Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by redness, inflammation and itchiness. It is a non-contagious health condition that can be either acute or chronic. Eczema can cause pimples, crusts, scabs and/or red patches of skin. These manifestations of the skin disorder can occur all together or they can occur in stages. A small area of the skin can be affected by eczema or it can be widespread.
Eczema tends to be worse if the skin is dry. If the skin becomes too dry there can be a watery discharge which can lead to more itching or in some cases, a sensation of burning. A flare-up of eczema can lead to infection if it is not treated accordingly.
The causes of eczema are broken down into different categories. There is external eczema which is believed to be related to allergic reactions, exposure to micro organisms, exposure to chemicals or a variety of skin irritations. The second category is constitutional eczema. This is eczema that has a genetic link.
If you or a family member suffers from eczema then you know how uncomfortable, frustrating and embarrassing it can be. If traditional medicine has brought you some relief but not as much as you would like, then look to Aloe Vera to treat the symptoms.
There is a pill on the market today called Aloeride and it is the purest form of Aloe Vera aside from the plant. Taken on a daily basis, Aloeride can support your immune system and help to take away some of the discomfort that accompanies eczema.
Another option is to drink Aloe Vera as a health drink and/or to apply it directly to the affected skin. Your best bet is to do both for optimum results. Buying an Aloe Vera plant is the second best option to the Aloeride pill. Cut a leaf from the plant and then carefully slit it in a lengthwise direction. Once the gel begins to ooze out of the leaf, apply it to the part of your body where you have eczema. Do so immediately.
When Aloe Vera is applied directly to the affected skin, it forms a thin protective film on top of the skin that goes to work right away. The gum resins in the Aloe Vera help to rehydrate the dry and inflamed skin with the moisture it needs. Aloe Vera is also rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.
Aloe Vera does not just form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin but it is capable of penetrating deep into the underlying tissue. The epithelial tissue is supplied with the nutrients and hydration it needs to fight the symptoms that plague eczema sufferers.
It is the complex sugars (or polysaccharides) that Aloe Vera is composed of that are responsible for hydrating the skin and helping to restore the pH balance. Once absorbed into the skin, fibroblast cells are encouraged to reproduce quicker. It is the fibroblast cells that produce the building block of skin- collagen and elastin.
Skin quality can then be improved upon and eczema sufferers find themselves with skin that looks healthier and feels softer and smoother. They also are likely to experience fewer flare-ups of the condition.
