Article Repost: Have A Very Itch-Free New Year

Have A Very Itch-Free New Year

There are so many advantages to the bright lights of the city and the whirlwind life for all of us on the go. While we are lucky to reap the benefits of life in the fast lane, however, it does come with some irritants. 
For the blissfully unaware, eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammation of the skin which causes irritated, red, dry, flaky and inflamed skin. Eczema is a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis can affect various areas of your face, lips, hands and body. Hand dermatitis, which is also called ‘Housewife’s Hands’ and eczema are some of the most common dermatological complaints in Hong Kong. In a 2000 study by the Social Hygiene Service, Department of Health of Hong Kong, it was extrapolated that, among school children investigated, 6.8% suffered from eczema and that 70% of the children “with symptomatic skin problems did not seek medical attention”. Several studies by Hong Kong doctors and universities show a link between eczema and asthma, food allergies as well as acute rhinitis. Hopefully, by following this article and the tips will help ease your conditions.

What triggers eczema? 

Numerous factors affect the chance of suffering the symptoms of eczema including family history, allergy to food and chemicals and our to our surroundings: 

External factors

Dust and allergens
Dust and allergens are often found in polluted environments and common households. Dust mites, moulds, flower pollens, animal hair can aggravate eczema. Children’s stuffed toys, carpets, rugs and beddings inhibit dust mites easily.

Temperature and Humidity
While high temperature and humidity can cause over-sweating and overheating, cold and dry weather dehydrates skin and leads to cracking. 

Occupational Routines 
Professionals that have direct and constant contact with chemicals and water, such as nurses, hair stylists, bartenders, chefs, manual workers in chemical and printing companies have a higher chance of developing hand dermatitis. 

Detergents
Bleach and detergents for household are industrial cleansers, and are filled with chemicals which can dry and damage your skin. Biological detergents are known trigger factors and fabric conditioners can make some people's eczema worse.

Latex
Latex in rubber gloves can trigger an allergic reaction to skin. It tends to make the skin dry, itchy, and more sensitive to irritants.

Chemicals 
Chemicals in common skin care products worsen eczema conditions. Most of the commercial soaps and skin care products contain chemicals which remove the natural oils from the skin. You should avoid any skin care products which contain the following: 

Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, despite its deceptively natural sounding name, is a byproduct of petroleum production. Because of its extremely low cost, it is a common ingredient used by many manufacturers in products such as baby oil and Vaseline. Mineral oils clog pores and stop skin from being able to breathe and release toxins.  

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, (or SLS) is used by manufacturers in making shampoos, shower gels, soaps and other bath products to uplift the lather level. Dr. Richard Guy, a professor of University of Bath at the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, published a study in the British Journal of Dermatology in regard to the impact of SLS on eczema sufferers. He found that rubbing cream containing SLS into the skin will thin its protective barrier, making the skin more disposed to irritation. He estimated that 30% of the population in UK suffers from eczema due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and toxins. Dr. Guy suggested that eczema patients should not use paraffin-based moisturizers that contain SLS. 

Fragrance Oils 
Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are made synthetically. Many people are sensitive to fragrance and by using products with such additives, your skin becomes more vulnerable to allergies. 

Internal factors

Food Allergies 
Food additives such as sulfites and MSG may aggravate eczema conditions. Some people might develop eczema because of the allergic reactions to food such as milk, eggs, peanuts, soybeans, seafood and fruit with seeds. 


Stress
Stress elevates the severity of eczema. Some people response to stress by scratching the infected areas. You might feel that by scratching the infected areas will relieve the itching. On a contrary, fingernails contain bacteria which makes the itching and infection worse.  

Is eczema curable?
To this date, there is no medical treatment which will cure eczema permanently. Although eczema never truly goes away, the good news is that there are a lot of options to seize the conditions and gradually improve your skin quality.

Road to Recovery- Healing and Prevention
First of all, if you are suffering from eczema or any dermatological conditions, do consult your doctor immediately. Eczema worsens overtime without treatment. Depending on the chronic levels of your eczema, creams that contain steroids will cease inflammation and soothe itching. With the right dosage of steroids, your conditions should improve in a week or two.  Moisturizing the topical skin will help the wounds from being dry. If you are worried that you or your child might have food allergies exacerbated by eczema, you can order a patch test from a dermatologist to find out what exactly you are allergic to. 
Once the infections heal and subside, it is all about prevention: 

Six Step Guide to Minimizing Maddening Eczema

1. Avoid Contact with Possible Allergens and Triggers
Avoid any direct contacts with chemicals, detergents and cleansers. If you have to, wear non-latex gloves. After that, you should rinse your hands and apply moisturizers immediately.  
Keep your household dust free. Stuffed toys, carpets, rugs and beddings should be cleaned regularly to reduce the accumulation of dust and mites. 
Avoid direct contact with acidic food such as lemons and tomatoes. 

2. Read your labels
Avoid using products which contains chemicals such as SLS, SLES, Paraben and alcohol. Choose products which are made of natural botanical ingredients instead. Chemical free products not only are better for your skin, a lot of the natural botanical ingredients will improve your skin quality. While shea butter, olive oil and castor oil are all perfect choices for sensitive and dry skin, chamomile, lavender and patchouli essential oils will help soothe the redness and itchiness. These ingredients will help replenish your skin and give dry and cracked skin a speedy recovery. Drinking chamomile tea will also help you relaxed and lessen the desire to scratch. 

3. Love green and healthy fats
A healthier and greener diet will benefit both your health and skin quality. Avoid junk food. Cut down red meat, sugar and refined carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar, saturated fats and dairy products. Quite often eczema develops due to food allergies. Record your meals in a food diary will help you recognize the food you are allergic to. Allergic symptoms usually develop within 6-24 hours after eating the trigger food. 
Olive oil, salmon, white lean meats and avocado are great for those who fight against eczema as they contain high levels of fatty acid.   

4. Constant Hydration
Apply chemical-free moisturizers after bathing and frequently throughout the day. Moisturizers will keep your skin softened. One of the reasons why eczema is so difficult to heal is because of the dryness and cracks. 

5. De-stress
Relaxation exercises and practice such as yoga and meditation will help reduce stress level and subside the desire to scratch. 

6. Wear gloves to bed
Wear cotton gloves to avoid scratching in your sleep. Even if you scratch during sleeping, there will be no direct contact with your skin and fingernails. Fingernails contain bacteria which can worsen eczema infections. 

Patience is key to treating eczema. While making lifestyle changes might seem bothersome, getting the right treatments and care for your eczema will ease the disturbance and frustration which prevent your conditions from getting worse. Start treating and experiencing the options that will lead you to an eczema and stress-free life