Because some types of eczema are triggered by a woman's menstrual cycle, progesterone is sometimes part of the treatment plan. Many women complain of worsening acne and water retention during the menstrual cycle, but a few actually have autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) a condition in which the menstrual cycle is associated with an number of skin conditions such as urticaria, eczema and others.

In affected women, the flare-ups typically occur three to ten days prior to the menstrual flow and they generally resolve two days after menstruation begins. Women with irregular menses may not have a correlation that is this clear and that can make autoimmune progesterone eczema more difficult to diagnose.

Because of the association between the menstrual cycle and eczema, progesterone creams and supplements are often used to treat the condition. Most women prefer to use supplements and creams that contain natural forms of progesterone. The amount and type of progesterone may vary from woman to woman. The regimen is closely associated with a woman's monthly hormonal changes.

In addition to hormonal changes, food allergies can play a big role in eczema. Women who suffer from autoimmune progesterone eczema should be very aware of foods that aggravate their condition and avoid those foods altogether two weeks before menstrual flow begins.

Women who suffer from this skin condition should be extremely diligent about keeping the skin moisturized, especially in the week preceding their period. Frequent moisturizing locks in the skin's own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking. One of the best ways to lock in moisture is to apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. It is also important to avoid irritating the skin by using harsh soaps or body sponges.

Irritants that can aggravate eczema include soaps, bubble baths, perfumes, cosmetic, laundry detergents, household cleaners and certain types of jewelry. Avoid personal care products that contain alcohol. Wash clothes only in hypoallergenic detergents and send them through the rinse cycle twice. Women with autoimmune progesterone eczema should wear clothes made from 100 percent cotton with no synthetic fibers. Bed linens should also be made from 100 percent cotton.

Women who are taking estrogen supplements for menopause symptoms should talk with their physicians before using natural or synthetic progesterone. Progesterone creams may increase the sensitivity of your skin to estrogen receptors. If you are taking progestin, such as Provera, you should stop using it immediately when you begin using progesterone cream. Many types of hormone replacement therapy, especially prescription strength medications, may interact adversely with progesterone.

A qualified holistic practitioner can help you decide if progesterone is the best method for treating your eczema. Autoimmune progesterone eczema has been treated successfully with natural products for many years.

 If you have eczema, then your skin is likely to be dry. Dry skin also tends to worsen your eczema as you are prone to itching and scratching. Part of eczema treatment is therefore focused on keeping the skin hydrated. For this, you can try using plenty of oils to help replenish your skin with the moisture that it needs.

Many report beneficial results with using emollient oils for eczema treatment and for skin hydration. These oils can be put into the bath to help the skin get the moisture that it desperately needs to help keep your skin from becoming itchy, uncomfortable, scratch, and dry.

Here is how you use emollient oils for eczema treatment. When you take a bath, you can pour a liberal amount of the emollient oil under the running water. You cannot put too much in, but you should still use common sense. Emollient oils are all-natural, without any drugs or active chemicals, so you are helping your skin each time that you use them, no matter how often. It is important, however, to read your labels and try out different oils to see which ones are best for your skin.

Some people change out their oils so that they have one to use during a flare-up and one to use when their eczema is under control. Whatever it is, you should use the oils on a regular basis to keep your eczema under control. It is important that you treat your skin gently to prevent further irritation.

So which oils should you use? There are several that you can consider. One of them is emu oil.

Emu oil is one of the mildest oils available. It is an excellent eczema treatment due to its moisturizing properties and it works to decrease the redness and swelling which accompanies eczema. It is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores).

In addition, emu oil contains natural antioxidants and a natural mix of skin softening agents, which helps to keep your skin soft and moisturized. It absorbs quickly into the skin and gives long-lasting relief from itching and dryness. This antibacterial oil also helps to decrease your risk of viral or antibacterial infections getting into your skin through cracks or scratches.

Emu oil also helps with the regeneration of skin cells, which helps skin to heal quicker. Any cuts and cracks that are in your skin will heal very quickly and with a minimum of scarring when you apply Emu oil regularly.

Using oils for eczema treatment should only part of your overall strategy to getting your skin healed. It is by no means a cure. Other measures for eczema treatment that you can consider include avoiding food triggers, reducing your stress levels and drinking more water for hydration.

 

Those who suspect they have eczema often have many questions.  Some of those questions are about the cause.  Please continue reading on for a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Question:  Did I do something wrong?
Answer:  Eczema creates the uncontrollable urge to itch and scratch.  The skin is irritated.  Unfortunately, this can result in a larger red rash.  That rash when itched more can turn into a patch of dry scaly skin or a blister-like sore that oozes.  At this point in time, you may want to shout out "what did I do to deserve this?”  The answer is nothing.  Eczema is a common skin condition.  Although you did nothing to cause eczema, there are steps you can take to treat it and prevent flare-ups.  The easiest being keep your skin well moisturized.

Question:  What is the cause of eczema?
Answer:  There are many different causes.  Eczema outbreaks and flare-ups happen to different people and for different reasons.  Although there is no one cause for eczema, those with sensitive skin are prone.  As for what can cause trigger a flare-up, it can be certain foods, certain chemicals, the weather, and stress even plays a role.

Question:  Can I cure my eczema if I find the cause?
Answer:  Not likely.  While some individuals have one sole cause for eczema outbreaks and flare-ups, others have many.  You may find yourself itching and scratching after sweating from the hot weather, after using scented body wash, or after drinking milk.  Determining the cause of your uncontrollable itch and eliminating at a source will help, but you are still and may always be prone to episodes.

Question:  Will my children develop eczema too?
Answer:  Many adults wonder if they can pass eczema onto their children.  Yes, you can.  Medical professionals have determined that children with immediate family members who have atopic dermatitis are susceptible to the condition too.  On that same note, there are many instances in which it is not passed down.  In fact, some children develop and live with eczema, but have no prior family history.

Question:  How can I treat eczema?
Answer:  As stated above, there isn’t a known cause for eczema, but medical professionals are aware of trigger factors.  These make eczema worse or cause a flare-up.  In addition to keeping your body well moisturized, you can try to determine your trigger factors and avoid them.  Keep a daily journal of your day.  Document all the foods you eat, what activities you were doing, what products came into contact with your skin and so forth.  Compare your journal to an outbreak.

Eczema can be difficult to treat, but it is possible to seek permanent relief.  New research shows that all-natural treatment systems, such as Eczema Free Forever, are successful.