What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin disorder that causes itchy and scaly skin. It usually occurs on the face, arms, elbows, and knees. Persistent scratching can break the skin and cause inflammation. It can also lead to a bacterial or fungal infection. Eczema is described as atopic dermatitis. This means that a person suffering from eczema will have a life-long tendency toward skin allergies. Eczema can occur at any age even in children under the age of five. While it may improve over time, many suffer from the condition throughout their lives.
Causes of Eczema
Researchers are still searching for the exact causes of eczema. However, it is known that skin inflammation can be caused by temperature and environmental changes, sweat, allergies, mental stress, and susceptibility to infections. Eczema can also be caused when the skin is exposed to chemical irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, creams, pesticides, perfumes, and alcohol.
Many people with chronic skin disorder eczema are also prone to lifelong ailments such as asthma. Although eczema is not contagious, it is known to be hereditary. Furthermore, many women who have skin disorders notice changes in their skin during different phases of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
To reduce causative factors and the frequency of eczema attacks, many suffers are choosing Naturopathic care. Natural eczema treatments and remedies used in Naturopathic care help reduce the frequency of skin inflammation, as well as the condition’s severity.
Eczema Symptoms
At its onset, eczema starts with symptoms of itching followed by a patchy and scaly rash. Patients, who scratch this rash, can break the skin and open a path for bacterial or fungal infection. Some people may develop red bumps filled with fluid that moisten the rash if scratched.
Symptoms of eczema can be reduced considerably by using natural treatment methodologies.
Eczema Diagnosis
Physicians usually base their diagnosis of eczema on a physical examination. Patients may also be referred to take further tests such as a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is when a patch of skin is removed from the patient and is then tested against different substances.
This test helps physicians to discover the allergic substances that are irritating their patient’s skin. Physicians may also inquire about the medical history of the patient and their family members
Conventional Eczema Treatment
Physicians usually choose to handle the treatment of eczema based on the type and severity of the problem, as well as the medical history and age of the patients. Generally, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antibiotics, and steroid creams are prescribed to provide relief from the itching.
In certain severe cases, phototherapy and systemic medications such as corticosteroids, and cyclosporine may also be used.
Eczema Treatment by Vancouver Naturopathic Doctors
Natural eczema treatments offered by Naturopaths are also known to provide a great amount of relief from eczema symptoms. For example, simple dietary variations suggested by a Naturopathic Doctor can help you prevent eczema or reduce its occurrence.
It is also recommended that sufferers hydrate their skin by drinking adequate amounts of water, by using natural moisturizers, and by avoiding soaps that dry out the skin. As well, a number of natural supplements are known to provide ample relief from eczema-related symptoms.
Your Naturopathic Doctor may also recommend various natural and herbal anti-inflammation creams which help in reducing skin inflammation.
