Bonfire: Lets Talk Eczema

Bonfire: Lets Talk Eczema

I’ve come to a point in my life where eczema has frustrated me beyond believe. I literally cannot take it anymore. Its chronic pain. Whether its itching, burning or being covered in rashes, its constantly affecting me. I always joke with my parents and say, “I hope you had fun in your heyday, because I’m feeling the after-effects!” (For all the PC people, its a joke. Relax! I don’t blame anyone for my eczema)

Year after year its the same advice: take a lukewarm bath, don’t stress, stop scratching, wear cotton clothing, take xyz steroid, ride a unicycle, hula hoop through a fire, squirt milk out of your eye etc. You get the idea. Yet, nothing works. Its bizarre! All the time, energy and money spent on things that get you no where. Albert Einstein said it best, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Worst of all is the feeling of hopelessness.

Let me just say that I have the utmost respect for all doctors and health care providers. They have one of thee most honorable job in my eyes.

But what I realize is that you have to become your own doctor. No one knows your body better then you. (Unless of course you know nothing about your body, lol) This means a lot of trial and error by process of elimination. So whenever I find new information or progress about eczema I will have a Bonfire session. I dunno about you guys, but I’m ready to find a cure! I don’t want to manage my eczema. I don’t want to treat my eczema. I want to CURE my eczema. Also, no one should every have to go through it, so it would be nice to prevent anyone from receiving it as well. This may take take a lifetime to find this cure, but so be it.

Here’s what I know about eczema so far (If any information is incorrect, please let me know. I will gladly change it)

Eczema – Greek word. To boil or bubble over.
Irritated and inflamed skin
It stems from within the immune system
In order to treat the outside, you need to treat the inside
Several types
Itching, scratching, rashes, oozing, crusting – becomes a cycle
Seems to be common on the folds of skin – knees, hands, elbows, neck…
“flare-ups”
Development of eczema – is believed to be an inheritance of predisposing genes, but yet to determine which ones.
Protein Filaggrin – a lack of this is strongly linked to eczema and people with EXTREMELY dry skin
20 loss-of-function mutations (changes in a gene that prevent it working properly) causing filaggrin deficiency
Protein filaggrin – Breakdown of the skin barrier causing it to not function properly. Very important for filaggrin skin cells to mature properly. This is what protects skin. (works like an umbrella). This also is key for holding natural moisturizer. (A lack of this is why we are always moisturizing 24/7). Without filaggrin the CCE (cornified cell envelope) skin becomes cracked and dried. However, not everyone with eczema has filaggrin deficiency!
Could be exposure to certain environmental factors. ‘Western Style Living’
Genetics is also linked to eczema
Investigations of hard water usage – may be linked to eczema
Soaps, detergents, shampoos etc. weaken the already sensitive skin, making it worse
Weakened skin allows allergens to penetrate the out layer of skin cells. In return our immune system then carries this into our circulation
Not contagious!
Anyone can develop a form of eczema in their lifetime
Most steroids or pills are to relieve the eczema temporarily
Becoming more common!!!
Certain foods make eczema worse – varies from person to person
Has a lot to do with diet
As of 2015 – there is NO CURE!

Questions I have –
Who was the first person diagnosed with eczema?
Where are they from?
When did doctors discover this was an issue?
Why is eczema becoming more common?
Which doctor first distributed steroids for eczema?
Within the past few decades, what has been the progression in curing eczema?
Why are allergies and hay fever linked so closely with eczema? – This one kills me, as if eczema isn’t bad enough, I’ve got lots of allergies too!

My Regimen – starting today I’m going to try something new for a least a month or two.
– shot of apple cider vinegar
-3 tablespoons of certified organic flaxseed oil (kept in the fridge)
-VERY LIMITED processed foods (trying to get off sugar completely)
-LOTS of water
-Fruits and Vegetables
-Skin, Hair, & Nails vitamin

Sources –
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
http://eczema.org.au/?page_id=575
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/atopic-dermatitis-eczema?page=2
http://www.femalenetwork.com/health-wellness/10-eczema-facts
https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-skin/eczema-itchy-skin/what-is-eczema
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/atopic_dermatitis_ff.asp

1 thought on “Bonfire: Lets Talk Eczema

  1. So glad to read this knowing I’m not the only one struggling with this! I have been so frustrated and upset lately because it’s been so bad.Tired of feeling like that and the pain and the wasted money on dermatologist appts. and creams. Tired of hearing the same things too. I tell the dr before the even say anything….”yes I know luke warm bath, dove soap, blah, blah.” Don’t understand how there is no cure for this. I don’t want a cream that just keeps it under control for it to only come back again. I want it gone forever.

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