Home - Health - 3 Ways For Managing Eczema Symptoms

3 ways for managing eczema symptoms

3 ways for managing eczema symptoms

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy. This condition can also lead to leathery skin over time and patches that bleed or ooze transparent fluid. It is difficult to control the various eczema symptoms if you are unaware of the right treatment options, nutrition and remedies. So, here’s a look at some of the ways in which this illness can be managed:

Treatment options and prevention of eczema
There are several prescriptions that individuals can be recommended based on the severity of their case and certain other criteria:

DUPIXENT®
This is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults and children who are 6 months-5 years of age. It is used when other options to control the symptoms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have not worked out or for those who cannot use other topical therapies on the skin. However, DUPIXENT® can be used with or without the use of topical treatment options as well.

CIBINQO®
CIBINQO®, a JAK1 inhibitor, is an FDA-approved option for managing eczema symptoms in adults. This is an oral treatment option for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis whose condition cannot be controlled via other prescription options. The treatment plan depends on the health professional and how the patient responds to it.

Health insurance plans may cover the cost of CIBINQO®, so one should check the policy coverage and qualifying criteria. Further, a CIBINQO® Copay savings card can help one bring down the cost of the treatment option to $0, given that one meets the eligibility criteria.

RINVOQ®
Upadacitinib, sold under the brand name RINVOQ®, is used to treat moderate to severe eczema symptoms in adults and children who are 12 years or older. It is an oral treatment option shown to relieve several eczema symptoms. Individuals observed rapid and significant skin clearing after taking upasacitinib in about 16 weeks of the treatment plan.

EUCRISA®
A topical treatment option, this is safe to use by adults and even babies who are 3 months of age and older. Using this topical treatment helps reduce skin inflammation as it acts as an inhibitor of the PDE4 enzymes that cause this irritation.

Phototherapy
This treatment plan uses artificial ultraviolet rays, specifically UVB rays. These UVB rays are then beamed onto the skin, which helps keep the inflammation and irritation at bay for most eczema patients.

Moisturizers
Frequently moisturizing the skin and keeping it hydrated is one of the prevention tips that can immensely help manage the symptoms of eczema. Dry, flaky skin will lead to more irritation and itchiness. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations, and always keep a skin-safe moisturizer handy.

Stay away from pollutants
While it is impossible to fully avoid environmental pollutants, protecting yourself as much as possible is important. Constant exposure to dust, smoke, and other air pollutants can harm the skin considerably. Wear skin-friendly masks and sunscreen as advised to shield yourself from harmful elements.

Use a humidifier
Since eczema-prone skin has the tendency to dry out, leading to irritation and flakiness easily, it might be a good idea to invest in a humidifier for your room or the entire home. This will keep the air from drying out completely and help in keeping the skin slightly hydrated.

Foods to manage eczema symptoms
Following a strict meal plan can go a long way in managing the symptoms of eczema in both adults and children. It is important to get children to understand their food triggers and teach them the value of the right nutrition early on to make management easier.

Fatty fish
This contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are a wonder for the skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Add fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. They all are rich in essential fats that are important in keeping skin healthy. If you do not like fish, you may look for omega-3 supplements that might be helpful.

Probiotics
These are one of the essential forms of nutrients needed to manage eczema. As is well known, our gut has millions of microbes that need to be fed. Prebiotics and probiotics keep these live cultures in the gut healthy and happy, which, in turn, helps build a strong immune system. A strong immune system is responsible for fighting off diseases and several allergic reactions in the body, including eczema. This will also help fight off inflammation and flare-ups that cause itchiness and irritation. Add foods like miso soup, kefir, fermented pickles, yogurt, sourdough bread, tempeh.

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties
Kale, spinach, broccoli, apples, and cherries are all anti-inflammatory foods that can help manage eczema symptoms. These are also foods that are known for their antioxidant properties, making them a healthy choice for daily nutrition. You can also add sweet potatoes and bananas to your meals.

Foods to avoid with eczema
Dairy is one of the leading causes of skin inflammation and can worsen the symptoms of eczema. Dairy and dairy byproducts, such as milk and cheese, must be avoided to manage the condition’s symptoms adequately. Additionally, foods like wheat, peanuts, milk, and soy are known triggers of eczema, especially in babies and children.

Lifestyle changes and remedies for eczema

Short showers
Short showers with lukewarm water will help you keep your skin from drying off easily. Hot baths worsen the symptoms of eczema and should be avoided.

Eczema-friendly products
Always ensure that these products do not have any harsh chemicals when buying soap, detergent, washing powder, or liquid. Choose options with mild ingredients or make your DIY natural cleanser using soaked soap nuts and water.

Bleach baths
If you prefer taking long baths, consider this option. Take about ½ cup or 118 milliliters of household bleach. Add this to 40 gallons or 151 liters of water in the bathtub. Soak yourself from the neck below for about 10 mins to calm your skin. Always use mild bleach and not the concentrated type for this bath.

Previous Read

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

Next Read

3 effective ways to manage high cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the body that aids in the formation of cells and hormones. However, this lipid can be good or bad, and high levels of bad cholesterol can increasee the risk of developing heart conditions. The CDC suggests that high cholesterol is a common health risk that affects 94 million people over 20. So, here are treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition: Treatment options The condition can induce no symptoms, making it important to get the cholesterol levels checked. The treatment for this condition focuses on reducing bad cholesterol in the body. They also aim to lower the risk of developing secondary conditions such as heart diseases. Here are some of the popular treatment options: LIVALO®: The brand name for pitavastatin, LIVALO® helps in lowering cholesterol levels. It is a statin, which means it belongs to a group of treatment options known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat adults who have high cholesterol, and doctors prescribe this option while also recommending changes in food consumption. The combined effect helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, in the body. It also helps increase the levels of good cholesterol (or HDL) in the body. While LIVALO® is a popular treatment option, people with allergies, active liver troubles, and those who are nursing or pregnant should avoid it. The most common side effects include back pain, diarrhea, muscle pain, constipation, and even pain in the arms and legs. This is an oral treatment option, usually taken once every 24 hours, with or without food, at the same time every day. Repatha®: Another treatment option for high cholesterol is Repatha®. Also known as evolocumab, this is a fast-acting injectable treatment option used to treat adults who have cardiovascular diseases and are at risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Repatha® can also be prescribed for those who have undergone heart surgery. Studies have shown that this treatment, along with a statin, can reduce LDL in nearly 90% of people and can bring it down to 70mg/dL or lower. In fact, it can promise up to a 63% reduction in blood cholesterol levels within three months. The treatment can be administered once a month or once every two weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. Its side effects include allergic reactions, runny nose, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms. It may also cause back pain, high blood sugar, redness, or pain at the injection site. Doctors recommend lifestyle and food-related changes when prescribing this treatment to further reduce health risks. Better food choices While treatment options can help keep cholesterol levels in check, people should make changes in their food regimen as a natural remedy for the condition. This includes consuming foods that help improve the HDL levels and avoiding foods that can increase the levels of LDL in the blood. The best foods to have are:  Fiber-rich foods: Some foods are rich in soluble fibers that bind with the cholesterol and eliminate it from the body. Examples include foods such as oats, barley, bran, beans, and other whole grains. Fish: Seafood such as fatty fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids (or polyunsaturated fats) that are better alternatives to unhealthy fats that directly increase LDL. Foods with sterols and stanols: Some foods also contain sterols and stanols, which are cholesterol-like compounds found in plant-based foods. They can help block the absorption of bad cholesterol. You can get sterols and stanols as supplements. Legumes, vegetable oils, and nuts contain these compounds and should be added to meals. Some foods should be avoided or at least limited as they can increase LDL in the body along with the risk of developing secondary diseases. Items like fried food, fast food, processed meat, sweetened foods, dairy products like cheese, and desserts contain trans fats that can directly increase cholesterol levels. Further, you should try substituting sugary drinks with water and track your calorie intake to keep cholesterol in check. Lifestyle changes Aside from food and treatment, lifestyle changes can also go a long way in managing the condition. One of the biggest changes that can improve cholesterol levels is regular exercise. Any moderate physical activity can help raise HDL levels in the body while also lowering LDL. One can try moderate workouts that last for at least 30 minutes 4–5 times a week. People should also try activities like walking, riding a bike, playing a sport, and even swimming. It is important to develop an exercise plan after consulting with your doctor to avoid taking up strenuous physical activities. Experts also recommend making small yet important changes to your physical routine to encourage movement. Some tips include using the stairs instead of the elevator, taking breaks from your desk, parking your car a block away from your workplace so you can walk there, and trying to work while standing for short periods. Cutting back on unhealthy lifestyle choices can also reduce the risk of high cholesterol and severe heart-related issues.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More