Eczema, a type of dermatitis, is a skin condition that can make the skin feel itchy, dry, and bumpy. This condition usually weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it prone to dehydration and infections. While there are different types of eczema with distinctive triggers, one can have an increased risk of developing the condition if they have a family history of hay fever, dermatitis, allergies, or asthma. Keep reading to know about its triggers.
Soap ingredients that can lead to an eczema flare-up
Individuals with this specific health condition may experience flare-ups following the application of certain products. This is due to the presence of ingredients within these products that have the potential to worsen eczema symptoms. As a result, it is recommended to carefully examine the product label and refrain from using a soap that contains the following items:
Alkaline
Generally, most soaps available in the market have a balanced pH. But some can contain alkaline properties that can cause an increase in pH level and compromise the skin barrier. Hence healthcare professionals suggest patients carefully check for alkaline soaps and steer clear of them.
Fragrances
Typically, soap, body wash, and shampoo manufacturers add fragrances to their products to keep them smelling delightful. But in the case of eczema patients, these sweet-smelling fragrances can cause adverse allergic reactions leading to further complications. Hence, people with eczema are suggested to avoid soaps and other products containing fragrances as much as possible.
Dyes
Most soaps contain colorants or dyes for reasons such as covering up discoloration of the product, evening out its natural color, or making it look more appealing. However, these dyes can act as allergens, especially in people with sensitive skin or other skin conditions. So, when choosing the best soap for eczema patients, one must avoid products containing dyes to keep flare-ups at bay.
Essential oils
Most people believe natural fragrances are more suited for skin than synthetic ones. But this is far from the truth. So, while some essential oils with natural fragrances like tea tree oil can be beneficial against acne, they can also lead to irritation and allergies in some people. Therefore, eczema patients should keep clear of soaps with essential oils.
Cocamidopropyl betaine
This ingredient is often used as a foaming agent in most shampoos, soaps, and body washes. While it is known for being tear-free, cocamidopropyl betaine may still cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in both adults and children. The best way to control such reactions to the product in eczema patients and people with sensitive skin is to avoid soaps and other products that utilize it as an ingredient.
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Soaps and cleaners often contain an ingredient known as sodium lauryl sulfate. This detergent possesses the ability to disrupt the skin barrier. This can worsen eczema and its associated symptoms. Hence, eczema patients are suggested to avoid contact with soaps and other products that contain the detergent.
Ethanol
Commonly used in the production of bar soaps, ethanol gives a transparent or see-through look to the product. This means the higher the amount of ethanol, the more glass-like the soap. But, when such soaps are used by eczema patients or people with sensitive skin, they can cause burning, stinging, and drying of the skin. Therefore, it’s considered best to give these products a miss.
Lanolin
A waxy substance naturally produced in sheep, lanolin’s functions are similar to sebum secreted by the human body. Hence, this substance can be found in soaps, moisturizers, and hair care products. While it has beneficial properties, it can also cause allergies in people with atopic dermatitis ( eczema).
Salicylic acid
Numerous harsh soaps contain chemicals like salicylic acid that can cause inflammation in eczema patients. This leads to flare-ups and symptoms such as itchiness and skin irritation. One of the primary reasons behind it is that most eczema patients experience salicylate sensitivity leading to extreme skin dryness.
Formaldehyde
Harsh soaps contain formaldehyde, a highly irritating chemical that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in areas of the body that experience increased friction, like the inner thighs. While females are more affected by the chemical, it can also cause sensitivity in men. Thus, people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema must keep their distance from soaps containing this skin irritant.
If a person has eczema, it’s important to avoid using soaps that contain the ingredients mentioned above. One should also steer clear of potential triggers like peanuts, eggs, and dairy products. One can try doing a patch test to find the right product for one’s skin. But before using any product on the skin, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist. They can evaluate one’s skin type and recommend products that are suitable for one’s skin. In case one notices any signs of allergic reactions like rashes, itchiness, and discoloration after using any products, one must wash the area thoroughly with water.
Additionally, if eczema patients notice any adverse reactions or infections, they must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest. This must also be done when eczema spreads on a large area of the body.
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Your guide to getting FHA loan approvals
Read moreA Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a type of mortgage which is insured by the FHA and is considered one of the most affordable and fastest loans to procure.
Simply put, the borrower needs to be approved by the FHA to get this loan. You may then look for different mortgage rates with different FHA-approved lenders. There are plenty of portals which may help you get fast quotes and you may subsequently take the process ahead with any lender whose rates you have found affordable.
Important guidelines to get an FHA loan approval
Discussed below are a few important aspects to keep in mind while applying for an FHA loan.Credit score
The credit score requirement to get an FHA loan approval is not stringent. The minimum eligible credit score for the same is 580. Even if you do not have a credit history, your lender will need to evaluate your eligibility, based on a non-traditional merged credit. Some borrowers may require a score of 640-680 to be eligible for this loan.While this is a guideline set, many lenders also give a loan to people with a credit score of at least 500.
Debt to income ratio
The debt to income ratio is a critical guideline followed by lenders to evaluate the eligibility of a borrower. It is a way in which lenders (even mortgage lenders) calculate a borrower’s ability to repay the debts, considering their regular incomes. The acceptable limit of this ratio is 31:43 to get an FHA loan approval.Mortgage insurance
Even though getting an approval for an FHA loan seems fairly easy, the real challenge arises in getting two types of mortgage insurances as prerequisites. One insurance needs to be paid fully while the other has to have a provision of being paid in monthly installments.Down payment
The minimum down payment required for an FHA loan approval is 3.5%. While the standard rate for down payment runs at 20%, the 3.5% comes as a great relief for borrowers who cannot afford such a high amount.Other important areas
A lender will look into your employment history, lawful residency in the US, as well as a valid Social Security number (SSN). You would also require to have an appraisal for the property from a verified FHA-approved appraiser.The other requirements differ from lender to lender, and it is always advisable to gather full information about your verified FHA loan lender before applying for a loan.
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3 ways SMA patients and caregivers can maintain a healthy relationship
Read moreThe relationship between a person diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their caregiver is a two-way street. It is important to remember that both the patient and caregiver have their individual needs that should be communicated clearly. Irrespective of whether the primary caregiver is a parent, friend, or someone who has been hired to take care of the SMA patient, there are a few important things to consider for a healthy relationship between them. Below are three tips for SMA patients to maintain a healthy relationship with their caregivers-
- Informing the caregiver in advance about any schedule changes
SMA patients should remember that their caregivers, whether family, friends or professional caregivers, have their own schedules and needs. One needs to ensure that they don’t make any last-minute changes without informing the caregiver well in advance. A caregiver plans everything according to the SMA patient’s schedule, and any sudden changes might cause problems with the caregiver’s schedule and routine. It is important to remember that the caregiver is likely to have other jobs, people to meet, and other personal errands of their own. Hence, it is essential to inform the caregiver in advance if there are any changes to one’s schedule.
- Conveying one’s needs clearly
If an SMA patient is hiring someone through an agency or via the Internet, it is vital to know that the caregiver has probably had clients with a wide range of needs, levels of independence, and abilities. Hence, it is necessary for the patient to inform the caregiver about what their specific needs are, what tasks they can do, and what tasks they cannot perform. The best way that a caregiver will be able to help a patient properly and cater to all their needs is by just communicating with them. If one is used to doing certain things in a particular manner, let the caregiver know that beforehand so that they are able to do their job thoroughly by keeping their patient’s needs in mind.
- It is okay to have disagreements with the caregiver
When the caregiver is a friend or family member, fights and arguments are inevitable. However, when one has a fight, a confusion, a misunderstanding, or whether there is a simple disagreement with one’s caregiver, one needs to ensure that this tension does not last. It is important to communicate openly and work together towards solving the problem.
- Informing the caregiver in advance about any schedule changes