and that’s why they diagnose it ‘Dermatitis’, which is a general term for a common skin irritation. But eczema is really so much more than that. I’ve lived with some form of eczema my entire life and here are some ways to keep your skin irritations at bay:
1. Don’t scratch!—Scratching releases histamines and that just causes it to itch more.
2. Don’t use Hydrocortizone creams—Hydrocortizone creams thin out your skin and make you more prone to skin cancer. There are many side effects such as nausea, headache, and menstrual changes. NEVER apply to broken skin.
3. Know your laundry detergent_—”Scent free” or “Clear” laundry detergents are not the solution. Why? Removing scents and dyes may help, but the REAL problem is the caustic ingredients that are still in there. Caustic ingredients are the biggest offenders for those with eczema, but national brands will not remove them because that’s the old fashioned way for detergents to work: quick, fast and irritating to the skin. So look for ‘Non-Caustic, Non-Toxic’ laundry detergents. Your best ones will promote a “NO” list to these ingredients.
4. Evaluate everything that touches your body—It’s not just laundry detergent. It’s your hair care, skin care, lotions, etc. It you are buying store bought brands, your skin is exposed to formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates and synthetic dyes. Again, look for private brands that put in print they do not use these ingredients.
5. Get your gut health in order—Believe it or not, eczema starts in the gut, so look for a probiotic that offers at least 10 billion flora in each capsule and covers eight or nine strains.
6. Stay in front of it with the proper topical treatments—I’m passionate about this because I’ve helped so many people find the right solutions. Look for clinically proven products with published 3rd party clinical studies. Don’t be swayed by advertisements.
7. Don’t ignore it—One autoimmune disease can often be the gateway to more, so let me know if you need additional help with this! You and your loved ones should not suffer with eczema!