What is eczema? Eczema is a chronically reoccurring inflammatory skin disease. You are usually predisposed to it genetically. It appears as dry, itchy, scratchy, scaly areas of skin. I get it yearly and it appears as a small, red, scaly spot on my arm. Other adults can get it on their hands, legs, arms, and neck areas. These are the most common areas. But it can occur anywhere. Babies tend to get it on their face, elbows and knees. It appears in older children on the back of the knees, inside the elbows, on the sides of the neck, and on the wrists, ankles and hands. Remember, just because it says this is where it normally occurs, it can occur anywhere.
If I get it once will it come back? Just because you have it once doesn’t necessarily mean it will reoccur. In most cases though it will flare up and then go in remission and can flare up again. Many children who have it will go into remission but continue to have dry, sensitive skin as an adult. This is certainly true of my personal experience with eczema.
Is it contagious? No, it is not contagious. It is something that is inherited. Not something that will rub off on your child’s friend.
What are the signs of eczema? Characteristics of eczema are: scratchy, scaly, red patches of skin. It can sometimes get to the point of weeping or bleeding and crusting over. But it is usually caught before then.
How do I treat it? If you catch it early simply moisturizing is a great way to go. Our eczema oil is a great way to get your eczema treated quickly. Another natural way to treat your eczema is through nutrient dense foods. By simply improving your diet and eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be a great way to try to stave off another outbreak or improve the outbreak you are having. Nutritional medicine can be a very effective way to treat many disorders.
How can I avoid another eczema outbreak?
1. Make sure you stay away from the triggers (pollen, mold, allergens, animal dander etc). 2.Wear loose clothing and try to reduce incidents when you will be heavily sweating or overheated (if possible). 3. Reduce your stress. 4. Try to stay away from scratch fabrics against your skin. 5. Moisturize regularly (our Eczema oil is one way!)
Remember you never know who to trust when you are asking questions on the internet. Always consult with your doctor if you think that you or your child might have eczema.
The Homestead Company 