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.

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)