The History of Eczema

Eczema is a very old condition, probably as old as man himself. As with many words of western civilization, it originated from the Greek language. When translated into English the word ECZEMA means, “BOIL OUT”.

Eczema first begins as small blisters that are similar in appearance to sago granules. To the Greeks these small eruptions made the skin appear to be “bubbling” or “boiling out” hence the word “boil out” or “eczema” was developed.

The History of Psoriasis

Although the name psoriasis was not introduced for many years the actual condition of
psoriasis was first talked of by the Greek Physician, Hippocrates who lived between 460 and 377 BC.  The condition has indeed been around for a long time, with our current knowledge evolving over hundreds of years.

Psoriasis was again mentioned in the first century by Cornelius Celsus, a Roman author.  Celsus described it as the fourth variant of impetigo, a condition caused by staphlococcus pyogenes.  This condition appears as red patches with watery blisters on the skin.

Joseph Jacob Plenck (Vienna 1776) wrote of Psoriasis as being amongst the group of desquamative (scaly or scale like) diseases.  He did not delve further to differentiate it from other dermatological conditions.

The English dermatologist, Robert Willan (1757 – 1812) recognized psoriasis as an independent disease.  He identified two categories.  Leprosa Graecorum was the term he used to describe the condition when the skin had scales.  Psora Leprosa described the condition when it became eruptive.

In 1841 Ferdinand Hebra, a Viennese dermatologist worked on Willan’s notes and was the first to ascribe the name ‘psoriasis’. It was Hebra who described the clinical picture of psoriasis that is used today.  The hereditary factor of psoriasis had already been established by this time.

The cause of psoriasis is still largely unknown however research into the cause, treatment and ultimate cure continue.

LET’S WRAP IT UP!

Is your eczema out of control?
Are the patches on your skin so itchy they bleed?
Does your eczema keep you awake at night?

If your eczema is this bad simple good skin care combined with a cream and bath oil may not be enough to ease the discomfort and repair the damaged skin.

An old tried and proven method to help in this situation is “wrapping”.  In this treatment the affected area is wrapped in plastic glad wrap to help keep the skin moist and to prevent itching.

The process is quite simple.  Listed below are the easy step by step instructions.

1. Soak in warm water with Grahams Bath Oil added for 15 – 20 minutes, allowing the skin to become very moist.

2. Pat the body dry, rubbing in any excess oil on the body.

3. Apply Calendulis Plus Cream to the affected areas.

4. Begin wrapping limbs with plastic glad wrap , 2 – 3 layers around the limb.  Do not wrap too tightly.

5. Then bandage with a crepe bandage available from any chemist.

6. You may also then cover the foot, for example, with a sock to help secure the bandage.

7. Remove both bandages and clear wrap the next morning and apply Calendulis Plus Cream or the bath oil topically to the affected area.

8. Repeat nightly if necessary.

If your eczema is this severe and not responding to over the counter treatments we recommend you consult your medical practitioner.

TREATING ECZEMA FROM THE INSIDE

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that will affect all individuals differently.  There is no direct known cause as to why some people get it and some don’t, but a few probable causes have been identified over the years.

A deficit in Omega 3

One of these has been found to be a deficit in Omega 3 fatty acid.  Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that is responsible for the reduction of inflammation in the body. The less we have of this fatty acid in our body, the more severe our body’s inflammatory response will be, and thus the worse our eczema.

A lack of Omega 3 fatty acid in our body can also be the cause of a variety of other ailments.  Such things as diabetes, arthritis, depression, heart disease and high cholesterol levels can all be linked to a lack of these essential fatty acids.

Mega Oil, a product that was developed by Geoff Graham, is an internal oil supplement aimed specifically at treating the internal causes of skin disorders.

Mega Oil helps treat eczema

Mega Oil contains a supreme blend of extra virgin, cold pressed and organic oils. All these oils are high in omega 3, an essential fatty acid that acts as a building block in cells. These fatty acids form a membrane and hence help regulate the entire body.  Mega Oil has been developed to help treat eczema, but it also has been found to help reduce cholesterol levels.

An Eczema.com.au customer, who recently purchased the Mega Oil to soothe his eczema, has found that in just 2 months his cholesterol levels have been dramatically reduced!  No change was made to his dietary habits or exercise levels. The only thing he did differently was to start using the Mega Oil.

The specific reason why our customer’s cholesterol levels were reduced is due to the cholesterol lowering product – Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an integral component of omega 3.

High cholesterol and associated conditions such as heart disease are some of the leading causes of death amongst Australians. Fast and processed foods are everywhere, and our western diet is one that severely lacks omega 3 fatty acids.  Mega Oil is a natural supplement that is high in omega 3, and is the natural way to help improve your skin as well as your bodies overall general well being.

Having eczema can be very expensive.  Many alterations need to be made around the house – different bedding, different cleaners, even new floor coverings in some instances.  Many different creams and treatments are trialed in search of the right one for you.

The end result is a lot of money being outlaid, usually on an ongoing basis.

Cost is one of the main problems of eczema

This is one of the main problems the eczema sufferer and their family face.  Many people simply cannot afford the huge financial expense.  The budget simply will not stretch.

If you have eczema there will always be a need for moisturisers and emollients, but there are many things that can be done around the home that are inexpensive yet effective in reducing your eczema.

• Keep rooms well ventilated to help minimise dust mite.

• Wash all bedding regularly in hot water.

• Always double rinse clothing and bedding to ensure harmful cleansing residue is removed.

• Vacuum mattresses, carpets and mats weekly to minimise dust mite.

• Vacuum rather than sweep to reduce dust levels.

• Damp dust rather than dry dust to reduce dust levels in the air.

• Keep windows and doors shut on windy days and stay indoors to reduce exposure to pollens in the air.

• Avoid using aerosols.

• If possible do not be around when home maintenance is being attended – ie painting, mowing lawns, polishing furniture, as these may aggravate your eczema.

• Avoid smoky environments.  Do not allow people to smoke in your home and similarly avoid homes and cars where people are smoking as the smoke may act as an allergen and worsen your eczema.

• Keep children out of sandpits.  The sand at the beach is much cleaner.

This list is of course just a guide.  There are many more things you can do around the home that are inexpensive and effective in reducing eczema.  The aim is to minimise allergenic factors that are known to trigger your condition.

These methods do not eliminate the need for emollients and good skin care but they will make the task of treating your eczema much easier.

Eczema can affect more that your skin.  It can affect your whole life – emotionally, financially and socially.

Whilst going through some old notes I found the results of a survey from 2000.  It may be a little old but I found it interesting and I imagine some things don’t really change.

A study at St Vincent’s Hospital in Victoria that was carried out over a 12 month period from January 1999 to February 2000 revealed some interesting data.

• 40% of the eczema sufferers surveyed used 4 or more products to treat their eczema at an average out of pocket cost of $425 per year.

• 64% of the people surveyed said that stress was a major cause for their eczema to flare up.  Other flare up causes included weather, hormones, treatments, holidays and illness.

• 36% of those surveyed spent 10 minutes or more each day applying their treatments and over 50% found that the spring is the worst season for their eczema and the time spent on applying their treatments increased to 20 minutes a day.

• 28% felt that their eczema influenced the clothes they wore.

• 21% found their eczema a source of embarrassment.

Beat eczema by being happy

The state of our skin is affected by many different things – over-exposure to harsh uv rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, lack of water, caffeine. The list goes on.

Recent studies show that stress also affects our skin state.  Although the link between the brain and the skin is not new the impact stress has on our skin is quite profound.

An article in “nstonline” late last year said:

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia clinical psychologist Dr Alvin Ng Lai Oon said the brain-skin connection has been scientifically researched and it is not just a marketing gimmick.

“The skin has not been studied much but in the past 10 years, more has been discovered about how mental state affects skin.

“When you are stressed, the brain releases chemicals that affect the skin biology and when this changes the structure of the skin, it will result in dermatitis, eczema and acne,” he said.

Stress affects immune system

Basically, what happens is stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol, for example) reduce the immune system of the skin and this imbalance reduces the skin’s ability to repair itself.

“The skin is connected to a central peripheral nervous system with ‘emotional feedback’ so basically what you feel emotionally is connected to your skin.”

Dr Razimah Hanim Abu Zarim, a graduate of Ireland’s Royal College of Surgeons who now runs Ageless Aesthetics, said while it is not conclusive that stress causes skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, there are long-time sufferers of these conditions who report that when they are stressed, their conditions become worse.

Stress may trigger your eczema

“Stress may be a trigger and can cause many problems. If you are stressed, you don’t eat properly, have adequate sleep or drink enough water and the effects can be seen on the skin.” He said.

Stress reduces the skins immunity causing inflammatory reactions such as skin bumps and itchiness.  Itchiness results in scratching which compounds the situation.  We all focus on taking care of our skin but perhaps we need to take a look at controlling our stress levels as well.

Psoriasis and eczema are both inflammatory skin conditions which result in considerable discomfort and can prove difficult to treat.  Psoriasis and Eczema are both very common and the exact cause of these conditions is not known.  Although psoriasis and eczema are not life threatening, they can cause severe misery and disruption to the sufferers everyday life and that of their family.

Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic conditions, ones that persist for a long period of time, and as with any chronic condition it is important to look at your lifestyle and understand how various aspects of it may affect your skin.  Unfortunately there is no known cure for psoriasis and eczema, but they can be managed.

What is Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is characterized  by excruciating itching.  The skin often becomes very dry and red, with a scaly type of appearance.  Eczema is most commonly found on the face, neck and arm and leg folds.  It is usually the result of an allergic reaction, which may simply be outgrown or may extend to cover the entire body.

What is Psoriasis

Psoriasis on the other hand is the result of an over production of skin cells.  It typically features discrete bright red patches covered with silvery scales.    Serious cases of psoriasis may lead to painful cracking, or fissuring, of the skin.  Psoriasis usually affects the scalp, knees, trunk and elbows.  Unlike eczema, it is rare in children, and will most commonly develop in early adulthood.

Both psoriasis and eczema cannot be cured, but they can be managed.  By using the appropriate medical treatment and by looking at your lifestyle and diet, and taking what steps you can to look after your skin and keep it healthy, you can take charge of your condition.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone but mainly affects children under 5 years of age.  Its severity will vary from person to person.  Some have a mild rash behind the knees that appears occasionally and is a tad itchy.  Others have an intensely itchy red rash covering their entire body that weeps and causes enormous discomfort . And then there is every level in between.

Eczema is a difficult condition to control and can be very frustrating not to mention uncomfortable.

An Individual Condition

Eczema affects each individual differently and therefore everyone responds differently to treatments.  There is no one treatment that will help everyone.  Finding the cream that best treats your eczema is a matter of trial and error.

There are some basic things that should be observed when caring for eczema to get the best results out of any treatment and to most effectively control the condition.

Be Consistent

First and foremost is consistency. Be consistent using your moisturisers. Be consitistent using your treating creams.  Be consistent avoiding any of the triggers that you know will lead to a flare up.

A daily skin care routine needs to be developed and adhered to. Eczema causes the skin to become very dry.  Applying moisturisers daily (ie Grahams Bath Oil or Sooth-It Balm) or more often if necessary will help to keep the moisture in the skin and in turn reduce flareups and the severity of the eczema.

Once you have found a treating cream (ie Calendulis Plus Cream)  that works to reduce the symptoms of your eczema you also need to include this in your skin care regime. Use the cream when the eczema is present as often as the instructions on the container permit.

There are many factors that can cause eczema to flare-up such as changes in the weather, stress, certain foods, some household chemicals, just to name a few.  If you are able to determine what factors trigger your eczema flareups it is important to avoid them as best you can.

People are often under a misconception about what the creams they use to treat their eczema are actually doing.  A common complaint I have about the Calendulis Plus Cream is that whilst it clears the eczema up the eczema returns when they stop using the cream.

Calendulis Plus Cream treats the symptoms of Eczema

Calendulis plus Cream like all other creams on the market does not cure eczema.  It treats the symptoms – redness, inflammation and itchiness. Whilst you are using the Calendulis Plus Cream and have its effects on your skin it will control the symptoms.

When the effects wear off the symptoms will return.  This is not a sign that the Calendulis Plus Cream is not working but rather that it needs to be reapplied.

A similar analogy is if you take a Panadol it will get rid of your headache however unless you have removed the cause of your headache it will return after a couple of hours.  The same is so for Calendulis Plus Cream.

Using Calendulis Plus Cream

Calendulis Plus is designed to be used on the affected areas of skin when the eczema is present.  When the eczema resolves stop using the cream but recommence at first signs of the eczema reappearing. Calendulis Plus Cream can be used up to four times a day whilst the eczema is present and is most effective when used in conjunction with Grahams Bath Oil.