Best Way to Treat Eczema and Acne Scars

Eczema

This itchy, inflammatory skin condition can affect people of all ages and is often hereditary. Eczema looks like just a dry patch of skin, but as the skin is usually red, scaly and uncomfortably itchy – and in acute cases, blistered or weeping – it can prematurely age the skin and cause discomfort to the sufferer. It is not contagious, although skin can become infected through scratching.

There are several forms of eczema, but they generally fall into two main types. The first stems from within, and is triggered by such factors as a poor immune system, a bad diet or stress. The second is known as contact eczema (or dermatitis), which is the result of the skin having come into contact with detergents, soap, jewellery or another irritant.

Treatment - If you think that you have contact eczema, carry out a patch test on the substance that you suspect might be the culprit; testing for any intolerance to food may also identify those that aggravate the condition. As far as skincare products are concerned, use ranges based on natural ingredients and, unless the condition is severe, avoid using steroid creams as these thin the skin (although the new non-steroid creams are a promising alternative). If eczema is affecting your body, try soaking in a bath with healing minerals, such as Dead Sea salts. Eczema-improving natural supplements include evening-primrose or borage oil, vitamin A, zinc and burdock.

Acne scars

There are two types of acne scar. The first is the reddish, purplish mark that remains after the spot has healed; unless the capillaries have become permanently dilated, most of these marks should eventually fade in time. Pitting is the second, and more severe form of scarring, and is usually the aftermath of large spots and boils. These permanent scars, take the shape of crater-like holes in the skin, which are not dissimilar to chicken-pox scars.

Treatment - Minimise any reddish scarring by applying vitamin-E oil or a calamine-based product. When taken orally, vitamin-B complex or arnica can help to speed up the healing process. As the skin renews itself, most pitted scars become less obvious in time, but they are occasionally so deep that skin resurfacing (using laser or chemical peels) is the only solution.Superficial skin peels or using a Retin-A preparation can mildly improve the appearance of both types of scar.