By Tracey on Monday, 22 July 2024
Category: NutriScience

Eczema: What is it and how to treat it naturally?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes uncomfortable, dry and itchy patches of skin. It's a common condition that isn't contagious and symptoms can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen which acts as a trigger. Eczema is in fact a form of dermatitis which is an inflammatory skin.

Eczema actually weakens your skin's barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements.

Eczema affects anyone at any age and symptoms can appear quite surprisingly. Usually it is first seen during childhood and last into adulthood. However adults can also experience Eczema even if they have never experienced it in childhood.

Genes appear to play a role in the occurrence of Eczema and children with a family history of allergies or asthma are more likely to get eczema. Researchers have found that some people with the condition have a gene flaw that causes a lack of proteins called filaggrin and loricrin in their skin. These proteins help form the protective outer layer of our skin and keep out germs and more. A lack of filaggrin dries out, weakens that skin barrier, and is therefore a risk factor for Eczema. .

You might be more at risk of having eczema therefore if you have a family member who has been diagnosed with:

-Dermatitis

-Allergies

-Hay fever

-Asthma.

Australia has highest Eczema rates in the world

Australia is among the countries with the highest prevalence of eczema affecting 10 to 15 % of the general population. However, this rate is much higher in children. Recent research conducted at the University of Melbourne showed that around one in three infants (38.5%) suffer from eczema. For this reason, its important to manage Eczema as naturally as possible.   


NATURAL SUBSTANCES FOR ECZEMA CREAM:

There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms of eczema but there isn't a cure.

Lipa has identified 8 natural remedies to reduce the symptoms of Eczema which can be used in natural delicate cream basis that are suitable for both adults and children: 

1. COLLOIDAL OATMEAL: is made from finely-ground oats. It helps calm and soften inflamed skin. Colloidal oatmeal is available in cream, gel or lotion formats.

2. EVENING PRIMROSE OIL: it comes from the evening primrose plant. It is used topically to sooth irritated skin. It contains omega 6- fatty acids and gama-linolenic acid, which may play a role in preventing inflammation in the body.

3. COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is extracted from coconut meal. It may be used as a natural moisturizer. The antibacterial abilities of coconut oil can reduce staph bacteria on the skin which helps prevents the infection.

4. SUNFLOWER OIL: Sunflower oil is extracted from sun flower seeds. It protects the skin outer layer, which helps keep moisture in and bacteria out. It hydrates skin and may relieve itching and inflammation.

5. CALENDULA Extract or Oil: This is an herbal remedy. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy to heal skin inflammation, burns and cuts and improving blood flow to areas of injury or inflammation.

6. WITCH HAZEL: Is an astringent made from the bark and leaves of the witch shrub. It is used as a tropical remedy for skin inflammation.

7. MANUKA HONEY: This is antimicrobial, and said to be soothing, softening and moisturizing for the skin

8. TEA TREE OIL: Is an anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory agent.

If you are looking for a natural topical approach to relieving Eczema symptoms, speak to our Cream Chemists today and Lipa can organize unique formulations to address your briefs requirements.  

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