I’ve said it a million times: “Cotton is best“. This is especially so for underwear.

Young girls with sensitive skin getting their first bra should look for an all cotton bra – no lace, no lycra, no cotton blends. Also avoid a bra with seams across the cup. This is not as easy as it sounds especially when looking for a pretty bra or a sporty bra.

Similarly underpants should be all cotton and preferably loose fitting. Boxers are great! These days most boys are more than happy to wear boxers (usually hanging out over their jeans) but girls are a little more reluctant. Try buying undies that are a size too big so the elastic won’t cut in and with a fuller backside so they don’t ride up and irritate.

The less irritation caused the less chance of an eczema flare up occurring. This is particularly important in those sensitive areas. Some wise shopping now may reduce the risk of uncomfortable itchy skin later.

Eczema is a childhood condition that you grow out of.

Right?

Unfortunately this is not always the case.  For some the condition continues on into adult life creating a whole new range of problems.  Whilst some people develop eczema for the first time as an adult.

Entering the workforce is one area that can be made more difficult if you have eczema.

Eczema is a chronic, allergic, inflammatory skin condition causing dry, red, scaly skin that may crack and bleed.  It is uncomfortable and often unsightly.

Although not contagious, public understanding of the condition is limited, especially when the condition is present in adults.  Simply choosing what jobs you apply for may be restricted by your eczema.

A lack of understanding

A lack of understanding often leads to discrimination resulting in an unsuccessful job interview due to the eczema sufferers appearance.  An unfair situation, but unfortunately one that frequently occurs.

A recent study by ISOLATE (International Study of Life with Atopic Eczema) in the UK revealed that around 10% of adult eczema sufferers believe they have suffered discrimination at work.  Discrimination includes being stared at, having comments made behind their back and not being accepted.

Eczema can affect performance at work.  The ISOLATE study showed that during a flare up when the symptoms are at there worst the eczema sufferer will under perform for 10% of the time they are at work.

A moderate eczema sufferer spends approximately three months per year in a state of flare up, whilst a severe sufferer will spend approximately five months in a flare up.  The impact on their performance at work is therefore quite significant.

Resolving the issue

There is no cure for eczema.  Improving work performance and reducing discrimination at work therefore relies on finding a good treatment regime that it effective and easy to use.  Being able to keep your eczema under control as much as possible will help to minimise the issues faced at work.

Discrimination often results from a lack of understanding.  By increasing awareness of co-workers so they understand the condition, know that it is not contagious and that it can be controlled will help to reduce any discrimination. In service lectures, brochures or general conversation will help to increase the understanding of others.

New treatments are continuously becoming available.  Treatments that are easier to use and more effective in controlling the symptoms of eczema.  This will in time  improve the quality of life for those with eczema as an adult.

Evidence indicates that there may be an association between mothers with psoriasis and their children having autism.  The study in the February issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reviewed more than 88 000 children born between 1995 and 1999.  The study found that psoriasis was the only immune disorder present in the mother that was “significantly associated” with an autism spectrum disorder.

Findings are Preliminary

The findings are only preliminary and there is still a lot to be done before the specifics are known.  Michael Paranzino, president of the “Psoriasis Cure Now!” a psoriasis patient advocacy group responded to the findings

“Given that there are roughly 3 million women of child-bearing age with psoriasis across America, this new study is of great concern to us.  We need Congress to support additional research to study this association further.”

“Psoriasis Cure Now!” are requesting emergency funding from Congress to enable further research in this area to continue to allow important questions to be answered, including:

Can other researchers replicate these findings?
Are certain psoriasis treatments associated with this finding?
Does the severity of the mother’s psoriasis have a bearing on the likelihood of her child having autism?
Do fathers with psoriasis produce a higher rate of children with autism than fathers without psoriasis?

Michale Paranzino also said, “Expectant mothers with psoriasis already have so much on their minds, in part because psoriasis treatment options for pregnant women are so limited.”

“Parents with psoriasis also have to contend with the fact that their children will be at increased risk to develop psoriasis.  We urge women with psoriasis to speak with their physicians about this new study.  These women deserve answers.” he continued.

For those of you who have read my newsletters or the Eczema web site in the past you will know that one of my big things when controlling eczema and psoriasis is moisturising the skin.

Dry skin goes hand in hand with both eczema and psoriasis.  Trying to control your eczema or psoriasis without first targeting the dry skin is fighting an uphill battle.

Moisturising decreases itching

Regularly moisturising the skin will help to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis.  This in turn will help to minimise the severity of the condition and make it easier to live with.

Moisturising increases flexibility

A major concern for the sufferer of eczema and psoriasis is a secondary skin infection resulting from excessive itching and cracked skin.  The skin remains more flexible when moisturised regularly and as a result is less prone to cracking.  This in turn reduces the risk of skin infections.

The secret is to find a good moisturiser and use it regularly.  Make a habit to moisturise after showering and after prolonged exposure to water.  Carry a moisturiser with you so you can moisturise as needed.  Be aware that not all creams used to treat your eczema and psoriasis will be a moisturiser.  It may be necessary to use a separate moisturiser as well as your treating cream.

Regular readers would know that I have two personal favorites when it comes to moisturising the skin.  Firstly  Grahams Bath Oil which can be added to the bath water or applied directly to the skin.  And secondly The Grahams Sooth-It Balm which is great to throw in your bag and carry with you and feels so soft and smooth when applied.

Foot eczema is most common amongst children in the wintertime, when the air is dryer.  It presents as a scaly area of dry irritated skin on the foot.  In severe cases the skin may crack and bleed leaving it open to infection.

The problem arises when an allergy prone child reacts to an element in his shoes or socks, or from excessive sweating.  Intense sweating, which is often the result of poorly chosen shoes, results in the skin’s natural oils being washed away.  This leaves the upper layers of skin barren of their natural moisturisation.

What can be done to control foot eczema?

As with any eczema prevention is easier than control.  Keeping the feet well moisturised especially in winter and careful selection of shoes may help to prevent the condition developing.

It is advisable to avoid the use of soaps, as soaps are known to be harsh on sensitive skin stripping it of its natural oils.  Use soap substitutes, which are gentle on the skin and don’t contain fragrances, additives, preservatives or colouring.

Where possible select shoes that are not occlusive or synthetic.  Open sandals are better than closed in shoes as they allow the air to circulate.  Canvas runners/trainers are known for inducing sweating.  They should be avoided whenever possible.  Air shoes out each night to ensure they are thoroughly dry before being worn the next day.  A second pair of shoes may be necessary so they can be worn on alternating days.

Mel’s Treatment Recommendations

Soak the feet in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of Grahams Bath Oil each evening.  This will cleanse the accumulated sweat off the feet and remoisturise the skin.  For the best effect apply Calendulis Plus Cream after the feet have been soaked and dabbed dry.  This is when the skin is at its softest and moistest and therefore most receptive to the cream.

If the skin becomes broken and bleeds antibiotics or wrapping may be required.  Your doctor can advise you about the necessity of these.

An eczema cure would have to be the ultimate aim of any sufferer of eczema.  Like any long term condition, eczema can be extremely demoralizing and finding an eczema cure at times seems to be an impossible task.

Guaranteed eczema cures are yet to be found

Any guaranteed eczema cures are yet to be found despite frequent claims that the new product on the market will cure eczema.  The fact is whilst these products may be very effective in alleviating the symptoms of eczema, when treatment is ceased the eczema is still present and the symptoms may reappear at any time.  This is especially when exposure to the relevant triggers occurs.

Even someone who has been symptom free for months or years may still experience a flare up if exposed to the appropriate conditions.  Their treatment has provided eczema relief not an eczema cure.

The ultimate cure for eczema

The ultimate cure for eczema has yet to be found.  Whilst researchers work tirelessly on finding an eczema cure those with the condition must settle for treatments that alleviate the symptoms rather that rid them of the condition.

Eczema needs to be controlled on a daily basis and by being aware of all the factors that contribute to aggravating your eczema, you will be able to take charge of it.  By looking at your lifestyle and diet, and committing yourself to finding treatments that work for you and learning what affects it, is the most reliable way to manage your eczema.

Eczema cure summary

An eczema cure has not been found, but there are effective forms of treatment that if committed to will hopefully help reduce the discomfort and pain that is so often associated with eczema.

There is not a cure for eczema but there is definitely relief.

Those of us living in the westernised world like to think we are more advanced or developed than those living in the eastern world.  Yet time and time again we are proven wrong.

One common example is the use of foods to cure or control ailments.  We tend to eat our foods for enjoyment whilst Eastern people have been using foods for thousands of years to treat ailments and continue to do so today.

One such example is the tropical Mangosteen fruit.  The Mangosteen is an ultra-tropical tree that requires a wet, lowland tropical climate.  It probably originated in Southeast Asia but is now grown in India, the East Indies, Indonesia, Brazil, Central America, Hawaii and other tropical areas.

And to think I had never heard of it.

The tree fruits twice a year bearing dark red or yellow fruit with a thick tannic rind (up to 8mm).  The inside of the fruit is pinkish in color and divided into 4 – 8 segments.  The fruit is very sweet and juicy.  As the fruit is often difficult to find in stores the most popular way to consume mangosteen is as a juice.

What the Eastern countries have known for years

The Chinese have dried and powdered the mangosteen fruit rind for years and used it to treat dysentery, cystitis and chronic diarrhea.  They also make it into an ointment to treat eczema and other skin disorders.  Malaysians use the ground leaves to treat circumcision wounds and a root extract to regulate menstration.  The Philippinos use the leaves and bark to treat thrush, dysentery and urinary problems.

A substance known as mangostin is found in the mangosteen fruit rind and has a very high antioxidant value. As we know antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and have valuable healing properties which are the main features making the mangosteen fruit so interesting in the treatment of eczema.

In fact the fruit of the mangosteen is often referred to as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants yet discovered.  Although the body can only absorb so many antioxidants and excretes the rest it doesn’t hurt to have as many as possible to help reduce internal inflammation and therefore reduce the overall symptoms of conditions such as eczema.

An easy, natural way to help control eczema. And to think I thought the strawberry was the best fruit for us to eat.  I only hope the mangosteen fruit tastes as good as a strawberry.

One of the most common questions I get asked is

“Can I use the Calendulis Plus Cream on my face and around my eyes and mouth.”

The Calendulis Plus Cream is an all natural product designed to treat the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.  It is designed for sensitive skin. It is safe for any age group to use.  It is safe to use on the face and around the mouth and eyes.

Care is necessary

When using the Calendulis Plus Cream on the face it is important to remember that this skin is softer and more sensitive than skin on other parts of the body.  Care is required.  Also remember that the skin around the eyes is especially sensitive and fragile.  Extra care should be taken when using the cream in this area.

Some points to remember

• As with any product being used for the first time it is important to patch test the Calendulis Plus Cream on an unaffected area of skin before using it on the face to ensure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients in it.
• The Calendulis Plus Cream is for external use only.  It is important when using it around the eyes and mouth that it does not go into the eyes or mouth.
• Eczema around the mouth is often the result of a sensitivity to food being eaten that touches the skin or in the case of young children an irritation from saliva being dribbled.  Applying an oily cream (Sooth-It Balm) around the mouth will protect the skin and moisturise at the same time.
• Calendulis Plus Cream can be used on the outer ear but not on the inner ear.  A general rule is if you are not able to apply the cream and rub it in with your finger you are applying it too deeply into the ear.

Always had a tendency to dry skin?  Recently noticing irritating, red patches that itch?  Suspect it may be eczema?

Consult Your Doctor

If this is you the first thing you need to do is consult a doctor.  Rashes need to be diagnosed properly before they are treated.  The only proper way to get a diagnosis of eczema is have it checked out thoroughly by a trained practitioner.

Eczema, although generally thought of as a childhood condition can develop at any age.  Some forms of eczema are actually more common in adults.  It is estimated that 8% of adults in the UK suffer from eczema.

Severity Varies

Once you have a diagnosis of eczema from your doctor it is time to start treating the condition.  The severity of the condition will vary.  For some the skin will be dry, hot and itchy… more of a nuisance really.

For others the skin may become raw, broken and painful, becoming much more than a mere inconvenience.  It is important to remember that regardless of how severe your eczema is the condition is not contagious.

At this point in time there is no cure for eczema.  So the dry, red, itchy and inflamed skin is here to stay right?

Although it’s not curable, eczema is manageable.

The skin will always be sensitive, however with a good daily skin care regime and a few minor lifestyle changes you can control the condition and minimize flare-ups. Finding the right treatment to suit your skin may take some trial and error.  Here are some general tips to help control your eczema.

• Do not over heat the skin – have tepid showers or baths.

• Launder clothes in a neutral pH detergent and double rinse your clothes as it is the washing detergent residue that often irritates the skin.

• wash all new clothes before wearing them.

• Avoid soaps, perfumes, detergents and solvents. Use soap substitutes that are not damaging to the skin when washing.

• Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to water as it will dry the skin.

• Add bath oil to your bath water to soften the water and prevent the skin from drying out.

• Avoid synthetic and woolen clothing and bedding. Cotton is best, as it is less irritating.

• Keep fingernails short to minimize the damage caused to the skin by scratching.

• Adopt a regular daily skin care program using emollients and moisturizers.

Psoriasis comes in varying degrees of severity and therefore requires a range of differing treatments to control its symptoms.

Below are some simple tips that may help you to control your psoriasis regardless of its severity or your treatment regime.

1. Almost 50% of psoriasis sufferers will develop psoriasis of the fingernails where the nail appears pitted and an accumulation of dead cells will cause the nail to lift.
2. Try to become involved in outdoor activities where you are exposed to the sun.  This is not only beneficial for your psoriasis but also therapeutic for the mind.
3. Apply psoriasis treating creams after the skin has been moisturized as the skin will be more receptive to them.
4. Stress is a major trigger of psoriasis.  Taking time out of your busy routine each day to do something purely for your self is often a very relaxing way to reduce stress.
5. Vitamin D is known to help control the symptoms of psoriasis.  The best form of vitamin D is natural sunlight.  Be careful when out in the sun to take adequate precautions to ensure that you do not become sunburnt as sunburn can cause a flare up of psoriasis.