SECRETS TO HEALING YOUR ECZEMA AND HAVING BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT SKIN

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SECRETS TO HEALING YOUR ECZEMA AND HAVING BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT SKIN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Get to Know Your Skin Types of Eczema 12 Medical Intervention of Eczema 20 Caring For Your Skin Overall 26 Strengthening the Immune System Overall 34 Conclusion: Quick Tips for Beautiful, Healthy, Radiant, Glowing Skin 42 GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN How well you know your skin? If you're like most people, you probably take your skin for granted, as people typically with most of their body Unless you're experiencing a health problem or physical problem, how often you think about the functions of your different limbs, organs and muscles? Do you ever think about your lungs unless you're short of breath? Do you ever consider your heart unless it feels like it's going to pound out of your chest? Do you ever think about your eyes unless they're dry, watery, or unable to focus? Most people give very little thought to the functions of the parts of their body until there's a problem, and skin is no exception Unless it itches, is burning, needs covering, has broken out in acne splotches, has a rash, looks unattractive for some reason, is starting to sag or wrinkle, or is about to get a new tattoo, people rarely think about their skin, its health, its importance to other parts of the body, and what it does overall This is unfortunate because the skin is actually the largest organ in the body and performs probably more functions than any other organ It's also one of the most misused and outright abused, as it's constantly forced against uncomfortable fabrics, rubbed raw on all sorts of items, is consistently overexposed to the sun's burning rays or the biting cold of winter, is subjected to harsh chemicals in shampoo, deodorant, and other hygiene products, is mercilessly pierced and tattooed, gets cut and scratched every day often without a person even realizing it, is almost always dehydrated, and the list goes on Despite all this maltreatment, skin performs a wide array of purposes that are vitally important to your body's health and function Do you know what they are? You might assume that you know these functions; of course skin keeps your insides where they belong, but it does so much more than that! Skin is not just a big garbage bag keeping us assembled properly If you knew everything that your skin did for you, this might motivate you to take better care of it and to pay attention to problems it might have, including eczema Consider just a few of the skin's functions here INSULATOR Yes, the skin keeps our insides right where they belong - on the inside - but it also keeps something else inside other than our organs, muscles, and bones Do you know what that is? It's body heat! Skin functions like a warm winter coat, keeping our body heat inside which in turn keeps everything on the inside healthy and functioning Without body heat the heart wouldn't be able to pump blood and oxygen and the muscles would become stiff and unable to move Body heat is about more than being comfortable; it's necessary for those organs and muscles to stay healthy and supple What is so amazing about the insulating factor of the skin is that while it keeps heat in, it still lets some escape If you've ever felt uncomfortable and stifled from wearing a nylon windbreaker or other thick material, you know how important this balance is Allowing too much body heat to escape is dangerous but not allowing any out at all is also a problem The pores in the skin not only allow sweat to be created and escape to the surface of the skin, they also act like little vents for some body heat to get out as well HANGING ON Have you ever tried to hang on to something when your hands were wet or when you had just put some lotion on them? The reason that things slip out of your hands when they're wet or covered in lotions and oils is that these substances cover up the fingerprints and the creases in the skin These creases are not there just for police to identify you if you something wrong but act as little suction cups which enable a person to hold onto things, even slippery or smooth things like glass Without the ridges in our skin we would constantly be slipping around as we try to walk and would be virtually unable to hold onto anything Like a warm coat, skin keeps body heat inside while still allowing some to escape in order to keep the body just the right temperature at all times! It's interesting how we often see lines in the face as being a bad thing but without these lines on our fingers, toes and feet, we would have an absolutely impossible time functioning in our everyday lives Without those tiny lines in our fingers we wouldn't even be able to pick up a fork much less hold a scalpel or pencil or a paintbrush Without lines on our feet, it would be like trying to walk on wet tile near a pool - you would nothing but slip and slide all the time! So skin is much more than decoration but it helps us to hold things and to walk and maintain balance as well PROTECTION Sure, the skin keeps all the inside stuff inside, but it also keeps outside stuff outside as well What we mean by this? Simply put, there are many pollutants and irritants in the air that the skin keeps out Dust, dirt, allergens, and things like these are caught in the skin and washed away or they get rubbed off by the oil on the skin and as dead skin cells flake away The skin is virtually flawless in acting as a filter in this way and as being a protector for the internal organs and systems The oils that are present on the skin not only keep it soft and supple but they also help to wash away some of these pollutants and irritants Your skin is like an umbrella that blocks out sunlight, a scarf that blocks out cold wind, and a thick coat that keeps your body warm and protected Without your skin there would be a buildup of pollutants and other irritants along your internal organs and this would be damaging and harmful to them FEELING Can you imagine never being able to feel anything on your skin again? You might think that would be a blessing since it would mean no more pain when you cut yourself or burn yourself or at any other time, but even feeling pain serves a purpose We need to feel to function and you may not realize it, but your skin is picking up sensations at every moment of the day The brain often tunes out these sensations from our conscious thought so that we're not overwhelmed with everything surrounding us, but our minds are still processing them nonetheless This sensation is what causes us to sit the way we and enables us to walk and make every other movement When you sit in a chair, your muscles automatically adjust their movement as the skin feels the chair pressing up against you Your feet know to pick up and push forward because of the sensation of the floor underneath them Feeling is a protection for the body When we feel cold we protect ourselves by adjusting the thermostat or putting more clothes on When we feel hot we get out of the sun or turn on a fan Even pain tells us that something is wrong and needs correcting While sensations on the skin can be pleasurable they can also serve as a warning sign of a problem that needs attention So no matter how unpleasant pain may be, it's a necessary part of human survival INDICATOR OF HEALTH CONCERNS Did you know that your skin is often an indicator of health problems or concerns? When a person is dehydrated their skin gets very waxy and wrinkles up easily Liver problems can make a person look jaundiced or yellow as toxins build up in the body And some skin problems like rashes are actually a result of immune problems The skin also reacts to a person's health and habits A person that smokes is depriving their skin of necessary oxygen and is introducing toxins both internally and externally, and it's not unusual for a smoker to have prematurely aging skin Skin that's very dry might also mean that a person is not exercising enough as physical activity increases circulation which means more moisture to the skin's surface Of course not all skin problems are major concerns Acne is often embarrassing to those who suffer from it but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person is not taking care of their skin properly Everyone has dirt, oil and bacteria on their face but not everyone breaks out A rash or excessive dry skin can be the result of one's climate or environment as many people get dry skin during the winter months where there is much less moisture in the air Oily skin and hair can simply mean that a person eats many oily foods in their diet, some good and some perhaps not so good These things may be a bit embarrassing or inconvenient to the sufferer but again, they're not necessarily indications of serious health problems or concerns Eczema as a health indicator Did you know that some forms of eczema can actually work as an indicator of health problems? Very often these cases are the result of allergies or sensitivities to elements in the air such as pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and so on If your skin reacts with redness and rashes to these things, it's best to avoid them as much as possible Your lungs and immune system may be compromised as well if you continue to be exposed to items to which you have a sensitivity Sometimes eczema is also the result of harsh environmental concerns, such as for those who work with chemicals or the fumes and vapors from chemicals If these things irritate your skin so severely that eczema results, then this may be an indicator of your lungs also being at risk and that you should be taking additional precautions to protect yourself around these things There are cases where eczema is just a sensitivity or a genetic issue, but sometimes it can be and often is a sign of a problem that should be addressed There are some skin problems that can and even should be addressed by those who suffer from them Let's take a quick look at them here SKIN PROBLEMS So by now you probably understand the importance of skin; it's more than just pretty to look at but it performs many valuable functions that are actually necessary for survival! And yet there are also many problems that can crop up with the skin Ask anyone that struggles with acne or blackheads and they'll tell you that sometimes skin can seem downright ugly or embarrassing Dry skin can also be a constant irritant as you feel the urge to scratch it, which of course just makes the problem that much worse Uneven skin tone and blotchiness may not be a health problem but can make a person feel very unattractive Rashes are not just irritating but they're typically a symptom or sign of something such as an allergy or injury to the skin A burn, including a sunburn, can be painful for hours and even days Scars don't always heal and can be unsightly for the rest of one's life Problems with the scalp are also problems with the skin Dandruff is not a problem with one's hair but of the skin on the head, as is oily hair This problems originate from the skin even though it's often assumed that they're caused by the hair Here are some other common skin problems, their causes, and potential solutions as well: Acne Many people who have acne believe that their skin is not clean; it is true that acne is typically caused by dirt and oil that gets caught in the pores and builds up into what we call a pimple However everyone has dirt and oil on their face and not everyone has acne Those who suffer from breakouts have a type of defect wherein the skin doesn't break the way it should and allow these elements to be rinsed or rubbed away When someone has acne, it is good to use those products that dry up the excess oil since this does help, but thinking that the skin just needs to be cleaned more or with harsher products can actually make it worse When you clean you skin too much you strip its natural oils, and the skin can react by producing even more to make up for this It's actually good to moisturize the face with something that won't clog the pores when you have acne Wrinkles Every time you move your skin, it pulls and presses against itself This means every time you move your fingers, smile, and open your mouth to talk Typically the skin is springy enough to snap back into place like a new rubber band However as a person ages they lose collagen and elastin, two substances that give skin its springy texture As these substances break down, every time the skin gets pulled or folded it's not so quick to go back into place and little lines that we call wrinkles start to appear Dry skin tends to wrinkle quicker as of course moisture helps to plump up skin and make it softer, which means it will smooth itself out easier Hydrating from the outside is good but so is drinking water and other hydrating beverages Dry skin Many people have dry skin because of genetics whereas others are affected by the environment in which they live; skin also tends to get drier as a person gets older Dry skin can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to wrinkles and other problems as skin needs to be moisturized to be smooth and healthy There are many moisturizers and lotions available for skin today; browse any skincare aisle of any pharmacy or cosmetics store and you'll find plenty of options for you Some work very well and others not so much Some have found that simple and natural solutions like vitamin E oil are even preferable to high-end products The key is to find something that works well with your skin's natural composition and to use it consistently Think of your environment as well if you have dry skin Warm mist humidifiers are great to use especially during the winter months and especially at night when the cold makes your skin even drier Try one in your office if where you work is particularly dry Avoid soaking in a hot shower as this dries the skin as well It's also good to protect it from the elements in both winter and summer, but the biting cold of winter is very bad for skin's health! Eczema If you're reading this book you're obviously concerned about eczema, which is a type of dry skin rash that actually takes many forms Anyone can be affected by eczema, from adults to babies, and it can start to become a problem later in life for those who've never had a problem before Eczema is not typically what you would call a life threatening condition, but if left untreated severe cases can leave the skin open and vulnerable to bacteria and infections These infections can The skin's composition is not simple by any travel in the body and means Understanding it can make it easier attack weakened areas to address skin problems, including eczema which can lead to serious complications For instance, a small chip in a bone can be the host to an infection that may eventually require surgery to correct! Eczema is also painful and difficult to deal with for the sufferers Because the patches of eczema are dry and itchy, it's not unusual for the sufferer to scratch endlessly which in of course makes the problem much worse And because the skin is compromised, many products that a person might try to address the problem only make it worse There are things that one can to address and treat eczema, and we'll go into those details in later sections SKIN'S COMPOSITION Understanding how the skin is composed will make it that much easier to address problems that crop up and to keep it healthy as well This is true of everything about one's body - if you understand how and why and the heart works you can understand how to keep your cardiovascular system healthy; if you understand how the ears work you can better protect your hearing from damage, and so on The skin is actually quite complicated, more so than most people realize Because it's so very thin, most don't realize how many layers there are to the skin However, dermatologists and even tattoo artists need to be familiar with the layers of the skin and their purpose Tattoos need to be inked so deep or else they won't be permanent Because so many parts of the skin are buried in deeper layers, it's easy for problems to crop up from beneath the skin's surface The color or pigmentation of the skin is caused by melanin, which absorbs much of the potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays Epidermis The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin This layer contains no blood vessels; this is why you can sometimes cut yourself and not necessarily bleed A cut needs to reach layers underneath the epidermis where blood vessels are in order to actually bleed One reason the epidermis has no blood vessels is that it needs to be thick enough to handle the contact of the skin with everything around it Without this thickness, skin would not only cut but be rubbed off completely just by everyday activities and function Dermis The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain Nerve endings are actually in the dermis layer so things like heat and other sensations need to reach through to this layer to be experienced This helps to protect the body of far too many sensations at once and from overreacting to every bit of warmth and contact The dermis also contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels This is why skin and pores can get clogged at times - the epidermis is covering this very active layer of skin called the dermis If for example hair does not push up through the epidermis the way it should it becomes trapped in its own pore or follicle Hypodermis The hypodermis is not technically part of the skin but is what connects the skin to bone and muscle Nerves and blood vessels are also part of the hypodermis Some 50% of the body's fat is also contained in the hypodermis, and this fat serves as an insulator for body heat but also moisturizes skin and keeps it supple UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA With this "crash course" about the skin, you may be wondering about eczema - what causes it, where in the skin can it be found, and of course how can it be prevented and treated? While no one can say what skin problem is worse than another, and certainly anyone suffering from acne or overly wrinkled skin or any other situation deserves sympathy and support, eczema can be more than just a minor annoyance to its sufferer Severe cases are downright painful and unsightly They can also be a sign of a health concern or condition in the body, as most cases of eczema are caused by issues with the immunity system, not just the skin itself Sufferers of eczema may well to visit a doctor but often so only to find that they know very little about their condition and treatment options It's difficult to get an education from one's physician about any condition overall, which can mean that you may actually be making your problem much worse! There are also typically things a person can to treat their conditions, whether eczema or anything else, without medical intervention - and of course your doctor will never tell you those things either! If you suffer from eczema you're probably tired of the rashes, the cracking, the bleeding, and the pain You may be frustrated with trying useless creams and ointments and may wonder how to actually get to the root cause of your condition in order to treat it once and for all And of course if your child is suffering from this condition you may be just as concerned and just as frustrated! Perhaps you're wondering just how to put this condition behind you once and for all That's where we come in! We've done all the research and have spoken to all the skincare experts and have learned those secrets to treating eczema and avoiding it in the first place We've also learned how to care for your skin and strengthen it so that you can avoid not just eczema but other common problems including: ƒ Acne ƒ Blackheads ƒ Premature aging ƒ Wrinkles ƒ Dryness ƒ Rashes Having clear and radiant skin is about more than just avoiding eczema, but it's about taking care of it from the inside out And for cases of eczema and other forms of dermatitis, avoiding irritations and allergens as well as nourishing the skin are going to be key In this book, we're going to tell you: ƒ How to recognize the many different forms of eczema and to tell if your case is inherent, an allergy, or the result of an irritation from the environment around you STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM OVERALL If eczema is a response by the body's immune system, you might wonder then how you can strengthen your immune system overall so that you can prevent future outbreaks The body's immune system is complex and often there isn't much a person can to change it Much of its function and strength is influenced by genetics, like your height or skin color INCREASING CIRCULATION BLOOD Do you know how exercise boosts your immune system? Blood performs many functions in the body You know of course that it's necessary for survival but you know why? All the nourishment that a body needs it gets from the bloodstream Blood travels through the digestive system and picks up vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and then delivers these to the cells of the body These elements help to strengthen the body overall and keep it healthy and strong Blood also picks up impurities, dead cells, and things like these and flushes them out of the system as well However, there is another very important part of blood circulation when it comes to the immune system White blood cells are what fight infections and illnesses When you increase blood circulation, you're increasing the production of those cells and are causing them to pass through your system more often This way they can be alerted to irritants and infections that need to be attacked Ways to increase circulation How can you actually increase blood circulation? Regular exercise and physical activity is one obvious way When you exercise you put demands on your muscles and bones and the body responds to these demands by causing the heart to pump harder and faster This means the blood is circulated through the system more often When you're very sedentary, of course blood is still circulating but not as often as when you're active Any increased movement will increase blood circulation, but physical exertion will so all the more Exercise has many health benefits, above and beyond strengthening your immune system You don't need to train for a marathon or be in the gym every day in order to increase your circulation; consider some other ways to add more physical activity to your everyday routine: ƒ Go dancing with your spouse or partner You don't need to be very good at this to enjoy it Try something new and easy like country line dancing or go salsa dancing You might be surprised at how many other beginners are out there doing just as poorly as you! The point is to enjoy yourself and not worry about your skill level ƒ Join a bowling league Bowling is very easy and doesn't require a lot of coordination or athletic abilities If you don't want to commit to a league, just pick a night you can go with friends or even on your own Many bowlers who are in a league go by themselves during the week to improve their game, so there's no need to feel self-conscious about being there alone ƒ Start walking after dinner Go around the block a few times and challenge yourself to increase that number every week or every month Or time yourself and add an additional five minutes to your time every week or month ƒ Have your kids pick an activity for the weekend, making it something active You might be surprised at how much fun it is to just toss around a Frisbee or baseball And if they're in charge, you're less likely to find excuses to stay home on the couch! ƒ Pick something that's easy for you to and that you'll enjoy regularly This might be bike riding, playing badminton, walking the dog, gardening, or anything else If you enjoy it, you're more likely to stick with it Being active doesn't need to be overwhelming; you simply need to keep up with your physical activity on a regular basis KEEPING WARM How does keeping warm help your immune system? When the body is cold, blood circulation slows because liquid can't move as fast in colder conditions As we've already discussed, increased or adequate blood circulation is imperative for strengthening and building the immune system Additionally, when the body is warm it's more likely to produce white blood cells that fight those microbes and other harmful elements This is why we often run a fever when we're sick; this is the body's way of triggering that production of white blood cells Heat itself kills bacteria and harmful elements, so keeping warm can also aid the body's defenses The cold weather may be one reason why people often get sick during the winter months It's not as if cold germs and other illnesses are just naturally more present during these months but bodies are less immune to these sicknesses Fewer white blood cells are being produced when the body is exposed to cold weather and is feeling cold overall When a person is warm they're producing more antibodies that support immune health Keeping warm might be difficult if you live in a cold climate but it's definitely something to consider Bundling up is important when you're going to be outside and exposed to the elements Your home might need a quick check for things like leaks around windows and doors where it can get drafty; this can go a long way toward keeping your house warm Get warm mist humidifiers and put one in the bedroom and another in your main living room Put an extra blanket on your bed and make sure you dress warmly at night Consider putting a space heater in your office or wherever you work if it's cold or drafty You might not have ever thought about keeping warm and how this is tied in with your immune system but being cold compromises it while keeping warm can strengthen it Remember this the next time you're tempted to run outside without a proper coat and gloves or when you walk into your bedroom and notice how cold and drafty it is EATING RIGHT How is eating right tied in with increased immune strength? The body gets the fuel it needs to function from food When we eat, this food is broken down in the stomach and separated into things like amino acids, vitamins, protein, and so on The blood travels through the digestive system and picks up these different elements and delivers them where they're needed Protein goes to muscles to help build them up All these other components of food are also delivered as well Proper nourishment is part of strengthening the immune system because those components are like tools the body needs to repair itself and to function properly Without amino acids, which are part of the building blocks of protein, the muscles would simply deteriorate from everyday wear and tear - and remember that the heart is a muscle so it too would become damaged and unable to repair itself Vitamins are necessary for all biological function and organisms; they typically each perform or assist with a function of biology Some vitamins are necessary for metabolism while others are necessary for proper hormone function Without these elements found in food, the body could not repair itself properly and everyday function is impaired This too weakens the immune system because it is not given the replenishment it needs to take care of the body's health overall Not nourishing your body properly is like trying to run a car without certain needed fluids; imagine trying to drive with your power steering fluid being low or without enough coolant The lack of these elements would cause wear and tear needlessly on your car, and the same holds true for your body Without necessary nutrition everyday activities take quite a toll on the body which in turn does not have the tools it would need to repair itself Unfortunately the typical diet that many adults follow today is grossly lacking in proper nutrition While fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutritious elements, things like potato chips and cheeseburgers have almost no nutritional value When a person fills up on these types of foods and doesn't eat the things that will provide the necessary nutrients, this means they're depriving their body of those important tools for one's immune system The system then becomes compromised and it's easier for an individual to become weakened and more difficult for him or her to fight off infections and illnesses Consider the following foods and whether or not they have the proper place in your diet, that is, if you're getting enough of any of these elements: ƒ Leafy green vegetables are full of vitamins and amino acids that are important for the body's immune system The darker the green leaf, the better So this means spinach, kale, and items like these How are sleep and your immune system connected? If you're not getting enough of one, you're compromising the other! ƒ Oranges contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of white blood cells These cells are the ones that attack harmful agents in the body and ward off infection and disease ƒ Seeds, vegetable oils, and grains are typically high in vitamin E Vitamin E is important for your immune system because it contains natural oils that are necessary for keeping muscles and organs supple and therefore working properly It has also been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks ƒ Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging Foods high in beta carotene include those leafy green vegetables, peppers, carrots, pumpkins, and collards SLEEPING WELL Why humans sleep? The answer is somewhat complicated; sleep is much more vital to one's overall health than you might imagine People that go without sleep on a consistent basis cause all sorts of harm to their health and suffer serious consequences, whether they realize it or not When you're awake and active, there is constant demand being put on the body and mind whether you realize it or not Everything the eyes see need to be focused on and filtered through the brain so the body can react if necessary You might not realize this but it's happening constantly This is why something you see out of the corner of your eye causes your head to jerk around whether you want it to or not - the brain needs to see it entirely to assess if it's a threat or needs action in any way Everything we hear is much the same way - is that the refrigerator motor kicking in or an intruder trying to break in? Is that dog barking just the neighbor's annoying pet or your own dog trying to warn you of something? All of these sensations mean that your mind is working overtime to assess threats and needed action, or to just dismiss them When you're asleep, your brain is not taxed in this way and can finally have some rest for itself When you're awake and moving around, this creates demands on your body The muscles and tendons are continuously stretched and pulled with every single movement you make Muscles typically suffer microscopic tears throughout the day and especially as you're very active Tendons and ligaments also are pulled and stressed Every movement you make creates demand on your heart and lungs All of these circumstances place quite a toll on your body and your mind During sleep, the body now has a chance to repair these things Since muscles are not moving quite as much, blood can repair those tears and build them back up for the next day's activity Muscles are resting and so they can be worked on by the blood circulation, and the body can also send out those necessary white blood cells to find intruders and invaders and attack them Virtually every doctor agrees that a lack of sleep weakens the immune system because the body does not have this chance to repair and strengthen itself However, sufficient sleep is something that everyone can and should to keep themselves as healthy as possible WHAT ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS? Visit any health food store or vitamin section of your pharmacy and you'll see many supplements that promise to boost your immune system and keep you healthy and free of illnesses Do any of these work or are they just all hype? Chances are many of them are just hype; anyone can put just about any substance in pill form and call it a health supplement since these products are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration the way medicines and food products are There's money to be made in this industry and many manufacturers just don't care about anything other than those profits And if there's no administration to keep them honest, why should they be concerned with whether or not their product actually performs as it should? However this doesn't mean that all supplements are a waste of time and money Many are made from products that seem to have some benefit when it comes to supporting or assisting one's immune system The key here is to read those ingredients carefully and not just go by fancy packaging It's good to understand how those ingredients claim to work and to understand ones that are simply vitamins and not much else Here is a list of ingredients that many experts seem to agree boost immunity and overall health: Echinacea Echinacea is believed to help prevent the breakdown of connective tissue that is caused by invading organisms which would encourage their spread and growth It is also believed to encourage blood flow and circulation It is said to stimulate the macrophages and interferon aspects of the immune system and has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties Garlic Garlic has been used for ages as an antiviral and antifungal treatment It is said to increase white cell production which in turn strengthens the immune system Many use it for infections and viruses Garlic pills are readily available and many are odorless as well It is also encouraged for use by men in order to protect heart and cardiovascular health Zinc Zinc increases the production of white blood cells, which helps to bolster the immune system Foods high in zinc include oysters, crab, turkey, and beans You can also find many supplements that are very high in zinc content since many believe it helps to bolster the immune system and fight off colds, flu, and other viruses Astragalus Astragalus has been used by herbalists for years to support the immune system and to fend off disease as well as viruses It is believed to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties Some even believe it has stimulating effects that boost one's energy levels as well as immune support Wild indigo Wild indigo is a "cousin" of garlic and Echinacea and support the immune system and stimulates antibody production It is often used to fight infection and as an antiseptic Picrorrhiza Picrorrhiza is often used to support the liver which in turns helps to filter out impurities from the body It stimulates the phagocytes in the immune system and also has antiinflammatory properties and is often used by those with allergies Omega A supplement often used for bone and joint health, Omega is thought to boost immune support because of the fatty acids it contains, which in turn boost the function of the liver and all the other organs as well Folate Also known as folic acid, folate helps to boost the production of white blood cells It is also believed to guard against heart disease and brain damage as well This substance is most found in leafy green vegetables Vitamin C All vitamins are necessary for health, but to boost immunity you may want to consider vitamin C above all others This substance assists in manufacturing white blood cells and is a powerful antioxidant This means it helps to guard against free radicals, those cells that damage healthy tissue and cells Vitamin E Vitamin E has many natural oils that the body needs to keep the blood flowing properly and to keep skin healthy as well Aloe vera Aloe is used as a topical treatment and helps to soothe skin irritations and burns Because it's natural it has few of the irritating side effects that many topical creams However many use aloe as an internal treatment as well to aid in digestion which in turn can mean fewer bacteria in the digestive tract Aloe is typically available in pill form for internal, digestive health Germanium Germanium is believed to increase oxygen transfer to the cells which has strengthening properties When the cells are stronger they in turn can function better and this helps to strengthen the body overall Golden seal Golden seal is said to provide an "unfriendly" environment for bacteria and other harmful enzymes This helps the body to rid itself of these harmful elements Green tea For centuries, green tea has been used to strengthen the immune system and to increase energy levels It is believed to have many antioxidant properties and to help ward off viruses and other disease causing agents Many also believe that it has helped them to lose weight and that it increases one's metabolism as well Beta carotene Beta carotene is needed for the body to convert retinol, or vitamin A Vitamin A is one of the most important elements for skin's health and many homemade facial masks actually contain ingredients high in vitamin A, such as raw eggs CONCLUSION: QUICK TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY, RADIANT, GLOWING SKIN Whether your eczema is severe or just moderate and irritating, there is still much you can to address this condition and have beautiful skin While eczema is a medical condition that may at times require medication intervention, you should make sure you're doing everything you can to avoid and treat the condition on your own Strengthening your skin and giving it the nourishment and care it needs to be as healthy as possible is also imperative whether you have eczema or not, and no matter how severe your case may be There are many things you can on your own to keep your skin healthy and radiant and avoid common blemishes and irritations Think of nourishing your skin as being like strengthening your muscles - when they're at their peak strength, they can handle more stresses and strains put upon them So when you care for your skin and nourish it properly, it can be better able to fight off allergens and other elements It will also be more ready to replenish its own cells and natural oils which in turn can help with the redness and irritation of eczema Let's sum up all the things you can and should be doing to keep your skin in its best shape possible MIND YOUR ENVIRONMENT Many cases of eczema are caused by irritants in the environment around the sufferer Often a person will ignore or dismiss this as they may notice that no one around them seems to suffer the same skin distresses However, as we've said before everyone's skin is different and everyone has different sensitivities There is no doubt something in your body's chemistry and your skin's composition that makes it more sensitive than the skin of the person working in the next cubicle or even of those in your family Some things to consider, not just for cases of eczema but for keeping your skin healthy, include: ƒ Dust, sawdust, dirt, and residue from machinery These things, because they fill the air so easily, rest on the skin and get inside the pores which in turn causes irritation Many people who work in very dirty environments or who live in highly polluted environments notice the film of dirt on their skin and how their cleansing cloths are black with dirt at night ƒ Extremely dry environments When you live or work in a very dry area, the oils that keep your skin healthy and that also help to wash away irritants will dry up and be compromised Cold weather contributes to a dry environment so there is need for caution during winter months as well ƒ Cold wind and weather can chafe skin just as much as irritating clothes and rough surfaces Anyone that has suffered windburn can attest to this! It's imperative to bundle up when going out in cold months and especially if you're physically active such as for skiing, ice skating or snowboarding ƒ Chemicals such as those in cleaning products, hair styling products, and things like these can be very irritating to the skin when you're constantly exposed to them This includes the vapors of such products as well If you work with cleaning fluids and products or with any types of chemicals, it's good to keep your skin covered as much as possible Remember that your skin is exposed to the environment all the time and irritants and pollutants in the atmosphere around you are going to come into contact with your skin as well If you're prone to clogged pores you may notice that dirt and dust tend to cause you to break out in acne and that your skin is overly dry Be mindful of your environment and everything you can to protect yourself or adjust it as much as possible Cleaning your skin is part of minding your environment If you live or work in a very dirty and dusty area, you need to clean your face every night and shower to get the dust and dirt off the rest of you as well It's important to use gentle products so that you're not stripping those natural oils; look for products meant for sensitive skin Your cleanser might also be an area where you splurge a little bit, especially if you get eczema or acne or other breakouts in any of the areas around your face Some of the better cleansers contain many helpful moisturizers which replenish that lost moisture as you cleanse It's also good to add moisture back in as well, and yes, this means you men as well! A gentle moisturizers for the face and lotion for the arms and legs can help keep the skin healthy and soft These things are very important for those who live or work in an environment that's harsh on the skin You might also consider using moisturizers in the morning as well These can provide an additional protective barrier against dirt, dust, and other irritants Women can consider using cosmetics, even if it's just a small amount Makeup can Wear protective gloves when exposed to elements such as cleaning fluids and other chemicals actually protect the pores from these allergens and irritants by providing that barrier between the skin and the environment STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Quite a bit of your immune system's health will depend upon genetics and just your own body's chemistry You may know someone that never seems to get sick or know someone else that is always sick Genetics play a large role in a person's abilities to fight off everyday illnesses and to remain healthy and strong But this doesn't mean that your immune system is out of your reach or that you're powerless when it comes to strengthening it There may also be things you're doing to weaken it, whether you realize it or not! Here are some things to consider: ƒ You need your sleep, every single night This is when the body and the mind can rest and repair itself A lack of sleep takes a toll on the immune system because the body is working around the clock and never gets a chance to repair damaged cells, nourish the muscles and organs, and send white blood cells to attack harmful organisms ƒ Consider some supplements such as vitamins, Echinacea, or garlic These things help to bolster the immune system and gives the body the nourishment it needs to keep itself strong and healthy A daily supplement is usually very affordable ƒ Make sure you eat right so the body has the nourishment it needs to make those necessary repairs and to feed the muscles and organs If you fill up on junk food, you're probably not getting your needed vitamins, minerals, and amino acids You're also weighing your body down with heavy oils and spiking your blood sugar as well These things make your body more vulnerable to sicknesses as well as buildup of bacteria and harmful products ƒ Exercise increases your blood circulation which means you're getting nourished more often and your blood is picking up and flushing out impurities You also strengthen your heart and lungs which are important parts of your immune system More blood is actually being produced which means more white blood cells, those protective elements that attack and rid the body of harmful agents ƒ Bundle up when it's cold outside and keep yourself warm enough When the body is warm, blood flows more freely which means white blood cells work better When the body is cold, it's more susceptible to germs, bacteria, and viruses While cold weather itself doesn't necessarily cause you to get sick, it does make the body weaker and therefore more prone to sicknesses These things won't keep you from ever getting sick but they will help your body fight off bacteria, germs, and other harmful elements and to be healthier overall This will also help you to keep free from problems like eczema and other skin disorders caused by a breakdown in the immune system! DRINK WATER There's no underestimating how important water is to your health and especially to your skin's health The body is made up mostly of water and needs a fresh supply every single day Water is used in digestion to break down food particles and to help them to get absorbed into the bloodstream, to produce new blood, to keep muscles and organs supple and healthy, and to keep the body's temperature at an even level It is needed for all those things that keep certain parts of the body moisturized, such as tears for the eyes and mucus in the sinuses However, humans lose water constantly through sweat and urination When that water is not replaced every muscle and organ is affected, as is the blood supply and the skin Blood itself can thicken and muscles are not repaired from their everyday tears which they experience just through use Water helps to keep the skin healthy but smooth and supple as well Because the body will take water from unnecessary areas in order to feed the vital organs and muscles, this means that the skin is probably going to suffer the most when you don't drink enough water While this dryness doesn't necessarily cause eczema, it can contribute to it and make it that much more difficult for the skin to heal Those with eczema know how itchy and uncomfortable their skin can be, and water can help with this which in turn might mean scratching it much less When you scratch a place with eczema the skin is more likely to break and bleed Hydration can also mean keeping the skin soft and free of wrinkles for as long as possible When the skin is moist and it gets pulled or folded, it's much more likely to spring back into place without leaving those creases and lines we call wrinkles Water itself won't cure wrinkles or keep a person from ever getting lines on their face and elsewhere, but dry skin is more likely to wrinkle than moist skin Remember that caffeine is a diuretic which makes you lose moisture, so be mindful of what you drink if you're not drinking water Avoid coffee and tea and caffeinated sodas Have fresh fruit more often as it too contains lots of moisture Dehydration is dangerous If you're not convinced of the health concerns associated with drinking water, note some potential problems that come with dehydration: ƒ You are probably aware of heatstroke, which happens when its hot outside and the body overheats However you can also suffer similar heat injuries when you are vigorously active but don't hydrate yourself as well The muscles get very warm when they're used this way and need moisture to keep them cool, but if you're dehydrated the body cannot provide this necessary moisture You can actually get heatstroke just from being too active without drinking enough water as well! ƒ When you lose fluid, you also lose sodium The brain responds to this by pulling more water into the cells which can cause them to swell and even rupture A person can actually suffer from swelling of the brain and resultant severe brain damage when they're very dehydrated ƒ When there is not adequate hydration in the body, electrical impulses become interrupted which can lead to seizures This can include involuntary muscle contractions and even loss of consciousness - all from being overly dehydrated! ƒ The kidneys need water and moisture to flush out fluids and waste from the body Severe dehydration can lead to kidney failure There are many reasons to consider the amount of hydration you get every single day, and your skin's health and appearance are just a few of them! EXERCISE! Exercise has so many benefits that it's difficult to list them all completely People often associate exercise just with keeping one's weight under control, and of course this is very important for one's health as well as one's appearance Excess body weight puts undue stress on all the joints and body fat surrounding the vital organs can literally choke them and keep them from functioning properly Being overweight can mean problems like sleep apnea, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, increased blood pressure, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, increased risk of birth defects, increased risk of certain types of cancer, impaired healing after surgery or wounds, and many other health risks But more than keeping your weight under control, regular exercise increases your blood circulation which means your body's cells are being nourished that much more regularly Blood also flushes away toxins and things like dead cells from the body Exercise also strengthens the heart Want good skin? Exercise! and lungs and all the muscles and bones of the body as well It's also very good for one's skin tone! Exercise is very good for the skin because when you're physically active, this pushes the blood closer to the surface so that those outer layers of the epidermis can be nourished You may notice a nice "glow" when you exercise or notice those that are physically active seem to have nicer skin than those that are very sedentary Not just blood but oxygen is also being delivered to these outer layers of skin and oxygen is a healing agent for the epidermis Persons who have suffered skin injuries such as burns are often put in an oxygen tent since it speeds healing of the skin so well Physical activity doesn't necessarily need to be strenuous but it should be sufficient to get your heart pumping and blood flowing And it needs to be done on a consistent basis! Walking, jogging, playing a favorite sport, dancing, and activities such as this can actually be beneficial not just for your heart and lungs but for your skin as well GET TO BED! Sleep is absolutely critical to one's overall health, and yet so many people ignore the need for solid, continuous, regular sleep on a consistent basis Because lives become so busy and because everyone is trying to fit as many activities into their everyday routine, and because there's just so much television to watch, it's no wonder that sleep becomes a negotiable commodity to many But sleep is when the body repairs and renews itself and when the immune system is strengthened, and skin is repaired and renewed as well If you don't get enough sleep, this can cause a host of health concerns and problems When muscles are at rest during sleep this means the body can repair torn areas and take away dead cells Without sleep the body does not have that uninterrupted time it needs to make repairs Compare this to a car that is constantly idling or running versus one that is shut off Obviously a mechanic would want to shut off that car before he or she ever put themselves under the hood! A car that runs 24 hours a day is putting all sorts of wear and tear on all its parts, and the body is the same Even though we don't shut down completely when we're asleep - the major systems are still working and the muscles still move us around - this time period is when the body works to repair itself Sleep is important for good skin because without it, impaired cells can build up and there is less nourishment and moisture being delivered If you're concerned about your skin and your overall health, get yourself to bed at a decent hour every night and make sure you get plenty of sleep every single night BONUS POINT: SEE YOUR DOCTOR There are many things you can to treat your eczema at home, to strengthen your immune system and to take care of your skin overall But in the end, if your condition is so severe that it interferes with your daily life in any way, it's time to see a doctor Some people avoid doing this because they're afraid of the cost, think that their condition isn't severe enough to warrant a doctor's visit, or assume there's nothing a doctor can But consider the following reasons you may want to think about a doctor's visit for your eczema: ƒ If left untreated, eczema can and often does result in cuts and scrapes along the skin's surface This can mean that harmful bacteria and other microbes get into the body through the skin and this can cause infections and other illnesses Part of the function of the skin is to keep out harmful elements but obviously it can't this if there are cuts and scrapes along its surface! ƒ The pain of eczema can be unbearable This isn't just a matter of some discoloring of the skin but means severe dryness and itchiness It's very difficult to function on a daily basis when you're in any type of pain, and the pain from eczema is no different! ƒ Doctors have many treatment options that are not available at your local pharmacy These include oral medications that treat allergies and sensitivities, and topical creams that much better than other creams at treating the rash, swelling, redness, and pain Don't assume that there's nothing your doctor can if you've tried all your home remedies without much success There's no guaranteeing that you'll have perfect skin no matter what you and of course blemishes and medical problems are a part of life, but if you follow these simple tips you'll no doubt have better results You may see fewer blemishes and notice less dry skin You may also notice a nice "glow" to your skin that you never noticed before And for your eczema, you may see fewer breakouts and experience less pain and dryness when you have flare-ups So don't give up in your fight against eczema; you can have glowing, radiant, healthy skin that is finally blemish free! [...]... form of eczema is due to rubbing and scratching, either by the sufferer directly or by clothes and materials that are up against the skin Often the best and only cure is to stop scratching the skin and to use topical ointments to heal the redness and rash Autoeczematization This type of eczema is a reaction to an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites Typically the best treatment is to use... regarding your own eczema is to see your doctor He or she can do a patch test on your skin to see the types of bumps you have and the extent of your irritation This can help determine the exact type of case you have A dermatologist of course would usually be the best doctor to see but your general practitioner or family doctor can also be helpful Keeping a record It's also helpful to keep a record of your. .. of eczema If you have an allergy to a certain substance and are only treating the inflammation and redness and not that allergy itself, your relief will be temporary at best Trying home remedies is going to mean some discretion on your part If you try a remedy and it seems to make your condition worse or does no good at all, it's time to try something else And if your doctor tells you that your eczema. .. understand this Blood circulation Your cells need nourishment constantly, which you get from the foods you eat When you eat, this food goes into your stomach which then breaks it down and absorbs the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other elements that provide nourishment to your body's cells But how do they get from your stomach to, say, your toes, your hair, the muscles in your legs, and so on?... may even ask you to keep such a record but starting this on your own can be very helpful to him or her in pinpointing the cause of your condition You may not have made these connections before when it comes to your case and food allergies or sensitivities to animals, but once you see that record and go over it with your doctor then it may be easy to isolate the cause of your eczema and eliminate it... Why is sleep important to skin' s health and appearance? When you're asleep, your body is working hard to repair and renew itself both mentally and physically This includes the skin Dead skin cells are sloughed away and ready for the bloodstream to flush them out Newer cells are pushed to the surface The skin is also nourished and moisturized during this time since other muscles and organs are much less... getting up too early, and getting up during the night all interrupt sleep and defeat its purpose So make sure you're comfortable and warm when you sleep so that your skin can be healthy WHAT ABOUT PRODUCTS? There is virtually to end to the number of skincare products that are on the market today, and of course they all promise to give you radiant, glowing, youthful skin Not all of them live up to their... the skin itself, it is good to think seriously about your skincare routine when you have recurring cases This is because your skin is like any other part of your body - the stronger and more cared for it is, the easier it will be for it repair itself and to stay healthy and strong overall Caring for you skin doesn't always mean expensive products although of course there are many skincare creams and. .. prescribed to treat eczema, including how they work and potential side effects Be sure that you speak to your doctor about each and every medication you may be prescribed and pay attention to his or her instructions and precautions Here are some common medications used to treat allergies and allergic disorders These medications are considered steroids and so they increase the body's immune response and also... and treatment options you can try at home ƒ When to call for medical intervention for your eczema and what medications your doctor might prescribe ƒ Homemade remedies and treatment options for this condition You may have been suffering from eczema for so long that you've come to think of taking care of it as part of your everyday routine, like showering and brushing your teeth But it doesn't need to

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