As Eczema sufferers know, there is a lot more to dealing with eczema than just topical applications, e.g. diet, allergens, stress, environmental triggers, immune system etc. Natural products can play an important role in the management of the symptoms.
At Natural Ireland we are dedicated to promoting skin health especially for people who suffer from skin problems. Please send us your reviews and feedback on our products so that we may be able to learn more about natural products and skin conditions such as eczema. Please visit our products page to see the range of gentle, moisturising soaps made entirely from natural ingredients.
Your Skin
Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation also known as dermatitis. As such, it describes an inflamed, red rash which is usually intensely itchy. In more severe cases the skin is broken and becomes weepy and scabbed. Eczema is believed to result from a genetic defect that results in an abnormality of the skins barrier function possibly combined with an abnormal function of the immune system. Our skin needs its own natural oils to keep it supple and moist and help prevent infection. When someone has eczema these natural oils are lacking in the skin. This results in the skin becoming dry, cracked, sore and very itchy.
Possible causes of Eczema
These include family history, diet, general lifestyle and a history of allergies. People who suffer from eczema may be susceptible to allergies such as pet hair, dust, pollen and certain foods. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin such as soaps, detergents, perfumes or chemicals.
Eczema can affect people of all ages although it is most common in infants and young children. Eczema is becoming an increasingly common condition. Over the past 30 years, the number of people suffering from eczema has increased 23 fold. Emollients are used to keep the skin soft and lubricated
Treatments for Eczema
There is no known cure for eczema. However, steps can be taken to manage the symptoms and lessen the severity of outbreaks. Many treatments for eczema tend to deal with the symptoms from the outside. Moisturisers are used to keep the skin soft and lubricated and steroid creams may be prescribed for inflammation and itching. People who suffer from eczema have a tendency for their skin to become dry. This dry skin tends to flare up and become inflamed into patches of eczema. Moisturisers are used to prevent the skin from becoming dry and help to protect the skin from irritants. Regular use of moisturisers is an important part of the day to day treatment and management of the symptoms of eczema and may help prevent eczema from flaring up.
Natural Products
People with eczema need an intensive moisturiser that replenishes the loss or prevent to loss of natural oils from the skin. It is vitally important to find suitable moisturiser that does not cause or induce an allergic reaction. What suits one person may not be suitable for the next person. Many moisturising products on the market have ingredients that can irritate conditions such as eczema as they contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances and preservatives. Natural products do not contain harmful chemicals which can often irritate the skin.
Natural Ireland Products
Natural Ireland products are made from the highest quality natural ingredients. All Natural Ireland products are free from nasty chemicals such as sls, parabens or petroleum. They contain no alcohol, no artificial colours or artificial preservatives. Many chemically laden creams on the market can often cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in people who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema. People who suffer from eczema may worry about the long term use of mineral or petroleum based products and they may also develop reactions to these products.
Natural Beneficial Ingredients
Ingredients found in our products include; therapeutic grade essential oils, cold pressed plant and nut oils and Virgin waxes and butters. These natural essential oils, natural plant and nut oils, and natural waxes and butters have their own natural unique therapeutic properties. There is a wide variety of natural oils, natural butters and natural waxes used in our products.
Natural Ingredients – Therapeutic Properties
The following is a catalogue of ingredients that may have beneficial properties for the treatment and management of the symptoms of eczema as well as a description of their therapeutic properties.
- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has natural moisturizing and healing properties. This oil contains protein, minerals and a waxy substance that mimics collagen. It is particularly beneficial for inflamed skins and is highly penetrative. The oil is an excellent moisturiser for the skin, rendering it soft and smooth. - Avocado oil
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins, protein and fatty acids. Avocado oil can be used to soothe the skin, being useful for conditions such as nappy rash and eczema. Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin. - Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It has a wonderful light texture making it very easily absorbed by the skin. It is suitable for all skin types especially good for the treatment of dry, sensitive or inflamed skins. - Sweet Almond Oil
It is a clear, light yellow oil with a pleasant taste and odour. It contains a high percentage of vitamins E, A, B1, B2, B6 and essential fatty acids. It has protective nourishing qualities, leaving the skin soft smooth and supple. This oil is good for all skin types; helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation. - Shea butter
The shea tree grows wild on the savannah in several of the West African countries like Ghana. It is rich in minerals, proteins and vitamins, especially vitamin E which is a potent anti-oxidant. It has mildly anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, good moisture retaining properties and protects skin from drying out and from the sun (it has a natural sun factor of 2-3). It is great for dry skin which may be prone to eczema and psoriasis. - Calendula
Calendula is a bright orange flower also known as the marigold. The flowers are infused in oil to extract the therapeutic properties. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and has great healing properties. It has long been used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties on problem skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema as well as bruises and sunburn. - Pure Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids and nutrients, nourishing the skin and promoting skin health. Coconut oil is non greasy and very light. It is absorbed quickly into the skin making it soft and smooth. This is crucial for eczema skin and very important for the treatment of eczema, encouraging the skin to heal, to keep water in the skin avoiding the skin scaling and crusting which is characteristic of the symptoms of eczema. - Seaweed
Seaweed is believed to possess a number of properties that help protect and heal skin. Seaweed is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 (a natural anti-inflammatory), C, E, K, folic acid, niacin and pantothenic acid. It contains the trace elements calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and zinc. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it can be eaten or applied directly to the skin as a strengthening agent and exfoliant. Seaweed’s natural, anti-inflammatory compounds can have a positive effect.
Essential Oils
- Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile is antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant; and it is most valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. These apply to internal conditions like rheumatism as well as to external inflammations. Chamomile is used in the treatment of burns, including sunburn, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, and all nervous and depressive states. - Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring. It also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Lavender is widely used in natural skincare products as it has many beneficial properties for skin healing and rejuvenation.
Allergy Testing
We strongly recommend doing an allergy test before using any new product to determine whether or not you are likely to have an allergic response to what you have applied. A child with eczema or hay fever may be slightly more at risk. Choose an area in the crook of your elbow of a few square centimetres and apply the product you wish to test. Leave for 12-24 hours and then look for any signs of allergic reaction. It has to be stressed that what is beneficial for person may not be helpful for another. Some people with skin conditions may be have highly sensitive skin. Some people for example may have a reaction to nut oil.
Summary
Please send use a review of any products on this site that you use for the relief of eczema as it may help other suffering with the same condition and we will gladly the information that you feedback to us.
