Eczema is a drying of the skin which results in inflammation
and the risk of infection. Those infections create further inflammation
and more drying. Combating eczema is a three fold fight, healing the
skin and keeping it healthy, preventing flare-ups, and treating
symptoms.

Treatment revolves around keeping the skin healthy with the
use of moisturizers. The methods used here vary and a certain amount
of experimentation is necessary to find out what works for the
individual. It will take time to find out what works best. Never
introduce more than one thing at a time, for example a mixture of
creams and new diet, instead change only one thing at a time giving
each change a chance to work so you have an accurate account of the
results. Moisturizers should be applied right after bathing, this
immediately restores the skin’s barrier trapping the water and
protects as well. Diligence is the key to having the most success in
maintaining proper moisture levels and combating flare-ups. This
could involve using 400-500 grams of moisturizer (for children) per
week–this will be proportionately larger for adults.

Developing a
strong daily moisturizing program has been shown in studies to reduce
the need for topical prescription medications. This has also become
even more pertinent considering the recent warning issued by the FDA
concerning two steroid-free topical medications, Elidel Cream and
Protopic. These two medications have been incorrectly deemed safer
than the commonly used hydrocortisone. These two drugs were just
recently approved in 2000/2001 and the FDA has had reports of lymphoma
and skin cancer in children and adults treated with Elidel or
Protopic. The FDA recommends these two drugs not be used in children
before two and that ONLY in older children if unresponsive or
intolerant to other eczema treatments or remedies.

Petrolatum
/petroleum jelly also sold under well known names such as Vaseline and
found in many personal care moisturizers has also come under new
scrutiny. Petrolatum is found in one of every 14 items on the market
and the FDA allows no more than 10 parts per million in food with
strong restrictions in the impurity levels of the cancer causing agent
PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).There are NO RESTRICTIONS on
the use of petrolatum and it’s purity in personal care products.
Manufacturers are free to use the same petrolatum in shoe polish as
they are in lip balm or baby lotion. Petroleum jelly is used in over
40% of moisturizers, shaving products,sun products, anti-aging cream,
45% of rash and itch creams, baby lotions, hair remover, 50%
menopause creams, 35% of eye creams, concealers, foot creams and
conditioners.

The rediscovery of a very old treatment has offered relief for
many eczema sufferers in recent years. This treatment utilizes a
closely held formula containing beeswax. This formula which is over
150 years old is a most remarkable product. It is totally non-
alergenic and can be used on even the most sensitive of skin.

Eczema flare-ups can be very painful and itchy and the most
effective treatment for those symptoms remains steroid creams.
Topical cortisteroid preparations seem to work quickly and
effectively, you of course should be using an emoillient regularly and
applying one after using the steroid cream. Steroid creams come in
different strengths and should be used as little as possible, using
the mildest one necessary and sparingly. Steroid cream is very hard on
the skin and over use may result in the skin breaking down and
becoming very fragile.

The flare-up can usually be brought under
control in a fairly short length of time with this method. The
success and time it takes to bring the flare-ups under control often
depends on the way you use and apply the treatment. Once again,
diligence and the right combination is the key often testing one’s
patience. Removal of irritants from one’s surroundings in the form
of chemicals, deodorants, soaps, shampoos all can make a difference.
If the skin becomes sensitised or allergic to them a flare-up may
take place, certainly the case in irritant contact eczema, where the
hands are often involved.

Some people do find that certain foods will
trigger flare-ups, again a trial and error situation where one food
at a time should be experimented with. Some as well will find relief
with antihistimines in releiving itching. Choosing a healthy and
balanced lifestyle that above all else includes a personalised skin
care program seems to be the most successful way to handle eczema.

A most effecteve moisturizer for eczema is Alfred Taylor’s
Natural Beeswax Skin Cream. It has no added perfumes or scent, is
non-alergenic and can be used on even the most sensitive of skin. For
more information about this product visit:
http://www.safe-e-com.com/lan120105.htm

Tom Taylor is a graduate of the University of Guelph conducting
private research and production in the field of beehive products.