9 Answers to How to Cure Eczema

Eczema is an allergic condition which occurs mostly in children, and the parents look for how to cure eczema. It is characterized by a dry, tough skin, crusted blisters, redness or inflammation. In most children, the allergy goes by itself by about ten years, in some in persists. Proper care and treatment are necessary to ensure that eczema conditions do not become worse. Here are some natural and conventional methods to keep eczema under control and cure it eventually.

1. Following a proper diet plan

Eczema is a result of an allergic condition and can be caused due to improper digestion problems. Sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet is the first step to facing eczema so that the cause of the allergy is met.

• Milk and milk product may cause irritation in some allergic patients.
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has high moisturizing property and can be obtained from evening primrose, black currant oil, and borage oil. They are also found in supplements form and a minute amount of 500 mg/day for 1-2 months can show its effects.
• Omega 3 fatty acid from fish and fish oil also has moisturizing properties.

Ultimately the key factor is to follow a proper balanced diet so that the system can digest all foods thoroughly. Undigested food is the top reason for allergic reactions taking place in the body.

2. Bathing

Proper bathing and hygiene maintenance is the first tip to how to cure eczema. Hot baths should be prevented, and lukewarm water should be used for bathing. Moisturizer should be applied soon after bathing to lock in the moisture. Eczema being a skin problem, it is essential to keep the skin in good condition without which any moisturizing regimen or medication will not work.

• Bath in warm water and use mild soap.
• Do not rub towel on skin.
• Magnesium baths can be prepared with Epsom salt or magnesium flakes. Magnesium helps to reduce the inflammation.
• Detox bath can be made with Himalayan Salt, essential oils, bentonite clay or hydrogen peroxide.

3. Topical Moisturization

Coconut oil: It is the best possible way to keep the skin moisturized without causing any side effects. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It moisturizes by penetrating deep into the skin. It can also be used as a bath oil by adding to lukewarm water and soaking for about an hour. There are several preparations like lotions, salve, mask, etc. which can be prepared at home using coconut oil which is a solution to how to cure eczema.

Emollients: Thick creams are the best-recommended emollients for eczema patients. Cetaphil, Eucerina and Nutraderm are the most prescribed ones in this kind.  Simple ones like Vaseline and petroleum jelly can also prove effective in keeping the excessively dried out skin moisturized. Lotions are less effective when compared to thick emollients. They are best used right after a bath and also overnight.

4. Probiotics

Using supplements can help improve skin health. Deterioration of skin health has been attributed to be due to free radical damage. Probiotics can be an effective solution to how to cure eczema if it is caused due to gut related issues. Probiotics are active cultures of useful bacteria that is required by the body to digest food.These are not actively supplied to the body through the normal diet plan. Fermented food is a top source of probiotics.  In earlier times, the food was preserved by fermenting it. But nowadays there is more of instant foods that do more harm to the body. Being on the cautious side, you can include fermented food in the diets or use probiotic supplements.

5. Over the Counter Products

People usually resort to OTC creams that contain hydrocortisone 1%, or corticosteroid-containing creams or medicines. These reduce inflammation and in the case of an infection, antibiotics also have to be applied to get rid of the bacteria which will worsen the condition if everyday moisturizer is applied.

6. Antihistamines

Diphenhydramine is an OTC drug and the prescription drugs like hydroxyzine and cyproheptadine can reduce the itchiness of the eczema rashes by blocking the itch sensation. These can cause drowsiness and should be taken for long periods of time. These are non-sedating varieties like cetirizine and loratadine.

7. Steroids

Topical Steroids: There are mild steroids and also active steroids. Mild ones are available as over the counter medication can prove as a quick solution when you are worried about how to cure eczema. Even though these are mild, it is recommended to use only for a short period till the flare reduces. Once it subsides, a chemical free emollient can be utilized. There are high concentration steroids which are available only on prescription and can control severe eczema flares. Excess usage can cause thinning of the skin.

Oral Steroids: Prednisone is very rarely used as an oral steroid to bring severe skin flares under control. But this one has some unyielding side effects and therefore not recommended by doctors.

8. Immunomodulators

They are also commonly known as TIM (Topical Immunomodulators) and also as calcineurin inhibitors. This is used to treat severe cases where all other treatment techniques are not showing results. They work upon the immune system and block the flare ups. Elidel and Protopic are two creams approved by the FDA recently, but the government and medical authorities have warned about its usage as it has a high risk of causing skin cancer due to prolonged usage. The warning is sent out that the immunomodulators should never be used in children and in adults it should only be used as the last resort when all other methods have failed, and the situation is worse.

9. Keep the aggravating factors at bay

* Harsh fabrics, tight clothing, etc. which can scratch the skin should be avoided.

* Most allergic conditions have been attributed to stress and it should be actively controlled with stress relieving techniques.

* Keeping surroundings free of dust and allergic agents like dog hair, mites, etc.

To reduce the case of eczema, proper care, daily moisturization and maintaining a healthy and hygienic body is the key factors to how to cure eczema.

Top 8 Tips on How to Cure Headache

Headache is usually seen as a common issue, and people do not try to find how to cure  headache unless the issue becomes worse. Usually, when you experience trouble at the workplace or during studies, its is mostly seen by others as a rather fine matter, and you will probably be asked to stop fussing and carry on with the work. The intense pain usually makes you rush for the aspirin when you have to curb the pain. But by doing so, the actual reason is not known, and the pain is suppressed. Natural remedies are best recommended for a headache even though it might take a few trial and error methods to know which ones works for you

1. Cayenne pepper

When someone advises curbing the pain with spicy food, you may not give an ear to it. Cayenne contains capsaicin and has its action in inhibiting pain. You can prepare a homemade paste with cayenne powder and warm water. Apply this using a cotton swab to the sides of the nostrils. The spiciness of cayenne can cause discomfort, but within a little time, the headache will be completely gone or reduced considerably.  

2. Replace the pill with Almonds

You might be used to swallowing the pills when you experience an intense headache. Try replacing the pills with a few almonds. These have been effectively in curing common headaches caused due to daily pressures and tension. The property has been attributed to the salicin content in almonds. Salicin is a major component of most of the OTC painkillers. You can try these for a few days to check if it works for you.  

3. Feverfew

Feverfew is a herb and is being widely accepted as method to how to cure headache. When you experience a migraine, there is a throbbing feeling. This is due to the inflammation of the blood vessels in the head and the pressure that it exerts over the nerves. Feverfew herb works by relaxing the blood vessels and thus reducing the pressure. It also contains a substance known as parthenolide which also has its role in reducing pain and inflammation. Research proves that feverfew can work exactly like an aspirin without causing any side effects. The best method of consumption, is to brew the flowers in boiling water, strain and drink this twice daily.  

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Most of the natural remedy lists will have apple cider vinegar in it as it has been proven to be effective against a range of illness like fever and scurvy. Several studies are being conducted to determine its efficiency, but people over generations have backed its effectiveness. To relieve from a headache, you can add it to the water that you have kept for steaming in a bowl and breathe in and out the steam. You can also use a towel to trap the steam over the head area.

5. Breathing and Relaxation methods

One of the main reasons for a headache is the busy schedules and related tensions. The body responds by affecting the muscles in the neck, shoulder and back regions. The ultimate result is a headache. To get rid of these daily pressure headaches you can try some simple techniques of stretch, relax and breathing.  

Yoga: Yoga is a relaxation technique that has its origin in India. Muscle stretching exercise can help to relieve the growing tension in the body. By breaking the tension, the associated headache can also be relieved. By practicing yoga every day, it can be the best answer to how to cure headache. You can even find solace when done at the start of a pain sensation.

Breathing exercise: Sometimes you might feel some suffocation along with a headache. This is due to the altered breathing pattern. On such situations, taking deep breaths can help to give comfort by supplying oxygen and aid in relaxation of the mind and the body.  

Proper posture: There are some specific positions that we are used-to like, holding the shoulders up will cause fatigue in the muscles and eventually lead to a headache due to excessive muscle pressure.  

6. Fresh Air and Exercise

With an aching head, we usually brood over how to cure headache and become inactive due to the pain. The best solution is to fight the tendency to curl up and get moving. Tightened body muscles can be the cause of a headache and move out into some fresh air can help relax the muscles and thus aid in relieving the pain. Exercise can also release endorphins that give an overall wellness feeling.  

Exercise regularly and take special care when there is a headache trigger. Warm up and prepare before exercise and prevent strenuous exercise if it is causing a headache. Try to exercise in the open air as it has been proven to have highly positive benefits.  

7. Keep away from MSG

Nowadays MSG's are found in most food items to improve the taste factor. This substance can spike up the neurons. Msg has been associated with migraines and headaches and if you the vulnerable type, you can keep away from this ingredient by checking the food labels for MSG and keeping away from it. It is always better to keep away from causative agents as the best way to how to cure headache. Some components may also have hidden MSG content like gelatin, yeast, textured protein and hydrolyzed food items.  

8. Choice between hot or cold

As mentioned before, headaches are rather tricky. A solution which works magic for a person will probably do no good to another person. Both hot and cold compresses are being used to solve the issue of a headache. For headaches caused due to expanded blood vessels, a cold compress can be used to constrict them and relieve the pain. All other headaches are caused due to stress and applying a hot compress is useful to provide relief in such cases.  

Excessive caffeine or caffeine addiction can also be reasons for headaches. The reasons are numerous, but the solution lies in finding the cause of a headache before moving on to find ways how to cure headache.  

Hurricane Joaquin

Where did Hurricane Joaquin start and end?

Hurricane Joaquin began its course as a tropical depression from a lower-tropical region towards the southwest side of the Bermuda on September 28th 2015. The wind shear led to an increase in its rage, and it moved towards the southwest direction. The increase in intensity made in into a storm and eventually on September 30th, it was declared as a hurricane. The maximum strength was reported on October 1 as its moved towards the southern coast of the Bahamas where the eye of the cyclone had touched or passed close to several islands. Within three days of its peak activity, it reduced in intensity and moved towards the northeast direction. But it quickly gained its fury the next day with a maximum concentration and causing major devastations.

How long did Hurricane Joaquin last?

Joaquin started as a tropical depression region in the Atlantic Ocean on September 27th, 2015 and hit the Bahamas area. It wrecked havoc in the Bahamas where it stayed for some time. After a while, it moved northeast and slowly dissipated by October 7th. It then underwent extratropical transition and lost its tropical characteristics by October 8. It then moved eastward and reached Portugal on October 10. It stayed in the Portugal coastline for about five days more till it was taken up by a frontal system on October 15. The total span of the hurricane Joaquin was from September 27th to October 5th which is a total of 9 days.

Where did Hurricane Joaquin hit?

It had hit the Central Bahamas region causing intense rain and storm with the areas of  Long Island and Acklins being the most affected. The El Faro cargo ship sunk in the Crooked Island area. Floods were also caused in the Granma Province, Guantanamo, and Santiago de Cuba. Flood water had caused power outages in the Bermuda region and infrastructure loss in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Southeastern United States, Cuba, Archipelago of the Azores and Haiti was also afflicted by Joaquin.

When did Hurricane Joaquin hit?

It started as a tropical wind on September 28 and gained hurricane status with maximum intensity on October 1, 2015

What caused Hurricane Joaquin?

Rain showers and thunderstorms started in the Bermuda region which led to the formation of a tropical depression. It was forecasted that the strong shear would slow down the winds, but later it became a storm and was named as Joaquin. It started moving towards the Bahamas region and the high temperature of the sea surface and the reduce on the wind shear caused the storm to develop into a hurricane with maximum intensity on 1st October.

What was the wind speed of Hurricane Joaquin?

The highest speed reported of the hurricane Joaquin was 125 mph which is 205 kmph.

What were the responses to Hurricane Joaquin?

• The government of Jamaica had donated 50 tons of supplies to the Bahamas.
• United States Agency for International Development had given 32 tons of emergency supplies.
• Several local volunteers, businesses, and organizations carried out donation activities giving away supplies to the victims.
• Permanent rebuilding was taken up as the matter of utmost importance by the National Emergency Management Agency.
• The US Coast Guard also did relief activity.
• Power and water supply was restored with generators.

What category was Hurricane Joaquin?

According to the Saffir-Simpson  Hurricane Wind Scale, Joaquin was rated to be of Category 4. It caused havoc in the areas of Bahamas, Crooked Islands, Acklins, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Islands. Rapid increase in power had made it reach Category 4 in October when it was declared as a hurricane. After a momentary decline in intensity, it regained the power with speed 155 mph which had reached very close to Category 5 definition before it subsided on October 7.

Why was Hurricane Joaquin so devastating?

Joaquin did not have a tropical origin, and it started as low in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm had gained hurricane characteristics within a 60 hour period. This sudden intensification did not give much time for evacuation. The path of the storms was not predictable on a definite basis, and the uncertainty was one reason for reduced precautions. The trough regions in the eastern United States make the wind take a hairpin curve towards the Bahamas. It didn't have a clear eye and caused the downfall of the islands of Bahamas. It was a major hurricane that affected the areas badly even though it reduced in intensity by October 2.

What were the effects of Hurricane Joaquin?

34 people died in the waters of Bahamas and Haiti when the cargo ship El Faro was drowned. The hurricane is estimated to have caused damaged worth about $60 million in the Bahamas alone. Crooked Island faced power outage and loss of building and homes. Water contamination left no safe drinking water for the inhabitants. A bridge and several homes were destroyed in the Acklins area. Long Island faced flooding, power issues and damage to vegetation. Floods and caused damages in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Haiti, Cuba and Bermuda. The coastal area was the most affected. The floods had caused the first fatalities before the hurricane which was later intensified with the storms. But yet warnings were sent out to the Bahamas region as early as September 30th when the first tropical depression was noticed along with favorable wind shear conditions.

What was the death toll of Hurricane Joaquin?

The reported death toll for Hurricane Joaquin was 34 people of which 33 died due to the sinking of the El Faro ship and one fisherman died in the surge of the oceans. There were linked deaths of 2 people in Carolina region due to the rain and flood that followed.

Any other interesting facts found during research?

• It is the tenth named storm.
• It is the second major hurricane of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season.
• It developed in a non-tropical low area and developed into a tropical trench.
• Major damages were caused due to the floods that hit Carolina Region after the hurricane.