Scalp Eczema

I am often asked what is the best remedy for dry scaly scalp – or another question is what are scaly bumps on scalp? If you too ask this question, you are likely suffering from Eczema of the scalp.Eczema is an itchy, prickly irritation of the skin that can be extremely annoying to those who are unfortunate enough to be affected with this malady. People can be affected with eczema all over the entire body, but one of the most common types of eczema is that which affects the scalp.

Where and When Does Scalp Eczema Begin?
When you have eczema of the scalp, the oil glands contained in the skin of your scalp are involved. These oil glands are connected to the follicles of the hair, and their job is to produce enough oil to keep the skin of the scalp smooth and supple as well as to keep the hair from being dry and rough to the touch. This involvement of the oil glands is why scalp eczema also goes by the name of either Seborrhoeic dermatitis, or Seborrhoeic eczema. This type of eczema affects the parts of the body that produce more skin oil than other areas are known to, such as the scalp, eyebrows, and sides of the nose. You may have first noticed scaly scalp or bumps.Many times, scalp eczema starts at puberty, when the oil glands in the scalp began to produce more oil than usual because of the influx of hormones that have begun to flood the body. But, this disorder can appear on a person of any age. It seems to be a bit more common in men than in women, although females certainly suffer from it as well. Scalp eczema is known to be a chronic condition in that it can flare up seemingly for no reason at all, and then retreat, not to be seen again for months or years. Or, it can be an ongoing condition where the time without any symptoms is quite rare.

What Causes Scalp Eczema?
No one is exactly sure what the cause of scalp eczema is, but there are several theories as to why it occurs, such as – Hormones, no matter what your age group A skin fungusToxins in the body which seem to overwhelm the immune system Stress, which in turn can further aggravate the condition.

Symptoms of Scalp Eczema
Scalp eczema can start out with very mild symptoms. In fact, many people are totally unaware that they have this skin condition until it has gotten out of hand. The first telltale sign is a slight case of dandruff which can quickly escalate to an unusually oily scalp with extremely itchy, red and irritated skin. Scaly patches of skin with a yellowish crust from the excess oil are also quite common. Itching of the scalp of course causes scratching, which eventually breaks the skin and can create open sores.

Treatment of Scalp Eczema
There are a number of topical creams and ointments on the market which are manufactured to treat scalp eczema and help the itching, excess oiliness and flaky skin. Medicated shampoos are also helpful, and may be used on a regular basis to help control symptoms. Many times, doctors will prescribe hydrocortisone (also known as steroids) to treat scalp eczema, but studies have shown that this only masks the symptoms. The steroid treatment does nothing to get to the actual cause of the disorder, but merely helps to relieve the itching, which can allow the skin to begin to heal.
Scalp on the scalp eczema has the maddening habit of recurring once you think you have it conquered and cease treatment. But beginning a treatment routine at the first sign of a flare up is the only way to keep a bout with scalp eczema from getting out of hand. I am often asked what is the best remedy for dry scaly scalp?

You can use a variety of natural treatment including slight diet adjustments for a while and also by using natural oils such as hemp or neem and lavender to soothe and heal. You can also do a lot to help your scalp by using products that are gentle on your skin instead of harsh cleansing ingredients found in most shampoos. To find a good shampoo for scalp eczema look for one that doesn’t contain sulphates (a harsh foaming agent called a surfactant) and instead contains natural surfactants like yukka or coconut.Scalp eczema and other scaly scalp conditions can be eliminated by understanding what to avoid and what you can use at home to nourish and heal your scalp.

Fix Your Diet-
It’s often the change that has the biggest effect on your Eczema, and ironically is most often the easiest change to implement into your lifestyle. Scientific reports have hinted that foods with a high acidity can have direct links to Eczema. You can fix this very efficiently by visiting a dietician and getting some ideas for a new diet-but realistically, most people have neither the means or the inclination to visit a specialist dietician, so I would suggest a trip to your local health food store. Kelp supplements can most likely be found there, and they are proven to have a very high Alkali content. This alkali will neutralize the acid in your stomach from Acidic foods, and so can be a quick way to get relief.

Moisturize-
The more you moisturize the less bother your eczema will give you, period. For most people the dreaded itching is amongst the worse parts of being an Eczema sufferer, and a regular moisturization regime can really help eliminate that itch. The best method is to moisturize each day after your bath or shower, and lightly towel yourself dry before application. Applying the moisturizer to slightly damp skin like this will help you lock some of the moisture inside the skin, giving even greater relief.

Blueberry Leaf Lotion-
Blueberry leaves contain Chlorogenic Acid, which sounds like a big scientific word, but what it means is that the extract from Blueberry leaves can be used to keep your skin clear of the exact kinds of microbes which trigger and exacerbate your Eczema condition. If you locate some of this extract in a lotion or cream, you can use it to help reduce any swelling or itching you may be suffering from.

Use an emollient-
An emollient is like a moisturizer but it actually uses fat as a base. Gross huh? Be that as it may, the emollients can work wonders if you use them as a moisturizer. The fat content can actually seal the surface of your skin, keeping all the moisture inside it. This can be very good for you as it will keep your skin supple and soft, and make it less prone to flaking and itching.

You don’t need me to tell you how much of a pain Eczema can be, but hopefully if you apply some of these tips you can find some considerable relief.

Moisturize
Keeping baby’s skin well moisturized should always be the first step in any eczema treatment. Use a natural aloe Vera lotion several times a day, especially after bathing baby. Reapply as often as need to keep baby’s skin from drying out. Avoid any harsh cleansers and make sure baby is getting plenty to drink to moisturize from the inside out as well. Incidentally breastfed babies experience fewer and milder episodes of eczema.

Oatmeal Bath
When baby’s skin gets very itchy, an oatmeal bath can be very soothing and help skin heal. Put two cups of oats in a food processor (or use a coffee grinder) and grind them into a powder. Add the oatmeal powder to a running bath of warm (not hot) water and stir well. Soak in the oatmeal bath for 15 minutes, rinse with clean water and dab the skin dry with a soft towel. When baby’s eczema breakouts are bad, it is safe to sooth them with an oatmeal bath twice daily.

Natural Skin Wash
As mentioned above, you want to avoid any harsh skin care for baby. The following natural skin wash is very gently and helps with the itch. Combine 1 tsp of comfrey root, 1 tsp of white oak bark, 1 tsp of slippery elm bark and two cups of water in a bowl. Mix well, and then pour it into a pot. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil, and then simmer for thirty minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain out the solids and use the liquid like any face wash.

While this mixture may not completely clear up baby’s eczema, it is a natural, gentle and effective cleanser that will help reduce the itching and inflammation.

Healing Lotions
When eczema really flares up, you want to get baby’s skin healed back up as soon as possible. Healing lotions can help shorten the healing time and moisturize and protect your skin from future outbreaks at the same time.

Lotions to look for ate those made with blueberry leaves. Blueberry leaves are very good at relieving the inflammation of eczema and at improving the irritation that accompanies itching.

Zinc is another great ingredient. Apply zinc lotion directly on the affected area. Zinc can also be taken as a supplement in pills. Taking regularly, it can be an effective eczema treatment.

To help heal the skin, use a lotion containing vitamin E, or apply vitamin E oil directly on the affected area. It will quickly reduce itching and improve healing. Continue applying the vitamin E oil until the skin is healed.

This article is provided for information purposes only. Please consult your baby’s health care provider before trying home remedies.

One type of eczema is atopic eczema. It’s common in infants, which is why this form is sometimes called infantile eczema. It’s believed to be hereditary, especially if members of the same family suffer from hay fever or asthma. Atopic eczema can present itself on the face, scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and on the buttocks.

One way to determine the severity of the eczema is by process of elimination. Many physicians believe that infant eczema manifests itself due to external irritants or diet. By eliminating dairy (in most cases), infant skin tends to clear up or develops fewer breakouts. A certain type of laundry detergent may also trigger rashes and eczema in infants, which is why it’s important to use gentle detergent, and use natural materials that are friendly to young skin.

Contact dermatitis is a common disease in many developed countries. Eczema can be a delayed reaction to an allergen that the skin has been exposed to, for example poison ivy. This form of eczema is curable, as one only needs to avoid the irritant, once it is traced to the source. With the environment being as it is today, contact dermatitis is the most common occupation skin disease among the population. Toxins in the air, water, ground, and food can all bring on eczema as the body is reacting to something unnatural.

Another form of eczema is Xerotic eczema. It’s common among the older population, as skin tends to become drier as it ages. In this case, this is dry skin turned to eczema because of the level of severity. It gets worse in the winter, and the legs are most often affected. Skin becomes cracked, dry and hard. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is another form of eczema. It’s common in infants, and it’s also known as cradle cap. Dandruff is also another name for it.

Eczema is bothersome, but it is treatable. Diet is essential. One must start consuming more natural foods and oils, and exercise and fresh air help rid the body of toxic build up. Eczema may also be a result of a food allergy, so it’s important to go through a process of elimination to discover what foods may be triggering the flare-ups.

Foods such as eggs, dairy, nuts, wheat and caffeine are common culprits. Eczema, like psoriasis, responds well to light therapy. Exposing the affected areas to the sun is helpful, but one must be sure not to overexpose and have the skin turn cancerous.

Gentle facial cleansers and body soap, as well as laundry detergent, must be used instead of the harsher products. Regularly changing bed sheets is good practice as well, as people who suffer from eczema sometimes react to the excrement left over by house dust mites.

Try to stay away from cortisone and steroid creams, as it tends to thin the skin out over time. Natural creams such as calendula cream, or urea cream, or plain petroleum jelly, may help more and doesn’t have any side effects.

Eczema may over time disappear, but for those who have it chronically, it can be controlled. Do the research, go to the doctor for advice, and you’re well on your way to a better quality of life.

Clear Skin Remedies

Maybe the first question you asked yourself after the doctor diagnosed your condition was, “Why me ? Why do I have to suffer the redness and irritation of dermatitis ? Why do I have to suffer the itching and dryness of eczema ?”Your doctor is perhaps best qualified to answer that question, difficult as it can be, but it may help to know that you’re not alone. Millions of other people suffer from some form of dermatitus every year.

The following tips are designed to help those with diagnosed conditions of eczema or dermatitis control the itching and dryness that accompany these afflictions :-

Beware Of Dry Air

Dermatitis is aggravated by dehumidified air, especially during winter months when forced-air heat circulates in the home. Since dry air tends to aggravate the itching of eczema or dermatitis, keeping indoor air moist should be a primary concern of sufferers and their families. You can counter dry air with a good humidifier, but you really need a big unit to do any good. If you sleep next to it however, that’s ok. Put it next to your bed.

Like It Lukewarm.

While some experts feel excessive bathing can aggravate the condition, others feel that regular baths reduce the chances of infection and help soften the skin. Taking these different opinions into account, the safest thing to do is to bathe regularly but use lukewarm water. Not too hot, yet not too cold.

Go For Grease.

Regular soap need not be avoided in your bath as long as a moisturiser is applied after its use to keep the skin from drying out. A number of after-bath emollients (greases) are available over the counter. If your skin still seems dry after using one of these products, move up to heavier creams or ointments.

Take An Oatmeal Bath.

For an additional soothing treat, add colloidal (fine powder) oatmeal to the bath water. You can even use oatmeal as a soap substitute. For the bath, pour colloidal oatmeal (from your pharmacy) into a bath of lukewarm water. For use as a soap substitute, wrap the oatmeal in handkerchief, tie it with a rubber band, dunk it in the water, wring it out, and use as you would a normal washcloth.

Take Comfort In Cotton.

Cotton clothing worn next to the skin is much better than either wool or polyester. Avoid synthetics or itchy fabrics, as well as tight or badly fitting clothes. In addition to looking tacky, such clothing can trigger itching.

Compress To Soothe.

Cold wet dressings can help soothe and relieve the itching associated with contact dermatitis. Try cold milk instead of water, it seems to be a lot more soothing.

Cool With Calamine.

Calamine lotion is good for many types of rashes that ooze and may need to be dried out. Also, calamine lotion with menthol or phenol added to it can be purchased over the counter from the pharmacy. This seems to help itching better than calamine lotion alone.

Beware Of Body Lotions.

Sometimes baby lotions aren’t the best thing for childhood eczema. They have a high water content, and that can further dry and irritate the skin as evaporation takes place. Use creams or ointments instead.

Wash Once, Rinse Twice.

When it comes to doing the laundry for people with eczema or dermatitis, make sure the detergent is washed out thoroughly. Don’t use too much detergent, and always rinse the clothes at least twice.

There are four types of eczema, (atopic, varicose, discoid and contact/dermatitis).

Atopic Eczema is the most common form of Eczema. It is linked to hay fever and asthma. There is a tendency for it to be inherited, but there are also environmental factors which are important as well.
Atopic means extra sensitivity to certain substances (allergens) e.g. dust mites, cat and dog fur etc.
It affects 15-20% of young children in the UK, however, in about 70% of these cases, it clears up. If it doesn’t clear up, then it is likely that the condition will get worse as the patient gets older.
For some reason, the number of cases of Atopic eczema have increased in recent times.

Varicose Eczema affects the lower legs of patients. It is associated with varicose veins and is often a pre-cursor to varicose vein problems. It is also associated with poor circulation. Unlike Atopic eczema, it tends to affect the middle aged and the elderly.

Contact/Dermatitis Eczema can be either an acute or chronic skin reaction where there is a sensitivity to a particular material. This reaction may be an allergic or non-allergic reaction. This condition is caused when the bodies immune system reacts with a particular substance.

Discoid Eczema can occur at any point in a persons life, however, it tends to appear at a later stage in life. It tends to affect the lower legs and feet and shows itself as a distinct round patch of eczema.

What are the symptoms of Eczema?
Atopic
This type of Eczemas symptoms normally include red, dry, itchy skin. There may also be some small water blisters which can weep on the hands and feet. Scaly areas will develop as well where the skin has been continually scratched.

Varicose
The symptoms for Varicose Eczema start with a mild itchiness just above the ankle. This will then become speckled and inflamed as well as becoming itchy. On occasion, ulcers can form.

Contact/Dermatitis
This type of Eczema usually starts out with a rash in the area where the trigger substance has come into contact with the skin. Once the eczema has been triggered, then the eczema can spread through the body.

Discoid
Normally, one or a number of round patches of red skin appear. They may be itchy and become blistered. It is also quite common for these patches to be infected with bacteria.

What is the treatment for Eczema?
As with all conditions and diseases, it is usually best to talk to your doctor before embarking upon any course of treatment. The information below is purely for information purposes only and I always recommend that you read the information below and then go and talk to a medical professional.
There doesn’t appear to be a cure for eczema, however, there are a number of treatments which can control the symptoms of this very uncomfortable condition.

There are a number of over the counter creams which will help to soothe your eczema of which there are two types. These are emollients which are moisturisers which will soothe and hydrate the skin. A good time to apply these creams is straight after a bath while your skin is still slightly moist. There are also mild steroid creams. These creams can calm flare ups of eczema by suppressing your bodys inflammatory response. Even though these creams are available to anybody, it is wise to ask the pharmacists advice before using either emollients or mild steroid creams.

Your doctor may prescribe some prescription medicine if the emollients and mild steroid creams don’t work.

Your doctor may advise you to take anti-histamine drugs which will help you to sleep although they won’t directly relieve your eczema.
If your eczema is severe enough, it is possible you could have to go to hospital where the staff there will be able to keep you away from any trigger allergens and also to ensure that you take the medicine prescribed for you.

1. Skin Conditions

This refers to the skin’s inflammation, while atopic means an allergic, and usually genetic or inherited, tendency. The condition is common for infants, although eczema is typically outgrown. The child’s condition could be chronic, or recur with regularity, if the problem persists beyond the second birthday, when eczema usually disappears. Eczema can worsen during winter, when dryness pervades the house, and summer, when temperatures could rise to extremes.

2. Treatment

The rashes are easy to eliminate, although they return sometimes even with proper treatment. To prevent eczema, bubble baths, exposure to extreme heat, strong soaps and other triggers must be avoided. In cases where these triggers are sometimes hard to avoid or identify, moisturizers may be the most important weapon one can use to prevent any flare-up of the condition. Since atopic dermatitis can accompany dry skin, individuals with this skin type will benefit from taking a daily bath – of about 5-10 minutes – with lukewarm water and using only a mild soap with moisturizing properties. This helps locks the moisture into the skin, limiting the likelihood of eczema development. Some people benefit from having topical medications as the first layer of treatment, with moisturizers or lubricants applied on top as the second layer, following a bath. This two-pronged approach should be enough to maintain healthy and hydrated skin.

3. Ointments & Creams

Greasy ointments are one of several moisturizers available in the market. Aquaphor and Vaseline are probably the more popular choices, although consumers should also consider other brands and similar products to determine which one works best for their skin. For more extreme eczema break-outs, individuals may need to turn to topical steroids and Protopic and other non-steroidal treatments. Hydrocortisone creams are among the very mild over-the-counter topical steroids one can use, even on facial eczema. Drug stores will already ask for a prescription for Dermatop, 0.1% Triamcinolone, Cutivate, Elocon and other more potent topicals. These stronger products are generally not advisable for children, as they could have adverse effects.

4. Medications

Protopic, Elidel and other non-steroidal medications, or immunodulators, are preferred for children with eczema. These milder topicals can be used twice daily, and even on the face and other more sensitive areas. However, steroid-free medications take a longer time before producing results compared to topical steroids. Some doctors recommend antihistamines as part of eczema treatment. Atarax, Benadryl and other antihistamines with a sedative effect are particularly effective in cases when itching is already hampering sleep. Other solutions that can also help are cold compresses, wet dressings, ultraviolet light therapy, oral steroids and cylcosporin and other immunosuppressive drugs.

5. Other Factors

Some individuals may find that the condition is common within the family. One who is genetically disposed to having sensitive skin could easily trigger bouts of eczema due to an allergy, stress or other specific environmental factor. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and other similar disorders tend to accompany eczema in these individuals. When this happens, the allergen or source of the allergy must be identified first and properly addressed. These sources could include shrimp and other seafood, strawberries, nuts, cow’s milk, eggs and other types of food. Pollen, dust mites and other airborne agents are also possible triggers. Eczema can also be driven by irritation to specific substances such as detergents, products containing chlorine, earrings and jewelry containing silver or nickel, woolen fabrics, synthetic materials, latex rubber, and formaldehyde and similar chemicals.

6. Treatment Tips

Eczema may not require continuous treatment, as most people generally outgrow the condition as they become older. However, antibiotics may have to be used when infections set in and hamper treatment of the flares. A dermatologist, allergologist or other specialist should be consulted after reasonable time and treatment fails to eliminate eczema or improve skin condition. Consultation should be immediate particularly if the affected individual develops fluid- or pus-filled blisters, which are symptomatic of eczema herpeticum – a rare complication attributed to the herpes simplex virus.

Eczema comes in various forms, and can have several causes, depending on the particular type of eczema that a person has. One type of eczema is thought to be hereditary, while other types of eczema are caused by irritants coming in contact with the skin; for example detergents. Eczema can also be caused by blood circulatory problems in the legs, with older people.

Atopic Eczema: The most common form of eczema. It can be found in both children and adults and often runs in the family. Symptoms of Atopic Eczema include unbearable itchiness, overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A form of Eczema which develops when the immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. Such reactions may occur when the skin is in contact with substances like nickel in earrings, belt buckles, or buttons. Some people also suffer these symptoms when wearing certain perfumes. Once a substance irritation is discovered, contact with the offending substance should be avoided.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is a type of eczema caused by regular contact with everyday substances, such as detergents or chemicals which are irritating to the skin. Irritant Contact Dermatitis is best avoided by keeping the irritant away from the skin, and keeping any sensitive skin areas well moisturized.

Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema: An eczema which commonly affects babies under one year old, also known as Cradle Cap. It often starts on the scalp or nappy area and can quickly spread, although it is neither sore nor itchy. Creams and bath oils can assist the healing process.

Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema: A form of eczema which generally affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Often appearing as mild dandruff, it can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin affected turns red and inflamed, and then starts to flake. Infected areas can be treated with anti-fungal cream.

Varicose Eczema: Caused by poor circulation, Varicose Eczema often affects middle-aged to older people, causing the skin to become speckled, itchy, and inflamed. The affected areas should be treated with emollients and steroid creams before the skin breaks down, often resulting in ulcers.

Discoid Eczema: An Eczema generally found in adults. It can suddenly appear as several coin-shaped patches of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. These areas become itchy and can weep fluid. Discoid eczema is usually treated with emollients, and steroid creams if necessary.

SUMMARY: Pharmacies offer a wide range of products for the treatment of Eczema, yet eczema sufferers should also look for ways of minimizing environmental allergens commonly found in the home.

Use Coconut Oil-
Many people would have you believe these days that coconut oil is just about the healthiest thing in the whole world. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but there are certainly many benefits being reported by eczema sufferers. Coconut oil contains something called Lauric Acid, which is only found in one other place-human breast milk. The human and soothing qualities of this substance are pretty powerful-apply coconut oil to the areas affected by Eczema, and you will see exactly how powerful it can be.

Bathing-
If you suffer from Eczema, one of the most important things is to keep the area clean and free from bacteria, dust etc. Nothing does this better than bathing or showering regularly, some specialist recommend it as often as twice a day. This can work wonders, but you have to take extra care, as the constant washing away of the skin’s natural oils will result in drier skin, which is in turn prone to increased Eczema intensity. This leads to the next point…

Moisturize-
As we said, drier skin is much more prone to Eczema, and this is because it is less flexible so will often crack and flake, especially areas around our joints. The key to avoiding and preventing this is to moisturize regularly. If you can do it after bathing, all the better. Applying the moisturizer to damp skin is excellent as it will allow some of the moisture to stay sealed into your skin.

Diet-
You are what you eat. Sound familiar? The food we eat is the fuel our body uses for every single process, including healing and fixing skin. You can run your car on coca cola and beef burgers can you? Well your body struggles to run with that kind of fuel just as much. It’s thought that foods with very acidic content can cause an increase in Eczema symptoms, but this can create complications, as many very good foods are high in acid-fish, tomatoes etc. The best way to combat this is to see a dietician and get some meal plans custom made for you. You can also combat the acid by taking kelp supplements-these are very high in alkali, and can neutralize the acids in your system.

Eczema is truly a nightmare for many people, but it really doesn’t need to be. In most cases, if you take some time and apply some intelligence, you can see real benefits. Hopefully these guides will provide you with some benefit.

Moisturize-A lot!
Many people will say the worst part of Eczema is the itching. Well here’s some news, if you keep your skin moisturized enough you can all but eliminate that pesky itch. The key is to moisturize regularly, and at the correct times. Ideally, twice a day after bathing or showering would be perfect. The reason it’s done after bathing is so you can seal some of the moisture from the bath or shower into your skin. To do this, lightly dab yourself with a very soft towel, leaving the skin slightly damp, then apply the moisturizer directly to the damp skin. It’s a little tougher to work it all in, but it’s certainly worth the extra effort.

Improve Your Diet!
Your diet and the food you eat play a huge role in how Eczema is able to attack your body. In short, if you are able to eat more of the foods that aid regeneration of your skin, your skin will be able to regenerate better, and this extra regeneration can really help eliminate your Eczema. As a general rule for this, big salads with lots of greenery are very good. Also, bear in mind that foods with a high acid content have been directly linked to increased Eczema. It’s well worth seeing a dietician to get some tips on how to reduce this, and even taking some supplements to reduce or neutralize this. Kelp supplements can be perfect, as they are very high in alkali and will neutralize the acid very naturally.

Be Smart-
Many people amaze me by complaining about Eczema and then doing all the things they shouldn’t do, all the time making it worse. You can beat Eczema by being smart. Avoid itchy clothing-woolens are definitely out, and try to find clothing only of the softest 100% cotton. Also avoid perfumes and scents of any kind, especially applied directly to the skin. It’s also possible for the scenting agents in your detergents and toiletries to have a negative effect, so you may want to take the time to find some natural products which are not scented.

Take care of your skin!
Keep your skin well hydrated all the time, by drinking plenty of water. If you are going to be in the sun, use plenty of the appropriate strength sunblock. It sounds obvious, but carrying a small bottle of sunblock with you at all time can prevent those “accidental” sunburn occasions, which can obviously have terrible consequences with Eczema.

You really can find some great Eczema relief if you apply the tips above. Eczema is a real curse in anyone’s life, but fighting back and fighting smart can have some real benefits.