Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is a term used to name a group of skin disorders. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The term ‘dermatitis’ means inflammation of the skin. ‘Atopic’ stands for diseases that are hereditary and tend to run in families. Atopic dermatitis is thus the result of an inherited tendency of the body to over react to certain stimuli like asthma or hay fever, leading to an irritation and inflammation of the skin. The skin then breaks down and becomes dry and scaly. Though the exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, it has been established that the root cause is genetic and hereditary.

Though it can occur at any age, it usually affects one at a very young age. The skin becomes itchy and inflamed making it look red. It may also swell, crack and end up looking scaly. A lot of other factors too influence this disorder. If one has skin that is naturally dry, it can worsen the affliction. So can allergies, exposure to harsh chemicals like detergents and solvents, and cold weather. Atopic dermatitis is curable and is not contagious. A large number of cases tend to show various ups and downs in the severity of the affliction during the course of treatment which is usually long term. There will be periods in which the disorder worsens, called exacerbations or flares, and periods when the skin improves, known as remissions.

There are a number of herbal ways to treat this disorder effectively. Flax seed oil is the most commonly advised herbal cure. Flax seed oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids that are vital for the health of the skin. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties that prove priceless in curing atopic dermatitis. Apply a few drops of flax seed oil onto the affected parts and gently massage using your fingertips. Virgin coconut oil is another effective remedy. Apply it all over the skin and leave it on overnight. Include coconut oil in your diet as this will also help the healing process. Carrot juice and cucumber juice helps to flush out the system and promote healing. Twice a week, take an oatmeal bath using lukewarm water. Lie in it for at least half an hour as this can be very soothing for your inflamed skin.

Avoid peanut-based products and tea which dehydrates the skin. Be careful in your choice of moisturizers. Different people react differently to certain chemicals, hence you will need to identify what product best suits you. In addition, drink a lot of water to keep your skin hydrated.