Hello there, eczema.

Hello, there my lovelies! I thought to start a new segment on different skin conditions with their causes and possible treatment means to help you all out where needed. The biggest issue with this is that sometimes the actual condition may be beyond bad and can only be cared for or treated by a professional doctor or dermatologist, however, for those experiencing a lighter means of the issue, this article is here to help. In the first issue,, we’re starting off with such a common and uncomfortable occurrence: eczema or, atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to an allergic reaction and the most common symptoms include red, inflamed, and itchy skin, accompanied by dry and scaly skin. There are 7 common eczema types, and by determining your eczema type may help to bring forth a solution quicker. Eczema is a condition that is on both the face and the body, therefore this article and the small help routine at the end shall treat it as such, instead of, as with my usual articles, only focusing on the facial skin area. So let's jump right in!

First off, determining the eczema type is the first key in treating it, so here are the 7 types as mentioned:

1. Atopic dermatitis: this is the most common form of eczema and is most prominent in children, but adults do tend to suffer from it as well. Other symptoms that align with the skin condition, in this case, are asthma and hayfever, with the rash prominently forming in the creases of the elbows and the knees and the skin where the rash appears changes colour, becoming either lighter or thicker. Scratching in this case is a bad idea, as the small bumps can leak fluid and cause your skin to become even more infected. This form of eczema occurs when the skin's natural barrier is affected and weakened, thus more prone to damage by free radicals or environmental factors, ultimately leaving your skin less likely to protect you against irritants and allergens. It is caused by a variety of factors, including genes, dry skin, an immune system problem, and environmental triggers.

2. Contact dermatitis: in other words making contact with something that causes the eczema, therefore being allergic to what your skin is exposed to. It could either be immune system related (such as with latex and metal) or chemically related (such as with a chemical substance causing irritants). The most common factors in play here are jewelry, detergents, bleach, latex, paint, poison ivy, nickel, makeup, skincare products, tobacco smoke, solvents and perfume. The most common symptom in this case are the hives that pop up on your skin (those tiny itchy red bumps) that have a liquid inside that may ooze and cause crusts over time.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema: this is the formulation of small blisters on your hands and feet and is more common in women as compared to men. Fluid-filled blisters form on your palms, toes, and fingers, as well as the soles of your feet, which in turn leads to cracked and flaky skin. Surprisingly the main cause of this is damp hands and feet, along with allergies, exposure to metal substances (such as cobalt or nickel), and stress.

4. Hand eczema: literally eczema that only affects your hands, which is very common in hairdressers and cleaners, due to the regular exposure to chemicals. It can also be caused by laundry detergents when washing clothes and it results in dry, red, and itchy hands which may form cracks, scabs, and blisters.

5. Neurodermatitis: similar to atopic dermatitis, it causes thick scaly patches on your skin. The bad thing about this type is the severity of the eczema, as it affects your arms, legs, the back of your neck, scalp, the soles of your feet, your hands, and your genitals. These patches are also highly sensitive and may bleed when scratched. The unfortunate here is that doctors don’t have a singular trigger or solution for this type, however, stress is a factor that may worsen it.

6. Nummular eczema: unlike the above-mentioned eczema types, this one takes on a completely different form, as it is round (as in coin-shaped) and can itch profusely. This is most often caused by an allergic reaction to an insect bite or metals or chemicals.

7. Stasis dermatitis: This occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened or damaged veins onto your skin, which in turn causes swelling, redness, itching, inflammation, and pain. This is mostly found on your legs (which is why grandmas always teach you to never sit cross-legged, this may be the result!) it is also very common for those who naturally have a problem with blood flow to the legs.

Now that we have the basics down, here are a few prevention tips and ways to reduce an outbreak:

• Moisturize your skin at least twice a day

• Identify and avoid triggers that irritate your skin (perhaps skip the bubble bath or opt for a more natural washing detergent)

• Take shorter baths and showers and also in lukewarm water (too hot or too cold may cause a flare up)

• Pat dry your skin instead of rubbing. Be gentle

• Use only gentle soaps (less glitter, less fragrances, less ingredients. Opt for a pure soap)

• Take a bleach bath. I know this one sounds strange, but for those that don’t suffer from contact dermatitis, this may aid in preventing or worsening flare ups. A diluted bleach bath decreases bacteria on the skin as well as related infections. Adding half a cup of household bleach (not concentrated bleach) to a 151 liter bath (these two measurements are just for scale) twice a week, no more, soaking from the neck down for about 10 minutes might just do the trick. Please note, this is only suitable for the body and not the face. Oatmeal and baking soda baths can also help to calm the itching sensation.

• Apply a cool compress to soothe.

• Avoid scratching

• Use fragrance free detergents, makeup, skincare and cleansers.

• Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling chemicals (even with something as simple as washing the dishes)

• Opt for loose fitting clothes made from a soft and breathable material, such as cotton

Here is a basic body and skincare routine for those with severe eczema, as compiled by a doctor and someone I personally spoke to with the condition.

Morning routine:

Body - Wash with pure soap and moisturize with epimax

Face - Cleanse face with water and moisturize with The Body Shop Hemp Heavy duty face protector, apply sunscreen; Avéne SPF 50 fragrance free cream for dry sensitive skin

Evening routine:

Body- Wash with pure soap and moisturize with a cortisone infused cream (speak to a doctor about this)

Face- Cleanse face with Skoon’s gel to milk cleanser and moisturize with The Body Shop Aloe soothing night cream

Also, on high eczema areas (including, but not limited to, in the bend of the knees and arms, on upper arms and in between breasts) apply Annique miracle tissue oil with rooibos oil.

There you have it my lovelies! I hope this helps and that you may inspire the next person to look after and still accept any skin conditions they may have. Remember, if someone can’t change something in 5 minutes, it should not be ridiculed or judged, but accepted as another norm.

Keep going, keep glowing & keep growing. And look after yourself and each other. You’re doing amazing.

• B x