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Eczema is thought to be a result of a complex interaction of compromised skin barrier function, genetic predisposition, and environmental and immunological factors in a susceptible individual.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin which is characterized by dryness, flakiness, heat and, probably most importantly, itching. In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
The Greek call the condition eczema, which means ” boil over” (the weeping stage of acute eczema). The condition is often influenced / triggered by such external factors as skin irritants (such as unnatural skincare & detergents), weather, humidity, air-borne allergens (such as dust-mites in beddings) and food (such as wheat), etc.
Externally…
Cleansing
Avoid soap, which strips skin off its natural oil and barrier. Use mild and natural soap free cleansers. Bathe in lukewarm water rather than shower.
California Baby Calming shampoo & bodywash
Moisturizing
Moisturizers have been found to help restore the skin barrier providing a protective layer on surface of the skin to trap water and prevent the penetration of irritants and allergens. Avoid petro-chemical products, which in the long run makes your skin even drier and prone to skin pigmentation. Dab natural calendula and aloe vera topical herbal crème to soothe the itch and redness.
California Baby Calendula crème
What about internally…?
Eczema is a chronic skin disease reflected due to immunological changes within the body. Eczema is curable only if the immunological disturbance is corrected internally. Besides taking antibiotics, antihistamines, immunomodulators, hydrocortsone and steroids, all of which often causing side effects, what are the alternatives to alleviate eczema naturally?
Take natural lubricants (even people without eczema can use them too!) to improve on eczema symptoms. Take or apply on skin hyaluronic acid to keep your skin smooth & moist.
Fish oil (source of EPA & DHA) and flax oil (source of ALA) contain Omega 3, while evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oil contain Omega 6. In general, the body more readily absorbs DHA & EPA, while ALA has to undergo a conversion process in which it is converted into DHA & EPA (conversion table below). As a rule of thumb, the EPA/ DHA ratio is 6:1, but few people tell you that growing children (especially those under 7 years old), pregnant and lactating women need significantly more DHA than EPA. However, people with eczema also do need EPA to fight inflammatory symptoms. So when it comes to choosing oils, ratio is important. Second, there are concerns over whether the omega-3 (fish oil) supplement are safe and free from lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, dioxins and PCBs. There are objective ways to measure its purity. Look for pharmaceutical grade and molecularly distilled fish oil to guarantee its purity, safety and potency.
It may be more important to supplement the diet with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease than omega-6 fatty acids, as most individuals are not omega-6 deficient. In fact, western diets tend to have too much omega-6 (in the form of AA rather than GLA), particularly in relation to omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet should consist of both omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids in the ratio of 2:1 to 4:1, but the typical American diet provides a ratio of anywhere between 10:1 and 30:1! This imbalance, tipped disproportionately in favor of omega-6 over omega-3, stems in part from a diet laden with animal fats, such as corn-fed beef, and other corn-derived products, and lacking in seafood, seeds, and nuts.
A note: Some people experience heartburn or reflux after taking fish oil capsules. To avoid this, simply freeze the capsules. Freezing will not affect the integrity of the product!
Beta-carotene and Vitamin E may reduce dryness and itchiness of the skin. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect cells from free-radical damage and help promote skin healing. Vitamin E is used to promote optimal skin health and is helpful in reducing itchiness. As immunological issues have been noted in some people who have eczema, it may be beneficial to take zinc for its immune-boosting quality to strengthen the eczema skin.
Klaire Labs Hyaluronic acid (This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
Nordic Naturals DHA (This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
2) Probiotics
Literally meaning "for life," probiotics or good bacteria help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. They are live microbial organisms naturally found in the digestive tract.
Bacteria colonize in the gut and they are mutually exclusive. Therefore, the more good bacteria live in the gut, the less potentially harmful bacteria and yeasts would be able to colonize the gut. The body cannot replenish probiotics by itself and must be administered orally. Probiotics suppress growth of harmful bacteria, which often cause immunological issues including eczema. They strengthen the digestive tract's protective barrier (the gut is responsible for 70 per cent of the body’s defense mechanism), thereby alleviating allergies and help ease the itchy and inflamed skin of eczema.
Good quality probiotics are blessed with multiple strains, which help detoxification, fight inflammation, and are essential to the immune system.
Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic complete powder (This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
Kirkman Super pro-bio capsules (This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
3. All the medicines for eczema could cause side effects, from over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to super-potent steroids. Some could not be used on the face or diaper area. So why take the risk?
Antihistamines are also often used as part of a good treatment regimen for eczema. Instead of drugs like Benadryl or Atarax, you can go natural by using quercetin, especially when the itch is interfering with your child's sleep.
Quercetin is natural compounds in eczema therapeutics. It is rich in bioflavonoids (strong antioxidants) and also very beneficial for human beings. Bioflavonoids must be supplied from other sources either through the diet or nutritional supplements. Quercetin is noted for its treatment and prevention of allergic conditions, including severe conditions of asthma, allergies and hay fever, eczema, and hives. As with asthma and other allergic conditions, serum IgE levels are highly elevated in eczema patients, and virtually all eczema patients are positive for allergy testing. It is helpful for eczema because it inhibits synthesis and release of histamine and other allergy initiating triggers.
Nettle leaves (also known as stinging nettle) are common weed, which, for hundreds of years, have been used to treat eczema, asthma, and arthritis, among others. Because nettle leaf is rich in nutrients – a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, carotenoids, iron, magnesium, and potassium, it is often recommended as an herbal tonic tea for improving overall health. It helps flush out toxins and curb inflammatory response. Nettle leaf makes a pleasant-tasting tea. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried nettle, cover, and steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink up to three cups daily.
Klaire Labs Green Tea Extract
(This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
Nettle (This is an area exclusive to members only. Please click here to register in order to view the supplements.)
5. Eczema is an immunological response to allergens, some of which are innoxious and some of which harmful. The body mistakes the allergens as enemies invading our bodies and trigger allergic responses. By eliminating allergens for over 3 months, resistance to allergens usually subsides.
To avoid allergens, use laundry products that are free of dyes and perfumes and double-rinse clothes, towels and bedding. Limit contact with anything that irritates the skin. This means fragrance and dyes found in soaps, bubble bath, perfumes, cosmetics, laundry detergents, household cleaners, etc. Food-wise, do a food challenge or allergen test to find out the right diet for the patient.
ECO Baby hypoallergenic ultra concentrated liquid laundry
ECO Natural apricot dishmate |
