Posts tagged eczema tips
Sanwichsays
Because I love to learn, and the best form of learning is teaching.
How I Cured My Vitiligo, Psoriasis, and Eczema Through Dietary Changes
This is an inspiring story (and how-to) from a girl I went to college with.
Sanwichsays: Do's and Don'ts for Non-Sufferers
If you have a friend/loved one who suffers from eczema (or any other debilitating skin disease for that matter), here are some suggestions on what to do and what to avoid doing.
DOs
- DO tell them that they’re beautiful. Mean it. Believe me, it makes a huge difference. If they start to cry, don’t worry, it is because you have made them really happy.
- DO tell them that their skin condition does not bother you and that it never will. Tell them they look great today.
- DO suggest they join a forum or a community of eczema sufferers so they can talk about it. They have some discussion boards on facebook. It has made a difference for me.
- DO suggest they keep an eczema journal or log possible triggers (such as food). Remember, only SUGGEST it.
- If you have a close relationship and don’t already live together DO ask if they would like their favourite moisturizer in your home.
- DO clean your room regularly. Vaccuum. Sweep. Dust. Keep it allergen-free.
- DO listen when they reach out to you. Hug them. Tell them it is going to be alright. Tell them that it sucks that life is so unfair. Tell them it will get better.
- DO offer them water when they visit you. Hydration is key.
- DO go for walks or get involved in light physical activity. It is very rewarding and a fun thing to do together.
- DO read about eczema and understand that it is a different experience for everyone.
DON’Ts
- DO NOT say “stop scratching!”. Sometimes we can’t help it. Hearing that just makes me more frustrated. I like what SC does: he kindly holds my hand and that gives me the message that yes I should stop scratching, but he is asking me to stop for my own sake and not his. Believe it or not, there are people that hate seeing people scratch. Infuriating.
- DO NOT examine or look at their skin. Catch yourself before they catch you staring.
- DO NOT go out and buy treatment/products and shove it in their face. Only suggest they look into it.
- DO NOT even suggest they test whatever out. This might fly well if you are close, but I hate when people I barely know or my relatives start listing things. Try this, “I read a lot about <product name here> and have heard good things about it, have you heard about it?”. Your friend is already under some sort of treatment routine and trying something new can be very scary. When they are ready, they will research into it themselves and try it out.
- If there is going to be some physical contact, DO NOT directly touch their skin. Touch their clothed part. You might have to ask if touching their skin is okay.
- DO NOT get offended or hurt if your friend flinches or pulls back when you touch them. It is possible that the area is sore or uncomfortable, but sometimes it is just an automated response. I know it is for me.
- DO NOT take photos without permission! This should really be for all cases. Not just eczema situations.
- DO NOT show them your scars, cuts, bruises. Yours will heal without any effort. It won’t for your friend.
- DO NOT try to 1up them with any skin-related issues.
- DO NOT wear any perfumes, colognes, what-have-you that is highly fragrant. Just deoderant should be sufficient. Opt for non-allergic products.
Thank you for reading. Please keep in mind that these suggestions are probably incomplete and not universal. The most important thing is to tell that person you love that they’re beautiful. Have a great week!
(via guywitheczema)
Not that my skin is getting worse or anything like that, but the improvements I’m seeing seem to be slow. I’ll be stepping up my treatment plan. I kind of already started and I’m already feeling good about it!
- Increase intake of raw fruits and especially raw vegetables (green leafy ones are best).
- Daily exercise - walk EVERYWHERE.
- Expose skin to the sun more.
Procrastinating?
Dry or sore eczema sometimes leaves me unmotivated. These are things that I tell myself in order to get things done. It works for me most of the time. Hope it works for you too!
Things I tell myself to stop procrastinating:
- “It will be done quickly.”
- “I’m strong.”
- “I’m not a lazy person.”
- “Do it half-assed for now and do the rest later” (most likely situation, you’ll get into it enough that you’ll complete it and that it won’t be half-assed!)
- Do whatever is needed to be done while listening to your favourite song.
- Tell myself to take a deep breath. Great and simple de-stressor!
Now to think of ways to motivate me not to scratch!
nekonekonet asked:
Hi! I came across your blog, and I was just curious about your diet. I have eczema as well, and I've heard of so-called eczema diets before. Any advice on what foods help/don't help?
Hi nekonekonet. Hope you’re doing well. It certainly sucks to have eczema, doesn’t it? But I’m glad to see that you’re not giving up! Thank you for taking the time to send me a message.
In terms of food that help and don’t help, I wish I can give you a solid answer. Everyone’s body is different and reacts differently to foods. But I would say do your best to avoid junk/processed/bad stuff. This includes soda, caffeine, alcohol, pastries, chips, instant noodles, white bread (eat whole grain instead), etc. If you’re ready to take it a step further, I recommend reducing your red meat and dairy intake as well.
Meanwhile, try to add in more green/leafy vegetables in your diet. Things like brocolli, kale, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, and celery.
I recommend keeping a food journal where you log everything you eat. Make note of any suspicious foods that may have made your eczema situation worse. Usually I would suggest increasing your intake of fruit, but I know that some people have mentioned that certain fruits exacerbate their eczema.
This was the website that motivated me to make a large change in my diet: Eczema natural healing – discover how I healed myself from eczema naturally
If you’re a keener, feel free to drop by this link for some more reading: Sanwichsays 2012 Overview
Good luck!
Keeping a Diary
I think keeping an “eczema diary” could be considered a treatment step. Logging possible triggers is important. There are just SO many factors that can affect eczema: food, weather (environment), chemicals, hormones, stress, etc. My suggestion would be to have a simpe list, maybe once a week, of all the potential triggers that could likely exacerbate your eczema.
Having a physical record of your situation is good to have, but what also happens when you start journalling your life is that you become more aware of your surroundings, thus becoming more attentive to possible triggers. You start making connections and learning a lot more about yourself.
I have a personal eczema journal myself where I list all the things I eat (I break it down to ingredients sometimes) and pretty much everything that I think may affect my skin. I also like to point out if I feel more/less comfortable in my skin, if I feel more/less pain, and if I look better/worse.
If you already have a Tumblr where you talk about your skin situation - you’ve already started. Good for you!
Water Softener
How many of you are aware of hard water and water softening? It’s a pricey investment but it may make a big difference.
I’ve completely neglected informing you all that my parents had purchased one a few years ago - lucky moi eh? I really think it does well for me. For example, the few times I have showered at a friend’s place or at a hotel, I find that my skin isn’t as supple compared to when I shower/bathe at home. Many sources will say that it softened water helps with dry skin or helps seal wounds (healing properties of salt, I suppose).
A water softener is expensive. One you’ll need can cost up to $1,000 CDN. You’ll also have to supply the tank with salt (rock or evaporated) which is an ongoing expense as well. Pretty much when the appliance runs out of salt, you’ll have to replenish it. For me it usually happens once a month. Rock salt bags aren’t too, too pricey thankfully.
If you’re considering investing in a water softener, research into it and wait for a good deal! My parents managed to steal one for half of its original price ($600 CDN)
(Source: lenntech.com)
I’ve never heard of the benefits of Manuka Honey until Ecztastic mentioned it. She experienced some positive results with it too. I’m probably gonna be on the look out for this now. Might be too soon to celebrate, but I’m excited!
LiveGreenBeauty: Sugarpuffish | Eczema Tips (Reblog)
Eczema Tips: Sugarpuffish
I’d like to share a fantastic blog post with you, from my blogging friend Sarah over at her blog ‘Sugarpuffish’. In this particular post she has written about her experience with Eczema, and gives her opinion on what has worked for her and what hasn’t. This is extremely helpful and informative for anyone wanting some advice or just wanting to know more about Eczema. Please take a look at the link above! :DRelated Links:
- Natural Remedies for Eczema (everydayhealth.com)
- The Eczema Diet (blogs.abc.net.au)
- Treating Pregnancy Eczema (everydayhealth.com)
(Source: livegreenbeauty)
I had been told that the best method for chapped lips is to dab with water then apply your lip balm.
Then I remembered. That’s EXACTLY what I do for my eczema. Immediately after my shower, I apply moisturizer all over.
Raw Garlic
Have any of you heard of consuming garlic RAW? I’m no nutritionist so I wouldn’t be able to relay just how it works, but let me quote from this website:
Infections from the growth of candida albican is common among eczema patients. Candida albicans is a type of yeast-like fungus that can cause weakening of the immune system and infection known as candidiasis. Garlic is known to be the ultimate herb for fighting candida albicans. Some call it the ultimate antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral medicinal food. Garlic is best used fresh. Raw organic garlic destroys bacteria and boosts immune function.
Garlic is high in sulfur, which is one of the most important minerals needed by your body to do its detoxification work.
To maximize garlic’s superlative antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitical activity, use it in the following way. Before going to sleep at night, finely chop 2 cloves of garlic. Put the chopped garlic on a tablespoon and swallow it with water. Do not chew it. There will be absolutely no garlic odor on your breath if you do not chew the garlic.
Your first bowel movement after starting will have a garlic odor. This is a wonderful sign that this superfood was active in your GI tract while you were sleeping and regenerating. Garlic tirelessly patrols your intestinal tract all night long, as a “toxic-garbage cop” helping to neutralize, dismantle, and eliminate bacteria, viruses, parasites and carcinogens.
Build up to 3 cloves every night. Do not eat raw garlic more than 2 weeks in a row
It’s a pretty low-commitment treatment option, so it won’t be a significant change to your daily regimen. Something to consider!
X Out Eczema: Nutrition tips for Eczema...
Disclaimer: Alright, you guys/girls. So, I wouldn’t give you tips about vitamins/supplements unless I actually use them myself, but maybe some of you have and can let me know if they work/help.
Supplements:
1. Omega 3 Fish Oils (contain what’s known as essential fatty acids, and these will aid your skin in repairing and regenerating itself, and also will help reduce irritation and swelling)
2. Blueberry leaves supplements (contains something called Chrologenic acid, and this is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. It will help eliminate the eczema causing bacteria on the skin and other factors that can increase Eczema irritation.)3. Kelp supplements (high in alkali content, which doesn’t mean much on it’s own, until you find out that scientists have found that acidic foods can be directly linked to Eczema. In short, the alkali in the kelp can neutralize foods with a high acidic content, which will counteract the problems created by eating them.
4. Alfalfa Sprouts/supplements: Sometimes even known as Mother Natures natural steroid. They are very packed with protein, which helps the body regenerate, but contain many natural detoxification and antioxidant agents. For this reason, Alfalfa can be a quick ticket away from the itchy red skin often associated with Eczema.
(Source: xouteczema)
Sailing for Adventure: Some Things That I've Learned Living With Eczema
I have been getting what could be called “blisters” and my hands and rashes usually on my elbows, lower legs, and feet since I was fifteen (I am now 22) and I’m lucky - I haven’t had to deal with it my whole life - but in this short amount of time I’ve made quite a few mistakes and here’s what I’ve what I’ve learned:
- DO NOT TRY TO POP THE “BLISTERS” This will lead to the skin getting infected and before long you will have disgusting oozing blister all over your hands and feet. It’s not a pleasant experience - DON’T DO IT
- If you’re treating a rash with a prescription topical ointment and the rash is not going away but still getting worse that means that you eczema has changed in some way so that the prescription is no longer effective. Stop using it and go see your dermatologist
- For those of you out there that choose to shave your legs: Watch out! This is the main cause for rashes breaking out on my legs. Use shaving cream that says something like “for sensitive skin” on the can and lotion up right after you get out of the shower. There’s no use shaving your legs so that they look good if you still don’t want to wear shorts afterwards.
- Speaking of products made specifically with sensitive skin in mind: the label may say hypoallergenic and doctor tested but these terms and other similar ones do not have a set of guidelines for when they can be used, but that does not mean you can’t buy it any way. Buying a detergent that is hypoallergenic vs one that’s not can make the difference so that your bed sheets don’t give your ass a rash
- Using petroleum jelly and then wearing gloves to bed may be an old trick but it works - when the rash is on you hands. If you want to do this anywhere else on your body try using gauze and if the rash is on you arms I’ve found that cutting the top off an old tube sock will work
- Try using creams instead of lotions. I hate to sound like a commercial, but creams get deeper into the epidermis with the added benefit of not leaving your hands feeling slimy. My favorite is Cetaphil: Moisturizing Cream, go to Costco and buy a big ol’ tub of it and it will last you a few good years.
- Try you’re best to stay away from smelly soaps, salts, lotions, sprays, and worst of all bubble baths (I haven’t had a bubble bath since I was seven which is probably part of the reason why I’m not the most chipper of people.) If someone gives you a basket of bath soaps as a gift resist the temptation to run to the nearest bathroom and try everything and try to re-gift it with out shedding too many tears
Hopefully these are some help to you and try to remember that these are some thing I’ve learned from treating my eczema but may not work for you but don’t stop trying to find something that does. Until then try not to itch while you’re sleeping
(via hemp4victory)
My Treatment Goals
I wrote this facebook post around the time I started this Tumblr blog, almost half a year ago (May, 2012). I’m still following it through nicely because I find that it definitely is working for me. Also, the great thing about these goals is that there are no negative consequences associated with it.
My next step(s): increase fruit intake even more, increase physical activity even more, reduce scratching,… and I’m still over-eating, lol.
