Eczema or Dermatitis

Do You Have These Symptoms?

• Chronic itchy, inflamed skin

• Skin that is very dry, red and scaly

• Scratching and rubbing leads to darkened and hardened areas of thickened skin

• Personal or family history of allergy

 

Eczema is a common condition that affects approximately 9-12% of the population and is increasing.

 

What Is Eczema Exactly?

Eczema is an allergic condition. Research has shown that antibodies from the immune system are elevated in 80% of sufferers, and most have positive allergy tests. Two-thirds of sufferers have a family history of eczema, and development of hayfever and/or asthma is likely. Most eczema sufferers improve with a diet that eliminates common food allergens.

Dermatitis results from activation of certain cells (mast cells, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, monocytes, and others) that form part of the immune system. These cells release chemicals (histamine, lymphokines, interleukins, and others) into the blood stream, which initiate inflammation. The interaction of the allergen with the immune system, results in chronic inflammation.

 

What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

• Another family member with eczema, hayfever or asthma

• Another family member with allergies

• Non-breast fed babies are at higher risk of developing eczema

 

It is estimated that 65% of patients develop atopic dermatitis in the first year of life and 90% before the age of 5. Onset after 30 years of age is so unusual that the diagnosis should be questioned."

_{Auckland Allergy Clinic, Auckland, NZ}

Back to Top

 

How It Starts and Develops

Usually a child under the age of 1 year will begin with signs of reddened, dry skin that will usually be itchy. It typically appears on the face, in the bends of the elbows, and behind the knees. Scratching of the skin will exacerbate the condition. The skin thickens due to the continual scratching and may become leatherlike. Scratching also increases susceptibility to infection from Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly seen in eczema sufferers. Scratching will break the surface of the skin, allowing bacteria to get in and cause irritation. Scratching also increases the risk of other skin borne viruses, such as herpes simplex.

Triggers vary from person to person, but tend to include hot or cold weather, a dry atmosphere, exposure to allergens, stress and infections such as colds.

 

How Can You Get Over It?

Dietary Considerations

Drink water

Drink pure water if possible, this will help to encourage the detoxification process, and also hydrate the skin, reducing dryness.

 

Vitamin A

This essential nutrient has been shown to be deficient in some Eczema sufferers. Vitamin A can improve growth, repair, elasticity and strength of the skin and can alleviate dry or itchy skin. It can also accelerate healing of skin. Vitamin A is also incredibly important for the immune system.

Dietary Sources

• Vitamin A is only found in animal foods (literature that refers to plant food sources of Vitamin A are actually referring to their carotenoid content).

• Halibut Liver Oil and Cod Liver Oil are the highest dietary sources, and probably the best ones to consume.

• Dairy products and eggs also contain Vitamin A, but allergies are common amongst eczema sufferers.

• Calf, lamb and chicken livers are all good sources.

• Some seafood contains vitamin A.

 

Fruit & Vegetables

Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Back to Top

 

Tests

Check for food sensitivity and allergies

This can be done by elimination, (the cheapest option) or via a blood test to test for immediate reaction as well as delayed reaction allergies. You will need to see a naturopath that does these.

 

Supplements

Probiotic

A good probiotic supplement will improve digestive function and immunity thereby improving eczema. A good probiotic supplement will need to be kept in the fridge. Strains to look out for are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria lactis. There are many strains that may be helpful, so don’t be limited to just these few.

 

Zinc

Zinc is the most important mineral for the immune system and lacking in the NZ soil. Zinc is incredibly important for wound healing.

 

Selenium

Selenium is also very important for the immune system and lacking in the NZ soil.

 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and improve the appearance of the skin. All of these benefits are required to combat eczema!

 

Herbs

Licorice (Glyccrhiza glabra)

Licorice has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Licorice also helps the body to cope with stress better.

 

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

An excellent herb for detoxifying the body. It helps eliminate accumulated metabolic waste, that can set up inflammation in the body.

 

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) – this herb is well known for its healing properties on the skin. It works as a blood purifier to cleanse and detoxify.

 

Note: All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

Back to Top

 

Lifestyle Factors

Eliminate chemicals – in order to enhance your body’s ability to detoxify toxins and chemicals which are unavoidable, reduce the chemicals that are avoidable to a bare minimum. There are lots of companies out now producing chemical free cleaning products – try them! Try using washing soda in your washing machine instead of your regular washing powder, or for really dirty clothes reduce your washing powder and add washing soda, to reduce chemical exposure.

 

Avoid putting anything on your skin that is not natural. Everything is absorbed into the bloodstream, that you put on your skin. Use natural skin creams, moisturizers, oils, powders, make-up, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc.

 

Wear clothes made from natural fibres wherever possible. Man-made fibres do not let your body breathe. Give your body the opportunity to fully detoxify, by letting the skin breathe. Wear clothes made from cotton and wool only. Use cotton directly against the skin and use woolen layers on top, as wool can scratch and be irritating to eczema.

 

Detoxifying baths – bathe 3 times weekly in a bath, as hot as you can tolerate, with 1/2 cup Epsom salts dissolved into it. This will help to draw out toxins through the skin. Do not stay in the bath for longer than 10 minutes. It may be advantageous to have a cool shower after the bath, although this stage is not necessary, and is very challenging with young children.

 

Manage stress

 

 

Get the Help You Need to Get Well

Whether it is you or your child suffering from eczema, we can help.

 

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an appointment.

To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.

 

Improve your energy levels and manage your busy life, easily, with natural solutions to excellent health.