story here. At the beginning, he displayed the classic dry skin and small little pink patches of irritated, inflamed skin. Naturally (or not so naturally), I turned to countless cortisone, drug store creams, and natural creams, but nothing seemed to stop his skin from getting progressively worse. Eventually his condition was so severe that his body was 90% covered in what looked like burn wounds. I was desperate to help heal his itching and damaged skin. Upon researching various treatments out of sheer desperation, I landed upon NAET allergy treatment. We searched for a local practitioner and found an acupuncturist who was able to offer NAET therapy.

Please keep in mind that I am in no way a medical professional. If you are experiencing depression or severe eczema, please make sure to seek medical advice immediately. NAET Treatment is not a standalone treatment or cure for allergies, asthma and/or eczema. NAET therapy should be conducted by a licensed practitioner only.

How Does NAET Testing Work?

When we first started NAET, nothing prepared me for how odd the testing and treatments would be.

Because Tristan was only three years old, the NAET therapy practitioner suggested testing him through a parent (which supposedly makes the testing easier and more reliable with young children). I laid down on the practitioner’s table and was given a small glass vial to hold in one hand. I was instructed to hold my opposite arm straight up, 90 degrees out from my body. I was told to resist as much as possible as the practitioner tried to push my arm down to my side.  My level of resistance indicated how sensitive I was to the substance in the glass vial. Wait – what?!

It was explained to me that your muscles weaken when your body comes in contact with something you are allergic or intolerant to. So, if I wasn’t able to resist the pressure the practitioner applied to my arm, and my arm gave way, this would identify a sensitivity. If I could withstand the pressure and my arm didn’t move, then I wasn’t sensitive to the substance in the vial. This type of testing is called applied kinesiology or muscle testing.

Not only was I completely thrown off by that, but when they included Tristan into the NAET testing, it got even weirder.

After first determining my own lack of sensitivity to the substance in the vial, the practitioner asked Tristan to take the vial in his hand and with the opposite hand touch me, so he held my hand.  I raised my opposite arm and the practitioner again tried to push down. We did this NAET test again and again. I think the first day we did the same test described above 15 times – that’s 15 different vials of substances ranging from vitamins and minerals to sugar, NAET’s basic 15 that they like to test and treat firstBetween testing each substance, I was told to rub my hands together vigorously to clear the energy from the past substance. My arm was feeling pretty tired by the end, but the practitioner adjusted his pressure on my arm so I wouldn’t have to resist so much at the end.

The first day of NAET testing was finished and guess what? The results were different whether it was me alone being tested or together with my son. I was really surprised. This showed my son and I often had different sensitivities, although some were the same.

NAET Treatment

Like the testing, the NAET allergy treatment itself was just as obscure. The practitioner placed a vial in Tristan’s sock where it could safely stay for 20 minutes while being in direct contact with his skin. The practitioner then laid Tristan on his belly and thoroughly rubbed all the essential Chinese acupressure points of his body (this was done instead of acupuncture). After this, the practitioner tested us again to see if the NAET allergy treatment took. Again I raised my arm, held my son’s hand with the opposite arm, and the practitioner tested my resistance. If I was able to resist, we were sent to the waiting room where my son had to wait with the vial in his sock for 20 more minutes. If I was still not fully able to resist, the practitioner gave the massage again and then retested us, repeating until the treatment was successful.

At the end of each NAET treatment, Tristan was not allowed to have any type of exposure to the substance being treated for a 25-hour period. For example, when we treated him for calcium, he could only drink and clean himself with distilled water that was sure not to contain any calcium and had to abstain from milk and other foods high in calcium.

The Verdict on NAET Therapy

After going 30 times and getting 15 basic treatments over the course of a few months, I’m sad to say it didn’t do much for him.

After the initial treatment for Brain Body Formula (which is what our practitioner likes to treat first to balance the brain and body connection), we did see a little bit of an improvement in his skin. However, once we continued the NAET treatments we saw no further change in his allergies, asthma or skin condition. I personally saw another practitioner to have myself treated for multiple minor health issues including severe pollen allergies over the course of six months and I sadly didn’t see any results either. But I did feel the testing for both Tristan and I was pretty accurate, just not the treatment.

So why did Tristan’s first session work? Well – we chalked it up to the eliminating stress that caused his eczema to flare up by balancing the brain and body. To be honest, we worked really hard at the NAET treatments and we were obviously discouraged that it didn’t take. However, that doesn’t mean that the treatment does not work for everyone. It just wasn’t the answer for us.

I will say that I have heard of just as many successes with NAET as I have heard of failures. Perhaps it’s about finding the right practitioner or the body being more open to this type of treatment, but for us, it just didn’t work. Like most treatments with eczema and allergies, what works for one person might not work for another.

Interested in NAET Allergy Treatment?

Although NAET didn’t help us, we do encourage seeking out any natural, non-invasive treatments that might help heal your allergies, asthma or eczema while under the care of a medical physician as well. If you can afford it (as it is quite pricey) or if your insurance can cover the treatments, then I wholeheartedly recommend you test it out.

Treatments usually start at about $ 80 per session and can go up from there. Keep in mind that to be treated, a minimum of 10 visits is usually required.

For more information and NAET reviews, make sure to check out NAET’s official website here. Feel free to also leave a question or comment below and I’ll do my best to answer you!

_____________________________________

If you’re looking for more natural solutions for eczema, please read our guide Start Here for Eczema Relief.

And check out these 7 Holistic Eczema Treatments to Try!

Bio: Jennifer is the author of It’s An Itchy Little World blog, as well as owner of The Eczema Company. After going through so many trials and errors to heal her son’s eczema, Jennifer wanted to share her experiences and favorite products with others in need.  Jennifer is not a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to take the replace of medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

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Eczema and Diet: Healing From the Inside Out

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

When we suffer from eczema and other irritating skin conditions, we quickly look to healing through various skin treatments like steroids, natural creams or really anything that will give us instant relief. However, did you know that many cases of eczema (and other skin conditions like psoriasis) are actually caused by what we put in our mouths?

This week, we take a step back from trying to heal externally and instead look at the relation between eczema and diet. Can someone really find relief through changing their diet alone? The answer is yes.

If you’ve been suffering from eczema and have tried countless creams and treatments, we encourage you to read on. Please keep in mind that although these suggestions can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms and cannot heal from treatments alone, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Eczema and Diet

Yes, natural eczema cream and topical treatments like wet wrap and dry wrap therapy are an important step in how to treat eczema naturally, but often those are band aid approaches and long term results cannot usually be found via those methods. What’s really important is to take a deeper look at how to heal eczema from within and one BIG part of that is to look at your diet and what you eat on a daily basis. Even if you think you might be eating healthy, there are many foods that might be causing or worsening your flare ups.

So what’s going on? The key to any eczema diet is listening to our gut.

Eczema and Gut Health

If you didn’t already know, your gut is made of 100 trillion microorganisms (1), which all play a key role in our digestion and overall health. When you consider how complex a system the gut is, it’s really interesting that people don’t pay more attention it. There are entire universes of organisms existing in one person’s gut lining and a small imbalance can throw the entire thing out of whack.

If you’ve researched your eczema symptoms, we’re sure you came across something called leaky gut syndrome. This is a condition in which the GI’s tract has more difficulty in filtering particles that can be damaging to one’s system. These particles, like gluten, bacteria, food particles and viruses, can leak into the bloodstream and cause your body to think they are enemies, which puts your body into fight mode. This “allergic” response can go unchecked for years and can eventually develop into more severe, chronic conditions like eczema.

Leaky gut can be mild, but it can also be a debilitating condition. If you find yourself eating healthy, your eczema is not improving, and you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may want to look into healing your gut:

  • Suffering multiple food allergies, food sensitivities or intolerances (what’s the difference?!)
  • Bloating after meals
  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain – even while you maintain the same diet
  • Metabolic and thyroid conditions
  • Skin issues, including eczema, rosacea and acne
  • Diarrhea and constipation

Eczema and Foods to Avoid

To start healing your leaky gut, it’s best to slowly eliminate (or at least heavily reduce) the following toxins that famously cause inflammation in the body:

  • Coffee
  • High omega 6 oils (Safflower, Sunflower, Corn, etc.)
  • Refined cooking oils (anything that is NOT cold processed or virgin)
  • Processed foods
  • Non-organic soy products
  • Wheat
  • Dairy
  • Factory farmed meat
  • Alcohol
  • Corn
  • Canned fish
  • Foods with preservatives and colorants and much more

Eczema and Foods to Eat

Although restoring your gut flora is key, there are many healing foods and supplements for eczema that can be used to strengthen it and heal it over time. These include:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Coconut oil
  • Homemade bone broth/stocks
  • Cultured and fermented foods (like kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha)
  • Prebiotics (like garlic, onion, asparagus and more)
  • Digestive enzymes
  • L-Glutamine
  • Licorice root
  • Quercetin (found in red onions, cranberries, broccoli and many other fruits and vegetables)

If you think you are dealing with leaky gut, we definitely recommend meeting with an integrative or functional physician, nutritionist or naturopath who can help you in your journey to heal your gut. In many cases the practitioner will want you to consider things like probiotics, fish oil and other supplements like immune balancers. But the needs are really personal, so it’s best to work with a practitioner to discover exactly what you’ll need to heal.

To heal your gut and then your eczema, do you have to eliminate everything forever? Although the above foods might be causing your skin to react, eliminating absolutely everything forever is unrealistic and unsustainable. The idea is to actually learn which foods or irritants are causing your skin to react and enjoy the others in moderate doses. That’s why an elimination diet is key. Read below to learn why.

Eczema and The Elimination Diet

Have you ever heard the term “elimination diet?” If you’ve read much on our blog, I’m very sure you have – we are HUGE fans because we’ve seen elimination diets work wonders time and time again. Granted – every diet is difficult, and most these days are not built on sustainable models. However, if you could find exactly which food or irritant caused your skin to flare up, wouldn’t you do it?

So just what is an an elimination diet? It involves removing certain foods from your diet for a specific period of time, usually at least around a month, and then slowly reintroducing them back. By reintroducing them, you are able to determine which foods are causing a reaction. While some foods, like the top food allergens (gluten, dairy, etc) are often to blame, there are many other foods out there that may be causing your skin to flare up. Food triggers, like all other triggers, are really very different for everyone. They key is finding out YOUR unique food triggers.

To us, an elimination diet is the ultimate eczema diet, as it can uncover your own unique triggers and help you find better skin and better health. And we think that’s pretty amazing! Don’t you?!

To discover more about this diet and how you can get started, make sure to check out our blog post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do It Too!). Many of our subscribers and followers have found success with this type of eczema diet and you can too! And if you’re nursing, check out our tips for undergoing a breastfeeding elimination diet.

The biggest challenge for me in being successful in an elimination diet is planning the meals. If you’re struggling in this area too, I highly recommend Real Plans, a meal planning app where you can easily modify your meal plans to match your diet and see only recipes that fit with your elimination diet and reintroduction stage and finally modified long term diet. Real Plans makes it all super simple!

As we wrap up today’s post, remember – a healthy strong body with glowing skin starts with nourishment of the entire body. Eczema can be healed from the inside out, but it takes time, patience and willpower.

To discover more about eczema and diet, make sure to check out both The Eczema Diet from Karen Fischer, as well as Prime Physique Nutrition’s Healing Eczema: Why Diet is Not Enough.

Have you healed your skin through an eczema diet? We want to hear from you below in our comments!

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

References

(1) Lai, Abby. Healing Eczema: Why Dieting isn’t Enough. https://store.primephysiquenutrition.com/collections/all/products/healing-eczema-ebook/?ref=2

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Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema: How Does it Work?

Are you experiencing severely itchy skin that just won’t get better? Itchy and dry eczema can be quite uncomfortable and annoying, but there are a variety of natural treatments than can provide much needed relief, like colloidal oatmeal.

This week, we discuss colloidal oatmeal for eczema, as well as how it can be used to heal itchy and sensitive skin.

Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

What is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal eczema is a very finely ground oatmeal that is boiled down and made into a solution. It is essentially regular oatmeal, but is milled so that skin can properly absorb it. It’s not gluten free by default because as most oats are harvested, they are often exposed to wheat or other gluten containing grains, so there is a big chance of cross contamination. So, if you are celiac, have a wheat or gluten allergy or know these things irritate your eczema, steer clear of colloidal oatmeal unless it clearly indicates they are gluten free.

What are The Benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema?

Oats are highly rich in beta-glucans which can help reduce skin inflammation and even stimulate collagen production. Studies have shown that this form of oatmeal binds to skin and helps create a protective barrier against irritants while also providing additional nutrients to the skin.

Aside from it acting as a barrier for eczema, it is also known for soothing dry skin and scaling. It also helps alleviate itching and irritation. Studies have shown that just soaking in colloidal eczema can both relieve the itch of eczema and normalize pH levels in the skin.

How to Use Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema 

To get started in healing your itchy and inflamed eczema, there are some home remedies you can use, as well as products made with colloidal eczema that can help relieve skin. Studies indicate that a minimum of 1% colloidal oats is required to be effective for eczema in any skin care product [1].

Creating your own homemade colloidal oatmeal eczema treatment is actually rather easy and can be done on a small budget. All you need is 2-3 cups of colloidal oatmeal powder. This can be made by purchasing organic whole rolled oats (certified gluten free is best) and using either a food processor or coffee grinder to produce a fluffy, soft powder (the finer the powder, the easiest it is for the skin). Once your powder is ready, you can draw a warm bath and pour it right in while it’s filling. This can get a bit messy though, so I prefer to use a cotton muslin bag, dump the oats in the bag and seep the oats in the warm bath water, like you would a tea.

Be careful though! Hot baths can actually be counterproductive for most forms of eczema or dry/sensitive skin. Drawing a lukewarm bath and soaking for 10-15 minutes will allow your skin to absorb the colloidal oatmeal without irritating skin further.

If you don’t have time to grind your own oats, there are plenty of wonderful natural eczema treatments that contain colloidal oatmeal and your skin will love.

One product which is similar to homemade colloidal oatmeal, but actually packed with additional eczema fighting ingredients is this Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema.In addition to colloidal oats, it also contains baking soda, coconut milk powder, dead sea salts and vitamin C. This formula is free of all parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, and mineral oils, which means that it is perfect for sensitive skin. Not only is this treatment detoxifying and hydrating, but it also has regenerative benefits for sensitive and dry skin.

To use this oatmeal bath, simply pour half a cup into a lukewarm bath and stir until the mixture has been well blended into the water. For severely itchy and red skin, you can pour an extra half a cup and soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Once finished with the soak, quickly rinse off and seal the treatment in with a hydrating moisturizer like this EczeHerbal Colloidal Oatmeal Eczema Cream,which is also lovely on it’s own without a bath. This powerful pink potion, made with traditional Chinese herbs, helps to reduce itchy skin and inflammation. It also contains a variety of other soothing ingredients like organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter, aloe vera and of course, hence the name, 2% organic colloidal oatmeal.

Another excellent moisturizer to use after soaking in colloidal oatmeal is this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Many eczema sufferers have found relief with this natural treatment and have even healed their eczema. Not only is it nourishing for dry, itchy eczema, but it also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well.

If you’ve tried the above suggestions and your eczema is not healing, you may want to look deeper. There are a variety of irritants and foods that can trigger eczema. To discover what might be triggering your eczema, we suggest checking out our blog post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do it Too!). Many eczema sufferers have been able to heal their eczema through an elimination diet when nothing else had worked. Also, check our out Start Here for Eczema Relief page for our top posts about healing eczema naturally.

Have you ever tried colloidal oatmeal for eczema? Let us know your results in the comments below!

 

References

[1] Lisante TA. 2017 Jul 1. A 1% Colloidal Oatmeal Cream Alone is Effective in Reducing Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: Results from Two Clinical Studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28697218

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The Best Natural Scalp Eczema Treatment Options

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

Are you experiencing a dry, itchy or oozing scalp and not sure why or what it is? It may be scalp eczema, which can be both irritating and embarrassing, but there are a variety of treatments that can be used to diminish the appearance of eczema on scalp, as well as heal it.

This week we’re looking at the best natural scalp eczema treatment options, as well as a few other general recommendations to heal your eczema immediately!

Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

What are the types of eczema on scalp?

Greasy Scalp

One form of scalp eczema, is a greasy, waxy scalp that doesn’t seem to vanish simply by washing out hair. The waxy, non-scaly residue can first appear in a small patch and then develop around the entire head, causing severely greasy hair and a greasy scalp.

Although this type of eczema is similar to seborrheic dermatitis, redness and scales are not present.

To learn more about this type of scalp eczema, check out our founder’s blog post on her own greasy scalp eczema: Waxy, Greasy Hair After Shower: A Surprising Form of Dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

The most common form of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis. This form of eczema on scalp, generally seen in adults, is caused by a fungus. Eventually, this fungus grows and spreads, which in turn causes an oily, flaky scalp that can be uncomfortable or painful.

Although not proven, this condition might be linked to an abnormality of oil glands or hair follicles. It might also be caused by the production of hormones, fatigue, heavy drinking, stress and more.

To learn more about seborrheic dermatitis and how to manage it, make sure to check out our blog post: 4 Ways to Relieve Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Cradle Cap

Another form of scalp eczema, which is seen in newborns and infants is cradle cap. Cradle cap is actually a form of seborrheic dermatitis, yet it usually disappears after three months, while seborrheic dermatitis can be long term and often in adults.

Cradle cap in babies usually appears as a yellowish, patchy, greasy and often crusty skin rash. Although it can be unsightly, cradle cap is usually not uncomfortable or painful (unlike seborrheic dermatitis in adults).

If your little one is suffering from cradle cap, make sure to take a look at our blog post: The Most Natural Cradle Cap Treatments (and Seborrheic Dermatitis).

How do you treat scalp eczema?

Although there is no found cure for scalp eczema, there are a variety of natural scalp eczema treatments that can be used on both little ones and adults. Take a look at our recommendations below and start healing naturally today!

Scalp Oil

To keep scalp skin hydrated and moisturized, opting for a scalp oil is a great choice! If your scalp is already greasy, we recommend skipping scalp oils and instead looking for one that treats greasy flakes and scales. Hint, check below for some ideas.

If your scalp tends to be dry, make sure to check out this SD Freedom Scalp Oil – For Dry Skin. Not only is this oil nourishing and moisturizing, but it includes Chinese herbs that are designed to heal dry scalps. This product can be used on both adults and little ones suffering from cradle cap, as its completely natural and GMO free. Also – bonus: it can be used on pets!

Scalp Tincture

If you or your little one is experiencing a greasy scalp, then make sure to check out this SD Freedom Scalp Tincture – For Greasy Skin. This tincture is specifically designed for those with greasier flakes and scales on the scalp that might crust, blister, or ooze with yellow and golden coloring. This scalp treatment also contains apple cider vinegar, which is a common home remedy in scalp eczema treatment.

Similarly to the oil, this product is natural, GMO free and safe to use on adults, infants and pets!

Natural Shampoo

Is your shampoo making your scalp eczema even worse?

Many shampoos on the market today contain ingredients that can be harsh on scalp eczema and can actually make things worse. By switching to a natural shampoo, like this Emily Skin Soothers Body Wash, the chance for irritation is greatly diminished and the eczema can actually heal.

We know what you’re thinking – body wash?! This liquid soap actually doubles as a shampoo which can work on seborrheic dermatitis and other forms of scalp eczema. Not only is it moisturizing, but it is extremely gentle and will not strip skin like many other shampoos.

Another wonderful shampoo (which is specifically made for seborrheic dermatitis) is this Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner. It is both natural and contains Manuka honey which is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Natural Moisturizer

After shampooing your hair and scalp, you’ll want to make sure the area is well moisturized. The above mentioned scalp eczema tincture and oil work well, but if you’re looking to spot treat, make sure to check out this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Not only is this cream nourishing and moisturizing, but it also contains Manuka oil and honey which are both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. 

Cradle Cap Hat

Lastly, if your little one is suffering from severe cradle cap and can’t stop itching their scalp, make sure to check out this GoumiHat for infants 3-6 months old. Not only will this protect your little one’s scalp, but you can also use it for both dry and wet wrap therapy.

More advice on treating scalp eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis and other forms of scalp eczema can be difficult to treat, but if you are not improving with the suggested products above, then maybe it’s time to start healing from within.

Many eczema sufferers have found relief by removing certain foods that trigger their eczema. This can be done with a process known as an elimination diet. An elimination diet is essentially removing certain foods from your diet for a specific time period and then reintroducing them slowly to determine which foods are causing a reaction. To learn more about its success and how to get started, make sure to check out our blog post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do it Too!).

Do you suffer from eczema on your scalp? Let us know how you treat it in the comment section below!

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

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Eczema and Depression: How to Help Your Skin and Mind

By Laura Dolgy (bio below)

Living with eczema can be both physically and emotionally draining, not to mention it can really wreak havoc on self esteem and self love. But did you ever stop to think that perhaps negative thoughts are limiting you from truly healing?

This week we look at the connection between eczema and depression, as well as some of the necessary steps needed to change your mindset to more positive thoughts.

Please keep in mind that we are in no way medical professionals. If you are experiencing depression or severe eczema, please make sure to seek medical advice immediately.

A recent survey by the National Eczema Association found that more than 30% of eczema sufferers have been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety. Although the connection between eczema and depression is still unknown, there are some ideas as to how depression can develop in those suffering from eczema.

First things first, if you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, please consult a health care provider as soon as possible.

  • Feeling sad, empty and/or anxious
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Lost of interest in hobbies or other activities
  • Decreased energy, feeling tired more often
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restlessness, unable to sit still
  • Problems sleeping
  • Weight change
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Eczema can be really tough to handle emotionally and physically. Make sure you have a support group, friends and family to talk to about your skin health and mental health.

Stress & Relaxation

If you didn’t already know, one of the most common triggers for eczema is stress. When the body experiences stress, it goes into a flight-or-fight mode and responds by increasing stress hormones, which in turn can wreak havoc on anyone’s body and immune system. Stress eventually suppresses the immune system and can cause an inflammatory response (like eczema) to occur.

The problem with stress is that although it can trigger eczema initially, having eczema can trigger stress as well, thus creating a vicious cycle of symptoms. Both eczema and stress really do go hand-in-hand. Although it’s very difficult to completely eradicate stress as a trigger, there are many different approaches that can be taken to control your stress and therefore possibly control your eczema trigger. Learn more about Eczema and Stress.

One way of dealing with heightened levels of stress or eczema and depression is learning to relax more. Although this is easier said than done, there are a variety of activities out there that can help both your mind and body relax. Here are just a few:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga/Tai Chi
  • Exercise
  • Reading
  • Dancing

Obviously what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to find an activity that you’ll be able to stick to and that you also really enjoy.

If your little one happens to be suffering from eczema, make sure to check out our blog post: 8 Ways to Relieve Stress in Children with Eczema.

Positive Mindset

Aside from healing through managing stress, many eczema sufferers have also found that positive thinking can also heal as well. Some researchers believe that positive beliefs may alter the immune system, therefore turning off the stress trigger and promoting relaxation.

Thinking positively can also stimulate the body’s natural endorphins, which in turns can promote a healthier mood and generally positive mental health.

Being in a constant state of negative energy can cause negative effects on the body, causing the body to react in a flight-or-fight behavior that is activated by stress. Unloving thoughts towards your body or your general state can actually have adverse reactions and can in turn cause the sympathetic nervous system to create a stress response.

To learn more about shifting that negative energy and finding a new mindset while suffering from eczema, make sure to check out Prime Physique Nutrition’s Abbi Lai’s e-book: The Power of Thoughts: How Mindset Shifts Can Eliminate Eczema.

Eczema and Gut Health

If you’re suffering from eczema, then more than likely your gut health is suffering too. Did you know that bad gut health can actually affect the brain and that distress can actually affect the gut?

Recent studies and research have shown that the gut acts as a second brain. In fact, this organ is lined with cells that look identical to those in the brain and also functions with hormones that are seen in the brain like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

With eczema, the gut becomes affected due to an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria that in turn causes inflammation. This inflammation can cause distress for the brain and can possibly result in mental health issues like depression.

To understand more about the brain and gut connection, make sure to check out our blog post with Dr. Robin Miller, author HEALED: Health & Wellness for the 21st Century and medical reporter on NBC: Eczema and Gut Health: A Connection Between Brain and Body.

Looking for more guidance?

We recommend also reading 6 Inspiring Tips for Living with Eczema Based the Power of Trust & Acceptance for some powerful advice from life coach Marieke Bosch Larose.

Lastly, check out this great webinar below from the National Eczema Association by Dr. Jennifer Moyer Darr. It’s a powerful overview of all the ways eczema can impact our life and how to make changes so that eczema doesn’t consume you.

For information on healing eczema naturally, see our page Start Here for Eczema Relief.

Are you suffering from eczema and depression? Tell your story in our comments section below!

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

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What is Dyshidrotic Eczema and How to Treat It?

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

Do you ever experience tiny blisters on your hands or feet that are extremely itchy and tend to get worse once spring allergy season rolls around?

You may be experiencing a well known eczema condition known as dyshidrosis, also known as dyshidrotic eczema and with many other names as you’ll see below. This type of eczema can be irritating and uncomfortable, but there are many ways to manage it.

This week, we take a deeper look into what dyshidrotic eczema is, as well as the symptoms, causes and treatment.

Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

What is dyshidrotic eczema?

So what is dyshidrotic eczema exactly?

This type of eczema is characterized by small, intensely itchy blisters that can appear along the edges of fingers, toes, palms and the soles of one’s feet. These hand eczema blisters are usually filled with fluid.

Doctors may also refer to dyshidrotic eczema as:

  • Cheiropompholyx
  • Dyshidrosis
  • Foot-and-hand eczema
  • Pompholyx
  • Vesicular eczema
  • Palmoplantar eczema

What are the symptoms?

Aside from the intensely itchy eczema blisters on fingers, dyshidrotic eczema can also cause redness, flaking and scaly or cracked skin.

The worst symptoms tend to be around spring allergy season when irritants like pollen can cause the blisters to erupt and create even larger, more painful blisters.

Normally, open blisters take around 3 weeks to heal, but the skin can be impacted long term. Many dyshidrotic eczema suffers experience either cracked skin or their skin feels almost thick and spongy from the constant scratching.

What are the causes?

Like previously mentioned, one of the main causes for this type of eczema seems to be from seasonal allergies. Irritants in the spring, like pollen tend to wreak havoc on many individuals.

However, there are many other causes as to why someone might develop dyshidrotic eczema. Like other forms of eczema, an irritant like nickel or latex can cause the skin to react. There are also many types of foods that can cause this type of reaction.

To properly identify your type of eczema and find relief, it’s important to learn what triggers it. Our blog offers many resources on figuring out what might be causing your flare-ups.

 

How do you treat dyshidrotic eczema?

If you’re looking for tips on treating dyshidrotic eczema, then you’ve come to the right place. Although these suggestions have been known to work for many eczema sufferers, please know that any serious forms of eczema should be treated by your doctor.

Anti-itch treatment

To help offer relief to those stubborn, itchy blisters, you’ll want to find a balm or cream that eliminates the itch and as such decreases scratching.

One treatment you can use that is made specifically for this condition is this Pompholyx eczema treatment, EczeHerbal Pompholyx Eczema Cream. Chinese herbs, aloe vera, nourishing nut oils and organic plant butters all make this cream extremely moisturizing and hydrating. Not only is it soothing, but it can help reduce the inflammation of both foot and hand eczema blisters, while helping skin soften.

A wonderful hydrating treatment for this type of eczema is this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream that is extremely rich and nourishing. Not only does it contain beeswax and various hydrating oils, but the Manuka oil and honey also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a perfect choice for dyshidrotic eczema that tends to leave open blisters and sores.

Another treatment to help relieve the itch is Emily Skin Soothers for Itchy Skin. Many eczema sufferers have found relief with this balm, as the Chinese herbs work to eliminate itchy skin, while soothing the dryness.

Scratch Mittens/Gloves

Because these little blisters are so itchy, it might be a good idea to protect your or your little one’s skin overnight. To avoid scratching during the night, mittens or gloves can be worn.

A great mitten or glove option are these Eczema Gloves of Kids and Eczema Gloves for Adults that can be worn either during the day or at night to avoid scratching incessantly at the blisters. If your little, little one is experiencing dyshidrotic eczema, then take a look at these ScratchmeNot Sleeves that include mittens that fold open for play and eating. Many eczema sufferers swear by these for their child’s eczema!

Dry or Wet Wrap Therapy

To help soothe itchy skin fast, there are many therapies you can look into. Dry Wrap Therapy is a wonderful therapy that can be used long term to help alleviate any intense itching or pain that may accompany this type of eczema. All you need is a dry wrap, like the many options offered here and an anti-itch moisturizer like those mentioned above. Again, many eczema sufferers have found great relief with this type of therapy. To learn more about dry wrap therapy or to get started, make sure to check out our blog post Our Eczema Trials: Dry Wrapping.

For extreme cases or if dry wrap therapy is not working for you, you can always look at wet wrap therapy as well. Although this is not a long term solution, many have found relief from it as well. Like dry wrapping, all you need is a wet wrap, like the many options offered here and an anti-itch treatment like those mentioned above. But unlike dry wrapping, you’ll need to first bathe to soak the skin and then cover your skin with damp clothing wraps. To learn more about wet wrap therapy or to get started, make sure to check out our blog post Our Eczema Trials: Wet Wrap Therapy.

Homeopathy

In order to prevent seasonal allergies that may offset this type of eczema, it’s always a good idea to visit a natural practitioner (if you’d like to take the more natural route in treating seasonal allergies). A naturopath or homeopath can offer various supplements and homeopathic options that can reduce or eliminate your seasonal allergies, therefore reducing the chance of a dyshidrotic eczema flare-up to begin with.

To learn more about homeopathy specifically, check out our blog post How Does Homeopathy Work for Eczema?

Elimination Diet

Lastly, if you do not find relief with any of the tips or recommendations offered below, you might want to take a look at whether the food you’re consuming is causing your skin to react. Sometimes removing one food can actually eliminate all eczema symptoms.

To find out how to start eliminating foods, check out our blog post on elimination diets, Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do It Too!). An elimination diet isn’t always an easy task, but it can identify a trigger that is causing your flare-up.

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

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