Hi, I'm Colleen. When my mom and granddaughter were struggling with painful, persistent eczema, I dove deep into understanding this condition. What I discovered changed everything - and ultimately led me to create Tangled Acre Farm's natural products that have helped hundreds of families find relief.
This guide contains everything I've learned about eczema over the years - from the latest clinical research to practical daily management strategies. Most importantly, I want you to understand that you're not powerless against eczema. Knowledge is your best tool for healing.
What Really Causes Eczema?
Eczema isn't just "sensitive skin" - it's a complex condition involving your immune system, genetics, and environment. Your skin barrier becomes compromised, allowing irritants in and moisture out.
The Skin Barrier Science
Think of healthy skin like a brick wall - skin cells are the bricks, and lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) are the mortar. In eczema, this "mortar" becomes damaged, creating gaps that let irritants in and moisture out.
Types of Eczema
- Atopic Dermatitis: Most common, usually starts in childhood
- Contact Dermatitis: Reaction to specific irritants or allergens
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Affects oily areas like scalp and face
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: Small blisters on hands and feet
- Nummular Eczema: Coin-shaped patches
Genetic vs Environmental Factors
If you have eczema, there's a 50% chance your child will too. But genetics load the gun - environment pulls the trigger. This means there's a lot you CAN control.
Visual Symptom Guide
Mild Eczema
- • Dry, slightly rough skin
- • Occasional itching
- • Small areas of redness
- • Manageable with basic care
Moderate Eczema
- • Visible inflammation and swelling
- • Regular itching episodes
- • Scaling and flaking
- • Sleep disruption
Severe Eczema
- • Intense, constant itching
- • Open wounds from scratching
- • Thick, leathery skin (lichenification)
- • Signs of infection
Warning Signs
- • Pus or yellow crusting
- • Red streaks from affected area
- • Fever with skin symptoms
- • Rapid spreading
Location Mapping
Where your eczema appears can tell you a lot about triggers:
- Face/Neck: Often food allergies or airborne allergens
- Hands: Usually contact irritants (soaps, chemicals)
- Feet: Footwear materials, sweat, or fungal issues
- Body folds: Heat, friction, or yeast overgrowth
- Scalp: Hair products, stress, or seborrheic dermatitis
Environmental Trigger Checklist
Household Irritants
- Harsh cleaning products
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Fragranced candles and air fresheners
- Dust mites in bedding
- Pet dander
- Mold and mildew
Personal Care Products
- Sulfates in shampoos and soaps
- Synthetic fragrances
- Preservatives (parabens, formaldehyde)
- Essential oils (can be irritating)
- Alcohol-based products
Clothing & Fabrics
- Wool (too scratchy for most)
- Synthetic fabrics that don't breathe
- Tight-fitting clothes
- Unwashed new clothes (chemicals)
- Detergent residue
Weather & Climate
- Low humidity (winter heating)
- Sudden temperature changes
- Excessive sweating
- Sun exposure (for some people)
- Chlorinated pool water
Food Sensitivity Testing Protocol
Food triggers are more common than you might think. Try this systematic approach:
2-Week Elimination Diet
Remove common triggers:
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Soy
- Gluten/wheat
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Processed foods with additives
Reintroduction Phase
Add back one food group every 3 days, watching for reactions. Keep a detailed food and symptom diary.
Home Environment Optimization
Humidity Control
Keep humidity between 40-60%. Use a humidifier in winter, dehumidifier in summer.
Air Quality
HEPA air purifiers, regular vacuuming, wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Temperature
Cool, consistent temps. Avoid overheating which triggers sweating and itching.
Bedroom Setup for Better Sleep
- Bedding: 100% cotton or bamboo sheets, hypoallergenic pillows
- Mattress covers: Dust mite-proof encasements
- Room temperature: Keep cool (65-68°F) for better sleep
- Humidity: Use a bedroom humidifier in dry climates
- Clothing: Loose, soft cotton pajamas or sleep naked
Bathing and Hygiene Protocols
The Perfect Eczema Bath
- Water temperature: Lukewarm, never hot
- Duration: 5-10 minutes maximum
- Frequency: Daily is fine if you moisturize immediately after
- Soap: Gentle, fragrance-free (like goat milk soap!)
- Additives: Colloidal oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salts
- Drying: Pat gently, don't rub
- Moisturizing: Apply within 3 minutes while skin is damp
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Foods That Heal
- Omega-3 rich fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines
- Colorful vegetables: Especially leafy greens, sweet potatoes
- Anti-inflammatory spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic
- Probiotic foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi
- Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts (if tolerated)
- Antioxidant fruits: Berries, cherries, pomegranates
Common Trigger Foods
- Dairy: Especially in children and infants
- Eggs: Both whites and yolks can trigger
- Gluten/Wheat: May cause inflammation in sensitive people
- Soy: Common allergen, check processed foods
- Nuts: Tree nuts and peanuts
- Nightshades: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes
- Processed foods: Additives, preservatives, artificial colors
The Gut-Skin Connection
Your gut health directly impacts your skin. 70% of your immune system is in your digestive tract, so healing your gut can heal your skin.
Gut Healing Protocol
- Probiotics: 10-50 billion CFU daily, multiple strains
- Prebiotics: Feed good bacteria with fiber-rich foods
- Bone broth: Heals and seals gut lining
- Fermented foods: Natural probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Avoid: Antibiotics unless necessary, excess sugar, processed foods
Key Supplements for Eczema
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
2-3g daily, reduces inflammation
Vitamin D3
2000-4000 IU daily, immune support
Zinc
15-30mg daily, wound healing
The Mind-Skin Connection
Stress doesn't just trigger eczema flares - it can actually change your skin's barrier function and immune response. Managing stress is just as important as managing triggers.
Breaking the Itch-Scratch Cycle
The Cycle: Stress → Itch → Scratch → Damage → More Inflammation → More Stress
Breaking Point: Interrupt at any stage to break the cycle
Immediate Itch Relief Techniques
- Cold compress: Ice wrapped in cloth for 10 minutes
- Pressure instead of scratching: Press firmly on itchy area
- Distraction: Engage your hands in other activities
- Moisturize immediately: Keep cream within arm's reach
- Trim nails short: Minimize damage from unconscious scratching
Sleep Optimization
- Keep bedroom cool and humid
- Cotton gloves to prevent night scratching
- Relaxation routine before bed
- Consider melatonin (consult healthcare provider)
Long-term Stress Reduction
- Meditation: Even 5 minutes daily helps
- Deep breathing: 4-7-8 technique for immediate calm
- Regular exercise: Reduces stress hormones, but shower immediately after
- Yoga: Combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness
- Therapy: CBT is particularly effective for chronic skin conditions
Support Systems
- Join eczema support groups (online or local)
- Educate family and friends about your condition
- Consider counseling for chronic illness adjustment
- Practice self-compassion - this isn't your fault
Science-Backed Natural Treatments
Colloidal Oatmeal
Clinical studies show colloidal oatmeal reduces inflammation by 43% in eczema patients.
How it works: Beta-glucans form a protective film on skin while avenanthramides provide anti-inflammatory action.
Study: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012
Calendula Extract
Calendula accelerates wound healing by 67% compared to placebo.
How it works: Triterpenes and flavonoids stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Study: International Journal of Tissue Healing, 2018
Ceramides
Ceramides restore skin barrier function naturally, found in goat milk.
How it works: Fill gaps in skin barrier, prevent water loss, and reduce allergen penetration.
Study: Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2019
Raw Honey
Honey's antimicrobial properties prevent secondary infections in eczema.
How it works: Hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal kill bacteria while maintaining skin pH.
Study: Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2017
Comparative Effectiveness Studies
Natural vs Synthetic Moisturizers:
A 2020 study comparing petroleum-based moisturizers to plant-based formulations found that natural ingredients provided longer-lasting hydration with fewer adverse reactions.
Goat Milk vs Cow Milk in Skincare:
Research shows goat milk has a pH closer to human skin (6.4 vs 6.7 for cow milk), contains more medium-chain fatty acids, and has smaller protein molecules that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Emergency Flare-Up Kit
Keep these items readily available for unexpected flares:
Immediate Relief
- Cold compresses or ice packs
- Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
- Colloidal oatmeal packets
- Clean, soft cotton cloths
Soothing Baths
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda
- Oatmeal (plain, unflavored)
- Raw honey
Prevention Items
- Cotton gloves (for night scratching)
- Humidifier
- Gentle, natural soap
- 100% cotton clothing
Proven DIY Remedies
Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Instructions: Grind 1 cup plain oats into fine powder. Add to lukewarm bath water. Soak 10-15 minutes. Pat skin dry and moisturize immediately.
Why it works: Creates protective barrier, reduces inflammation by 43%
Raw Honey Mask
Instructions: Apply thin layer of raw, unprocessed honey to affected area. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Why it works: Antimicrobial properties prevent infection, promotes healing
Coconut Oil Blend
Instructions: Mix 1/4 cup coconut oil with 2 drops tea tree oil. Apply to damp skin. Use within 1 week.
Why it works: Coconut oil provides ceramides, tea tree has antimicrobial properties
Anti-Itch Spray
Instructions: Mix 1 cup distilled water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp baking soda. Store in spray bottle, shake before use.
Why it works: Balances skin pH, reduces bacterial overgrowth
⚠️ Safety Guidelines
- Always patch test new remedies on a small area first
- Discontinue use if irritation increases
- Never apply essential oils directly to broken skin
- Consult healthcare provider before using if you have severe eczema
- Keep DIY remedies refrigerated and use within recommended timeframes
Red Flag Symptoms
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Signs of infection: Pus, yellow crusting, fever, red streaks
- Widespread rash: Covering more than 10% of body
- Severe pain: Beyond normal eczema discomfort
- Blistering: Fluid-filled bumps that break open
- Eye involvement: Swelling, discharge, vision changes
- Breathing difficulties: Could indicate severe allergic reaction
Schedule Appointment Soon
- No improvement: After 2-3 weeks of consistent treatment
- Worsening symptoms: Despite following proper care
- Sleep disruption: Significant impact on daily life
- Emotional impact: Depression, anxiety related to condition
- Frequent flares: More than once per month
- Uncertain diagnosis: If you're not sure it's eczema
Working with Healthcare Providers
Preparing for Your Appointment
- Keep a symptom and trigger diary for 2 weeks before your visit
- Take photos of your skin during flares and calm periods
- List all products you've tried and their effects
- Bring all medications and supplements you're currently taking
- Write down questions beforehand - appointments can feel rushed
Integrating Natural and Medical Treatments
Natural and medical treatments can work together effectively. Be honest with your healthcare provider about natural remedies you're using.
What to Tell Your Doctor
- All natural products you're using
- Dietary changes you've made
- Supplements you're taking
- What's working and what isn't
Questions to Ask
- Can I continue using natural products with prescribed treatments?
- Are there any interactions I should know about?
- What's the long-term plan for my treatment?
- When should I follow up?
My Personal Journey & Natural Solutions
After watching my mom and granddaughter struggle with painful eczema flares, I knew there had to be a better way. The commercial products we tried were full of harsh chemicals that often made things worse. That's when I started Tangled Acre Farm - to create gentle, effective products that actually work with your skin, not against it.
Goat Milk Soap
The original eczema solution that started it all
Why It Works for Eczema:
- Natural ceramides restore skin barrier
- pH balanced (6.4) matches healthy skin
- Gentle cleansing without stripping oils
- Anti-inflammatory lactic acid
Success Story: "Created specifically for my mom and granddaughter's eczema - and it gave them their lives back."
Relief Salve
Dual-purpose healing for muscles and stressed skin
Perfect for Eczema Because:
- Calendula extract - 67% faster healing
- Botanical blend reduces inflammation
- Targeted treatment for problem areas
- Long-lasting protection barrier
Pro Tip: Apply to flare-ups before bed for overnight healing. Also amazing for sore muscles!
Natural Deodorant
Gentle protection for sensitive underarm skin
Eczema-Safe Formula:
- No aluminum or harsh chemicals
- Won't trigger underarm flares
- Sensitive skin tested formula
- Effective protection without irritation
Popular Choice: Frequently sells out! Safe for the whole family, including sensitive skin.
Complete Eczema Care
Full range of handmade beauty products
Farm-Fresh Benefits:
- Fresh goat milk from our farm
- Herbal-infused oils for healing
- Small batch quality you can trust
- Family-tested formulations
Local Support: Find us at New Port Richey farmers markets or The Health Hut!
Why Tangled Acre Farm is Different
Personal Experience
Every product was created to solve real eczema struggles in my own family. I understand because I've been there.
Science-Backed
Our formulations incorporate clinically-proven ingredients like those mentioned in this guide.
Farm Fresh Quality
Made with fresh goat milk from our own Nigerian Dwarf goats and carefully selected natural ingredients.
Ready to Give Your Skin the Relief It Deserves?
Join hundreds of families who have found gentle, effective eczema relief with Tangled Acre Farm products.
Visit Our ShopLocated in New Port Richey, FL | Available at local farmers markets & The Health Hut
