It's National Eczema Week

Today kicks off National Eczema Week.  Eczema comes in oh so many different forms and subcategories.  From miniscule patches of dry skin you'll barely notice, to debilitating rashes, eczema show's up in so many different ways, and most people have experienced some form of eczema throughout their life.  Let's take a closer look at what eczema really is and what we can do to help manage it.

So What Is Eczema?

  So eczema is basically an umbrella term for and itchy inflammation in the skin.  It can also be commonly known as atopic dermatitis for it's general term.  It is most commonly seen on the arms or behind the knees, but really it can be seen pretty much anywhere. (I usually get it around my left eye).

What causes eczema?

For one, it's often noted to be hereditary but is definitely not exclusively running in the family.  At a basic level, eczema is generally caused by a type of immune response in the skin and can be similar to allergies.  Allergens in fact are common eczema triggers.  In my experience, I have found that foods and diet are huge factors as well, and even some viruses can trigger bouts of it.

So how do we treat it?

Since there are so many different types and triggers to eczema, I cannot say that I can "treat" eczema, as many dr.s have a difficult time getting control over chronic cases as well.  BUT I do have some tricks up my sleeve that have seemed to help along side prescription therapies.  

• keep a food journal- especially if you get it chronically.  This helps see patterns especially between certain foods you may be eating regularly and your flare ups. 
• take care of your gut - This can be as simple as taking bitters before meals to boost digestion.  Many autoimmune issues are triggered from a root cause of poor stomach acid production and a not happy bacterium balance (i'm looking at you candida).  
• Supplement a liquid fish oil- as i said in my last blog post, most people in the western world are Omega-3 deficient.  Omega-3's are essential to your skin being able to hold in moisture and heal itself.  And the liquid form is recommended since your body will absorb it better (again especially if you have poor digestion)
• Invest in a red LED light therapy device for home.  Red LED is wound healing and anti-inflammatory.  When every product you apply stings and feels like nothing is soothing, LED can be a savior.  It's also super anti-aging so you get a double benefit.  I like LightStim hand held devices for home.

• Avene Thermal Spring Water.  I DO NOT SELL THESE PRODUCTS, because you can get them so easily online and at my local Walgreens even.  Avene is a staple of French Pharmacy skincare.  The best is the Avene Thermal Spring Water mist.  All it is, is water from the Avene source in France.  It's natural mineral content and high amount of silica has been tested and researched in France for decades to be helpful in inflammatory skin conditions.  With eczema, sometimes any product you apply burns, so less is more during a flare up.  That's why this water can be so soothing on it's own.  In France, people with chronic skin conditions like severe eczema actually can get covered under their medical insurance to go to the town of Avene where they have a dermatological spa to treat patients with Avene mineral water therapies for up to a month depending on the severity of the condition.

Let's bring it all together now:

So basically, on top of checking in with your dermatologist, I recommend to check your gut health, track your diet, take care of your skin from within, and add gentle mineral water and light therapy as additional external remedies.  

Stay Clear and itch free my friends,

Nicole