Eczema

Eczema or flare ups of dry, itchy, flaky skin can be more than an annoyance for people.  Chronic flare ups of large areas of the skin can be debilitating.  It can be painful to move or use certain body parts as eczema frequently occurs in the creases of fingers, elbows and knees.  Bleeding and weeping cracks leave skin vulnerable to infection.

Sometimes people can identify the cause of their flareups and sometimes its a mystery.  Common internal causes of eczema can include stress, hormones and food allergies.  Its also not uncommon that a person gets a nasty eczema flare up when they quit smoking.  Infection by bacteria, fungus or virus can also worsen eczema or cause a flare-up.

Skin can also get irritated by chemicals and fragrances in common household items.  Sunscreen, lotions, and soaps are often the culprit in eczema flare-ups. Choose unscented and dye free laundry detergent and soaps when possible.  Using a humidifier in the wintertime can help flare ups from hot, dry air.  The humidifier can help to maintain skin’s moisture and prevent severe cracking. 

Check out our Emily’s cream for eczema and other skin issues! Its soothing beeswax base and Chinese herbs help to speed up the healing process.  Acupuncture can also help to calm down your skin and prevent future flareups.