Dyshidrotic Eczema

Understanding Dyshidrotic Eczema

One of the less common types of eczema, Dyshidrotic eczema is also known as Pompholyx.  Dyshidrotic means, “bad sweating’ which was thought to be the cause of this condition. Pompholyx, derived from the Greek word cheiropompholyx, which means “hand and bubble”. It is also known vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis or housewife’s eczema.

The condition occurs mostly on the palms, soles and the sides of fingers and toes and often worsens in warm weather. It is extremely itchy and appears as tiny, opaque blisters or bumps called vesicles. With the itching and scratching, thickening and cracks begin which seems to worsen at night and/or in warm, humid weather, causing the cycle to spiral.

The fluid filled blisters start up as tiny beads, which eventually join to form a rash and begin to weep or ooze. Although the Dyshidrotic eczema is not contagious, it often recurs and for many sufferers it is a chronic condition.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes

Mild Dyshidrotic eczema on back of knees

In the past, the belief was that the cause of Dyshidrotic eczema was due to sweating but nowadays, the suggestion is that it may be due to a genetic predisposition as most patients with Dyshidrotic eczema also present with Atopic eczema.

Studies show that Dischidrotic eczema affects those living in warmer climates and occurs more frequently in the spring and summer months. It is more prevalent in people in their middle ages but is seen in patients as young as four years.

Dyshidrotic eczema seems to start when a person is exposed to chemical substances such as nickel or cobalt or sometimes by others, which may be ingested. Emotional stress or trauma exacerbates the condition and so too does extreme weather or temperature changes. In some cases, it has been noted that the excessive consumption of coffee and smoking can also aggravate the condition. The fungal infection tinea pedis is said to bring on an episode ofDyshidrotic eczema, however, the treatment for tinea pedishas cured the eczema as well.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Symptoms

Common symptoms of Dyshidrotic eczema:

• Very small blisters, about 1mm or less in diameter, which appear on the toes, palms, soles and tips and sides of the fingers
• The blisters or vesicles are opaque and deep-seated, they may be flush with the skin or slightly elevated and do not easily break. The small blisters eventually join to form larger vesicles.
• The blisters may itch, burn or cause pain or produce no symptoms at all, however, they could worsen after contact with irritants, chemicals or soaps.
• The fluid, which accumulates inside the blisters, is thought to be sweat. However, it is serum, which accumulates in the irritated skin cells.
• Scratching the vesicles breaks them, releasing the serum. This causes the skin to crust and then crack. The cracking is painful and unsightly, often-taking weeks or months to heal.

Severe Dyshidrotic eczema on hands

Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatment

Treating Dyshidrotic eczema can be difficult for both the patient and physician; however, there are a few tips to follow to ease the discomfort and pain of Dyshidrotic eczema.

It may be helpful to dry out the blisters by soaking the area in a mild antiseptic. Hydrogen Peroxide or Potassium Permanganate diluted (1 in 10 000) are good antiseptics to try. Topical steroid creams may be applied, however, in severe cases oral steroids may be necessary. Ointments with Zinc Oxide have proved helpful as well and oral anti-pruritics like Atarax and Benadryl can assist with the itching.

UV ray treatment has also been recommended by some doctors and in the case of emotional stress or trauma causing the flare-up, counselling may be in order.

With cases of nickel allergy or sensitivity, diet low in nickel should be advised as this may improve the condition or at least lessen the symptoms. Foods high in nickel include oatmeal, chocolate, canned food, e.g. pineapple, tomatoes, and vitamins that contain nickel. Excessive exposure to environmental sources of nickel should also be curbed, e.g. the use of stainless steel pots and silverware.

Helpful Tips and Advice

Some useful tips to follow to prevent Dyshidrotic eczema:

• Take care of the skin, especially on the hands and feet if you are prone to Dyshidrotic eczema
• Allow the feet to air frequently
• Wear cotton socks
• Use gloves when exposing your hands to chemicals or harsh detergents or detergents and soaps which are less harsh or chemical free
• Avoiding the feet or hands becoming too dry or allowing them to sweat excessively
• Ensure that any jewellery worn is nickel free
• Bathe with a mild soap and lukewarm water, ensuring that the soap is rinsed off thoroughly
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to soapy water or excessively long baths or showers
• Use Queen if Shea 
• Unscented Whipped Shea Butter
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• Happily Healthy Healing 

Health Benefits of Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil is distilled from the roots and heartwood of trees that take 50 to 80 years to reach full maturity. In an amazing and lengthy manufacturing process used since ancient times, the mature sandalwood trees are cut down, then left to be eaten by ants, which consume all but the fragrant heartwood and roots. Every part of the heartwood is used, including the sawdust.

The scent, called chandana, is in aromatherapy used to induce a calm and meditative state. The lasting fragrance only improves with age. According to mythology, sandalwood originally grew only in heaven’s gardens. Temple gates and religious statues are carved from the wood because of this spiritual association, the exquisite scent, and because it is impermeable to termites and other insects.

Sandalwood also has an age-old reputation as an aphrodisiac, and in fact, its fragrance is similar to the human pheromone, alpha androsterole. Mysore, India, produces the finest quality oil, and as an endangered species, sandalwood is regulated by the Indian government, which now grows the trees in cultivated plantations.

Principal constituents of sandalwood: Santalols (up to 90 percent), fusanol, santene, santalic acid, teresantol, borneol, santalone, and others

Scent of sandalwood: It has a soft, warm, woody, and balsamic fragrance.

Therapeutic properties of sandalwood: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, astringent, sedative, insecticide, urinary and lung antiseptic; relieves lung congestion and nausea

Uses for sandalwood: The essential oil treats infections of the reproductive organs, especially in men, and helps relieve bladder infections. For either use, add 12 drops of essential oil for every ounce of vegetable oil and use as a massage oil over the infected area. This oil also counters inflammation, so it can be used on hemorrhoids. A syrup or chest balm containing sandalwood helps relieve persistent coughs and sore throat.

One of sandalwood’s most important uses is to sedate the nervous system, subduing nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and to some degree, reducing nerve pain. Researchers have found it relaxes brain waves. Suitable for all complexion types, it is especially useful on rashes, inflammation, acne, and dry, dehydrated, or chapped skin.

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What is a Paraben?and why is it in your cosmetics?

Parabens are actually several distinct chemicals with a similar molecular structure. Four of these are used frequently in cosmetics: ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Methylparaben and propylparaben are the most common of these. Parabens are most common in personal care products that contain significant amounts of water, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and facial and shower cleansers and scrubs, in order to discourage the growth of microbes. While Cosmetic Ingredient Review recommends concentration limits for single and total paraben concentration in a single product, these recommendations do not account for exposure to parabens from several products by a single individual [6]. A 2004 UK study detected traces of five parabens in the breast tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied [7]. This small study does not prove a causal relationship between parabens and breast cancer, but it is important because it detected the presence of intact parabens—unaltered by the body’s metabolism—which is an indication of the chemical’s ability to penetrate skin and remain in breast tissue. A more recent study found higher levels of one paraben, n-propylparaben, in the axilla quadrant of the breast (the area nearest the underarm) [8]. This is the region in which the highest proportion of breast tumors are found, although paraben concentration in the tissue samples was not related to location of breast tumors in individual women.

Here is Your assignment 

Go read and write down all the ingredients in your personal care products 

Then get back to me 

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We believe in Health  and Beauty

Aloe for weightloss

The weight loss benefits of aloe vera leaf not only helps you drop the pounds, but makes you healthier in the process. The plant with the gel-like interior has been around for years and has been used by the Greeks for beauty purposes, the Chinese to cure kidney infections, and also to treat asthma and other stomach issues. The medicial plant is often seen sold in the form of a juice which you can make at home and especially plays an important role during weight loss.

Aloe vera has tons of health and weight loss benefits that I can never stop raving about it.You even have the option to grow it in your own home if you want!

Check out the weight loss benefits Aloe Vera consists of in our list below.

Getting started with aloe vera: Cut the leaf lengthwise to get rid of the sharp edges and then cut it lengthwise again down the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the gel substance you will be using. To make the juice you will have to blend the gel as soon as it is off the plant. It can even be combined with a flavored juice to help tone down its natural bitter taste.

Energy: Aloe vera is a great drink to have first thing in the morning because it cleanses your digestive system and gives you infinite amounts of energy. The protein and collagen it contains makes the body work harder to burn. The calories burned are from the fats and carbs in the body (hence why it's great for weight loss) and it with helps muscle development. This is also what makes it an excellent pre-workout beverage to help get you going!

Weight management: Since aloe vera is known to reduce blood sugar levels, it helps sugar slowly enter cells without being stored as fat. It also helps keep your blood sugar levels balanced and as a result keeps you fuller longer.

Weight Loss: Aloe vera contains many B vitamins which helps support metabolism as well as suppressing appetite and fat storage (as mentioned before). Due to the amount of energy the body has to use to burn the plant, some even say it is the equivalent to doing many workouts during the week.

Body Cleanser: The gel found in the plant is known to be a natural laxative which allows the body to use less energy from food since it is eliminated quickly. By expelling waste and preventing build up in the colon you could prevent potential weight gain.  

Powerhouse of vitamins: During a diet, it's easy to not receive all the vitamins you need, but by drinking aloe vera juice, you will be feeding your system with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, and niacin. And you can't forget about the amount of energy that they will help you burn too!

Image via Thinkstock

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How to Treat Eczema naturally

Research needs to start leaning towards the natural cures. Our bodies need to be ph balanced, and many times excema occurs in people with overly acidic bodies. Soaking in epsom salt baths with apple cider vinegar starts to kill the pathogens growing on the skin. Magnesium from the epsom salt gets absorbed into the body and promotes healing, and apple cider vinegar not only is anti fungal and bacterial, but it balances the ph of our bodies. After the bath you should use lavendar essential oil mixed with a carrier oil that contains omegas, such as olive oil and Shea Butter .

The lavendar oil is anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral, anti immflamatory, and soothes the skin. The olive oil and Shea Butter and the fatty acids in it soothe, moisturize, and heal the skin. Steriod creams and hydrocortisone creams will work temporarily. You need to heal the body from the inside and start using cures that heal the pathogens growing on the skin, not just cover up the ailment.

Our Eczema Relief is the perfect balance of Shea Butter, Olive Oil And Lavender Essential Oil

To smooth and heal the skin

Help with discoloration dryness and itching

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