Eczema, super common, somewhat annoying but yay, treatable! The good news is eczema is one of those things that can go away and be outgrown but in the mean time here is some info to get you through those red and itchy flare ups.
What it is? A skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide most commonly found in babies and younger children but not uncommon in adults.
What does it look and feel like? Common characteristics of eczema are dry, flaky and red skin patches that can itch when flared up. They do not usually follow a pattern. They can be round, isolated patches or small scale-like skin scattered textures and are common in areas like the face, knees and elbows.
What causes eczema? Doctors still debate about this because there is no one definitive answer for what causes it but there has been a link found between eczema and allergies. These allergies can be to anything from the products you're using externally to the food you're eating to even the weather and environment.
How do I know if its eczema? Head on over to your doc to make sure eczema is what you're dealing with.
How do you treat? There is no one fix for all on this one. We all respond differently so each person's approach will vary but tracking what you're eating and what products you're using during flare ups can help point you in the right direction. For example, my now 7 year old had it BAD a few years back and although it took some time and lots of frustration, we figured out he was allergic to the detergent we were using at the time. Once we cleared that product completely out of our home the flare ups improved significantly.
Can we cure it? Although there is no actual cure, chances are once you learn your triggers you can avoid flare ups more easily. Aside from tracking, making sure the products in your home are fragrance free or scented naturally can be a huge help. This includes fabric softeners, lotions, soaps and all the other stuff that comes in contact with your skin daily. Opt for rich balms, oils and butters for your skincare so that they lock in moisture and really nourish your skin.
As always, check with your doc on what works for you but don't hesitate to be your own advocate and choose the natural route!
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