Eczema, the causes? I have had eczema for as long as i can remember... but it flares up every year.?

Question

Every year my skin flares up. I also have Rhinitus which means im allergic to substances and so i get blocked sinus's. I get it badly on my neck and arms. And also sometimes on my face. I've tried many methods to treat this. Im basically asking if anyone has any ideas as to what else may be causing this flare up? At the moment i have to bind my arms in bandages at night and wear gloves/socks on my hands to make sure i dont make it worse... as it is i'm very image conscious and i go to great lengths to try and look good... i dont know what else to do.

Dermatologists have prescribd me Betnovate and Hydrocortisone. Both of which are fairly effective but i want to tackle this at the source of the problem.

Ive done my research and it could be caused by seasons, pollen, dust, food allergies and stress. What else could bring up these flare ups?

And are there any alternative treatments?

Answer 1

look here and go to see a doctor:http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu.FA9wNGQxsBQs9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5a3R0Mjk2BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDNgRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANNQVAwMjBfMTI5/SIG=11nkidca3/EXP=1174751424/**http%3a//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Answer 2

Though your medications are effective, they thinned the skin too much with prolong use.
Further reading tells me that emotional problems and severe mental stress can also be the cause why your eczema flares up.
There are alternative treatments such as Ayurveda, Chinese herbalism, Traditional home and folk remedies, Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Homoeopathy, Flower Essences and Vitamins & Minerals.
The following is from Aromatheraphy:
A gentle massage on the affected area with a blend of chamomile, lavender and/or melissa essential oil in a little carrier oil.

Answer 3

Eczema can occur in both children and adults--most often it appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause, it often affects people with a family history of allergies (though finding the trigger may be difficult without allergy tests). Clean the area with a hypoallergenic soap every day. Use a lubricating cream or lotion after washing. Avoid physical and mental stress. Be sure to eat right, make sure you keep active, and get plenty of rest.

My sister was born with it and, at 48, still gets flare ups on her hands. While my daughter wasn't born with it, she began showing symptoms when she was about 8. We still haven't identified what she is allergic to, but notice that stress will trigger an episode.

Answer 4

As to the causes - it is an auto immune condition, partly due to a metabolic imbalance.
Alternative treatments - reflexology (can self treat), herbalism, homoeopathy (always consult a qualified homeopathic or herbalist practitioner for eczema), aromatherapy Diet - dairy and gluten may trigger flare ups. Try excluding one group for a few weeks and see what happens.
Always patch test any new product that you intend putting on skin (including shampoo)
Try evening primrose oil or fish oils, take a general multi vit supplement containing zinc (some sufferers lack Essential Fatty Acid's or zinc, which you need to process EFA's). EFA's are essential in producing healthy skin.

Betnovate is a skin thinner. If you a regular user, ask your dermatologist for an alternative. Many people think this cream should not be prescribed as it can cause as many problems as it solves. Be aware that steroid creams (hydrocortisone) if used frequently can cause the body to stop producing its own. If you are only using these preparations for a few weeks at a time, there is no need to worry.

Be wary of herbal remedies sold over the net. There are a lot of sharks out there.

Answer 5

Hi

I also suffer eczema, and every now and then it flares up for some reason.

I just use the hydrocortisone when it flares.

To help prevent flare-ups I shower using oilatum or aqueous cream instead of soap, and use doublebase cream afterwards. The cream is not greasy either so its no different to putting body lotion on, except you are not rubbing rubbish into your skin.

Stick at it.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Another name for eczema is dermatitis. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. There are several different types of dermatitis, but the one people usually mean when they say eczema is atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Eczema can be triggered by just about anything coming in contact with the skin. It occurs in atopic people, who are extra sensitive to skin irritation. Dry, flaky skin appears over red, inflamed areas, causing intense itching and burning.

The exact cause of eczema is not known. Although it is activated by the immune system and is related to allergic reactions, it is not the same as other allergic reactions.

Common triggers of eczema include the following:

* Soaps

* Detergents

* Weather (hot, cold, humid, or dry)

* Environmental allergens

* Jewelry

* Creams

* Food handling

* Clothing

* Sweating

* Gloves

* Rubbing

* Bacteria

* Emotional or mental stress

Removing whatever is causing the allergic reaction is the easiest and most effective treatment. This may be as simple as changing your laundry detergent or as difficult as moving to a new climate or changing jobs.

Prevent dry skin by taking warm (not hot) showers rather than baths. Use a mild soap or body cleanser. Dry yourself very carefully and apply moisturizing skin lotions all over your body. Avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating substances.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.

Avoid scratching the rash. If you can't stop yourself from scratching, cover the area with a dressing. Wear gloves at night to minimize skin damage from scratching.

Anything that causes sweating can irritate the rash. Avoid strenuous exercise during a flare.

If the allergy-causing agent cannot be removed or identified, the next step is to lessen the allergic inflammatory response.

* Apply an nonprescription steroid cream (hydrocortisone) along with anti-itching lotion (menthol/camphor, such as calamine). The cream must be applied as often as possible without skipping days until the rash is gone.

* Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in pill form may be taken for the itching. Caution - this medication may make you too drowsy to drive a car or operate machinery safely.

* Clean the area with a hypoallergenic soap every day. Apply lubricating cream or lotion after washing.

Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.

Do not expect a quick response. Eczema is easier to control than cure.

Answer 7

My little boy had eczema on his cheeks. I was not sure what method to use but I didn't want to make my boy go through any surgery treatments at this young age. Some suggested a plastic surgeon since it was in a very visible location but our family doctor recommend this natural guide.

Best Eczema Treatment?

Answer 8

Eczema can be an acute or chronic skin disease characterized by redness, itching, serum-filled blisters, crusting, and scaling. Predisposing factors are familial history of allergic disorders (hay fever, asthma, or eczema) and sensitivity to contact allergens or certain foods. The condition is often irritated by excessive sweating, exposure to extreme heat or cold, and abnormal dryness or oiliness of the skin. Eczema may occur at any age and in both sexes. It is frequently chronic and difficult to treat, and it tends to disappear and recur. Itching can be extreme and severe, and it can often lead to an emotional disturbance. Treatment usually necessitates the avoidance of all unnecessary skin irritation; creams or lotions containing topical immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus (ProTopic and Eladil), or corticosteroids are sometimes helpful. Care should be taken to avoid secondary infections.

Answer 9

Hi, my daughter has suffered with this all of her life, but it is not as bad as it used to be.
What we done was to change all of the bath toiletries to non perfumed ones, changed the washing power to fairy non bio, most of her clothes are now made out of 100% cotton. We have got rid of our net curtains and got blinds, changed from carpets to wooden floors.
She can not wear make-up, only mascara and lip gel.
Some hair products can be really bad for you.
She also has to be careful of the sun as that can make it flare up, in the winter if her skin becomes to dry it causes another flare up.
We also done a food diary, and looked at what she had eaten to see when it was worse, it did take a very long time, but everyone is different and different things can affect each person to cause a flare up.
We noticed the difference after about 3 months, but now it is really under control.
I do hope you find out what is causing your flare ups as i know how bad you can feel.

Answer 10

Click on the link below. It will take you to a very informative site providing alternative treatments for extreme eczema conditions, such as yours. It suggests alternative treatments including diet and supplements to treat the condition from the inside out. Hope this helps. Sorry you're suffering.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema.htm

Answer 11

my daughter has severe eczema, I do not apply hydrocortizone as it thins the skin and the skin becomes addicted. There are certain foods that can make it worse but in my daughters case it has taken me 4 years to whittle her cause down to the common dust mite. I therefore air bedding everyday, throws and hoover like mad which is fine, but obviously a problem if she spends time in an enviroment which is very dusty. oatmeal in the bath is great and I highly recommend diprobase bath emollient, dermol lotion, diprobase cream and doublebase gel, good luck.