Wednesday, May 4, 2016

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Prevent Hardening of the Arteries

Posted: 04 May 2016 05:00 PM PDT

The hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is a cardiovascular disease in which the innermost layer of the artery thickens and attracts deposits of fat or plaque. Over time, plaque eventually protrudes into the artery and interferes with blood flow. Sometimes, it breaks off into the bloodstream and causes heart attack, stroke, or serious blockage in the lungs, kidneys, or legs. Make no mistake: atherosclerosis is a life-threatening disease. However, you can take steps to prevent it by treating the most commonly associated factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

EditSteps

EditEating a Healthy Diet

  1. Eat a balanced diet. Atherosclerosis may be caused, in part, by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, which damage the lining of the artery wall and trigger plaque accumulation.[1] Doctors therefore recommend eating a healthy and balanced diet as part of a prevention scheme. A good diet will be rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils, low-fat dairy products, and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like trout and salmon. It will also mean giving up most red meat, sugary foods and beverages, and certain fats like palm and coconut oil.[2]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 1 Version 2.jpg
  2. Beware of saturated and trans-fats. In eating a healthy diet, one of the key things that you can do to prevent hardening arteries is to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats come from animals products like butter and lard; trans fats are often found in hydrogenated oils like margarine or in prepared foods. These two types of fat raise your blood cholesterol levels more than any other factor. If you are following a heart-healthy diet, no more than 5% of your daily calories should come from them. For example, if you eat 2,000 calories per day, you should not exceed 13 grams of saturated or trans fats.[3]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Keep in mind that not all fats are bad. Olive oil, peanut butter, nuts and seeds, and avocados are all very good for your cardiovascular health.
  3. Reduce your consumption of salt. The medical debate on salt is ongoing. While doctors have long warned that Americans eat too much salt, recent research suggests that the risks may be exaggerated.[4] However, we know that salt raises blood pressure, which is a factor in atherosclerosis. So lowering your intake of salt will help to alleviate high blood pressure and, ideally, act as a preventative against the hardening of arteries. As part of a heart-healthy diet, you should consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day. In fact, the lower the better.[5]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • You might be consuming more salt than you know. Eliminate any prepared foods like canned soups which often contain high amounts of salt added as a preservatives or to enhance flavor. Check the nutritional label under "sodium" to find salt content. In California and several other states, restaurants are also required to display nutritional information or provide it on demand. Ask if you can see the sodium content of your order.
  4. Moderate your intake of alcohol. Like sodium, alcohol raises blood pressure when drunk to excess. Recent research seems to link excess drinking, especially binge drinking, and atherosclerosis. However, there is evidence that people who drink moderately experience improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of atherosclerosis - this means no more than one drink per day for a female and two drinks per day for a male, with one "drink" being 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of hard liquor. Drinkers who exceed these limits in "binges" of more than four drinks on any day for men and more than three for women show much poorer results. Scientists do not yet understand the mechanism, but, as Dr. John Cullen of the University of Rochester notes, "people need to consider not only how much alcohol they drink but the way in which they are drinking it." Keeping the units of alcohol you consume low is a good idea for optimal artery health.[6]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 4 Version 2.jpg

EditStopping Smoking

  1. Join a smoking cessation program. The chemicals in cigarettes harm your blood cells. They also raise your blood pressure, impair heart function, and damage arteries, increasing your risk of atherosclerosis. Whether your cigarette smoke intake is primary or second hand, regular or occasional, any amount hurts your heart and can lead to the hardening of arteries as well as to clots in the bloodstream. The best thing for you to do is quit entirely, which immediately reduces and eventually reverses your risk for all types of heart disease and stroke.[7] Look for smoking cessation programs. Find out from local newspapers, churches, online, and by word of mouth where programs exist and seek them out. If you can't find a convenient program, start your own group by encouraging smokers you know to quit along with you.
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 5 Version 2.jpg
  2. Know your triggers. Be aware of what things you usually do when smoking. Some people smoke while drinking coffee or alcohol, after meals or while watching television, or while in the company of certain people. Once you identify your triggers, take steps to change your behavior. If you tend to smoke during your favorite shows, for example, watch them at the gym while you work out or cut your television viewing altogether. Another strategy is to change your drinking habits by switching from coffee to hot tea and/or to avoid smokers.[8]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 6.jpg
    • It's important to ask for support from family and friends, especially from those who smoke. Ask them to avoid smoking in your presence. It's difficult to quit if you see and smell it around you.
  3. Ask your doctor to suggest cessation aids. Your doctor can suggest medically tested cessation aids. Over-the-counter nicotine aids like gums, patches, or lozenges give you small doses of nicotine and reduce cravings while you slowly wean yourself. There are also prescription nasal sprays, inhalants, and medicines like Bupropion and Varenicline that are used to treat the addictive and withdrawal effects of nicotine. Ask your doctor about what is best for you.[9]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 7.jpg

EditExercising Regularly

  1. Start an exercise program. Regular exercise can reduce blood pressure and also reduce blood sugar, "bad" fats, and cholesterol, as well as help you reduce excess weight. – All of these are factors that have been indirectly linked to the hardening of arteries. Regular exercise will also help you to strengthen your heart muscle and improve your overall health. You should aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of intense exercise. The more active you are, the more you will benefit. Participate in aerobic exercise for at least ten minutes at a time spread throughout the week.[10]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 8.jpg
    • Plan to do exercises that will elevate your heart rate and oxygen use but that you can sustain at low or moderate intensity for an extended period. Some exercises that fit this recommendation are walking, running, swimming, cycling, jumping rope, or rowing.[11]
    • Experts also recommend two to three 20-30 minute weight training sessions every week, in addition to cardio. Weight training builds lean muscle mass and is part of a healthy workout regimen.[12]
  2. Go slowly at first. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you go at your own pace. If you are not currently exercising, start gradually by walking and performing other low-impact activities that you feel comfortable doing. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and then gently increase the intensity. As your stamina increases, gradually lengthen the amount of time that you exercise to 30 to 60 minutes each session. Listen to your body, as well and stop if you feel pain, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath.[13]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 9.jpg
  3. Create a routine. Plan your week in order to fit in exercise. If finding time is hard, try to work exercise into your daily routine. Walk to work or to run errands, for example, take the stairs rather than the elevator, or watch your favorite TV shows while on a treadmill.[14]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 10.jpg
    • Exercise partners can hold you accountable and create a more social atmosphere. By joining a group such as aerobics, a sports league, or another structured program you may get more enjoyment out of exercise.

EditTreating Related Health Factors

  1. See a doctor regularly. Routine check-ups can catch early arterial problems. You don't necessarily need a yearly check-up. If you are under 30 and otherwise healthy, going to your doctor once every two to three years is enough. A check-up every other year is sufficient for those between 30 and 40 who do not have any medical conditions. Annual physicals should start at around the age of 50, earlier if you are at special risk or have other health problems.[15]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 11.jpg
  2. Treat high blood pressure. As said before, high blood pressure can increase your risk of arterial problems and over time cause arteries to stiffen. It therefore needs to be treated. In addition to lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, coping with stress, and limiting sodium and alcohol, it is also possible, with your doctor, to treat high blood pressure through medication. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are all common medicines which, in different ways, stop or slow body functions that increase blood pressure.[16]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 12.jpg
    • It is not uncommon for someone to take more than one medication for high blood pressure. You may also experience side-effects. In that case, do not stop taking the medication but ask your doctor if she can change the dosage or drug.
  3. Treat high cholesterol. As said before, high cholesterol is also an indirect factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Your cholesterol level may be high from your diet and/or from your body making too much cholesterol on its own. Apart from losing weight and reducing your consumption of saturated and trans fats, minding food labels carefully, you may need to ask your doctor for medical help in lowering your cholesterol. Statins, for example, block a substance that your liver needs to make cholesterol, which causes the liver to remove the cholesterol from the blood. Statins not only lower cholesterol levels but help the body absorb existing deposits on artery walls, which can possibly reverse coronary artery disease. Other medications may also protect the arteries by decreasing the inflammation, which is thought to contribute to heart disease.[17]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 13.jpg
  4. Control your diabetes. Diabetes can cause hardening of the arteries by leaving severe calcium deposits. People with high levels of calcium in the blood are at greater risk for developing hardening of the arteries, so make sure to manage the disease appropriately if you are diabetic. Check your blood sugar daily. Keep track of your numbers and report these to your doctor. Be familiar with what normal blood sugar levels are and try to keep your readings as close to normal as possible. You can do this through an insulin regimen, medicine, exercise, and a special diabetic diet planned in consultation with a doctor or nutritionist.[18]
    Prevent Hardening of the Arteries Step 14.jpg


EditTips

  • Although there are certain medications that can slow or sometimes reverse the effects of hardening of the arteries, there are no specific drugs that will prevent atherosclerosis. Having said that, taking a small dose of aspirin (81 mg/day) is sometimes recommended to help keep the blood platelets from sticking together. Low-dose aspirin regimens are often recommended for people aged 50-59 who are not at increased risk for bleeding and have an increased risk of heart attack. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for a daily aspirin regimen.[19]

EditSources and Citations


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How to Play a Bm Chord on Guitar

Posted: 04 May 2016 09:00 AM PDT

The B minor guitar chord (Bm chord) is a very useful chord found in a number of songs, but can be a bit difficult for beginners. This is mostly because it requires a barre. In other words, you have to hold down multiple strings with one finger.[1] An easy way to start learning this chord, however, is to simplify or completely remove the barre. We'll show you three different ways, with barres and sans barres, so that you can start strumming the Bm chord.

EditSteps

EditPlaying a Bm Chord on 3 Strings (Beginner)

  1. Place your first finger. To start this simple version of the Bm chord, put your pointer finger on the first E string at the second fret.[2]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 1 Version 2.jpg
  2. Place your second finger. Next, put your middle finger on the second B string at the third fret.[3]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 2 Version 2.jpg
  3. Place your third finger. Finally, put your ring finger on the third G string at the fourth fret. [4]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 3 Version 2.jpg
  4. Leave the fourth D string open. In this version, you're only going to play the D, G, B, and E strings.[5]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 4 Version 2.jpg
  5. Strum the chord. Starting from the open D string, drag your pick or thumb across the D, G, B, and E strings to play the Bm chord. Do not include the sixth E nor the fifth A string.[6]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 5.jpg

EditPlaying a Bm Chord on 5 Strings (Intermediate)

  1. Barre your first finger. A "barre" is when you use the same fingering across more than one string.[7]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 6.jpg
    • In this intermediate version of the chord, start by placing your first finger on the fifth A string at the second fret.
    • Press it down it flat across to the first E string.
    • All five strings should now be pressed down at the second fret.
  2. Place your second finger. Just as the previous method, put your second finger on the second B string at the third fret.[8]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 7.jpg
  3. Place your third finger. This is different from the previous method in that you put your third finger on the fourth D string at the fourth fret. [9]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 8.jpg
  4. Place your fourth finger. You're actually going to put your fourth pinky finger on the third G string at the fourth fret, right next to your third finger.[10]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 9.jpg
  5. Strum the chord. For this intermediate version, you're not going to play the sixth E string. Instead, start your pick or thumb on the fifth string and strum through to the first to play the chord. Do not include the sixth E string.[11]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 10.jpg

EditPlaying a Bm Chord on 6 Strings (Advanced)

  1. Barre your first finger. This time, extend your first finger across all six strings.[12]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 11.jpg
    • Start by placing your first finger on the sixth E string at the second fret.
    • Press it down it flat across all the strings to the first E string.
    • All six strings should now be pressed down at the second fret.
  2. Place your second finger. Just as the previous methods, put your second finger on the second B string at the third fret.[13]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 12.jpg
  3. Place your third finger. Similar to intermediate method, put your third finger on the fourth D string at the fourth fret.[14]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 13.jpg
  4. Place your fourth finger. Finally, put your fourth finger on the third G string at the fourth fret, right next to your third finger.[15]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 14.jpg
  5. Strum the chord. For this full version, you're going to play all six strings, so go ahead and strum all the way through.[16]
    Play a Bm Chord on Guitar Step 15.jpg

EditTips

  • Use a fingering chart to help you remember where to place your fingers and what strings to play. You can find a useful template here.
  • Only use the barre technique for the first finger, otherwise you'll risk muting out other strings that you want to keep open.
  • Try not to play certain strings in the Beginner and Intermediate versions, as they will negatively affect the overall sound of your chord.
  • Barre chords (or chords that are played by barring your fingers) are easier to play with practice. Here's a useful exercise to help you get the hang of barre playing.
  • In order to really learn a chord, it's not enough to just be able to finger the chord. The real mastery comes in being able to move from one chord to another. Try practicing chord shifting exercises like this to help.[17]

EditWarnings

  • Be careful not to slide your fingers too hard and too fast with any chord, because you might burn them.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Treat Eczema Naturally

Posted: 04 May 2016 01:00 AM PDT

Eczema can affect people of all ages and can cause quite a bit of misery. Doctors often prescribe a steroidal cream. For many people, using steroids has many side effects and doesn't always work very well. The good news is that there are other things you can do to ease the itching, dryness and skin changes. Implementing a few natural remedies may make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels. If your skin doesn't respond to natural treatments or gets worse, consider seeing your doctor.

EditSteps

EditTreating Eczema Through Lifestyle Changes

  1. Track your lifestyle triggers. Triggers are different for everyone. One person can be sensitive to wool while another is sensitive to a chemical in perfume. Since we don't really know what causes an individual to have a flare-up of their eczema, you will have to try to figure these out. You can try a variation of a food diary by writing down the products you use and see what happens when you eliminate one.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • It may take a bit of work to figure out what affects you, so many people just go all-natural and all-organic. Then they begin to add back products to see if the new products affect their eczema.
  2. Wear non-irritating clothing. Wear loose clothing wherever possible and avoid items made from itchy, scratchy fabrics like wool. Smooth-textured clothing made from cotton, silk and bamboo are the least irritating on your skin.[1] Also be wary of your washing detergent. It may be leaving a slight residue on your clothes that's contributing to eczema flare-ups. Try using a natural washing powder, or simply switch to a different biological brand.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • When exercising, wear proper sports clothing designed to keep your skin cool. This will prevent you from sweating excessively, which can aggravate eczema.[2]
  3. Choose non-irritating soaps and shampoos. Irritants like soaps and detergents, shampoos, dishwashing liquids, disinfectants and any product with added perfumes can irritate your skin. Try using natural vegetable based soaps and cleaning agents instead.[3]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • Avoid any products containing sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. These are commonly found in hygiene products and are known to irritate and dry the skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate also breaks down your skin's natural proteins, making skin more vulnerable to outside contaminants. Medical studies have linked parabens to endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive problems.[4]
  4. Use a humidifier. Dry air in your bedroom and home can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema, causing the skin to become dehydrated and flaky. You can remedy this situation by investing in an air humidifier which will add moisture to the air and to your skin. Portable home humidifiers, along with humidifiers you can attach to a furnace, are easily available and can be found in a range of styles and price ranges.[2]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • It is also possible to humidify the air in a room without buying a humidifier. House plants naturally increase the amount of moisture in the air through a process known as transpiration. The Boston Fern is a popular natural humidifier.[5]
  5. Keep your house clean and avoid allergens. Allergy causing agents like dust mites, pet dander, seasonal pollens, molds and dandruff are all eczema triggers. Use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter and vacuum often.[6]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Try to avoid bacteria, fungi and viruses. People that are obviously sick should also be avoided, since this could be contributing to your eczema.
  6. Minimize stress. Eczema and other skin conditions have been strongly linked to stress, both psychological and physical, so taking some time out to work on stress-relief can be extremely beneficial. Try to do whatever relaxes you: visualization techniques, hypnotherapy, meditation, yoga, listening to music, or painting.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • Set aside time for yourself every day to relax and unwind. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, stress has been shown to make eczema worse.[7]
  7. Bathe less frequently, using warm water (not too cold or too hot). Bathing too often can actually strip moisture from the skin and make eczema worse. Try to limit your baths and showers to every 1 to 2 days if possible. Avoid steamy or cold showers and limit each session to 15 to 20 minutes, tops. Use a clean, dry towel to gently pat yourself dry.[8]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Make sure to moisturize after the shower, preferably while your skin is still damp as this locks in more moisture. Use moisturizers with no additives and which are based on coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, avocado or castor oil. Be aware that while these oils tend to be better tolerated by people with eczema, everyone is different and you may have to experiment to find what works best for you.
    • Try not to stay in the tub for too long. Sometimes the water can wither your skin. You do not want your eczema to be disturbed, since disturbed skin results in higher chance of the eczema to itch.

EditTreating Eczema Through Topical Supplements

  1. Use aloe vera. Use aloe from the actual plant, rather than purchasing an aloe product. Snap off a leaf and squeeze out the clear, gel-like substance. Smear this gel over the skin effected by eczema and leave to soak in. You can store the leaf in the refrigerator for multiple uses. Pure aloe vera is not associated with any negative side effects when used topically, so it is safe to use as often as necessary.[9]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • The gel-like sap from the Aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years as a moisturizing and anti-inflammatory treatment.[10] Many people have found it effective in the treatment of eczema, as it soothes itching and moisturizes the dry, flaky skin.
  2. Apply calendula lotion. You can apply calendula liberally all over your skin, since there are no known side effects when applied topically[11], or you can mix it with aloe vera gel before rubbing over the skin. Calendula is a marigold-like flower whose extract is commonly used in skin lotions and salves to reduce pain and inflammation.[12]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • Many calendula products, such as soaps, oils, lotions, salves and creams can be found at health food stores. These products are preferable to those found in drug stores, since they usually contain a higher percentage of pure calendula and less potentially irritating ingredients.
  3. Use oats. Fill an old cotton sock or nylon knee-high sock with organic steel-rolled oats and tie it over the tap of your bathtub, letting the water run through the oats. Oats contain anti-inflammatory and anti-itching compounds that can be very soothing.[13]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • Try oatmeal paste. All you have to do is just mix some oatmeal and water together until it forms a paste. Then apply it directly to your eczema!
    • Stinging nettle also works the same way and can be used just like oats in the tub. It's believed that they act to interrupt the body's pain and itch signals.[14]
  4. Make a chamomile compress. Chamomile is a popular natural treatment for eczema, as it is said to soothe itchiness and calm inflammation. You can make chamomile tea by brewing dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for approximately 15 minutes. Strain the flowers and allow the tea to cool slightly. Then, make a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth in the chamomile, wringing out the excess moisture. Press it against the affected skin for 10-15 minutes.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 11 Version 3.jpg
    • You can also massage the oils directly onto the skin or add a few drops to a warm bath. But be aware that some people develop on allergic reaction to chamomile, so you may want to test it on a small patch of skin before using.[15]
  5. Use organic coconut oil. Organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil is often used as a moisturizer which many eczema sufferers claim to be far more effective than expensive store bought creams. It can be found in health food stores, online and in select supermarkets. Apply the oil (which looks like a solid but quickly melts) on eczema patches all over the body and allow the oil to sink in.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 12 Version 3.jpg
    • Cold pressed means that the oil was processed at temperatures below 116 degrees, allowing all of the oil's nutrients, enzymes and minerals to be preserved.
  6. Try sweet almond oil. Sweet almond oil is often used in the treatment of eczema as it contains ursolic and oleic acids, which are believed to reduce inflammation and help repair the skin. It can be applied liberally all over the body as a moisturizer, or it can be spread all over the skin before baths and showers, creating a barrier that protects the skin from the drying effects of hot water.[16]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 13 Version 3.jpg
  7. Try some lemon. Just cut the lemon in half and put that baby right on your eczema. You should see some changes. Expect a burning sensation. It only burns when you scratch it. It burns because the lemon is removing the inflammation trapped under your skin. The burning mostly occurs when you have broken skin on the eczema.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 14 Version 3.jpg

EditTreating Eczema Through Dietary Changes

  1. Improve your diet. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. If you can, go organic and as natural as you can. In other words, choose fresh fruit and vegetables, cook your own beans and legumes, snack on nuts, berries, seeds, fruit and vegetables and minimize the red meat in your diet.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 15 Version 3.jpg
    • Make sure you get lots of sources of omega-3 oils (fish, leafy green vegetables) to help keep your skin moist and soft.
  2. Eliminate milk and dairy products. Cow's milk is one of the most common dietary trigger for eczema,[17] so it is worth cutting it out of your diet (at least temporarily) to see if you notice an improvement. Cow's milk can be quite acidic and is often filled with hormones and chemicals, which may be aggravating your eczema. Try eliminating all cow's milk for at least two weeks and see if you notice any difference.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • There are many, many substitutes for cow's milk, so don't worry about having to drink your coffee black. Goat, sheep and buffalo milk are all great creamy alternatives.
    • If you want a non-animal substitute you can always go for soy, hazelnut, almond, oat, or rice milk.[16]
  3. Cut out gluten from your diet. Wheat is also believed to be a common dietary trigger for eczema.[18] If possible, eliminate gluten from your diet as it may be triggering your skin condition. Cut out bread, pasta, cereals and other processed, carbohydrate rich foods.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 17.jpg
  4. Practice the elimination diet. Try keeping a diet diary. Every day, write down everything you eat and try to notice any changes in your symptoms when you eat the food. Sometimes, you may notice something right away or within a few hours. You should begin to notice some patterns with certain foods. Then, eliminate those foods from your diet for a minimum of 2 weeks (better if you can eliminate the food for 4-6 weeks) and see if there is any change in your skin.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 18.jpg
    • In addition to dairy and wheat, eczema may also triggered by soy, eggs, nuts, and seeds.[19] If you notice that these foods aggravate your eczema, avoid them.
  5. Take natural supplements. There are plenty of dietary supplements you can which may help reduce eczema symptoms. Some of the best ones include:
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 19.jpg
    • Fatty Acids: Fatty acids have been shown to relieve dry skin and reduce inflammation, making them effective for treating eczema. Use Omega-3s which are anti-inflammatory. Take the DHA and EPA forms of this. Omega-6s can be pro-flammatory. One study showed that 1.8 grams of EPA (an Omega-3 fatty acid) taken daily for 12 weeks reduced eczema.[20]
    • Vitamins A, D and E: These help the skin to retain hydration, improve its texture, boost collagen production and protect it from free radicals.
    • Gamma-linolenic acid: This is a type of fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and blackcurrant oil. It is believed to help relieve skin inflammation and to correct the balance of lipids in the skin.[21][22]

EditRecognizing the Symptoms of Eczema

  1. Understand common eczema symptoms. Eczema is actually a term for a group of conditions where the skin is inflamed and irritated. All types of Eczema have itchiness as a symptom. Scratching these areas leads to "weeping" sores and the crustiness and scaliness that is so often seen in the atopic dermatitis form of eczema.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 20.jpg
    • While the direct cause of eczema is unknown,[23] stress has been shown to make eczema worse. Eczema commonly starts in infancy or childhood, though it does start in some people after the age of 30.
  2. Look over your body for symptoms. The most common symptoms of eczema are itching, dry and scaling skin and rashes on the face, behind the knees, on the inside of the elbows and on both hands and feet. In adults, though it only happens in about 10% of eczema patients, the rash most often appears in the elbow and knee crease and on the nape of the neck.[24]
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 21.jpg
    • In infants, eczema generally starts as a rash usually on the scalp (cradle cap) and face (especially the cheeks) and can begin when the baby is 2-3 months old. In children between 2 years of age and puberty, the rash usually begins in the elbow creases of the arms and/or the back of the knees.[25]
  3. Determine what type of eczema you're experiencing. While inflammation and itchiness is a common symptom, you can differentiate between eczemas depending on the location or type of inflammation.
    Treat Eczema Naturally Step 22.jpg
    • If you're experiencing allergic or contact eczema, this could be a response to touching some substance. You'll notice inflammation on your skin where the clothing, jewelry, or substance came into contact.
    • If you notice eczema on your palms and soles or have blisters filled with clear liquid, you probably have dyshidrotic eczema.
    • If you experience one or more coin-shaped patches of inflamed skin mainly along your arms, lower legs and buttocks, you have nummular eczema.
    • If the skin on your scalp and face becomes yellowish, oily, or scaly, you most likely have Seborrheic dermatitis.

EditTips

  • Be determined. You won't be able to beat eczema without being determined. Being lazy, easily giving up, or saying things like, "I'm never getting rid of eczema, no matter how hard I try!" never works. That never helps.
  • Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose, borage, and black currant oil has been found useful in relieving the symptoms of eczema.[26]
  • Get regular sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try having a relaxing bath before bedtime, make sure your bedroom is cool and dark and switch off any screens or electronics at least an hour before sleep.[27]
  • Try other approaches including acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs and homeopathy. If you choose to try Ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy, be prepared for a long session with what you might consider lots of questions not necessarily related to eczema. Both homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicine are systems of medicine with significantly different philosophies and approaches, but remember that Ayurvedic medicine has been around for thousands of years and homeopathy has been around for hundreds of years. Something must be working!
  • If your hands are in bad shape, buy a pair of cotton gloves. After applying lotion mixed with a little coconut oil, slip them on and wear them about 1 hour on and 1 hour off, applying lotion mix each time.
  • Consider getting an allergy test. Although having one done is sometimes cumbersome, you can discover what foods, animals, carpets, or even trees cause your eczema flare-ups.
  • Try lavender oil in any room vaporizer; it has a relaxing quality that might help if you can't sleep from your eczema.
  • If you don't have a humidifier, then you can try spraying the room with water.
  • Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist if you are considering acupuncture.
  • Use a non-scented lotion to avoid any irritation. Gold Bond healing aloe lotion works very well. If you are allergic to aloe, try Glysomed Hand Cream.
  • You could also use a oatmeal based lotion called Aveeno. Try to apply it daily and often to see the effects.

EditWarnings

  • Try not to scratch your eczema. It can result in catastrophic inflammation.
  • Although eliminating dairy products/milk from your diet can improve eczema symptoms, it is important to get calcium and vitamin D from other sources. Great choices are dark leafy green vegetables such as kale or almond or soy milk. Another good option is taking calcium supplements, but there is such a thing as having too much calcium, so talk to your doctor about whether these supplements are appropriate for you.[28]. It's up to you and your doctor to weigh the positives and negatives.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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