How I plan to beat eczema

Today, I am starting a new blog about beating eczema.  This condition has plagued me now for almost a year. It started out small with just one spot on my right index finger.  But over the last year has spread to the middle finger next to it, as well as in the webbing between my pinky and ring fingers on both hands. I have just this week noticed a small patch on my left middle finger and on the knuckle of the hand of that same finger.  A rather large patch (about an inch and a half in diameter) graces the inside of my left wrist.

These eczema breakouts begin with tiny bumps that itch intensely. The scratching for relief then causes the skin to be red, swollen and cracked in places, and causes new eruptions. After that, the skin can get leathery and scaly. This really is no fun for a massage therapist like me.  Fortunately, it is not contagious.  The work I do then irritates my skin further and exacerbates the situation.

Until now, what I had done was a few topical remedies that I made for myself using shea butter and a few essential oils (tea tree, peppermint and clove). This brings some relief, but it does not stop the outbreaks. Moisturizing my skin helps, but most lotions burn because of the open skin splits. I have found (from Ulta) an “organic virgin coconut nourishing body cream” by the brand name 100% Pure that moisturizes well and does not burn.

Because I am also a Certified Natural Health Professional, I have been asked by others what they can do for their eczema.  Embarrassed because of failing to control my own, I decided to embark on a journey of researching and implementing what I found – not only for myself but also for all of you who suffer with it as well.  Supposedly, 24% of America’s population suffer from one kind or another of this irritating and embarrassing skin condition.

Apparently, as with most other conditions, diet plays a major role. In my research, I found a specific diet for eczema at http://www.beateczema.com that I have just begun today.  To do this, I purchased all the items needed  before beginning (mostly from Whole Foods).  This way I won’t set myself up to fail by not having what I need at the different stages of this very strict eating plan.

My plan is to journal this self-project, so that I can remember what I did that worked and didn’t work.   My mission is to help others who want to beat eczema.  So, I will try to give a daily report of what I am doing and how it is working. If it works, you may want to try it too.

8 Responses to “How I plan to beat eczema”

  1. Beth Barghini says:

    Great site Brenda.. you will help alot of people!

  2. This is a great start, Brenda! I really wish you luck on your journey as you battle this condition.

  3. bbriscoe says:

    Thanks, guys. My goal really is to help other people. Appreciate your comments.

  4. I saw many websites but yours is awsome, bookmarked for future referrence.

  5. Ian Marter says:

    Terrific site, where did you come up with the information in this write-up? Im pleased I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.

  6. I don’t agree with everything in this article, but you do make some very good points. I’m very interested in this topic and I myself do alot of research as well. Either way it was a well thoughtout and nice read so I figured I would leave you a comment. Feel free to check out my website sometime and let me know what you think.

  7. Thank you for this article. I just started breaking out in eczema last year for the first time and havent found out my trigger yet. I already dont consume gluten/wheat (or other grains), sugars, soy or dairy. I might have to do a total elimination diet plan…

  8. bbriscoe says:

    I feel your frustration. Try eliminating or substituting some of your household items, like soaps, shampoos, household cleaners, etc. for those with less or no chemicals added.