Eczema
Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis. 10% of the world’s population is affected by this chronic, relapsing and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Unfortunately, if the person has a genetic predisposition to the condition, it is likely to remain through their entire life. In general atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be a normal response of the body’s immune system. In individuals with eczema, as well as those with hypersensitive skin, the inflammatory response to irritating substances, overact, causing itching and scratching, which in turn worsens the condition.
Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured; however, for most people the condition can be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
What does it look like? Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches (similar to most rashes) on the skin. It is therefore sometimes referred to as the itch that rashes. The condition can appear on any part of the body, however in children and adults it typically occurs on the face, neck, inside of the elbows, knees and ankles, as well as in any area of increased friction. In some individuals the condition may ‘bubble up’ or ‘ooze’, but in others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery appearance.
What makes it itch? Many substances have been identified as ‘triggers’ and they are not the same for all people. It is often difficult to identify the exact trigger, as in Niel’s* case it was aggravated by friction as well as perspiration. Many people have also noted that there eczema flares up in ‘hay fever’ season; this is most likely due to the high allergen content of the air. It is also very important to remember that, as with hives, STRESS in a major aggravator for existing flare-ups.
How is this condition treated? The most common treatment is the application of lotions and creams that keep the skin moist. These creams and lotion most often contain cortisone, prescribed by a doctor and will be absorbed into the lower layers of the skin, inhibiting the release of histamine, the chemical associated with itching and inflammation. The drawback is that long term use causes permanent changes to the structure of the skin, e.g. thinning of the skin and can also eventually suppress the body’s immune system as the cortisone has a cumulative effect in the body.
This is why the treatment with essential oils is so promising, due to the fact that the side-effects, if you have them, are only temporary, as the oils work out of the body when you discontinue use of them. The do, however take a bit longer to show the same results that can be obtained with the use of corticosteroids, but if you are a health nut like me (I refuse antibiotics as they stand for ‘anti-life’), you will also appreciate an alternative, safe way to treat your ailments. I have for the abovementioned reasons chosen oils that are antiphlogistic, antipruritic(anti-itch), carminative, sedative and cytophalactic as the primary oils in all formulation used by my trial client and others.
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