7 Tips While Waiting For A Cure For Eczema

October 6, 2009 by anthony  
Filed under Tips on Avoiding

If you are the parent of a child with eczema, you know how uncomfortable this condition can make your child. You have undoubtedly wondered during treatment if there is a cure for eczema. Unfortunatly, there isn’t. However, there are treatment options available for your child.

1- When a flare up of eczema happens, the use of antihistamines can be very affective in reducing the itching that will accompany it. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, especially in children.

2- The most common form of prescription that acts as a stand in for the cure for eczema is corticosteroids. While these can be very effective for reducing the redness and itching that are associated with eczema, they are not recommended for young children.

3- One of the most newest advancements in the hunt for the cure for eczema are topical immunomodulators (TIMs). These new drugs reduce the redness and itching of eczema without the use of steroids. The abcesnce of steroids means that the TIMs are safe for use in children.

4- There are some treatments that can be used in conjuntion with the medicines as you wait for a cure for eczema. The most important thing you can do for an adult or a child that has the issue of eczema is to moisturize, this will be the most effective tool for fighting the symptoms as they occur.

5- When flare-ups happen, a good course of treatment is to take a bath in lukewarm water. This doesn’t need to be too long, about five minutes or so, just long enough to get the skin hydrated. After getting out of the bath, it is important to pat, not rub the skin dry. Immediately apply a good quality moisturizing cream, the skin is very receptive to the cream while it is still damp.

6- To keep comfortable, dress in loose fitting clothing that is made of 100% cotton. Cotton reduces sweating, which can lead to eczema outbreaks. Cotton also breaths, keeping the skin drier. It is best to avoid wool or any other roughly textured material, as the material can cause eczema flare ups. In fact, if you are wearing wool, it is best to use a cotton diaper between you and your child when holding them.

7- Another very effective way to combat flare-ups while waiting for a cure for eczema is to use cold compresses. The compress can be as simple as a damp washcloth. Just placing on the affected skin will help to take away some of the itching and other discomforts.

Hyperhidrosis On Teens And Children

October 1, 2009 by anthony  
Filed under Hyperhidrosis

Adults are not the only ones who may suffer from excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Even small kids and teens are prone to developing it. In fact, when kids and teens are struck with this disease, they tend to suffer its consequences the most.

Children aged seven years old and below suffering from hyperhidrosis may find it difficult to engage in physical activities like most kids do. Because of their sweaty palms, they may not be able to play baseball or basketball well. Their sweaty feet would prohibit them from playing soccer too. As such, they would simply sit in the bleachers and watch the game longingly every time kids their age hang out in the park to play.

Teens, on the other hand, have different sets of concerns. Teens are in the stage of their life where fashion and looking good is of utmost importance. As such, they play with their clothes, experiment with make ups, or style their hair well before going out with friends. If a teen, more particularly a girl, suffer from excessive sweating, her choice of clothes becomes limited. She cant wear dark colored clothes or else sweat marks would show. All a teen with hyperhidrosis can wear are black clothes and clothes having a lighter shade. Anything else in between becomes improper.

For older teenagers, the problem keeps them away major social gatherings such as proms, parties, and high school dances. This is because crowded places tend to leave them all sweaty and embarrassed. Most male teenagers suffering from hyperhidrosis skip prom nights simply because they dont want to get all sweaty in front of their partner. Or worse, drip sweat all over their dates beautiful dress.

Sweating is a natural phenomenon. In fact, it is part of a healthy bodys process. However, if you tend to sweat excessively, problems such as these arise. There is little you can do to control sweat. And it isnt right to blame it on hormones all the time. Hyperhidrosis is a medical concern that needs a doctor or a qualified experts assistance to revert.

Kids and teens suffering from excessive sweating may have to use mild antiperspirant creams and powders just to keep their bodies from sweating too much. However for kids, the problem is rarely on the armpits as beads of sweat forms profusely on the head, feet, and hands on them.

There are natural ways to prevent sweating. For kids and teen patients whose problems cant be addressed by regular antiperspirant creams, a more intrusive medication maybe required. Examples of such medications are botox injections or iontophoresis. Parents should be well aware of the fact that excessive sweating is a major problem for your son and daughter at their young age. Acknowledging the problem would definitely help a lot. Your attempt to find the solution is comforting enough for them because they know that you understand what theyre going through.

Take your son or daughter to a doctor whose line of expertise is hyperhidrosis. Check whether your insurance policy would cover for the required treatment. This way, you can provide the care, attention, and treatment that your child needs.

How to avoid family fights during the holidays

August 2, 2009 by anthony  
Filed under Hyperhidrosis

First of all, recognize that any time a group of people with various hang-ups, issues, and personal pain get together, there are bound to be tense moments, awkward silences, and hurt feelings. Especially when that group of people share a history together. That said, remember your goal is to AVOID family fights, not to air any past grievances, “call anyone out”, or let your sister know just how hideous you find her reindeer sweater. Remember, you may not have any contact with some of these people for another year, so any negative interaction between you will be allowed to fester for an entire twelve months and you will be remembered for whatever you unthinkingly blurt out in an emotional moment.

Also try to remember that most people don’t intentionally set out to hurt one another. But families are more sensitive to each other because of past hurts and preconceived ideas of what to expect. It normally starts with a misnunderstanding over a comment, resulting in a heated exchange which can have lasting effects on the relationship and sometimes the family as a whole.

I believe the key to avoiding blow-ups during the holidays lies in making an effort to not be touchy yourself. Use humor to diffuse potentially volatile situations. Determine ahead of time that you will roll with the punches, not automatically go on the offensive, and to not take anything said too seriously. I fully acknowledge that for some families, all of this is easier said than done. Every family has a member who has designated her or himself as the expert in all matters pertaining to what is and is not acceptable behavior for the family. He or she doesn’t hesitate to express his/her opinion on your new outfit, choice of boyfriend, or vocation. If you have such a person in your family, why not practice ahead of time?

For example:

Aunt Effie: Oh, honey, WHAT did you do to your hair? It looks like you took a weed whacker to it!

You: (laughing) I did! And believe me, I’ve saved a fortune in salon bills! I just have Bill (or whoever your significant other is) just fire up the ol’ Black and Decker and go at it! Hey! Want me to ask him if he’d do yours, too? (PLEASE refrain from adding that it would be an improvement! Keep your eye on the goal!)

Or:

Cousin Deenie: Don’t you think Sarah could do better than the bum she’s with now? What a loser! He’ll never go anywhere just painting houses!

You: Oh, I don’t know. Look at those arm muscles he’s built up doing all that painting (nudge, nudge)! I’ll bet he’s serious eye candy without a shirt!

Get the idea? Let’s recap:

1) Expect some tense moments

2) Determine to not ADD to them

3) Use humor

4) Prepare

Now go and have a good and happy holiday!