Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, & Psoriasis
Do you have or know someone who has one of these conditions? Skin issues like these are more common than you may think. They can be difficult to manage and not only affect a person physically, but emotionally as well. Trying to keep the condition under control can be a challenge, and feelings of helplessness and discouragement often happen. It takes a lot of work, energy, and time to try a new approach at relief, and much patience waiting for results. Below is basic information about each condition, what can trigger flare-ups, and tips to manage the issue and promote healing.
Eczema
It is estimated that 15 million people in America suffer from eczema. That's about 1 in 18 people. Eczema is a general term to describe any type of dermatitis or "inflammation of the skin/itchy rash". Here is a partial list of eczemas:
Tips:
1. Most important: Keep skin moisturized. Use a product that will help skin retain moisture while creating a barrier from moisture loss. Glycerin and petroleum jelly are two ingredients that provide that type of protection. Always moisturize after bathing, applying product to slightly damp skin. In the winter months especially you should moisturize more than once a day. If you have active inflamed spots, apply a good product 2-3 times a day. Also, bathe in warm (not hot) water.
2. Avoid irritants: Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent and mild soaps to bathe with. Avoid products with harsh detergents. Wear gloves/protective clothing when working with chemicals of any kind. If one comes in contact with the skin immediately flush the area with water.
3. Rule out a food sensitivity. Stop dairy products for 4 weeks and see if your flare-ups lessen. Some people with eczema are sensitive to citrus fruits & acidic foods. Try eliminating one type of food at a time for at least a month.
4. Keep humidity at an optimum level: Purchase a humidity sensor; levels between 35%-50% are ideal. Use a humidifier in your home during the winter months, and if needed, a dehumidifier for the summer months. Also, wear loose fitting clothing and try to stay cool.
Topical Options:
There are a few options to help ease symptoms and promote healing. Along with keeping skin moisturized, a common treatment is creams that contain steroids. Hydrocortisone is a standard product used to treat inflammations. It is is a mild steroid cream and has shown to help with the itchiness of a flare-up. Some prescription creams contain higher amounts of steroid and should only be used for a short period of time. Prolonged use can cause skin thinning as well as inhibiting the skin's ability to fight bacteria.
There are also natural substances that have shown to ease symptoms. Fatty acids, certain vitamins, and antioxidants are crucial for healthy skin. When a skin condition like eczema is present it is vital to nourish and protect the skin in order to promote healing.
We have formulated a cream that contains the following:
Calendula Extract- (marigold) contains moisturizing properties and is an anti-inflammatory.
Cranberry Seed Oil- high in fatty acids and antioxidants; ideal for soothing itchy, scaly, irritated skin.
Sweet Almond Oil- emollient (softens skin) and humectant (prevents loss of moisture); contains fatty acids and Vitamin E
Avocado Oil- contains more than 20% essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium; makes an excellent moisturizer and emollient.
Shea Butter- anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins A, E, & F, provides a barrier, and is super moisturizing.
Glycerin - (vegetable) draws water to skin cells and provides excellent barrier to prevent water loss.
Aloe Vera - moisturizing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, contains vitamins C & E.
Squalane- (derived from olive oil) hydrates, has germ killing properties, is an emollient.
Vitamin E Oil- moisturizing, antioxidant; destroys free radicals that inhibit healing.
You can purchase our Eczema Calming Cream here on the website or through our Etsy store. It is to help ease symptoms of a flare-up and encourage healing. If you have areas that are prone to frequent flare-ups, it would benefit the skin to apply the cream even when there is not an inflammation. Keeping the skin moisturized is key to preventing, or at least lessening the severity of inflammations. For those instances where a flare-up is severe, a steroid cream may need to be applied.
We will continue soon with Part 2 - Keratosis Pilaris.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you!
Eczema
It is estimated that 15 million people in America suffer from eczema. That's about 1 in 18 people. Eczema is a general term to describe any type of dermatitis or "inflammation of the skin/itchy rash". Here is a partial list of eczemas:
- atopic dermatitis - most common, most severe, and has longest duration of symptoms; often seen with asthma and/or hayfever
- contact dermatitis - reaction to an irritant such as a chemical or detergent
- dyshidrotic eczema - blistering form presenting on feet & hands; more common in women
- nummular eczema - dry, non-itchy round patches seen in winter months; more common in males
- seborrheic dermatitis - red, scaly, itchy rash seen on the scalp, the face, and the middle of the chest
Tips:
1. Most important: Keep skin moisturized. Use a product that will help skin retain moisture while creating a barrier from moisture loss. Glycerin and petroleum jelly are two ingredients that provide that type of protection. Always moisturize after bathing, applying product to slightly damp skin. In the winter months especially you should moisturize more than once a day. If you have active inflamed spots, apply a good product 2-3 times a day. Also, bathe in warm (not hot) water.
2. Avoid irritants: Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent and mild soaps to bathe with. Avoid products with harsh detergents. Wear gloves/protective clothing when working with chemicals of any kind. If one comes in contact with the skin immediately flush the area with water.
3. Rule out a food sensitivity. Stop dairy products for 4 weeks and see if your flare-ups lessen. Some people with eczema are sensitive to citrus fruits & acidic foods. Try eliminating one type of food at a time for at least a month.
4. Keep humidity at an optimum level: Purchase a humidity sensor; levels between 35%-50% are ideal. Use a humidifier in your home during the winter months, and if needed, a dehumidifier for the summer months. Also, wear loose fitting clothing and try to stay cool.
Topical Options:
There are a few options to help ease symptoms and promote healing. Along with keeping skin moisturized, a common treatment is creams that contain steroids. Hydrocortisone is a standard product used to treat inflammations. It is is a mild steroid cream and has shown to help with the itchiness of a flare-up. Some prescription creams contain higher amounts of steroid and should only be used for a short period of time. Prolonged use can cause skin thinning as well as inhibiting the skin's ability to fight bacteria.
There are also natural substances that have shown to ease symptoms. Fatty acids, certain vitamins, and antioxidants are crucial for healthy skin. When a skin condition like eczema is present it is vital to nourish and protect the skin in order to promote healing.
We have formulated a cream that contains the following:
Calendula Extract- (marigold) contains moisturizing properties and is an anti-inflammatory.
Cranberry Seed Oil- high in fatty acids and antioxidants; ideal for soothing itchy, scaly, irritated skin.
Sweet Almond Oil- emollient (softens skin) and humectant (prevents loss of moisture); contains fatty acids and Vitamin E
Avocado Oil- contains more than 20% essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium; makes an excellent moisturizer and emollient.
Shea Butter- anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins A, E, & F, provides a barrier, and is super moisturizing.
Glycerin - (vegetable) draws water to skin cells and provides excellent barrier to prevent water loss.
Aloe Vera - moisturizing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, contains vitamins C & E.
Squalane- (derived from olive oil) hydrates, has germ killing properties, is an emollient.
Vitamin E Oil- moisturizing, antioxidant; destroys free radicals that inhibit healing.
You can purchase our Eczema Calming Cream here on the website or through our Etsy store. It is to help ease symptoms of a flare-up and encourage healing. If you have areas that are prone to frequent flare-ups, it would benefit the skin to apply the cream even when there is not an inflammation. Keeping the skin moisturized is key to preventing, or at least lessening the severity of inflammations. For those instances where a flare-up is severe, a steroid cream may need to be applied.
We will continue soon with Part 2 - Keratosis Pilaris.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you!
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