Eczema is a chronic skin disease affecting more than 35 million Americans. People with eczema commonly have an itchy rash on the face, neck, arms, wrists, and back of the legs. Current understanding from the medical community shows that eczema is caused by disruption of the skin barrier and dysregulation of the immune system. Although there are exciting new drugs that will come to the market soon, at this moment there is no cure for this inflammatory skin disease, and most medications only provide relief for the symptoms.

Eczema commonly affects kids, and the good news is that many kids with eczema eventually outgrow the disease in late childhood to have normal skin. However, many people never outgrow this skin disease fully and have to deal with the symptoms and frequent flare of rashes for their entire life.

Eczema disrupts sleep:

For a long time, eczema was viewed only as a skin condition with an unsightly and itchy rash. In the past few years, new research has shed light on the overall impact on quality of life and the general health of eczema patients. For example, many clinical studies have shown that people with eczema have sleep disturbances and functional impairment that can contribute to overall higher risks for developing anxiety and depression. Many of these eczema patients are conscious and embarrassed by their rash, and report their skin conditions negatively impact their, work, study, and social and leisure activities.

Itch & eczema:

Data from clinical studies also suggest that itch is one of the most important factors that contribute to all of these emotional and functional impairments. Some of the studies showed that more than 90% of surveyed patients with eczema have sleep disturbance more than five nights a week. Oftentimes, they report itch as the main reason for their sleep disturbance. Adequate and good quality sleep is crucial for the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of individuals.

Treating itch & eczema:

To combat itch and restore skin health, there is a systematic approach prescribed by medical professionals. In general, the goals are (1) to shut down the inflammation and (2) restore the skin barrier. To achieve the first goal, people with eczema are often given topical steroids and even antibiotics to apply on the affected skin. This treatment combination is often enough for most people to stop the underlying inflammation that can contribute to the bleeding, oozing and cracking of the skin. At the same time, it is very important to apply adequate moisturizers to help rebuild the outer layer of skin. This outer skin layer creates a functional barrier that prevents allergens or other harmful molecules from interacting with the skin.

Nature remedy to cure eczema:

Topical formulations with natural herbs and essential oils have also been used to help people with eczema relieve symptoms of dry, cracked and itchy skin. Dr. Wang's Eczema Ointment Natural Repair was formulated with a set of 8 herbs that have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The herbs were extracted and incorporated in a natural base with beeswax, shea butter and castor and olive oils. The product has delivered good relief for many people with eczema or topical steroid withdrawal syndrome. One of the unique attributes of that Eczema ointment is its effect to control and diminish itch in a short amount of time (i.e. 5-10 minutes after application).

Final Thoughts:

In summary, eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of Americans. It not only causes bleeding, rashes, cracking, and flaking of the skin but also contributes to many underlying psychological and emotional suffering in this group of people. Natural supplements and skin care products have a role improving the skin condition and quality of life in this group of people.