It’s not uncommon to suffer with dry skin from time to time, especially if you live in an area with a cold, dry winter. However, if you, like many people, suffer from eczema, the dryness and itchiness of your skin can sometimes drive you to near madness. If you’re like me and have been suffering since you were a child, you probably know that all the creams, salves, and prescriptions may serve temporary relief, but it rarely lasts.
What is Eczema?
So, what exactly is eczema? The term “eczema" refers to red, inflamed, itchy skin. Also referred to as “dermatitis,” there are several different forms of eczema. Some of the most common are below:
- irritant contact dermatitis: caused by irritants touching the skin (such as clothing detergent)
- allergic contact dermatitis: caused by an allergen touching the skin (could be poison ivy or even nickel in your jewelry)
- atopic dermatitis: thought to be a combination of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. This means that your eczema may come and go at different times for seemingly no reason
- sebhorreic dermatitis: combination of yeast imbalances, genes, and immune system problems.1
Educate Yourself!: You can also look through all of the types of eczema and their symptoms here.
How Do I Get Rid of It?
Fortunately, there are natural ways to either rid yourself of eczema completely, or at least get some relief. I have personally suffered from eczema for as long as I can remember. I have tried nearly every steroid cream and prescription that was offered to me, and none of them worked. However, some natural treatments have: oatmeal baths provide longer lasting relief than many of the creams, and it doesn’t leave you greasy. Take a look at your laundry detergent and softener. If it has any perfume in it, that could be contributing to your skin condition. Try switching to detergents listed as having no scent or being “free and clear” of perfume. Always use naturally scented lotion, and make sure that it has ingredients that will soothe. I personally use our Kaya Body Cream immediately after showering.
And most importantly, flax seed. It doesn’t matter how you take it; supplements, actual flaxseed on your food, take the oil, it all works. And, why, you may ask? Well, apparently flaxseed is coolest thing since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. That’s right. Babylon. Flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC2. There is some evidence showing that flaxseed may reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, heart attack, diabetes2**. Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. It’s the Omega-3 fatty acids in particular that help heal and maintain healthy skin3. Needless to say, after going to our family doctor and dermatologists over the years and using an assortment of different creams, I am finally free of eczema. And all from the flaxseed. This past winter marked my second year without eczema. To find more information on eczema, and how you can treat it, visit the sites below. Also, you can read about real people with eczema and their experiences with flaxseed here.
Sources
1 Eczema Net. What is Eczema?. (Accessed August 11, 2011) http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.html
2 Magee, Elaine. The Benefits of Flaxseed. (Accessed August 13, 2011) http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
3 Augecheek, Andrew. How Flaxseed Works. (Accessed August 13, 2011)
**Note: Please be aware that extensive studies have not been performed on pregnant and breastfeeding women and is not recommended.
The statements, information and/or products listed and discussed in this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any statements, information, and/or products listed and discussed in this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We always recommend speaking with a physician before beginning or stopping any health care regimen.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at www.freedigitalphotos.net
