Eczema – Warning Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema – Warning Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema is a prevalent health condition that causes skin dryness and itchiness. While the symptoms’ severity can vary from person to person, they are generally uncomfortable and frustrating. Health experts recommend various treatments, lifestyle changes, and home remedies to manage flare-ups. This post takes a closer look at the common symptoms that help identify eczema and a few simple home remedies to help patients relieve discomfort and improve their quality of life.

What is eczema?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body. As per estimates, one in ten individuals in our country is said to have some form of the disorder. Health researchers do not know the exact cause of eczema. However, they believe that allergens (like soaps and artificial fragrances), environmental irritants (like dust and pollen), genetics, and psychological stress play a role in its development. Treatment for this ailment often includes creams and moisturizers containing special ingredients and lifestyle changes like avoiding harsh soaps and stress.

Early warning signs of eczema
While eczema is generally a lifelong condition, it can be managed with treatment. Before starting treatment, one must have a confirmed diagnosis. The following are a few signs that help experts identify the disorder:

Itchiness
Itchiness is perhaps the telltale symptom of eczema. It can affect different parts of the body and can vary in severity from person to person. For some, itching can be so intense that it interrupts sleep and interferes with everyday activities. Many treatments and home remedies, such as cool showers and moisturizers, help reduce the itchiness caused by the disorder.

Dry skin
Dry skin is an often overlooked symptom that can be mild or severe. It is usually accompanied by white flakes and raw, cracked, or blistered patches on the skin, which can be painful and itchy. Patients may find their dry skin worsening during colder days when the air is drier and during summer due to increased temperature. To prevent skin drying, one must avoid skincare products with irritants and replace them with gentle moisturizing treatments, such as oils and creams.

Bumps on the skin
This is another highly recognizable early sign of eczema. The bumps can range from small and slightly raised to large and severely itchy. They can also vary in shape and color. Further, the affected areas may become red and sore to the touch, depending on the severity. Sometimes, they may become so sensitive that even contact with clothing causes immense pain. The bumps may go away on their own or linger for weeks or months.

Bumps from eczema are often accompanied by extra dryness in the area and visible skin scaling and cracking. Although this is an uncomfortable and usually painful symptom, treatments can help relieve the discomfort.

Discolored skin
Sometimes, the inflamed eczema-affected patches of skin become darker due to excess pigment production. The discoloration is usually more common in body parts exposed to sunlight, such as the face and hands. People with darker skin complexions may notice gray or blue patches, while those with lighter skin complexions may find their patches taking on a red hue.

Home remedies for eczema
While severe eczema may require treatment, one may manage mild episodes with simple home remedies after consulting an expert:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
ACV is a valuable home remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema. It helps remove toxins from the skin and balance its pH levels, which helps prevent flare-ups. Applying an ACV toner or lotion to the affected skin can help soothe itching and inflammation. Patients may also add a small amount of this vinegar to water for a calming bath.

Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is a wonderful, natural home remedy for eczema. It is a staple in the kitchen pantry and can be easily purchased from stores. Colloidal oatmeal is a powder made from oats ground into tiny particles. Thanks to its skin-soothing properties, it has long been used to calm itchy, inflamed skin.

The best way to use colloidal oatmeal for treating eczema is to add it to bathwater and have an “oatmeal bath.” Its gentle exfoliant properties help soothe the skin by reducing irritation and itchiness while adding vital moisture to prevent dryness and flaking. Colloidal oatmeal can also be converted into a paste or lotion, making it easy to incorporate into any topical skincare regime.

Cool compress
Applying a cool compress to the affected area can reduce itchiness, swelling, and tenderness and provide instant relief. It is a 100% natural home remedy, so even those with sensitive skin may use it when they experience an eczema flare.

To use this relief method, one can dip a cloth or towel in cool water, remove it when damp, and apply it directly to the affected area. The cold temperature has an analgesic effect that soothes inflammation and provides instant relief. Additionally, it helps stop new lesions (abnormal tissues) from forming by preventing the skin from becoming too dry or scaly.

Petroleum jelly
Applying petroleum jelly to the areas affected by eczema can help lock in moisture and soothe the skin. Petroleum jelly forms a barrier against irritants, reducing inflammation and relieving itching. It is an inexpensive and simple remedy that is easy to find in stores.

Besides a remedy for eczema, petroleum jelly is an increasingly popular choice among athletes and gym-goers looking to reduce chafing caused by intense exercise.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a popular home remedy for eczema. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties make it useful in treating irritation, itching, and inflammation. Coconut oil also offers moisturizing benefits, which can help soothe the skin and relieve redness and dry patches associated with the condition. Further, the oil has antioxidant properties that repair the skin and eliminate free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage other cells).

For best results, one may apply approximately one teaspoon of coconut oil directly to the affected area several times a day until the rash subsides.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Identifying and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

The occurrence of red, scaly skin patches and intense joint pain is usually indicative of psoriatic arthritis. It's a form of inflammatory arthritis with symptoms such as joint stiffness, swelling in the wrists and fingers, fatigue, and back pain. Knowing its causes and treatments can help manage this potentially disabling disease. This blog will discuss what causes psoriatic arthritis, how to identify its symptoms, and which foods may benefit people with psoriatic arthritis. What triggers psoriatic arthritis?Psoriatic arthritis may affect joints such as the spine, fingers, toes, and hips. It's normally diagnosed through simple lab tests to detect inflammation and antibody levels in the body. Its symptoms are stiff joints, body pain, swelling in different body parts, tiny dents in nails, inflammation, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and fatigue. The condition may be triggered by severe stress, infections, certain treatments, the use of tobacco, injuries or wounds. If you experience these symptoms and need psoriatic arthritis relief, you must consult your healthcare provider immediately. The following are a few methods of treatment for psoriatic arthritis:UV light (therapy for severe cases)Anti-inflammatory remedies (to help alleviate the pain)Biologics (a process to block inflammation-causing proteins)Surgery (to replace a joint with a metal counterpart)6 foods to manage psoriatic arthritisWalnutsWalnuts are a healthful addition to any meal plan, especially for those managing psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that consuming walnuts can reduce inflammation in the body. It can be beneficial in providing relief to joint pain and other physical symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. Walnuts are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which help protect health by reducing disease-causing free radicals. These radicals are unstable atoms that damage other atoms and cause inflammation. Additionally, high omega-3 and vitamin E levels in the nut may help reduce the pain and stiffness usually felt when dealing with this autoimmune disorder. You can blend a handful of walnuts into breakfast smoothies, top your pancakes with crushed walnuts, or eat them whole.Dark chocolateDark chocolate has health benefits for those struggling with psoriatic arthritis. It is a natural source of polyphenols (antioxidants) that can reduce inflammation and decrease joint swelling caused by psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, dark chocolate contains omega-3 fatty acids, giving it anti-inflammatory properties to help manage symptoms of the condition. Eating dark chocolate can improve overall health by strengthening the immune system and aiding digestion. To reap its health benefits and manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms, enjoy two ounces or less of dark chocolate daily to ensure you're not over-consuming sugar.Brown riceBrown rice is an incredibly healthful food that may promote healing for those with psoriatic arthritis. This grain is full of complex carbohydrates known to break down slowly into glucose, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, providing an influx of energy throughout the body. In addition to this metabolic benefit, brown rice provides a rich source of fiber, which helps maintain satiety while keeping digestion regular.  Additionally, brown rice contains flavonoids that can help protect cells from damage caused by arthritis and other environmental factors. Finally, consuming brown rice regularly gives your body a powerful dose of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron, and manganese. These minerals are essential in managing symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis, such as joint pain and swelling.Flax seedsFlax seeds can be a great asset in managing psoriatic arthritis. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flax seeds have been proven to reduce inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis and aid in pain management. Moreover, their lignans, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory properties, can help counteract some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Regular consumption of this food item may even slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis. In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, flax seeds provide other health benefits such as improved digestion and a better functioning immune system.Dark berriesDark berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and acai berries, are a great addition to any diet to help manage psoriatic arthritis. These fruits provide a wide range of essential vitamins (such as C and K) and minerals (such as iron and manganese), which can be easily consumed fresh or frozen. As dark berries possess anti-inflammatory properties, they work wonders in relieving the painful symptoms associated with the condition. Furthermore, the antioxidants in them can inhibit certain molecules responsible for causing inflammation. Whether you choose blueberries blended into your favorite smoothie or sprinkle a handful of blackberries atop your cereal in the morning, incorporating dark berries into your health regimen can help promote health and treat psoriatic arthritis!Ground spicesGround spices can benefit people with psoriatic arthritis as they contain health-promoting properties. Curcumin, an active component of ground turmeric and curry powder, contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can reduce inflammation. It also helps to prevent oxidative damage (oxygen imbalance), which is linked to psoriatic arthritis flare-ups. Consuming curcumin supplements significantly reduces joint pain and swelling associated with this health condition. Nutrients such as magnesium and zinc, available in some ground spices such as ginger, rosemary, and turmeric, can also help boost immunity, improving health over time. In addition, ground cinnamon could help alleviate symptoms due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties, induce blood circulation in affected joints, and reduce redness and stiffness. Ground cloves may relieve chronic joint pains due to their analgesic (pain-relief) properties. In conclusionRecognizing the signs and understanding potential causes of psoriatic arthritis can help you accurately identify them and take proactive steps to manage your symptoms. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon and certain fruits while avoiding processed foods can help reduce inflammation and improve your well-being. Exercises such as swimming or pilates might be great for managing your pain. Additionally, working with physical therapists can provide further support if needed. Above all, remember to speak with your physician, who can assess your situation more accurately and make personalized recommendations.

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