Do you know that eczema is a very common condition that affects 2.5 million adults in France? That it has tripled in 30 years in industrialized countries?
And that people with dry and sensitive skin are the most susceptible?

Certainly, but just because many of us are bothered by these nasty, itchy red patches doesn't mean we're reassured...

But first, what triggers this unpleasant inflammation?
Well, unfortunately, we don't really know.
A priori, there isn't just one cause, because there isn't just one type of eczema, that would be too simple.
We will focus on the two most common types: atopic eczema and allergic contact eczema.

Here are some elements that may explain their appearance...

Origins

• Genetics: Generally, one or both parents also suffer from it.
  Atopic eczema is partly linked to a superficial anomaly of the skin, an alteration of its "barrier function" which makes it vulnerable to the environment.
• Allergens: Such as pollen, animal dander (flakes of dead skin), dust mites, dust and mold.
• Too much hygiene and cleanliness: And yes! The more you strip your skin, the more you de-lipidize it (in short, you dry it out). And by using increasingly powerful antibacterials to disinfect the house, you also wipe out the good bacteria that help regulate immunity: antibodies are vital!
• Friction: Synthetic fabrics and wool
• Stress: It's well known, the brain controls everything!
  And the skin, being closely connected to the nervous system, makes the link with the outside and evacuates internal stress.
  Bad news, stress is self-sustaining, hence the vicious circle: stress triggers eczema, you scratch, that causes stress and the eczema is reactivated...

So, now that we have an idea of the risk factors, what can we do?
Do you feel like you've tried everything, spent hundreds of euros on antibacterial creams, and are starting to give up, thinking there's no effective treatment?

So, sit back and think well-being!

Here are our tips & natural remedies to try to get rid of this problem that ruins our lives...

Our natural remedies

~ Adapt your daily life

• Stop washing!
  No, we're joking... But did you know, medically speaking, you could limit showers to once or twice a week?
  Good habits to adopt:
  → Avoid using perfumed soaps full of allergenic molecules or preservatives.
  → Prefer washing with clear water or with mild, unperfumed soaps.
  → Use hot but not scalding water.

• Wear loose clothing
  Choose natural materials such as cotton, linen, silk, or satin. Ideal for summer and so much more pleasant to wear than synthetics!

Les Petits Prödiges tip: In winter, wear a t-shirt as a first "layer" under your sweater to limit the irritating effect and skin reactions of our sensitive skin.

• Opt for a suitable diet
  Indeed, some can cause allergies responsible for eczema. Others are highly recommended to relieve itching and irritation.

Here's our top 5 shopping list:
1. Salmon (and fatty fish rich in omega 3 such as herring, sardines, anchovies, etc.): they soften your skin and make it more elastic.
The bonus: fish nourishes your brain and memory!
→ 2 or 3 servings per week (even in sandwiches)
2. Oolong tea, a blend of black and green tea. It helps regenerate the skin thanks to its antioxidant polyphenols and has an anti-inflammatory action thanks to astringent tannins.
Treat yourself to beneficial "tea breaks" to relieve itching.
→ 3 cups a day, steeped for 3 minutes
3. "Live" yogurts & kefir contain good bacteria to nourish your skin and boost your defenses. They are anti-inflammatory, good for your gut, and protect your immune system.
There are two types of kefir: water kefir (or fruit kefir) and milk kefir. These are two different fermented drinks: the first is refreshing and slightly sparkling, the second is more acidic and similar to drinking yogurt.
→ One or two a day

Kefir

4. Cod liver (Yuck!)
Good news, you can just consume its oil in capsules, and thus avoid tasting its strong and unpleasant flavor.
It provides omega 3 & EPA (fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties), and reduces itching and inflammation.
5. And for expectant mothers who breastfeed: probiotic supplements.
These anti-allergy bacteria could have a preventive effect on eczema affecting pregnant women and babies. They would help strengthen the immune system in young children.

Conversely, here is the top list of foods to eliminate or at least limit:
~ Cow's milk, eggs, and nuts
~ Highly processed foods (long list of additives on the label)
~ Citrus fruits
~ Gluten-rich cereals (wheat, rye, barley)
~ Red meat (inflammatory fatty acids). No hamburgers if you have an outbreak!
~ All products containing saturated fats (butter, fat, deli meats, cheese, cream, pastries, biscuits)
~ Peanut, palm, corn, and sunflower oils (their high omega-6 content promotes inflammation)
~ Coffee: acidifying, it can be perceived as an irritant
→ Overall: reduce sugar!

• Relax!
  You absolutely must try to live as calmly as possible to reduce your stress.

• Be active: Don't force yourself to exercise if you don't enjoy it, but engage in simple physical activity like walking, climbing stairs, etc. If you can, prefer cycling for your daily commutes over public transport.
• Return to nature: Walk in the forest, get as much sun as possible (with protection, of course), go barefoot on your lawn to recharge your magnetism, garden, cook... simple things, ultimately, but ones we tend to forget quickly.
• Get enough sleep: In a cool, dimly lit room, phone on airplane mode, opt for a good mattress.
• Try aromatherapy: Essential oils work on the skin while harmonizing the nervous system
  Some good oils against eczema:
  - German or Roman chamomile oil: anti-inflammatory
  - Peppermint oil: analgesic & anesthetic
  - Tea tree or rose geranium essential oil: antiseptic and healing.

•  Take time for yourself:
  ~ Breathe deeply and listen to soft music
  ~ Get a massage
  ~ Take time for meditation during the day
  ~ Clear your head and let go, finally decide to try sophrology, tai-chi or yoga.

~ Promote a suitable skincare routine

We can't stress enough that using natural products is vital for skin that should not be irritated by allergens.

Here is our selection of key ingredients to favor if you are affected by eczema/psoriasis:

• Olive oil: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce skin redness. It protects cells from further damage, neutralizes free radicals, and prevents aging.
• Coconut oil: It nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin. Its virtues make it the leader of "anti" properties!
  Antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, it also contains antioxidant agents that reduce itching and inflammation.
• Sweet almond oil: Rich in vitamin E is also a part of it! A powerful skin repairer, it nourishes and restores its elasticity.
• Honey: A magical ingredient used in India for centuries to treat skin problems, it naturally has a prominent place in the balm's composition. It reduces irritation, has strong healing and emollient properties: it softens and smooths the skin.
• Vitamin E: It combats both dry skin and itching.
• Calendula vegetable oil: An excellent remedy for sensitive and reactive skin, it is a good repairing and soothing treatment against skin irritations, itching, and redness.

Les Petits Prödiges Tip: After numerous unanimous reviews concerning the effectiveness of our "magic" balm on eczema, we strongly recommend using it daily, which has helped many people reduce the symptoms of this skin disease that disrupts so many lives... And for good reason, it contains many of the ingredients mentioned above! We have also written an article summarizing the benefits of each active ingredient in our balms. Among them: Royal Jelly, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, arnica,...
We advise you to opt for the Neutral balm to avoid any risk (the lemon balm contains a tiny percentage of lemon essential oil so we prefer to be careful!)

A quick overview of customer feedback to convince you:
"I bought one of your coconut balms, I told you I would give you feedback on my severe eczema problems... and your product is revolutionary!
After applying it, I already felt a change, both in terms of irritation and my impulsive 'scratching' calming down, but also regarding the color of the affected areas changing! So, really a big thank you! I will recommend your product and I officially become one of your loyal customers" - Laurie

"Excellent remedy for eczema, impressive. I had tried everything; cortisone, expensive ointments bought in pharmacies, in short, nothing worked. And then I discovered THE miracle remedy... After just a few uses, the difference was clear! Much fewer patches, calmed itching, repaired skin... Truly impressive, thank you!!!!!!" - Lisa