Eczema Treatment with Hydrocortisone or Natural Shea Butter
By the Editor | June 16, 2010
Hydrocortisone is sometimes recommended as an eczema treatment. It is a weak steroid that can be purchased over the counter. Although steroids do not cure the condition, they do reduce the inflammation pretty quickly.
The only problem is that our body’s build up a tolerance to steroids over time. So they can stop working just as quickly. If they do continue to work and are used for extended periods of time, they can cause the skin to become thin and fragile.
If used over large areas of the body, steroids can cause health problems within the body. We must remember that anything we put on the outside of our bodies can pass through the skin and into the inside of our bodies. If it is something like a steroid hormone, it can cause a variety of health problems.
Steroids repress the body’s natural immune system. While this may be necessary for addressing some conditions, it can also lead to an increased risk of fungal and bacterial infections. If used around the eyes, topical steroids can cause glaucoma and cataracts.
Because of all of these risks, it is important to use hydrocortisone creams or the prescription corticosteroids only to control a serious outbreak. The creams should be applied carefully and only on parts of the body where they are needed.
The basic and possibly the most important eczema treatment is the use of a good moisturizer. Excessive dryness aggravates and worsens the condition. The use of soaps and cleansers should be limited. Even regular tap water can contribute to dryness by stripping the skin’s naturally protective oils.
Carbon filters for the showerhead can help reduce the amount of chemicals and the amount of stripping that occurs. You should use the mildest cleanser available and only when you see dirt on your skin.
After every bath or shower, you should use a good glycerin or plant-based moisturizer. Cheap petroleum based products such as petrolatum, petroleum jelly and mineral oil can worsen your problems.
Shea butter is one of the best moisturizers available and also has natural anti-inflammatory activity, which makes it a safe and effective eczema treatment.
Topics: Natural Skin Care, Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Skin MD Blog | No Comments »
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