The National Institutes of Health documented in 2003 that there are over 15 million people who suffer from symptoms of eczema. Eczema is characterized by red, itchy areas that might flake or even harden; the skin is usually broken from scratching and may bleed or ooze.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin and causes various kinds of symptoms, all of which can be characterized as open, broken skin. People with skin conditions need to take extra precautions and steps to prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream.
How Do Toxic Chemicals Enter The Bloodstream?
According to Environmental Working Group's website, Skin Deep, there is no question that many products sold in the United States pose serious health risks. If people with no known skin issues are at risk with products on the market, what about people who deal with open wounds, scrapes and cuts every day? Although no actual data or studies have been done, it is better safe than sorry.
Rashes on the face might be more prone to toxic ingredients and chemicals, so foundations, makeup and hair products can easily get in. Just taking a shower allows these chemicals, along with toxins from hair products and hairsprays to enter open, broken skin anywhere on the body. Some people develop rashes that did not exist before the use of those chemicals.
Home Health Hazards For People With Skin Diseases
Household products can easily get into open skin on hands, so it is always important to use gloves, even if you are only handling store-brand antibacterial wipes. People with eczema and psoriasis should be able to list the ingredients in their detergents; if ingredients are not listed and it is harmful if swallowed, it is probably safe to say you need to find a new detergent. Remember, everything you use that touches your skin should be so pure, organic and safe that you can drink or eat it.
Chemical-Free Living
Going green and using as many USDA Certified Organic products as possible will help to prevent chemicals and toxins from entering the blood through cuts in the fingers and rashes throughout the body. Reading labels, even on "organic" products is important; always be sure to look for the USDA Certified Organic green label for authentic organically grown products that adhere to USDA standards.
- California Baby is a skincare and bath product line based in California that is dedicated to using only the purest, chemical-free, pthalate-free and paraben-free ingredients. Although they are not USDA certified, they have a line of super-sensitive products that are gentler than most baby products on the market. All products are peanut-free, soy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, wheat-free, shellfish-free and fish-free. This line is sold in the baby section of Target and Whole Foods; you can also buy products in bulk on Amazon.
- Terressentials promises USDA Certified Organic products. Although most of their products contain essential oils, they do carry fragrance-free products as well. Their samplers are a great value and allow you to incorporate several of their products into your regimen.
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Maya Trimner - Maya L. Trimner is a food-allergy awareness activist and portrait artist. She manages mayashappyplace.com, a safe place for people with ...
