Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an itchy, red, noncontagious skin rash. This vexing skin problem usually begins in infancy or childhood with oozing red lesions. In older children and adults, dry skin is the primary symptom, often accompanied by redness, itching, scaling, and thickening. Eczema tends to run in families and is usually associated with allergic tendencies. If you have hay fever or asthma, its more than likely that you may also suffer from eczema. In some people, emotional stress or physical injury can trigger an episode of eczema.
Medical treatment usually involves a combination of antihistamines to control the itch and topical corticosteroids to combat the inflammation of eczema. Yet like most drugs these have significant side effects; instead, your best strategy is to pinpoint and avoid the triggers of your problem. There are many, many common food and environmental triggers. Eczema-inducing foods include milk, eggs, chocolate, citrus fruits, wheat, and artificial coloring. Inhaled allergens such as house dust, pollens, and animal dander can also be a problem, and eczema can be further aggravated by synthetic fabrics, leather, wool, or soap residue in clothing.
Natural Treatment Approaches
Your best bet is to identify and avoid the triggers of eczema. If you suspect that food is the trigger, make a list of potential problem foods and eliminate all of them from your diet for a week or two to allow the eczema to clear. Then reintroduce each food one at a time to see how you react. If one food causes eczema to return, eliminate that item from your diet permanently If there is no change, keep eating that food and reintroduce a different one to your diet.
Other dietary strategies can also help. Limit animal fats and add cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring to your diet. Take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement, ensuring that you are taking in sufficient amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, and zinc.
At all times, keep your house free of dust, wear natural fabrics as often as possible, and wash your clothing with a mild detergent. Double-rinse to make sure you get all the soap out.
When eczema runs in your family, think about long-term breastfeeding of your infant to help prevent him or her from also developing this problem.
The Herbal Solutions: Flax seed and Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla)
The herbal approach to eczema emphasizes relieving uncomfortable symptoms and restoring normal oil production.
Flax seed (Internal Use): This essential fatty acid supplement can help restore normal oil production. It is available in commercial form in capsules, oil, and ground whole seeds. To relieve eczema, an average dose that you may take daily is:
- 14 capsules of oil
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 2 tablespoons of ground whole seeds
Chamomile (External Use): Research has shown that chamomile is very effective in reducing the inflammation and itching of eczema, probably due to its naturally antiinflammatory chemical flavonoids. This herb is available in commercial form as a cream, ointment, or lotion. Apply topically to affected areas several times a day.
Safety Precautions
Both flax seed and chamomile are safe and helpful when used as directed. For full discussions of these remedies, see pages 37 and 45.
More Herbal Solutions for Eczema
Other helpful herbs include ginkgo, licorice, burdock, dandelion, and coleus.