Natural Treatment of Eczema, and Why Conventional Medicine Gets It Wrong
the basics
Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections.
There are several different types of eczema, including: atopic dermatitis (most common), contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic & stasis dermatitis.
eczema facts
Eczema affects more children than adults - 1 out of every 4 children in New Zealand (25%) and 1 in 5 in the US, or 20% (tripled in 3 decades!), while over 7% of adults are affected.
Common symptoms include:
dry, cracked skin
itchiness (pruritus)
rash on swollen skin
small, raised bumps
oozing and crusting
thickened skin
darkening of the skin around the eyes.
raw, sensitive skin from scratching.
Symptoms of eczema can be short-term (acute) or chronic. Symptoms such as itching or peeling may come and go, periodically causing flare-ups in response to things like stress and low immune function.
Eczema is commonly located in children on the cheeks, chin, head (cradle cap), backs of arms & legs, back, chest and stomach. Eczema is not contagious.
common causes & risk factors
Microbiome/Gut Imbalance: the healthy bacteria that live within our gut & skin plays a crucial role in supporting our immune system - disturbance of the microbiome is strongly correlated with allergy. It is rare that the digestive system is uninvolved.
Food Allergy/Sensitivity: when digestion of food/gut is compromised for a period of time, food particles are incompletely broken down, and the immune system responds to these now-foreign particles. Eggs, dairy, wheat/gluten, nuts and soy are common offenders, but there can be others.
Nutrient Deficiencies: digestive dysfunction inhibits proper absorption of nutrients needed to maintain & heal the skin. Vitamins A, D, E, essential fatty acids & zinc are most notable, but others may be involved.
common causes & risk factors
Genetics & Epigenetics: A number of genes are associated with the development of eczema. Having a family history of atopic conditions increases the risk.
Environmental: air pollution, second hand smoke, cleaning products, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, wool, synthetic fabrics, weather changes, for instance, may cause dry skin etc
Mold Exposure: consider all places where time is spent: home, school, work, daycare, vehicle, etc.
Stress: cortisol suppresses the immune system & increases inflammation in the body
Infection: staph infection may trigger flaring
being treated with antibiotics in infancy.
standard treatment
Getting to the root cause
natural support
Eliminate Dietary Triggers: food allergies and/or sensitivities promote inflammation and can trigger eczema. An elimination diet or testing can be completed to determine specific triggers.
Supplementation to support nutrient deficiencies, gut healing: probiotics, essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamins A, C, and E are often warranted, among others.
Consuming a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet: brightly colored, organic veggies and fruits rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Good fats such as wild-caught salmon, nuts and seeds, olive and coconut oil. Adequate quality protein daily.
For breastfed babies, check Mom's diet: mom may be, unknowingly, consuming a food(s) that trigger eczema (inflammation) in baby. Removal of these foods supports healing in baby.
Removal of environmental burdens. Think laundry detergents, surface sprays, personal care products, clothing/bedding etc
Daily outdoor time + sun exposure: at least 20-30 minutes is ideal.
Sufficient sleep with a regular sleep/wake pattern. This is when the body can rest + repair.
