| Eczema is an inflammation of the skin frequently | | | | competition between the naturally secreted hormone |
| seen in association with allergic conditions such as | | | | and the topical hydrocortisone for the same |
| asthma and hay fever. The parts affected by | | | | receptors, which can raise the uncoupled hormone |
| eczema, develop lesions which will often appear as | | | | level. Another important cause is the steroid structure |
| patches, blisters and/or scratches. The vicinities | | | | of the hormone, which makes elimination through the |
| affected by eczema are very itchy and | | | | kidney difficult. The corticosteroid creams have to be |
| uncomfortable. The affected areas may become | | | | used with a low dose of hormone and for short |
| abnormally thick. Thickening of the skin can be | | | | period of time as sometimes indicated on the label. |
| brought through trauma to the patches from | | | | On the other hand, sudden discontinuation of the |
| scratching and rubbing. The affected spots will be | | | | corticosteroid cream can lead to the worsening of |
| typically dry in comparison to unaffected areas. The | | | | the eczema. |
| face, elbows, behind the knees, wrists are more likely | | | | Herbal therapy is a mild but long lasting alternative for |
| to develop eczema than other body parts. | | | | eczema treatment. Many herbs are known for their |
| One of the major causes of eczema is the imbalance | | | | beneficial qualities in the treatment of eczema such |
| in a person's immune function and is probably a form | | | | as: Burdock, Calendula, St. John Wort, Chamomile, |
| of response to the environmental substances such as | | | | Chickweed, Yarrow, Nettle, Licorice. They can be |
| dust, pollution, yeast, cosmetic products, chemicals | | | | used as teas, tinctures or for topical treatment. |
| such as: detergents, oils, greases, solvents at home | | | | Since eczema is a complex skin disease one single |
| or in the work place. In addition, stress can cause a | | | | herb is not enough to relieve the symptoms of the |
| depletion of certain body nutrients (vitamins and | | | | eczema or eradicate the disease. A complex mixture |
| minerals), which ultimately leads to a sensitivity | | | | of beneficial herbs is more likely to succeed in the |
| towards eczema. | | | | treatment. |
| Corticoid creams containing hydrocortisone are the | | | | The antioxidant therapy has been successfully used in |
| most common conventional treatment for eczema. | | | | the prevention and treatment of different skin |
| Hydrocortisone is similar to a natural hormone | | | | diseases, which usually are characterized by a high |
| secreted by adrenal gland, which controls the | | | | percentage of free radicals at the site of the |
| inflammation process and actively participates in the | | | | affected areas. A good example of natural |
| ionic body balance. The hydrocortisone creams are | | | | antioxidants is Sea Buckthorn and Grape seed oils. |
| effective for reducing inflammation, swelling, redness | | | | They contain a wide range of antioxidants such as |
| and itching thereby allowing the affected area to heal. | | | | vitamin E, A, C, selenium, beta carotene, |
| In spite of temporarily reducing the effects of | | | | anthocyanidins, which can be beneficial in the case of |
| eczema, these creams can lead to skin thinning and | | | | eczema and other skin disorders. |
| damaging. At high doses or at low doses for | | | | In conclusion: Natural alternative may be longer than |
| extended time the hydrocortisone can accumulate | | | | the conventional solution for eczema treatment but |
| through the body and induce metabolic changes in | | | | much safer for the skin and health in general. |
| salt and water balance, potassium and calcium balance | | | | Information on foot phobia can be found at the 10 |
| and increases the blood sugar level. The reasons for | | | | Most Common Phobias site. |
| accumulation are multiple. One important cause is the | | | | |