Skin Concerns - Eczema

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

The term Dermatitis broadly refers to inflammation of the skin. Eczema (aka Atopic Dermatitis) is a type of Dermatitis that usually causes itching which is sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling or blisters. Often (but not always) it will start near the creases of the elbows or knees with small, itchy bumps, sometimes initially looks like small bites, and can spread from there. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. Scratching the skin or using products made with harsh or irritating ingredients can make it worse.

Eczema is thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to a perceived irritant. This can be internal, such as a reaction to a food, or external, such as a reaction to pollen or a skincare product. Common external irritants include pollen, dust mites, skincare products or very dry skin. Common internal irritants can be reactions to a fruit, nuts or dairy products. However, there are many other possible irritants and they can be very hard to identify.

The best, long term solution for Eczema is to try and eliminate the cause of the reaction, however, finding the trigger can take time. One common method used to search for triggers is eliminating suspect items from the diet or skin for a week to check for improvements. Allergy specialists can also be helpful in finding the irritant(s).

To bring relief, medical practitioners will often prescribe an anti-inflammatory cortisone (steroid) ointment, which is very effective, but is generally recommended for short term use. Skin Calming Cream (this product is called Eczema & Psoriasis Cream in Australia and Sensitive Skin Balm in the UK and USA) is a lightweight cream for the symptomatic relief of mild Eczema, Dermatitis & mild Psoriasis, and can be used whenever the skin becomes itchy or dry. 

Eczema in Children

Eczema in children is a non-contagious skin condition which is quite common and affects around 10% of babies. It usually appears in early childhood and disappears around six years of age. The skin becomes dry, cracked and itchy, and may even weep. Eczema can vary in severity and alter on a daily basis. In some cases, Eczema may continue into adulthood.

The immune system of children is immature, and so, many react inappropriately to a perceived irritant. Eczema is more common in children who have other allergies, such as asthma and hay fever. Children will often "grow" out of the problem as their immune system matures. However, that is of little comfort to the baby who has Eczema and their parents.

How We Can Help

Always see your medical practitioner for advice on how to manage Eczema. We make a moisturizing spot treatment called Skin Calming Cream that easily sinks into skin for the symptomatic relief of Eczema. This is suitable for all ages including children, babies and adults, and can be used as often as needed whenever the skin becomes sensitive or irritated. If symptoms persist, consult your health care practitioner.

For anyone struggling with skin issues, we always recommend using our Skin Calming Cream in conjuction with a gentle skin cleanser like our Milk Wash and a natural, nourishing moisturizer like our Soothing MSM Moisturizer. You can find them together in our Skin Calming Set. To learn more about this routine, check out 3 Steps To Soothe Skin.