eczema pics before/after

Pics to share! But they're not pretty. These are my hands when they were at their worst, plagued with eczema. My knuckles would crack and bleed when I made a fist. I would wrap them in cotton gauze like a mummy. I had this condition for six years.

But, I hate stories with sad endings. There are too many downers in life, so here's the happy ending. I've been healed since 2008:

5 tips for dealing with eczema

1.       Wear cotton. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic do not let skin breath and hinder healing. They trap moisture, which makes a good environment for bacteria to grow. Many people with eczema will find these materials uncomfortable and irritating anyway. Cotton is better choice because it’s cool and breathable. This is especially true for tight clothing such as bras, underwear, socks and pantyhose.  Cotton sports bras and cotton drawstring pants are your friend when you have eczema. They will help you feel more comfortable and may even heal your rash or prevent it from spreading.

2.       Avoid cheap jewelry as well as metal buckles, snaps and rivets against the skin. Some of these pieces contain nickel and possibly other allergenic metals that can cause or worsen eczema. Khaki style pants can be found at stores like Gap that have no metal against the skin. Jeans are pretty much out because of all the metal rivets. Bras may have metal buckles and adjusters. Be aware of any new jewelry that may be a cause of eczema for you. When I was seven years old and had my ears pierced, I had eczema for weeks before my mom realized it was the earrings. Try wearing 14 karat gold and sterling silver instead. It’s a good excuse to buy yourself something nice!

3.       Avoid detergent-based cleaning and personal care products. Detergents cut grease, true, but this is why they also break down the natural moisture barrier of the skin. Without the protection of the moisture barrier, skin becomes vulnerable to infections, irritations, cracking and extreme dryness. All those dishes washed can really pay a toll on hands. I suffered from severe hand eczema after the birth of my son. This type of eczema has sometimes been called “housewife’s eczema”. It is also common for workers who have to wash their hands frequently on the job- people in the medical field or who handle food, for example. Other types of eczema can also be bought on or worsened from detergents. Sodium lauryl sulfate and other related detergents found in shampoo and body wash commonly cause irritation in sensitive individuals. The solution? Wear gloves when doing dishes and household cleaning. These may be uncomfortable if you already have eczema on the hands. Alternately, you can use real soap such as Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile soap or Desert Essence Castile soap. These may not cut grease as well, but it will save your hands. Use bar soap or liquid castile soap to wash your hair and body. Be aware that even “natural” dishwashing liquids and personal care products are commonly detergent-based and strip the skin or moisture.  Read labels carefully.

4.       Avoid mineral oil based lotions. These sit on the skin and don’t absorb, so they don’t actually moisturize, but instead create a barrier which sometimes feels soothing at first. In the long run, though, they don’t do anything to heal your skin. They can actually clog pores and inhibit healing. Natural lotions and salves use plant oils such as coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil, which absorb into the skin. Look for ones that have healing ingredients like calendula and aloe for further benefits.

5.        Avoid chemical fragrances. Before I turn some of you off, let me offer an alternative. Plant-based essential oils may be used instead of fragrances as perfume and home fragrance alternatives. Essential oils are distilled from plants. They’re not a cocktail of mystery chemicals, but you know exactly what you are getting- lavender, lemon, rosemary, bergamot are some examples. Aromatherapy benefits are an additional bonus to using these oils. Fragrances commonly found in home and personal care products are made up of various chemicals, not listed on the label. It is not uncommon to be allergic or sensitive to these products.