What Causes Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of eczema. In addition, eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma. Also, defects in the skin barrier could allow moisture out and germs in. Some people may have "flare-ups" of the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some, coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress may cause the condition to worsen.
Possible Cures?
Although there is no cure, most people can effectively manage their disease with medical treatment and by avoiding irritants. The condition is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.
Natural Boost for Eczema Treatment (Diet and Home Remedies)
*Eat more foods rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. You’ll find these in rich amounts in walnuts, avocados, salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Another good source of omega-3s is flaxseed oil. Take up to one tablespoon each day; it won’t hold up in high cooking temperatures, so drizzle it on salad, mix with yogurt, or hide it in other foods.
*Take 400 IU of vitamin E each day to help counteract itchy, dry skin. (Off-limits if you’re taking blood-thinning drugs, unless you have your doctor’s approval.)
*Take 25,000 IU of vitamin A each day for up to 10 days when you’re having an eczema flare-up, then reduce the dose to 10,000 IU daily. But check with your doctor first. Long-term use of vitamin A can result in osteoporosis, and an overdose of this vitamin can cause thickening and peeling of skin and hair loss.
*Zinc helps your skin heal, and it also helps your body make use of essential fatty acids. Take 30 milligrams of zinc daily. Because zinc can interfere with copper absorption, also take 2 milligrams of copper each day if you continue to take zinc for more than a month.
*Cut out gluten from your diet. Wheat is another one of the most common dietary triggers for eczema. If possible, eliminate gluten from your diet as it may be triggering your skin condition. Cut out bread, pasta, cereals and other processed, carbohydrate rich foods.
* Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Use a moisturizer all over while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body. If your skin is already dry, consider using oil or lubricating cream.
*Avoid scratching. Cover the itchy area if you can't keep from scratching it. Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
Apply cool, wet compresses. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings helps protect the skin and prevent scratching.
*Take a warm bath. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others). Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then pat dry and apply medicated lotions, moisturizers or both (use the medicated form first).
Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes. Be sure to rinse the soap completely off your body.
*Bathe less frequently, using warm water. Bathing too often can actually strip moisture from the skin and make eczema worse. Limit your baths and showers to every 1 to 2 days if possible. Avoid steamy or cold showers and limit each session to 15 to 20 minutes, tops. Use a clean, dry towel to gently pat yourself dry.
*Make sure to moisturize after the shower, preferably while your skin is still damp as this locks in more moisture. Use moisturizers with no additives and which are based on coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, avocado or castor oil. Be aware that while these oils tend to be better tolerated by people with eczema, everyone is different and you may have to experiment to find what works best for you.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Sounds nasty (doesn’t taste so great either) but fermented cod liver oil is one of the supplements we take daily. From a past post:
“Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) is recommended by the Weston A. Price Foundation and is a great source of healthy fats for the body. This supplement is also an integral part of the tooth remineralization process as detailed by Dr. Price and by Rami Nagel in Cure Tooth Decay. These two help reduce inflammation in the body and lead to healthy cell, hormone and brain development. They are especially important during pregnancy and for children while their brains are developing.
Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil are a great source of the fat-soluble vitamins A,D, E and K and as such are supportive of hundreds or processes in the body. The supplements are rather pricey, but we’ve seen a big difference from adding this to our regimen (including skin health!)
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