Eczema in Children

When a skin rash cannot be blamed on poison ivy or chicken pox, the culprit is eczema. In this condition, the skin turns red, scaly and develops sores. The itching is beyond the limit and the skins starts to shed in the form of scales. Dermatitis is the other name for eczema. Dermatitis actually means inflammation of the skin and the skin turns pink and sore. Eczema is a common child problem as out of ten kids at least one kid gets eczema and majority of them get it before they turn five years old. Children who are above five years are also at a risk of developing eczema, but once they become teenagers, the chances are negligible.

Not only does eczema dries the skin, it also makes it itch horribly. The skin break out can even take the form of rashes. Eczema is a condition which comes and goes frequently and therefore it is chronic. When any foreign bodies come in contact with the skin, a special kind of cells present in the skin will react to them. Basically, they inflame the skin as a measure of protection. The harmful foreign objects trigger the reaction and make these special cells to over react. This turns the skin itchy, sore and red. Children, who get eczema frequently, have a larger quantity of these special cells.

Usually, people who have family members with asthma, hay fever or any allergies are more prone to getting eczema. It is in their genes to get eczema and this problem is passed over to them by their parent. Some scientists say that people, who as children have had eczema, are at a higher risk of developing asthma or hay fever later in their life. Allergies can only make eczema worse. The good news is that eczema is not contagious, so children can be happy about not catching the infection. The first symptom of eczema is rash development. These rashes may seem to go away in the beginning, but will return back. Although eczema itches badly, not all rashes will itch. Eczema will start to develop behind the knees and inside of the elbows. It will slowly spread to the face and other body parts.

Because rashes can be caused due to many other reasons apart from eczema, the doctor will examine the rashes and its cause very carefully. If eczema is confirmed, the child may have to use a moisturizing cream or lotion to stop the itchiness and drying of the skin. In serious cases, the patient will be recommended corticosteroids. It is a steroid cream or ointment which needs to applied to check skin inflammation. If the itching is really irritating, antihistamine can be taken in either liquid or pill form. And if the scratching had resulted in an infection, antibiotics will also be prescribed. The problem doesnt get solved forever, but it makes the condition better for the time being.

There are certain things which trigger eczema and should be avoided by children who get eczema frequently. Perfumes, detergents, soap, dry air in winters with very little moisture, and sweaty and hot skin. Also when coming in contact with dust mites and scratchy fabrics can increase skin irritation. The child must abstain from scratching even if the skin is itching badly, as that will make the skin itch more badly. The skin can also get infected with bacteria because of skin breaking and bleeding. A washcloth can be dipped on cool water and placed on the area of itchiness. The parents should cut the nails short of the child so that he/she doesnt hurt himself while scratching. Lastly, lots of water should be consumed to provide moisture to the dry skin.

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Facial Exercises For A Firm Neck

Facial muscles will lose elasticity over time and soon you may begin to notice some wrinkles around the eyes and face. Another problem that you may begin to notice is loose saggy skin around the neck and throat area as this area tends to show age faster than other areas of the face. Many people will resort to expensive and invasive surgeries to reduce the sagging skin around the neck. There are some great exercises that you can do to target the neck area and reduce the saggy skin and they are much cheaper than a facelift.

Let’s take a look at some effective exercises to help tone the neck and throat and reduce sagging.

For this exercise you need to sit on the floor and have your legs folded comfortably and your back straight. Slowly tilt your head backwards and hold this position for 10 seconds. Return head to the forward position. You should feel the stretch in the jaw line as you do this exercise. Repeat this exercise for five sets.

Next, stay in the sitting position, relax your shoulders and look straight ahead. Turn your head slowly to the right and have your chin even with your shoulder. Hold this position for five seconds and then return to looking straight ahead. Repeat on the left side so you are looking left and your chin is even with your left shoulder. Hold for five seconds and then return to the facing forward position. Repeat this exercise three times on both sides.

While still in the sitting position keep your head facing forward and your shoulders relaxed. Tile your head to the right side and hold for five seconds. Come back into the middle. Tilt your head to the left side and hold for five seconds, then come back into the middle. Repeat this on both sides for three sets. You should feel the stretch in your neck during this exercise.

For the next exercise you want to be on your hands and knees. Drop your head down toward the floor and keep your neck, spine and elbows straight. Slowly inhale. Exhale slowly and as you do so curve your back downward and lift your head upward. Repeat this five times.

Sit on the floor again facing forward. Tilt your head back slowly and move your jaw up and down. Hold this position for ten seconds then return to the forward facing position. Repeat this three times.

These simple exercises are very effective for toning and tightening the muscles in the neck and throat area. If you do these exercises every day you will build stronger muscles that will give you a more youthful appearance. Performing the exercises every day will start to give you results in a couple of weeks.

Try to stay in a calm, relaxed mood while doing these exercises so the muscles are relaxed and more flexible for the exercises. Burning a candle or listening to relaxing music can help.