What is Eczema and How to Treat It using HVSC

By Cathie Arpino

Eczema is a chronic disease known as atopic dermatitis that causes flare-ups, usually characterized by dry, itchy, or scaly skin. This condition is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. Living with eczema can be difficult, but there are ways to learn to live with it and treat flare-ups as they come. 

When you have healthy skin, you have a healthy protective barrier that locks moisture in and keeps harmful toxins in the environment from getting in. People who suffer from eczema have gaps in their protective layers of skin caused by many triggers. Those gaps allow moisture to escape, and those external toxins lead to various symptoms. The most common symptoms are scaly dry, cracked skin, small, raised bumps, itchy rashes, inflammation, and more. There are many types of eczema, and each one can have different symptoms. 

Eczema Triggers

Eczema affects everyone differently and what might be one person's trigger is not another. It's essential to be able to identify your triggers for eczema so you can work to stay healthy and avoid them. Here are a few common triggers to keep an eye out for:

Irritants: Certain materials people use in everyday life can irritate your skin. These can be soaps, laundry detergent, body wash, certain fabrics, cleaners, and more. 

Stress: Stress can be a powerful trigger, although it's not exactly known why this happens. People have experienced flare-ups during heightened stressful times. 

Dry skin: It's essential to keep your skin moisturized when prone to eczema. If your skin gets too dry, it can lead to an eczema flare-up.

Changes in diet: Changes in diet can cause flare-ups with this autoimmune disease, so you want to be careful when changing things up and always consult with your doctor. 

How to Treat Eczema 

There are many treatments and tips available for treating eczema. Some common ones (besides medication) are wearing soft cotton fabrics, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, and using natural moisturizing ingredients to help heal and prevent flare-ups. Studies have shown that the Lactic Acid, probiotics, and natural exfoliation properties in goat's milk are an incredible way to treat eczema. 

Goats milk soap's lactic acid promotes healthy skin cell turnover, and it may help dissolve dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin. Goat-To Bar Soap is all-natural and fragrance-free to gently aid in eczema treatment.

Eczema needs to be treated with gentle, natural moisturizers. Goat's milk contains natural fats and oils that make it a natural humectant that strengthens your skin's barrier and locks in moisture. When your skin is well moisturized, it is more resistant to eczema flare-ups. Goat-To Body Lotion is rich in nutrients and soothes your skin, and helps lock in moisture during those eczema flare-ups. Or try Better Butter, a mixture of Avocado and Shea Butter, oils, and nutrients to help soothe and treat dry skin. 

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes discomfort and dry, itchy skin. Although there is currently no cure, people can treat and prevent eczema flares using home remedies, moisturizers, medications, and lifestyle changes.