Eczema

Description

Eczema is a recurring inflammation of the skin and is a form of atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis is a term that describes any inflammatory skin condition. This often occurs in people who have a history of allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.

Eczema can affect all ages and both sexes. People who have eczema are more sensitive to viruses and bacteria that affect the skin.

Symptoms

Skin inflammation can produce scaling, flaking, thickening, weeping, crusting, redness, papules or pustules, dry, cracked skin, patches of dry or desquamated skin itching, and colour changes.

Treatments

1. Eliminate potential allergen-causing foods from the diet.

2. Try to use a perfume-free moisturising lotion daily. Avoid using oily or greasy ointments on the skin as this can prevent it from breathing. Avoid using ointments that contain benzocaine or antibiotics. Lanolin in certain skin lotions may also be problematic.

3. Being constipated or having irregular bowel movements can make eczema worse because the skin must eliminate more waste. Add more fiber to your diet and ensure you are sufficiently hydrated.

4. Supplementation and specific eczema remedies will be beneficial.

5. Try to keep your environment humidified. Avoid temperature extremes and physical activity that will promote excessive sweating. Do not use hot water when bathing or showering, rather use warm water.

6. Avoid stress and practice stress-reduction techniques. Stress can exacerbate eczema.

7. Clothing containing synthetic fibers may exacerbate the condition, also avoid using wool garments.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Eczema formula – for all forms of eczema.
2. Allergy formula – for allergic reactions. A Natural antihistamine.
3. Vitamin B complex – for healthy skin and proper circulation
4. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – deficiencies have been reported in skin disorders
5. Buffered Vit C – helps minimise inflammation
6. Zinc – aid with healing and enhances the immune function
7. Vitamin D3 – aids in tissue healing

Causes

Eczema may often be caused by an allergic reaction to something eaten or found in a person’s environment. It may have a genetic component or be provoked/aggravated by stress or fatigue, it is often seen in people who have a history of allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.

Common allergens that may cause symptoms  include: Animal fur, egg , fish , dust mites , milk , peanuts, pollen, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat 

Underlying Emotions

Feelings of irritation, of being controlled and manipulated. Patterns related to self-punishment. Being overly sensitive

Diet

1. Certain foods seem to be more likely to cause eczema. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible for the problem. The main problem foods are usually dairy products (including milk, cheese, ice cream), eggs, wheat, corn, and sugar. Testing for particular food allergies will also be beneficial. Any sensitivity to wheat gluten can be a major problem. Eliminate all potential trigger foods from the diet, if a reduction or disappearance of symptoms is experienced, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur, if this happens eliminate this particular food from the diet.

2. Eat fish rich in essential fatty acids, such as mackerel, herring, and salmon, twice weekly.

3. Decrease the intake of animal fats such as red meat.

4. Consume at least 1 cup of vegetables, 1 cup of whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, and 1 to 3 fruits per day.

5. Increase your fiber intake

6. Ensure you drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water per day.

Remedies