A Day in the Life: When Skin Falls

After 13 years of suffering from eczema, my skin began to change. My skin, which normally forms a thickened rash when aggravated, began to dry and flake. This new, flaky skin comes off when I towel dry it, rolls off when I put lotion on it, brushes off when I touch it and falls off while I sleep.

The use of triamcinalone and hydrocortisone ointments have helped to thin my skin.

Now, after 3 years of shedding dry skin, my skin is so weak that healthy skin rolls off when I rub it or put lotion on.

Dermatologists don't seem to think that there is anything hazardous about thin skin. But, how can you ward off unwanted bacteria, if there are openings and cuts all over your skin?

So far, the thinning of the epidermis seems to be an irreversible side effect of topical and oral corticosteroids. I'll keep searching for solutions. 

Love,

Lhea J.

A Day in the Life: Weeping Eczema

Dear Concerned,

The first time that one's skin begins to weep can be a very scary period. If you continue with your normal dietary, hygienic, professional and recreational activities, ceteris paribus, unfortuanately sometimes your body chemistry may still change.

Weeping eczema, also knows as wet eczema, is characterized and identified by a thin, colorless film that is emitted from damaged skin tissue. This fluid adheres to the skin, dries, scabs and begins the lichenification of the affected area of skin. Lichenification is when an affected area of skin thickens to the point of a leathery, bark-like, reptile-like appearance. 

Despite the thickness lichenified skin, the area often rips easily especially if it is located in an area where the muscles move frequently such as the neck or face. When a lichenified area rips, the oozing, weeping process begins again. And the affected area become stiffer, less elastic, thicker, rougher and more uncomfortable.

The lichenified/weeping areas exacerbates the itch-scratch-rash process that normal eczema patients experience. If you neck is covered with a lichenified rash, making normal head movements is enough to crack the skin and cause the affected area to weep.

If you are experiencing lichenification and weeping skin simultaneously, you must take the highest safety measures to prevent the area from getting infected.

Normal lotions and emollients that normally sooth your eczema breakouts and rashes, may cause the immune system to overreact and make the skin weep more. The very process of gently applying a steroid or topical immunomodulator to a lichenified/weeping area of skin is often enough to break the skin and cause the leaking of more fluid.

Covering the area with a thick coat of petroleum jelly/vaseline may be enough to sooth the itching. Covering the area with a bandage, gauge, or cotton fabric (a soft cotton scarf, cleaned daily, for an affected neck) may protect the area from potention irritants and remind you to not scratch, or even move the affected area that much. 

In these cases oral medication and supplements works much better than apply topical ointments to a weeping area.  An oral corticosteroid or oral anti-biotic is the best bet to clear up an area of weeping/lichenified eczema.

The best way to treat weeping eczema, is to prevent it. Begin to treat sensitive rash areas before the lichenification and weeping process begins.

Hope this helps.

Love,

Lhea J.

We Are What We Eat: Eczema and Vegetarianism

Dear Vegetarians,

In many ways a vegetarian diet can cure and prevent many common health ailments. Maintaining a vegetarian diet may significantly lower your chances of heart disease, many forms of cancer and osteoperosis.

But the question remains, is a vegetarian diet healthy for eczema-sufferers?

A few problems present themselves. While vegetarianism can not create or cause eczema, vegetarians who already suffer from eczema may be at a disadvantage due to vitamin deficiencies and dietary surplus.

Often, meat-less diets are very low in B vitamins and Fatty Acids. The B Vitamin complex is crucial to both maintaining healthy skin and damaged skin repair.  B-6 and B-12 are particularly low in vegetarian diets and both, collectively, may significantly improve the condition of eczema-prone skin.

The metabolism of poly unsaturated fats takes place in the epithelial layer of the skin. The metabolites help form a semi-permiable layer of skin. Dietary dificiency of linolic acid (of Omega 6) often results in epidermal water loss. Omega 3 is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing Omega 3 oils in one's diet may help regulate immune responses in one's skin.

Also, there are several staples in a vegetarian's diet which may actually serve as allergens or irritants to the eczema prone person:

-----Soy (The vegetarian's dream, may be one of the largest problems of them all)

-----Lactose

-----Eggs

-----Nuts (Great for protein, great for allergies)

-----Citrus (Geez, what fruits don't have a little citrus acid in them?)

-----Gluten (Wheat, Rye, Barley)

So if you are vegetarian with eczema... your biggest concern isn't whether or not you are getting enough protein. You've got quite a few things to think about. 

Love,

Lhea J.

SKINtimacy: Eczema and Healthy Relationships

Dear Young Folk,

Fifty percent of Eczemapedia is dedicated to health awareness and how Eczema-sufferers can develop healthy skin and healthy immune systems. But, fifty percent of Eczemapedia is also dedicated to how Eczema-sufferers can develop a healthy life.

In 2007, dermatologist Alexa Boer-Kimball published the results of a study to the American Academy of Dermatology stating that young people with eczema and psoriasis may be at disadvantage on the young dating scene. 

Basically, many people who do not have eczema or psoriasis are often confused about whether eczema is contagious or not. While the diseases that people should be worried about such as HIV and Herpes lurk invisibly. 

It turns out,

-----83% stated that physical appearance plays a major part in whether they would date someone or not.

-----62% stated that skin condition plays a pivotal role as well. 

I don't think the results of this study come as a surprise to any person with a skin disorder. Just have a skin disorder and you will know how important looks are, how important appearance is in dating, friendships and professional settings. 

Now, the study I would be interested in reading and discussing is the correlation between Eczema/Psoriasis and sexual abuse, sexual molestation and domestic violence.

Are people who suffer from severe eczema or psoriasis more likely to place themselves within dangerous relationships? Or, more likely to stay within dangerous relationships?

Here are a few signs of a healthy relationship:

----- Communication

Everyone communicates differently. Our communication patterns are largely based on the household we grew up in, and our early relationships.

*Can you communicate openly with your partner about your eczema, about both your insecurities and about your physical pain?

*Can you be careful not to take your insecurities and the results of your physical/emotional pain out on your partner?

----- Mutual Respect

Pat Allen/Marianne Williamson "A man greatest psychic need is to have his thoughts respected and a woman's greatest psychic need is to have her feelings cherished."

Does your partner respect when you don't want to have sex? When you do?

Does your partner respect when you need space?

----- Mutual Support

Each individual can make it in the world by themselves keeping acquaintances and family at bay. But life's difficulties are better handled with close support, and life's victories are better celebrated with friends and family.

*Does your partner support and encourage healthy lifestyle habits for people with eczema?

*Does your partner celebrate your victories? (When your skin clears up, etc.)

----- Intimacy

Emotions. Understanding. Sex. Is it healthy? Is it positive?

*Does your partner fulfil your emotional, spiritual and physical needs?

*Or, does your emotional, spiritual, and physical relationships hender other aspects of you or your partners life?

----- Realistic Expectations

Expectations are everything. You will never get what you don't expect. But, if you expect the impossible, you are destined for disappointment. 

*What does your partner expect of you? 

*What do you expect of your partner? 

*Most importantly, what do you expect of yourself?

----- Mutual Flexibility

Can you comprimise, and know that which can never be comprimised?

*Are you in a lopsided relationship? 

*Do you give as much as you get? 

----- Balanced Life

The most important aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship, is maintaining a balanced life. Your relationship should not be 100% of your life. Your relationship should not be 100% of your partners life.

Hope this helps!

Love, 

Lhea J. 

Professional Skin: Traveling with Eczema

Dear Frequent Flyers,

Sometimes if we are not careful, eczema, psoriasis and adult acne can become a debilitating condition. A physical condition, if not carefully monitered can begin to affect ones psychological and social health. 

Eczema does not have to harm your peace of mind, your social status or your professional career. 

Here are a few things you can do so that you can travel with ease:

1. Request a non-smoking hotel room

2. Travel with eczema travel kit

----- Daily Medication (if any)

----- 1% Hydrocortisone Cream (for unexpected breakouts)

-----  Vaseline (great emollient)

----- Olive Oil (In well sealed, small, portable container)

----- Lotion (stay away from hotel lotion. Cera Ve, Cetaphil, Eucerine work well)

----- Soap (stay away from hotel soap/detergent. Aveno, Cetaphil, Homemade Soap, or Oatmeal may work well)

---- Shampoo (stay away from hotel shampoo)

---- Plastic Covers for Pillows

I reckon, when you have eczema... you can never be too careful. 

Love,

Lhea J.

On the Shelf: Prescription for Nutritional Healing

Dear Nutritionists, 

I am a firm believer that every person has a responsibility to learn about how their body functions.

If your mother died of breast cancer, and your grandmother did, too. You have a responsibility to learn about carcinogens and to do self breast checks. 

If alcoholism is prevalent in your family and many people have died of liver disease, liver cancer or pnemonia. You have a responsibility to observe your alcohol intake and take care of your liver.

Obtaining Prescription for Nutritional Healing might be your first step in understanding yourself. Many of our ailments are just the result of vitamin deficiencies, and many of our problems could be derailed, avoided or cured by change in our diet and lifestyle. 

For those suffering from eczema it is extremely important that you observe your diet and your lifestyle and that you understand the impact of your daily activities. It is the best way to control your health, and ultimately control your life. 

This book is always available at Health Food stores, it has become a staple in American Nutrition. And it is definitely worth owning a copy in your own home. 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Love,

Lhea J.

Lhea's Secret Remedy: Aloe Vera

Dear Bumpy Bodies,

Many people suffering from eczema are prone to other allergy-related diagnosis as well: asthma, psoriasis, hives. People may find that they suffer from asthma in their childhood, outgrow it, while their eczema remains. Others may find that they grew up with eczema, and start to develop hives, quite randomly, later in life. 

Each person's skin and immune system functions differently. You must develop your own personal regiment and remedies. 

There is one plant that every person with sensitive needs to have in their house: The Aloe Vera Plant. 

Yes, you can buy lotion with aloe vera if you want to... You can buy juice with aloe vera from the store. But, the fact of the mater is, there's nothing like the real thing. Besides, the gel within the aloe vera plant oxidizes very quickly, thus there may be preservatives in aloe vera lotions and products that irritate the sensitive skin of people eczema or psoriasis.

The gel inside of the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are known to have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. 

Aloe Vera has cleared up hives within 24 hours on my skin and has helped with hyperpigmentation marks left from healed rashes.

Growing an Aloe Vera plant in your house, just might be the answer to your prayers. 

Love,

Lhea J.

InSKINcurities: Steroids and Antidepressants

Dear Melancholy,

Dealing with skin disruptions and disorders can be quite a bit to handle. And honestly, if your condition becomes chronic, it can have long term effects on your self-image, your self-esteem, your mood.

Friends and family member may become concerned. Someone may even consider  antidepressants to cope with your mood, which probably fluctuates as often as your skin does.

The fact of the matter is,  by the time your condition becomes chronic -- you are probably taking a combination of corticosteroids and antibiotics to cope with the constant inflammation of your skin. 

So how do Steroids and Antidepressants interact? If neither your dermatologist or your psychiatrist can't answer this question... you need to find a new dermatologist and/or psychiatrist. Don't worry. I had to.

Remember, it's your health. It's your life.

(And personally, I think most doctors don't do enough reading anyway. Too many practicing doctors don't keep up with recent medical research, anyhow.  Your best bet would be to find a practicing doctor who also does research, probably affiliated with a university -- at least you know he or she is keeping up with the latest and greatest.)

It turns out that cortisol and other corticosteroids also affect mood, behavior and cognition through "genomic and nongenomic" mechanisms. Many anti-depressants are effective because they increase corticosteroid receptors and actually lower cortisol levels.

Meanwhile your corticosteroids are working to raise cortisol levels.  Cortisol, is an immunosuppressant which when increased lowers inflammatory effects.

On the other hand, the first month I used Cephalexin... it felt like an antidepressant. Taking it seemed to make me feel so great. I asked my doctor if antibiotics had any antidepressant qualities. She assured me they did not. I guess I was just so happy to have beautiful, healthy skin again... Meanwhile, each time I accidently forgot to take the anti-biotic for the day my mood dramatically dropped. But, hey... maybe that's just me.  Sometimes my body does what it wants, anyhow.

Stay healthy, stay aware. 

Love,

Lhea J.

Happy Housekeeping: The Allergy Free Home

Dear Homebodies,

After battling with your boss and coworkers, dealing with your extended family, and bearing the brunt of everyday life, your home should be your haven. 

Your house, your apartment, should not be a battlefield. Unfortunately, for many with eczema their household becomes a battleground: allergens versus skin. And many American homes are not fit to fight the battle.

The number one enemy to an Allergy-Free home is dust mites. Please refer to Happy Housekeeping: The Battle Against Dust Mites.

Here are a few things that you can do to allergy-proof your home:

-----Maintain Indoor Temperature at 65 degrees or below. Heat causes your blood to dialate leading to an itching sensation.

-----Keep humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth. Purchase a dehumidifier. 

-----Use Air Conditioning. Open Windows invite pollen. Fans attract dust.

-----Consider filtering the air.

-----Don't allow smoking in your home.

-----Consider keeping pets outside, or at least out of the bedroom.

-----Beware of areas where mold can grow.

Until next time...

Love,

Lhea J.

Eczema Files: Systemic Steroids

Dear Anxious,

So you've been living with eczema you whole life, eh? I bet your doctors told you when you were younger, not to worry, that you would grow out of it. And, let me guess, it only got worse. 

So, you've been waiting your entire life for a miracle cure... something to ease the pain of constant itching and soreness... something to rid the embarrassment of rashes and hyper- pigmentation.

Well, I am here to give you good news and bad news. The good news is that there is a miracle cure for extreme, chronic eczema, they are called Systemic Steroids.

The bad news is: all miracle cures have side effects. 

When steroids are taken orally or injected into a muscle they are called systemic steroids, since they affect your entire body.  The systemic steroids are made to mimic cortisol, your body's natural hormone, and suppress the activity of the immune system. 

A person who is having a reaction due to chronic, contact eczema may have many open lesions, cuts and scars on the surface of their skin.  Unfortunately, when molecules enter their body through these openings, the immune system begins treating many of the molecules as if they are invaders. The molecules may just be additives from soaps and detergents or fragrances from lotions and conditioners. The immune system rushes a host of white blood sells to the area of contact and begins an unnecessary healing process similar to the formation of a scab.

Well, by suppressing the immune system, we can slow down or stop the unnecessary scabbing and rashing that occurs in the skin of people with eczema.

And, often systemic steroids return the skin cells to normal without signs of hyper-pigmentation. (No sorry, I haven't figured out the science behind that one, yet.)

Now, here's the bad news. The side effects of long term steroid usage:

--Obesity (The redistribution of fat in your body)

--Osteoporosis (The thinning of your bones. Take calcium! Take vitamin D!)

 --Glaucoma and Cataracts (Eye problems)

--High Blood Pressure

--Heart Disease

Think you want to take steroids short term? Well there are side effects for that too. After you stop taking steroids, your body goes through withdrawal and often can't even produce/regulate it's own natural cortisol.

It's a sticky situation.

Just remember, there are no miracle drugs. Everything you do has an effect. You can't just let your eczema bubble over, rash, lichenify, and leak... you'll catch an infection so quick. And your immune system will be so used to fighting off things that aren't really invaders, it won't know what to do when a real threat enters your body.

But while curing the infections with antibiotics, and lessening the inflammation with steroids, you are creating short term and long term hazards as well.

It's a tough road. Talk with your dermatologist closely. It's your health!

Love,

Lhea J.

Brown Eczema: After the Rash is Gone

Dear Mahogany,

The primary difference between a brown skin person with eczema and another person with eczema is how the skin heals. A Caucasian person suffering from eczema may choose to take a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone, triamcinalone, etc.) or a TIM (protopic, elidel), after a few days the rash will have gone away, and only a red mark remains. The redness will soon fade as well. 

People of color have melanocytes, not only in the lowest layer of skin, but through out all three layers. When our rashes heal, a hyperpigmented area remains. A dark spot remains.

The rash is removed, the skin is healed. But your body still looks as if you are broken out because the darkened areas still remain where the rashes once were.

There are a few options that you and your dermatologist may discuss, after the rash is gone:

1. WAIT.

Even though dark spots remain where the rashes once were, they will fade away. For a dark skin person of my complexion it will take 6-12 months for the hyperpigmented area to clear up. That is 6 to 12 months without another outbreak in that same area. 

2. Bleaching Creams.

No, it's not the 70s. This is not to change your complete complexion. I'm sorry you weren't born with fairer skin. These may be prescribed and even recommended by some dermatologists to return the color of the darkened areas where rashes once were back to normal.

3. Corticosteroid Injections or Oral Medication

I am not sure why Atopic Steroids and Topical Immunomodulators (TIMs) leave hyperpigmentation and Corticosteroid Injections not only clear up the rash itself, but the hyperpigmentated area as well.  Oral Corticosteroid injections may actually remove hyperpigmentation as well.

Until the rash is gone, after the rash is gone, keep loving yourself until the dark spots are gone too. 

Love,

Lhea J.

A Day in the Life: The Skin Log

Dear Bloggers,

We are approaching one of the four worst times of the year for eczema-folk: the seasonal change. Does it seem that every time you get your skin under control, the season changes, and there are a whole host of new issues to deal with?

Winter brings the driest months which irritate the skin

Spring brings the pollen and insects to ignite the allergies

Summer brings the heat and humidity and sweat just makes everything worse

Fall brings its host of allergens as well.

Well, the best thing we can do is learn our bodies, our skin, our immune systems as best we can.  

If I have a large enough argument at night, I know I will break out over night. I know that I can normally handle orange juice, but if I am already broken/breaking out-- citris will worsen my skin within 24 hours.  I know that caffeine is one of the only things strong enough to break me out immediately, whether I am previously broken out or not. I know that when my skin is normal, I could sleep anywhere and not be disturbed. But, once I have broken out, even jersey sheets make me itch.  I know that if I am broken out long enough, I will get an infection. And once I get an infection my eyes will swell up. 

You may know similar things about your skin or your child's skin.

So, what we must learn is how to prevent it.

If you've had an argument of monstrous proportions with a parent or spouse, is there anything you can take at night to prevent break out in the morning? Once you are broken out, can you avoid citrus (or whatever your irritants may be)? Can you cut caffeine out of your diet completely (or whatever your allergens might be)? Do you know what sleeping conditions you need, so that you can sleep without scratching in your sleep? What temperature the room should be... what material the linen should be...  

Today, let's  begin to pay attention.  Let this be the first day of your skin log. At the conclusion of every day, record what you ate, any changes in mood, duress, if you have contact dermatitis you may even want to record what materials you wore, how often you scratched, figited.  And immediately when you wake up in the morning, take note of how your skin has changed from the night before. Take note of any medication atopic or oral that you've ingested over the course of the day.  And take note of how you cleansed, what you cleansed with, and what you used for moisturizer. Take note of the weather, and the inside temperature and how that affected your itchyness.

Yes, I know, it's a lot of notes. 

But for the largest organ of your body, it deserves it. You deserve it. Your skin is the gateway to the outside world. If you can not protect your skin, you can not protect your internal organs. Let alone the fact that your skin affects how you are considered, judged and treated by others.

Hope this helps!

Love,

Lhea J.

Eczema Files: Protopic

Dear Cautious Customers,

As you may know, those suffering from chronic eczema experience perpetual pain, discomfort and embarrassment. For many years, to ease the pain and lessen the discomfort corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, have be prescribed as a cream or an ointment to reduce and eliminate body rash.

In recent years, the first non-steroid prescriptions drugs have become available for those suffering from Chronic Eczema. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved a Topical Immunomodulator (TIM) by the name of Protopic (Tacrolimus). 

This drug is marketed as being a non-steroid ointment. The advantages are that these drugs alter the functions of the immune system related to the skin's inflammatory response without suppressing the entire immune system. Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and prednisone, may lead to skin thinning, discoloration and adrenal gland suppression.

Topical Immunomodulators appeared to be the panacea for Eczema-sufferers!

Until 1995, when the FDA issued a "Black Box Warning" for atopical immunomodulators. It takes at least 10 years to conduct studies connecting a particular drug to cancer. The truth is, no one knows what the long term effects of Topical Immunomodulators are. 

If your doctor prescribes Protopic or Elidel... use it for short periods of time. And, keep an eye out for recent scientific findings pertaining to TIMs.

Love,

Lhea J.

Eczema Files: Hydrocortisone

Dear Itchers and Rashers,

For people suffering from eczema, a hydrocortisone cream or ointment is the most frequently prescribed solution, temporary solution, to the problem.

Hydrocortisone is the chemical version of cortisol which is produced naturally by the body's adrenal complex. Cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, fluctuates both naturally and when triggered by mood changes, depression, pain and extreme temperatures.

Hydrocortisone is used as an immunosuppressant with anti-inflamatory effects.

Unfortunately, your body may get used to hydrocortisone creams and the administration of the drug may become less effective overtime. 

Please beware of known side effects when treating chronic eczema over the course of your life:

-- Thinning of Skin

-- Slowed, Impaired healing of wounds

-- Mood Swings

-- High Blood Pressure

-- Osteoporosis

-- Cataracts

-- Muscle Weakness

In recent years, immunomodulators such as Protopic and Elidel have become a very popular replacement for corticosteroids. They have their side effects as well. Some researchers expect immunomodulators to be a carcinogen based on animal test results. 

Be healthy, be careful and be well.

Love,

Lhea J.

A Day in the Life: Life without Health Insurance

Dear Card Holders:

If you are one of the fortunate Americans who has health coverage, count yourself blessed. You will be able to use a combination of prescription drugs and home remedies to nurse your skin back to good health. 

If you, like me, are one of the 47 million Americans without health insurance, you will have to make the best of home remedies and over the counter drugs until your condition changes.

Within the last week, I have changed households. My skin is making the adjustment as well. 

When I was a child, I had atopic dermatitis or or atopic eczema. The rashes were a result of an allergen or irritant that I ingested.

Now that I am an adult,  have a combination of atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. My skin reacts to allergens and irritants that come in physical contact with my skin.

So, I my skin and my immune system is learning to cope with a new environment: an environment with cats!

I have discovered that the most important defense against eczema and psoriasis is CARING. No matter what your skin looks like, or how your skin feels, you must wake up every morning and care. Literally care for your skin.

1. Short daily showers - 10 minutes or less.

2. Olive Oil on body, avoid olive oil on face

3. Cetaphil on body and face (Or, my skin prefers Cera Ve)

4. Oatmeal face mask, once per day

5. At least 8 glasses of water per day

6. Leave the house everyday. I'm not sure if this house is skin friendly.

7. Purchase some over-the-counter hydrocortisone until I can get a prescription

Unfortunately, since changing households... my face has begun to swell into small hive patches on my cheeks. and my eyes have begun to swell with huge bags.

This is a sign that my skin is battling an infection, not just eczema.

If I had health insurance, this would be a great time to take an anti-biotic (Cephalexin). The swelling usually goes down, along with the raised patches of skin, within 24 hours.

Well, I'm doing the best I can. Hope you are, too. 

Love,

Lhea J.

Lhea's Secret Remedy: Urine Therapy

Dear Skeptics,

Urea is an organic compound naturally produced by humans. It has been proven in various studies to serve as an emollient for normal or dry skin. Urea appears naturally in healthy skin serving as a skin conditioner and humectant. In fact, artificially produced urea is included in various cosmetics, lotions and prescriptions. Eucerin, often recommended by dermatologists, is 5-10% Urea.

If you dare, you may try a form of Urine Therapy.

I am not... I repeat, I am not recommending the ingestion of urine. 

Urine, when applied atopically can serve as an emollient and skin conditioner. Urine may be applied before or after a bath. Urine should only be used on days when your only ingested liquids have been water, and your urine should be colorless as such.

Urea itself is a very strong substance, it probably should not be applied directly to facial skin. If you would like to use Urine Therapy on your face, you definitely should dilute your clear urine with water.

Something for the brave!

Post Script:

You should be a health nut to even consider urine therapy. If you ingest drugs, tobacco or alcohol, please refrain from smearing them all over your skin. Thanks!

Love,

Lhea J.

SKINtimacy: Eczema and Self-Esteem

Dear InSKINcure,

One of the most important things an adolescent or adult can learn is how to love themselves. Everyone gets so caught up in learning how to please other people, or learning how to convince others to please them. We look at our own faults and try to find someone to complete us. 

Remember this: 

Women are attracted to confident men. 

Men are attracted to women who like themselves.

Thus, the most important thing a person with eczema or psoriasis can learn is how to be confident, liking, loving themselves.

Here are a few exercises for people suffering from eczema:

1. Look in the mirror everyday... no matter how crazy your skin is that day... and say affirmations.

"I love my skin, I love my life, I love myself"

"My skin is healing right now"

"Damn, I'm beautiful."

2. Set aside two hours each week for a "Beauty Date". Every week you are going to spend 2 hours doing something you absolutely love.

Cortisol, a crucial hormone in eczema-folk, is also a stress hormone. The more you can remove and regulate stress... the more control you have over healing your skin.

3.  Take care of your skin when it's perfect.

-- Many eczema-folk only take care of their skin once they have broken out

-- The best way to cure eczema is to prevent it

Hope this helps!

Love, 

Lhea J.

Professional Skin: The Open Office

Dear Workers:

Many of America's most beautiful, appealing and friendly offices may be the eczema or psoriasis patient's worse nightmare: the open office.

Chronic eczema is not just a condition that affects the patient. It affects their family and each individual in their household as well as their coworkers and each individual in their vicinity at work. 

If your eczema causes your skin to dry, flake and shed, you may want to take careful precautions in your workplace. Dead skin is a feasting ground for dust mites. Since one out of every ten people have a dust mite allergy, you may want to take extra precautions on behalf of your coworkers. 

During the normal course of the year, be sure to clean the surface of your desk at the conclusion of every week. This includes the keys of computer keyboard you type at everyday. 

During periods of extreme break out, during periods where your skin is shedding more profusely. Be considerate and clean your desk at the conclusion of everyday. 

While working in an open office, the coworker I was adjacent to noticed that he contracted a sneeze every time he was at work. Actually, not in the office building itself, but specifically every time he was seated at our desk. In retrospect, I realize that he probably was suffering from a slight dust mite allergy.

Be careful while cleaning! Most household cleaners are harsh on the skin, and will cause contact dermatitis patients to break out as well.

Love, 

Lhea J.

Lhea's Secret Remedy: Oatmeal

Dear Beautiful, 

If Olive Oil is a gift from God, then Oatmeal is rain from heaven. It is one of the best natural defenses against eczema.

One gentle soap that is often recommended by Dermatologist is Aveeno Soap.  The bars are oatmeal based. The Aveeno line of products also offers an oatmeal - based bath product.

Each person with chronic eczema should have two routines in their arsenal: daily skin care for break out prevention and emergency care for break out reduction.

The routine for each person will be different, as everyone's skin and immune system responds differently.

For Daily Skin Care for Breakout Prevention:

Oatmeal can be used once a week in bath

Oatmeal can be used every other week as a facial mask

For Emergency Care for Breakout Reduction:

Oatmeal can be used daily as a facial mask

Oatmeal can be used with every bath or shower as a soap

Hope this helps!

Love,

Lhea J.

Eczema Files: Cephalexin

Dear Eczema Survivors,

Many forms of eczema may evolve into contact dermatitis or contact eczema overtime. Regardless of what has actually triggered the reaction (food allergen, stress, etc.), the rash may grow due to ongoing infections on the surface of the skin.

Many doctors have begun to prescribe antibiotics such as Cephalexin to combat the infections that accompany and prolong the side effects of eczema.

Antibiotics are often prescribed along with an atopic steroid. However, patients may find that the antibiotic is strong enough to clear infected skin without the aid of a steroid or immunomodulator. 

The results are often noticeable within 24 hours time. Please take Cephalexin as prescribed. Taking the antibiotic in short bursts to offset minor outbreaks may build resistance within the immune system. And, eventually, the drug may be rendered useless.

Love, 

Lhea J.

A Day in the Life: A Good Night's Rest

Dear Sleepyheads,

The persistent nature of eczema and psoriasis is known to interfere with daily activities. When breakouts are bad enough, they may get in the way with your night schedule as well.

Having trouble sleeping? Here are a few things that you can do to help get a good night's sleep.

TEMPERATURE

1. Sleep in a cool/cold room. Heat tends to enduce or prolong the feeling of itchyness.

2. If a particular location or breakout is bothering you, try an ice pack. Extreme cold soothes the pain of itchyness

LINEN

1. Avoid itchy, synthetic fabrics

2. Try any bedding options made to fight dustmites and dustmite droppings

SKIN

1. Place thick emollient on skin before sleeping

2. Sleep with gloves or mittens on to reduce impact of scratching while sleep

Hopefully this helps.

Love,

Lhea J.

We are What We Eat: Water, Water, Water

Dear Hydrophiles:

It is often said that the human body is 75% water, just like the surface of the Earth. Well for some reason, the skin of the Eczema patient is like the dessert. Chances are, the other organs of the body are getting enough fluid, but for some reason, any reason, the skin isn't retaining any. 

For this reason alone, it is crucial that those with extremely dry skin drink more water than the average joe. I am guilty of the crime of not drinking any water. If a person with healthy skin should be drinking half of their body weight in ounces of water (approximately 8 glasses) each day, a person with eczema should be drinking 10-16 glasses each day. 

If you work at a job sitting in front of a computer all day, simply purchase a polycarbonate water jug, and chug your water all day long.

Maybe I should take this advice myself.

Love,

Lhea J.

SKINtimacy: Eczema and Sex

Dear Skintimates,

The question that I would like to ask others is, "Does eczema interfere with your sex life?" Perhaps the more prevalent inquiry is, "How can you make sure that your eczema DOES NOT interfere with your love life?" Yes, I know, Love and Sex are not the same thing. But, no one knows like someone with full-body acne, eczema or psoriasis just how important physical appearance in falling in love.

How long can you possibly hide the effects of your eczema from someone you love?

Unfortunately for some, not very long. Here are a few turn offs I have personally run into in the past:

• Scratching Reflex 
• Overnight Rashing
• Dry, Flaking Skin

Scratching is a Reflex

Often, without noticing I scratch or rub my skin while in conversation with others. While this constant fidgeting goes unnoticed by me, sometimes, I am not certain how noticeable it is to other people.

Overnight Rashing

I am not a scientist. I'm a philosopher. My theory is that my case of eczema is highly dictated by the chemical and hormonal levels in my body.  I am assuming that cortisol is a primary hormone dictating my outbreaks, but I do not know for certain. 

My skin does not usually develop rashes throughout the day, except in extreme breakouts. During lesser, more frequent breakouts, the rashes always develop overnight. I think this has to do with the hormones that are released while one is sleeping amongst other chemical fluctuations.

Regardless, how embarrassing is it to wake up to a different face than the one you went to sleep with? 

Dry, Flaking Skin

The largest turn off that I commit, the turn off that I am most embarrassed by, is my dry flaking skin. 

During severe break-outs, my skin dries almost immediately after moisturizing and dries out the most during the 8 hours that I sleep. My gift, is a bed full dry flakes of skin. Since scratching is a reflex, there are often tiny red spots where blood has seeped through my very thin skin (due to years, and years of atopic steroids).

Often I try to sweep, the skin from the surface of the bed. That never goes unnoticed.

Clearly, my sex life and dating life are best for the first 6 months after I have received a shot of triamcinalone,  during the 3 months that I take oral predisone, or during the one month that I take cephalexin, an antibiotic, in addition to topic steroid creams.

Yet, since my condition is chronic... the rashes do reappear.

Are there any solutions to help the sex-life of an Eczema-Survivor?

...for the Scratching Reflex

• Stay Active: Idle periods often lead to busy hands- scratching!
• While communicating with others: Talk with you hands. This will keep them from scratching your face, your neck, your arms while you are on a date, or simply in conversation.
• While sleeping: Sleep with gloves or mittens on. Seriously. They have socks, gloves and mittens made especially for moisturizing your hands and feet at night. These are perfect for those who develop rashes on their hands and or feet. The gloves should reduce the chance of you scratching in your sleep, or at the very least, reduce the abrasiveness of the rubbing.

...for Night Rashes

• Put on an extra thick emollient before sleeping. During 8 hours of sleep, your skin may still dry out... but it's worth the try
• Be wary of linen, pillow cases and blankets made of itchy or synthetic materials
• Try sleeping with gloves or mittens to reduce irritating skin while sleep

...for Shedding Skin

• Share beds/Sleep with really understanding people -- only. This may very well be a test of how much they love you. Or was it really just about the sex?
• Be wary of linen, pillow cases and blankets made of itchy or synthetic materials
• Try sleeping with gloves or mittens to reduce breaking skin while sleep

I must admit, these aren't the sexiest solutions in the world. But, the person with full-body acne, eczema or psoriasis should probably only be sleeping with men or women who truly know them and love them, anyway.

If night rashes and shedding skin are enough to scare your spouse away, you probably had sex too soon in the relationship.

Love,

Lhea J.

Professional Skin: Interview Day

Dear Professionals:

Honestly, I live two lives: the life of a black, fairly-social 24 year old and the life of a hermit. The fairly social life is glittered with bars, clubs, poetry cafes, local concerts and networking events. The life of the hermit is spent scratching for hours at a time. The amount of time that I spend living each of these lives is dictated by one thing: my skin.

Upon graduation from college, I decided to enter the professional world of corporate america. Since the only thing I really care about is books, I was sure that publishing was the industry for me. Moving to the big apple was something my skin did not agree with. I am not sure whether it is the waste facility burried beneath the state park 5 blocks from my brownstone, whether it was the germ infested subways and stations, or if it was just the daily pollution of 5 million people. Whatever it was, New York was not kind to my eczema.

But, I had less than a thousand dollars left, and no employment. I had to interview for jobs. My skin begin reacting in ways that I deemed humanly impossible. But, I had to interview.

Here are a few things that saved my life:

• Ladies Scarves-- while initially used to cover apparent rashes and scars on my neck, eventually I discovered that the pressure from a tightly wound scarf actually dismisses any feelings of itchyness
  
• Foundation-- foundation can be a blessing and a curse. It may be effective at temporarily masking rashes and dead skin, it may also lead to future breakouts. My recommendation, stick to liquid foundation avoid powders.
• Oatmeal Mask-- a quick oatmeal mask in the morning, gently removes dead skin without scratching, rubbing, ripping.

These aren't the perfect remedies... but if you wake up and your skin has flared up beyond your expectations. You can't cancel your meetings. You can't miss your interviews. You can't run to get a steroid injection shot, without an appointment, before work. Sometimes, you just have to make do.

Love,

Lhea J.

On the Shelf: Eczema Free for Life

Dear Readers:

Many books have been written on 'Beauty', many books have been written on skin, and many articles have been written on the condition of dry skin. However, many eczema sufferers may find that the information in those books and articles does not work for them.

You may find that many of your colleagues and family members can not understand your predicament, and no one has a solution to your discomfort. 

Well, one doctor has tackled the confusing realm of Atopic Dermatitis. Dr. Adnan Nasir has written a magnificent book on controlling your eczema, and not letting your skin condition(s) control you. 

Eczema-Free for Life is a great book for eczema patients and dermatologists alike. It disputes the widely spread notion that eczema is the result of food allergies. Eczema-Free for Life breaks down how healthy skin functions as the outer layer of the immune system and how the skin and immune system interact within persons with eczema. 

With any health complication, the informed/proactive patient becomes the healthy patron. Eczema-Free for life discusses 1. How skin works, 2. How/When eczema spreads, 3. Natural remedies, 4. medications: steroids, immunomodulators amongst others.

Each eczema patient must develop a unique regiment to cure and control their skin. After reading Dr. Nasir's text, you will be best positioned to actively find the perfect remedies for you with a trained health professional. 

Love,

Lhea J.

Lhea's Secret Remedy: Olive Oil

Dear Beautiful People: 

Olive Oil appears to be a gift directly from God to Eczema sufferers. It is much thicker than most lotions and creates a protective outer layer to lock in your skin's natural moisture.

There are many ways to use olive oil to combat eczema.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil directly onto skin.
• Olive Oil directly into bath water
• Combine with Raw Oatmeal to create soap or a mask

After a severe breakout, olive oil may be the most soothing remedy. Please note, the use of olive oil will probably not reduce the presence of any rash. But, it may help the affected areas to itch less, and scractching less will help to not make matters worse. 

Olive Oil is best admistered on the body, may cause facial break out.

Repeated use of olive oil through out the day, often irritates my skin. I recommend use of olive oil once a day, and a thick moisturizer (Cera Ve or Cetaphil) for additional moisture through out the day. 

Love, 

Lhea J.

InSKINcurities: Eczema and Depression

Dear Sensitive Skin:

Appearance is everything. Or, so America tells us.

Unless you are draped in the hijabs of the eastern world, your eczema or psoriasis may be very difficult to hide. Every person you meet has a conscious or subconscious opinion about you which is based upon your appearance. More important, is the opinion that you have of yourself.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How often do you look in the mirror once your skin has broken out? Do you become obsessed with how you look, checking for progress every 5 minutes? Or, do you avoid looking at your reflection at all for weeks, months on end?
• How social are you once your skin has flared-up? Do you socialize as much as usual? Or, do you cancel appointments, break dates, stand up loved ones when your skin has started to react?
• Is your mood based upon how your skin looks when you wake up in the morning?
• Do you actively date? Do you actively network? How often do you meet new people?

There are no right or wrong answers to the questions above. You must evaluate for yourself, what is healthy and what is not with regards to your own mental and social health.

Throughout the country there are more and more Dermatologist/Psychiatrist combinations becoming available for patients with chronic and terminal skin conditions. If your skin condition is beginning to have a severe impact on your mental stability, your mood, visiting a dermatologist and psychiatrist simultaneously may be a great option for you. 

Love,

Lhea J.

Happy Housekeeping: The Battle Against Dustmites

Dear Concerned Skin:

For a person with eczema or psoriasis, the place that you work and sleep has a huge effect on your skin. Your skin is a portal between the outer world and your internal organs. It is our responsibility to guard this portal as well as we can.

The single greatest enemy to the eczema-patient is dust. One primary obstacle is adults with eczema or psoriasis may actually produce more dust than the average household.

Dustmites love skin. Those with eczema may be get caught in a dangerous cycle: shedding skin attracts dust mites, dust mites leave itchy droppings, dust mite droppings irritate skin, skin breaks out, dries up and sheds again attracting more dust mites.

Beware of skin and dust in three major places 1) bedding/linen, 2) carpet, 3) surfaces & appliances.

1. Linen should be at least rinsed 1-3 times per week depending on the state of your skin. Becareful about excessive washing with detergent. Soaps are often a very strong irritant of sensitive skin.
2. Noncarpeted and Hardwood floors are probably best for the eczema-free household.
3. My poor computer witnesses more skin fall than any other place on earth. The keyboards of desktop computers are much easier to clean than laptops, so I haven't thought of a remedy yet.

There is an argument that babies who grow up in too sterile environments may develop dermatitis because their immune system hasn't fully adjusted to fighting off various forms of germs.  I'm not sure if I support this argument, but I am almost certain it doesn't apply to adults battling eczema. 

The more sterile the environment, the healthier your skin will be. 

Love,

Lhea J.

Eczema Files: Triamcinalone

Dear Itchy Body,

I have a love-hate relationship with Triamcinalone creams and ointments.  Mainly hate.

Triamcinalone is a steroid often administered to patients with chronic eczema.

The first-time I was prescribed Triamcinalone was while I was in college. At the time, my eczema was only located in 6 distinct locations: the back of both knees, the inside of both elbows, the back of my neck, and the bridge between my lips and nose.

Most importantly, my skin only created raised, tough rashes. My skin never flaked, never dried up, never shed.

After the first time I used triamcinalone, I had a widespread reaction.  My entire neck broke out for the first time. My entire arm began to break out for the first time.  And spots of rashes began to appear all over my legs.

After a few days, my skin begun a lichenification and shedding process that never occurred any of the 21 years before. 

Since using triamcinalone, my eczema-rashes now occur all over my body.

Does triamcinalone work? Yes. While it may cause localized rashes to spread... it does eventually lessen the reaction and clear the rash. 

Another horrible side effect, it thins your skin. After a few years of use, you will find that your skin breaks from simply rubbing your skin too hard. 

If your doctor recommends triamcinalone- and you just have a few rashes on your body-Consider declining and requesting a higher percentage of hydrocortisone instead. 

If your case of eczema is as bad, and wide spread as mine is now... consider using the triamcinalone ointment over the thick cream. Personal preference.

Love,

Lhea J.

Brown Eczema: Do You Need a Black Dermatologist?

Dear Brown Skin, 

To be a member of a community which prides itself on its style/appearance and have eczema can be a devastating phenomenon. What is a black woman if she does not have her looks?

Luckily, you may never have to find the answer to that question.

The first step is to find a great dermatologist. While you don't need an African-American dermatologist, you do need a skin specialist who is used to observing Black skin. 

In the mean time, there are a few simple steps that you may take to keep your skin healthy and most importantly, within your control.

PREVENTION

to decrease the chances of flare-ups...

• Find a great dermatologist with experience in treating Black skin
• Increase your water intake (8-12 glasses per day)
  
• Olive Oil and Baby Oil Gel soothe the skin
  
• Cera Ve Cream or Cetaphil Cream lock in moisture
  
• Avoid extremely hot showers and baths (dries skin faster)
• Oatmeal, itself, or Oatmeal-based soaps (such as Aveeno) are gentle
  

REACTION

to decrease the effect of flare-ups, once they have occurred...

• Monitor your diet: Caffeine increases breakouts that already begun
  
• Monitor your diet: Citrus often increases breakouts that have already begun
  
• Monitor your diet: Soy may increase breakouts that have already begun
  
• During bathing, cloths may irritate skin
  
• After bathing, do not towel dry
  
• After bathing, apply Olive Oil, Baby Oil Gel or Cream while still wet
  
• Prescriptions: An antibiotic may stop reaction. Reactions are often perpetuated by an infection
  
• Prescriptions: Hydrocortisone may decrease flare-up
  
• Prescriptions: Protopic (non-steroid) is better on the face
  
• Prescriptions: Triamcinalone will decrease flare up, if Hydrocortisone no longer works. Please note: Use of Triamcinalone WILL make your skin thinner. Your skin will tear and bleed much easier than it did prior to use.
  
• Prescriptions: Predisone (oral or injection) will decrease flare up, but may have long term effects on internal organs. Please ask your doctor about all long term side-effects before using the medication.
  

What Flare ups look like, on Black skin: (Face, Arm & Neck, shown below)

    

A Day in the Life: Child versus Adult Eczema

Dear Recovering Eczema-Addicts:

Yes, my name Lhea J. Copeland and I am a recovering Eczema-holic. I have lived with Eczema my entire life. And, I have become addicted to it's misery. Eczema is my crutch. If I don't interview well, it is because of my eczema. If a man doesn't return my phone calls, it is because of my eczema. If I can't sleep, and I usually can, it is because of my eczema. If I'm unhappy, it is because of my eczema. When I fight with my father, my eczema flares up. If I don't drink enough water, my eczema flares up. 

In the past, I have been my eczema's bitch. And, I have become addicted to this co-dependent relationship. 

For, if I truly cured my eczema -- what excuse would I have? I would lose all my excuses for why I am not productive when I procrastinate. I would lose all of my rationales for why I am single. I would have no excuse to be unhappy.

When I was a child, I had acute eczema. I had a reoccurring rash on the inside of my elbows and the back of knees by the time I was 8 years old. And, by the time I reached middle school (around 10 years old), I had a permanent rash above my upper lip. My older brother, Lee, conveniently called this my "Rash Mustache". 

That comment alone was the beginning of my life as a cry-baby. Oh, he would say those two words and the tears would instantly flow. 

Anyhoo, since my senior year of college (21 years old), my eczema has become a wide-spread condition. Now, I develop rashes on almost every inch of my body at different times. When my whole body breaks out, my eyes develop large, puffy bags. These wide-spread reactions are usually perpetuated by an infection-cycle circulating with my immune system. It usually takes a nice antibiotic to stop the reaction, and return my eyes to normal. 

Through out my childhood, all of my dermatologists told me that I would out-grow my eczema. Each year, I waited and waited. Each year I waited for the rashes to go away. Most children, indeed, outgrow their eczema.

Unfortunately, I am part of the 1-2% of the world that lives with chronic eczema. 

This is my story. This is my song. 

Love, 

Lhea J.