The Dead Sea – eczema treatments from the Bible until today

The Dead Sea sitting on the border between Israel and Jordan is the lowest place on earth at some 400 meters below sea level. Known by the Romans as the Mare Mortem, for thousands of years, even in the times of the Old Testament, the therapeutic qualities of this salty sea and its mud have been a magnet drawing sufferers from psoriasis, rheumatism and eczema to find relief from their aches and pains.

As water flowing into the sea has no exit, over the years evaporation caused by the heat has left behind a unique combination and concentration of natural salts and minerals that has no equivalent in the world. The salt content of some 35% is ten times that of normal sea water and contains minerals not found in the sea including magnesium, potassium, chlorides and bromides.

The waters and mud of the Dead Sea are known worldwide for their therapeutic qualities.  Research has shown that a course of treatment combining bathing in the salt water and apply mud packs of the mineral rich mud can produce beneficial, effective and long lasting effects on sufferers from arthritis, eczema, rheumatism, muscular pain, psoriasis, and many other ailments.

A recent scientific research project carried out by the Dead Sea and Arava Research Institute confirmed the Dead Sea’s therapeutic and skin rejuvenating properties. What is more, the same research showed that patients who underwent a course of treatment at a Dead Sea Spa, experienced a remission in the symptoms of their disease, whether eczema, psoriasis or rheumatism for periods of almost a year.

Thousands of people each year come to the Dead Sea to take a course of treatment to help them with psoriasis, eczema or rheumatism. Studies show that, within a few days of beginning treatment, a marked improvement in condition is visible and that, by the end of a treatment course, the improvement is substantial and long lasting.

Psoriasis – a long lasting treatment is available

Psoriasis is a skin disease afflicting approximately 5% of the world population.  Characterized by redness and dry, flakey skin, there is no known cure for this ailment. The main problem facing sufferers is that, apart from skin irritation, the disease is unsightly and can cause self-consciousness.

Clinical research, along with thousands of testimonials, point to the Dead Sea, in Israel, as being one of the most effective places in the world for treatment of not only psoriasis but also eczema and rheumatism – also diseases with no known permanent cure. A course of treatment at one of the Dead Sea’s spas brings fast and long lasting relief from the disfigurement and pain of many varied skin and rheumatoid ailments, including eczema, psoriasis and rheumatism.

Studies carried out show that the high concentration of salts and minerals in the water and mud of the Dead Sea combined with the unique therapeutic characteristics of the sun’s rays at this, the deepest spot on the face of the earth, is not only highly beneficial to the skin, but has excellent anti-aging properties. As a testament to the therapeutic qualities of the water, mud and sunlight, one only has to look at the thousands of sufferers from eczema, psoriasis and rheumatism who visit the area every year for a course of treatment at one of the many hotel-spas that provide treatments along with a fantastic vacation for sufferers and their families.

Whilst it is possible to purchase Dead Sea products at your local health store, nothing can compare to the effectiveness of a stay at the Dead Sea. Just to give you an idea of the difference, in order to have a bath with the salinity of the Dead Sea, you would have to add some 30 Kilograms of salt to the water, and that’s without all the other minerals that exist in the Dead Sea waters.

If you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or rheumatism, it’s worth finding out more because the Dead Sea can really help.

Using Natural SKincare to combat Allergies & Eczema

All my life I have been a girl of self indulgence. I just loved baths, creams and body sprays, with one major problem, I was severely allergic to those chemical laden products, and was left using so called pure soaps that still left me with dry skin that was often accompanied by a rash. With a chemistry and nursing background, I soon learned enough about skin conditions and the chemical makeup of some of those product out on the market. I knew that I could enjoy my baths & creams once again by making it all myself.

I started off just making some simple soaps and mineral baths. The difference in my skin, especially on my face was incredible. Next I began working on cream recipes that would combat the excess oil problem I have. With my own little creations done, I was thrilled to indulge once again.

Because I know that I am not the only woman in the world that loves to pamper herself, my little creations made excellent birthday and other holiday gifts. Soon these gifts turned into gifts for friends of friends. People kept telling me that I should be in business, as my products were great. Sure I thought, I was already working a ‘real job’ and knew I simply did not have time to start my own business. Eventually, while on maternity leave from work, Spring Rain Botanicals ( www.springrainbotanicals.com ) was officially born.

Pregnant with my first child I was both excited and scared as most of us are with the first baby on the way. With my nursing background I know the implications of having chemicals cross the blood barrier via the placenta. Pregnant for the first time, I was amazed to learn what suddenly can become a toxin to your unborn child. Most of us know of the obvious, like cigarette smoke. Have you ever thought of the effects, whether short or long term, of the chemicals in your skincare products? Probably because I have always had to be so careful in what I choose to apply to my body, I have thought about those chemicals. Since I was already making my own skin care I knew that I could also make things I needed for my pregnancy and childbirth. I created rich belly butter to combat stretch marks and leg cramp cream to combat my sciatica problems. Breastfeeding my child was important to me, and listening to other moms I know of the impending problems I could have. So needless to say a Nipple ointment that would protect AND heal would be essential to my life.

When my first child came along, I knew there was a good chance that he too would have my remarkable DNA for being allergic to everything. I had also made the decision to use cloth diapers on my children and needed a product that would wash off the cloth well, if you have tried any zinc creams you will know they do not wash off without allot of effort. I started off making a diaper area and all over body cream. I researched constantly to come up with the most beneficial ingredient that would make this cream actually be effective. Shea Butter would definitely be the answer. Rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, Shea butter would not only heal skin but protect it as well. Now there is no reason to be so concerned about protecting baby’s delicate skin if you are going to turn around and use those commercial wipes made with drying alcohol on your little angel. So here too I developed an all natural baby wash made with a pure herbal derivative of lavender. Not once did my son ever have a diaper rash or heat rash. His skin always looked fresh, clear, and he always smelled nice, best of all it was done naturally.

Living in a world of chemical laden products, excessive pollution and the overuse of pesticides, I was determined not only to help keep my children’s allergies suppressed but to also give them as pure of a start to life as possible. Realistically, the majority of the allergies that we have are to the chemicals and pollution that we live with on a daily basis.

Because his hair was so thick, and he was born with lots of it, cradle cap was also an issue we had to deal with. Professionals kept recommending baby oil to remove the buildup of skin. Baby Oil is a mineral oil. Essentially a petroleum by-product. Yuck. So again with a little research I read about the benefits of Grapeseed oil. This oil is rich in vitamins E, C, beta carotene, as well as omega fatty acids. Great for all skin types, and famous for cell regeneration and moisturizing. Not only was this oil loosening the dry skin scales, but when I applied it to his hair it absorbed right into his skin. I didn’t have ‘greasy head’ concern with this amazing oil. It’s quick absorption also told me it was going to work where it was needed.

When breastfeeding, I realized it is common for dad’s to feel a little left out of their new baby’s life. This is something I would never of thought of before I had children. Using a few drops of Lavender Essential oil to help calm and soothe in the Grapeseed oil , we massaged our son nightly and it amazing how peacefully he went to sleep. Not once did one of our children fuss at bedtime or cry themselves to sleep. Bedtime was an enjoyable as well as relaxing time of day, not all parents can say this. Daddy was happy too as he finally felt a part of our baby’s life, as he was the one mainly performing the massages after I nursed. Massage not only leaves your baby soft , but massage also stimulates your baby’s brain. Stimulation of the brain encourages growth & mental development. Children who have had this kind of contact at a young age also grow into more self confident and content individuals. At school age, both of our children still enjoy having their backs rubbed at night to get to sleep, and still to this day bedtime is enjoyable. I believe that because we put massaging them from birth as an important aspect in their life, today they are affectionate, happy and secure children. Of course we know that other factors have contributed, but I totally believe in infant massage, especially as they still enjoy it at school age.

Shortly after my second son was born it became evident that he had a hereditary skin condition called Eczema. Because my mother in law was already using my Baby Body Butter to combat her Eczema, I knew exactly what would work. We have been able to totally suppress his Eczema since birth. I have also been selling my products to consumers in Japan ( www.yackattack.com ). They have a serious problem of atopic eczema ( atopy ) with their children, and I am proud to say my products have been very effective in their country.

Since they love to play outdoors, I wanted to ensure that my children were protected. Due to the controversy of the appropriate level of deet to use on children, not to mention it is a pesticide, I wanted my children to be protected naturally. I knew this could be done with pure essential oils, as historically groups like our native Indians have been using plant extracts for centuries. Bye Bye Buggy is an effective way to keep you and your family ‘bite free’. We have been using it faithfully for over five years now and now so do many families.

We debuted a new product this year called Bye Bye SUN. This is a natural mineral based titanium dioxide sunscreen. Unlike commercial sunscreens that protect you from UVA & UVB rays with chemicals that sink into your skin, our sunscreen provides a physical sunblock by applying an invisible ‘film’ to you skin. The microfine titanium dioxide actually reflects the suns rays, UVA and UVB, away from your skin. It does need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours, and more so after swimming or excessive perspiration. Applied properly, it is an effective sunscreen. Like any sunscreen, it is meant to be used in conjunction with minimized exposure and proper clothing such as hats, long sleeve shirts, etc. Best of all it can be safely used on children over 4 weeks of age. We recommend that our sunscreen have a SPF of 15- 18, based on the directions from the manufacturer of the titanium dioxide. The Shea butter we use in the cream also contributes to the SPF as it has a natural SPF value of between 6- 8. Because we use natural ingredients to maintain our SPF, we cannot put and exact SPF level on our product by Health Canada Standards. We use this product most importantly on ourselves and our children, you can trust it on yours. Bye Bye SUN is created using the same Shea Butter cream base as our Baby Body Butter, so it is safe & healing for skin conditions such as Eczema & Psoriasis.

Although Spring Rain Botanicals ( www.springrainbotanicals.com ) started out as a safe way to pamper myself, the heart of the company centers around the Baby and Pregnancy products which are truly my passion. Since they were created for my own pregnancy and babies, you can trust Spring Rain Botanicals line of amazing products. Enjoy !

For further Information you can contact Karen McCafferty, owner of Spring Rain Botanicals.

Km@springrainsoaps.com

www.springrainbotanicals.com

PO Box 257

Fonthill, Ontario CANADA L0S 1E0

Information on Eczema ? 5 Reasons to Include Efas in your Eczema Diet

Information of Eczema – Here is some very important information on eczema. You need to include omega 3 and omega 6 in your diet on a regular basis. Your body cannot manufacture the omegas and so it is vitally important for the healing and health of your eczema skin that you include these omegas.

Omega 3 and omega 6 are contained in essential fatty acids. Foods that contain essential fatty acids include Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocados, Flax Seed/Oil and Hemp Seed/Oil.

So why should you include essential fatty acids in your diet:

Information on Eczema – Why You Should Eat EFAs

#1 – EFAs are effective at lifting depression, elevating moods and suppressing hunger pangs.

#2 – EFAs transport toxins and pollutants from the body. Toxins such as pesticides, PCBs and chlorinated hydrocarbons are ever present within your body. EFAs help eliminate them efficiently.

Efficient elimination of toxins are essential for eczematous skin.

#3 – EFAs help to improve the immune system. The stronger your immune system the more efficient it will be at eliminating eczema, allergies and other skin diseases.

#4 – EFAs improve the digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.

#5 – EFAs create velvety soft skin. EFA work from the inside out lubricating, healing and giving relief to eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

If you seriously want to eliminate your eczema or improve the healing capability of your skin you need to include EFAs on a regular basis.

EFAs will help you skin to heal more efficiently. EFAs will help your body to feel smooth and velvety, improve the healing rate and smooth the annoying itching.

Is Cotton Really Helping Your Eczema?

Patients with Atopic Dermatitis, or eczema as most people know it, have been encouraged for years to only wear cotton fabric next to their skin to help with irritation.

Cotton absorbs moisture and creates less friction against the skin than fabrics as we have known them, making it the best fabric for people with irritating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The innovation may have many positive points, it also has major drawbacks.

Recent developments may be giving cotton a run for its money, though. Milliken & Company has recently opened the market on its new fabric, Dermasmart. This fabric is reducing itching, peeling, scaling, and the appearance of dryness. Studies have shown the fabric to be preferable to cotton with most of the study participants.

This silky, lightweight fabric reduces itching, absorbs moisture 40% faster than cotton, and dries in half the time that cotton does. It is treated with a silver microbiobial agent, but it contains no formaldehyde or dyes and it will not shrink when laundered. The fabric is washable, will not shrink, allows better air flow, and has less friction than cotton.

The Studies

The first study was done using a short sleeved shirt on patients who had active skin disease symptoms on their torso so that the shirt would be directly on the irritated skin. For one week, the participants wore a 100% cotton shirt and documented changes in skin condition in a daily journal. They were also required to make notes about their thoughts on the shirt. At the end of the week, the doctor evaluated each patient, creating a base of comparison for the second week of the study. During the second week, half of the participants wore a shirt made with the dermasmart fabric and the other half wore shirts made of a different fabric. Again, they chronicled skin conditions and feelings about their shirt in a journal. At the end of the second week, the dermatologist performed a second evaluation on the patients, comparing the results to the base she had developed at the end of the first week. Dr. Draelos concluded that; The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in skin condition and decreased itching in subjects with eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis when wearing a [DermaSmart] shirt.

In the second study, another two week study and composed of 40 participants, the participants were given a t-shirt and pajamas each and instructed to wear each garment for four hours each day. One half received 100% cotton garments while the other half received dermasmart garments. Patients kept thoughts about the garment and skin conditions in a journal; they were evaluated for a baseline at the end of the week. In phase two, the patients who had worn cotton the first week were given dermasmart garments and visa versa. Again they chronicled skin conditions and thoughts about the garments in a journal and were evaluated at the end of the second week.

These studies found that 75% of the patients had reduced itching with the dermasmart garments, almost 66% reported less moisture on their skin, and 77% preferred the feel of the dermasmart over that of cotton.

While these studies and the fabrics integral qualities seem to show superiority over cotton, the fabric has drawbacks in availability and price. With cotton, people with chronic skin conditions can walk into any clothing store and purchase 100% cotton clothing, they have to order the dermasmart garments without even seeing them in person, which means they cannot try them on. Also, we only found one place to buy the dermasmart garments. The second major drawback of dermasmart garments is the price:

Womens polo shirts are $36 to $45
Mens polo shirts are $42 to $51
Lounge pants (unisex) are $54
Childrens garments range from $25 to $47

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