Eczema Treatment

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a common condition characterised by an over-reactive allergic response in the body, which rears its ugly head on the surface of the skin. Symptoms can range from mild to extreme and can affect both children and adults. In severe cases the entire body can be affected with areas that are extremely itchy, red, scaly, swollen and weeping fluid. Severe eczema can become infected if not treated.

There are several different forms of eczema, but the most common belongs to a family of conditions called atopic diseases, which include other allergic responses such as hay fever and asthma.

Eczema Causes

Your chances of having an atopic condition can be determined by environmental and genetic factors. Environmental and dietary allergens, like dairy products, wheat, pollen, pet fur and even dust-mites, can all make eczema worse.

Other aggravating factors can include sensitivities to certain detergents or cosmetic ingredients, stress, changing hormonal levels and even the changing seasons (eczema can improve with exposure to sunlight - so that's one more reason to take that beach holiday).

Although dietary factors for eczema are controversial among some doctors, the culprits are thought to include food allergies, gut permeability (sometimes known as 'leaky gut'), Candida, and altered essential fatty acid and prostaglandin metabolism, which promotes inflammation.

Eczema in Children

Chances are that if one or both of your parents have eczema, you may have developed the condition as a child. According to the National Eczema Society, one in five children have the condition and it can adversely impact a child's self-confidence and lead to problems at school. Childhood eczema can range in severity, but the good news is that in most cases it improves significantly as you get older.

Eczema Treatments

The most common treatments for eczema include prescribed emollients for the skin and topical corticosteroid creams. These treatments aim at reducing those annoying dry itchy patches, the inflammation and the redness. Antihistamines can also be prescribed if there is a hypersensitivity or allergic cause to your flare-ups. A good dermatologist may also recommend avoiding exposure to known skin irritants, such as certain detergents and cosmetic products, so look for products aimed at sensitive skin.

Whether you go the conventional or homeopathic route, it is important to seek a qualified professional. Different patients may find that different treatments work better or worse for them. Help is at hand, so don't be afraid to ask questions and seek a second opinion if you feel a particular treatment isn't working for you.

Diet for Eczema

Some eczema sufferers find an elimination diet a successful way to deal with their eczema flare-ups. Major offenders like milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts should be eliminated from your diet for a period of four weeks. This allows your system time to clean itself out. After this period you can slowly reintroduce them, but take note if they spark a flare-up. It's always best to see a doctor or dietician before you try this strategy.

As well as eliminating the baddies, it's important to increase certain nutrients that have been shown to help. When it comes to the skin, think zinc. Zinc is responsible for proper skin repair and many patients who suffer from eczema have been found to be low in zinc. Natural sources of zinc include green leafy veg, pumpkin and sesame seeds, lentils, tofu, almonds and wholegrains. Eat as many of these types of food as you can.

Adding fatty fish to your diet, such as salmon, mackerel and herring, will help to give you a daily dose of essential fatty acids too. These fats help to keep your skin supple and reduce inflammation. Veggie sources like flaxseed oil are OK, but it's better to look for a supplement that includes EPA and DHA for better results.

It is said that Quercetin (a naturally occurring substance found in black and green tea, capers, raw red onions, cranberries and red grapes) can act as a natural antihistamine. This helps in cases where there is an allergy underlying your condition.

Natural Remedies for Eczema

Natural remedies (including herbs such as nettle, albizia and burdock) claim to act as natural anti-inflammatories and antihistamines. Topical creams containing herbs like calendula, chickweed, licorice and chamomile may be applied to the skin to help ease itching and calm redness. For best results it's always advisable to seek a qualified herbalist who can help prescribe the best treatment for you.