What is eczema?

Eczema is a different pathology from psoriasis, although the symptoms are similar and the recommended treatments often identical for both diseases.

This is also why Pso Natura treatments are also aimed at people suffering from eczema or psoriasis.

This section allows you to understand eczema and its different variants, such as atopic dermatitis, or contact eczema. Here we will evaluate together the definition of eczema, its symptoms, but also the traditional treatments for eczema and the natural alternatives which can help to soothe the skin, or even make the traces disappear, as in the case of our treatments. 

Atopic dermatitis, eczema, definition

Eczema is a immune system disease with respect to environmental allergens (substances that can cause allergies, also called ATOPENES). A atopic skin is skin that is genetically predisposed to allergies.

The routes of penetration of these atopenes are not always the skin (except contact eczema), but the respiratory tract and the digestive tract (the latter particularly in very young children).

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is essentially inflammation not contagious of the skin which is accompanied by irritated red patches itchy, crusts of dry skin and scales, at specific locations on the body (depending on the type of eczema), itching and the appearance of small vesicles. Ultimately, the skin can become thicker, drier, lose its hair and also change pigmentation.

For the young child suffering from eczema, also called atopic, the goal to achieve is to help the proper construction of its immune system by supporting it until it matures (7 years). All children are born with a Th2-oriented immune system and immaturity of digestive function. Digestive maturity sets in around 18 months to 2 years. The child's immune system reaches maturity at 7 years old.

This tolerance (maturity) will be extremely facilitated by avoiding or preventing foods that trigger atopic dermatitis in infants.

Symptoms of eczema

In the infant, this type of eczema mainly affects the raised parts such as the play, le scalp, the shoulders, thorax and thumb in children who suck it, then between 2 and 7 years old, the folds of the elbows, wrists, knees, ankles are affected.

During teenagehood, areas around the eyes and on the soles of the feet may be affected.

In adults, eczema is frequently located on the neck, ankles, feet, hands.

Affected people experience periods commonly known as “eczema flare-ups,” during which symptoms worsen. These attacks, of varying duration, are interspersed with episodes of remission.

Different types of eczema

Atopic eczema / atopic dermatitis

Contact dermatitis

Atopic eczema is the most common form of chronic eczema.

Atopic eczema results in a excessive reaction of the immune system, a kind of hyper sensitivity to allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.) which manifests itself on the skin.

Atopic people often suffer, simultaneously or alternately, from multiple allergic reactions, such as hay fever, hives, asthma or food allergies. These allergies often have a hereditary component since they are observed in many cases within families where at least one member suffers from them. Currently, we do not yet know the cause.

In 90% of cases, this type of eczema occurs before the age of five. Adults exposed to allergens or irritants in the workplace can also suffer from atopic eczema.

This type of eczema is also called allergic eczema. Attacks are caused by irritation of the skin from contact with foaming bath products, soap, sweat, saliva, etc. Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction that may be instantaneous, or may appear within hours of contact with plants, a specific chemical, or a metal (for example, nickel from jewelry or coins). Symptoms can vary greatly in intensity depending on the nature of the product in question, ranging from simple redness to ulceration.

How do you recognize contact eczema?

Contact eczema most often manifests itself in the form of itchy red patches, with often crumbled contours. They start at the point of contact with the allergen and then can spread. You should know that typical eczema oozes at the beginning of its evolution, which is often a source of concern for the patient who believes it to be an infection. Afterwards, the lesions become drier and always itch. They can disappear spontaneously if contact with the allergen stops.

 

Location of eczema

Neck eczema

The skin of the neck is particularly thin and sensitive. Neck eczema is often linked to allergy to perfumes, nail polish or nickel.

Hand eczema

Hand eczema can present in the form of:
- dysydrosis : small serosity “blisters”, often linked to an allergy to Balsam of Peru or Nickel, even taken by mouth
oral),
- pulpitis : cracks in the fingertips
=> if the pulpitis affects the contralateral hand in a right-handed person, it should suggest garlic eczema.
=> if pulpitis affects the leading hand in a right-handed person, it often corresponds to eczema caused by manipulation (work, DIY, etc.).

Foot eczema

Foot eczema can present in different forms:
- dysydrosis : small serosity “blisters”, often linked to a fungus between the toes.
– more profuse eczema in shoe leather eczema for example…

Eyelid eczema

Eyelid eczema occurs on very thin and very sensitive skin. It can therefore be accompanied by a eyelid swelling. Eyelid eczema can be caused by an allergy to eye drops, nail polish, cosmetics (mascara, cream, makeup, etc.)

Seborrheic eczema on the scalp

Patches of oily, yellowish, scaly skin form, most often on the scalp. It is commonly called "hat" among infants. It causes a serious problem of dandruff in adults. Adult seborrheic eczema sometimes extends to the face, ears and chest. It may be accompanied by an infection with Candida-type fungi.

Natural treatments for eczema and atopic dermatitis

Natural alternatives to relieve eczema

In addition to Pso Natura plant care and their excellent results against eczema, it is also worth mentioning the existence of other alternatives. However, let us briefly mention the main advantages of Pso Natura treatments: natural treatment, no addiction phenomenon, ease of application and wild Carapa procera oil extract, a world exclusive.

Le Regenerative Complex helps to naturally relieve dermatitis, redness and itching.

La Rich Restoring Cream helps relieve symptoms of redness, irritation and itching.

Le Dermatological Shampoo is indicated for scaly conditions of the scalp.

The Detox and Zen capsules help fight stress and help detoxify the digestive system.

PLANTS TO RELIEF Eczema

Aloe vera to moisturize
(Aloe vera)

Aloe gel with emollient properties Note: Aloe can cause dermatitis in some people.
Certain constituents have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

oat
(Avena sativa)

Effectiveness of oat straw in balneotherapy to treat skin diseases characterized by inflammation, seborrhea and itching. However, no clinical studies have been carried out to test its effectiveness in treating eczema.

German chamomile
(Recutite Matricaria)

A recent study gave results that are difficult to interpret: in fact, chamomile was not found to be more effective than the placebo, but both treatments were more effective than hydrocortisone cream.

Pepper mint
(Mentha piperite)

For external use, peppermint essential oil to relieve itching.
Contraindications: avoid topical application near the respiratory tract in children under four years old.

Worry
(calendula officinalis)

Recognized in all European pharmacopoeias for its anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used throughout the world in cosmetics and dermatology due to its healing power.

Burdock
(Arctium sheet)

Also called chicory (Cichorium intybus), it is one of the plants traditionally used as a supportive treatment to treat eczema.

Daisy

This flower has virtues for inflammations and infections of the skin. See Natural Eczema Treatment: the virtues of the daisy

Red clover
(Trifolium pratense)

This type of clover is also cited to help soothe suffering skin.

Other supportive treatments for eczema

Hypnotherapy

Various case studies have shown a significant reduction in eczema (use of corticosteroids, itching, sleep disorders, tension) in children and adults, including those who have demonstrated resistance to traditional treatments.

In adults, interventions could include self-hypnosis, relaxation and stress control approaches as well as direct suggestions (non-scratching, feeling cool skin, strengthening self-esteem) and post-hypnotic suggestions.

Vitamin E

It can be beneficial for eczema.

Taking 268 mg of natural vitamin E (400 IU) daily over a period of at least 8 months can relieve symptoms and cause a drop in the blood level of immunoglobulin E (markers of allergic sensitivity).

Lithotherapy

She claims to provide well-being through stones.

Certain stones are said to have properties to help relieve various ailments, including eczema.
See our dedicated article

Acupuncture

The subject is vast, we suggest you refer to thespecific article on this theme.

sources:

CHU St-Justine

resourcesante.ca

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