Eczema: Start Taking These Natural Measures To Help Banish The Torment Of Eczema For Good
Eczema comes from a Greek word meaning ‘to boil over’ – a feeling which will be all too familiar to anybody who has been driven to despair by the intense itching this distressing skin condition can cause. Not only does eczema cause unpleasant physical symptoms, but it can also leave sufferers feeling extremely self-conscious due to the scaly, thickened patches of skin that characterise the condition. These patches can soon become red, cracked and sore and, in some cases, tiny blisters develop that burst, weep and crust over.
Although eczema is most common in babies under 18 months old, an estimated 5 per cent of the adult population also suffers from this unpleasant condition. The reason babies are thought to be particularly susceptible is because of their underdeveloped immune systems. Another contributory factor may be the use of cow’s milk and wheat at too early an age.
Current research shows that eczema is, at least partially, an allergic disease. It can either be caused by ‘classic’ food allergies, in which your immune system produces a specific kind of antibody, or by food sensitivities where a reaction to a food occurs by a different route.
The white blood cells of eczema sufferers produce more of the inflammatory compound histamine, less anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and are less able to kill bacteria (Infect. Immun. 33: 710-13, 1981). In addition, eczema sufferers may be unable to digest their food properly, due to low levels of stomach acid. When this is combined with an over-permeable or ‘leaky’ gut wall, undigested protein molecules can find their way into the blood stream and trigger inflammatory reactions such as eczema.
Stress is also a contributory factor. Studies have shown that people with eczema have more physiological symptoms of stress, such as palpitations, than healthy study participants (Hautarzt. 41: 601-11, 1990).
The side-effects of conventional drugs can be worse than the eczema itself
Conventional medicine has no cure for eczema — it only treats the symptoms. Your doctor may suggest aqueous cream or white paraffin cream to keep your skin moist and help reduce itching. Steroid drugs tend to be the mainstay of treatment for all but the mildest cases of eczema. Yet steroids can have nasty side-effects, such as weight gain, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, immune system suppression, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure and glaucoma.
Antihistamine drugs may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation, but many people find these make them drowsy and unable to concentrate. None of these treatments corrects the underlying problem; whereas natural treatments aim to remove the allergic foods and to correct body metabolism so that the condition clears up safely, without unpleasant side-effects.
Simply removing certain foods from your diet helps soothe irritated skin
Because eczema is so often related to food allergies or sensitivities, an elimination diet can help to identify and remove them. This involves cutting out a group of suspect foods (e.g. dairy, wheat, eggs and soya) from your diet for two weeks. Then you carefully re-introduce one food at a time at four-day intervals, to see whether a reaction occurs.
This is best done under the supervision of a qualified nutritionist, who will also be able to arrange laboratory tests to help pinpoint allergies quickly and, to check whether you have a ‘leaky’ gut. A double-blind study of 400 patients found that there was a significant reduction in eczema symptoms in those who followed an elimination diet (Skin Allergy News, Dec 1996).
Low stomach acid can also be involved in allergic reactions, and, because we typically make less as we age, a nutritionist may suggest that you take a supplement of betaine hydrochloride to remedy this. Using stress control techniques can help reduce your symptoms further still – try yoga or meditation.
73% of eczema sufferers made a full recovery after taking zinc!
Zinc plays an essential role in making the enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism, as well as in the production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. In one study, when patients with skin rashes took around 60mg of zinc daily for a month, 73 per cent reported a full recovery from the condition and the remainder experienced substantial improvements (Contact Dermatitis 40: 281-2, 1999).
People with eczema appear to be deficient in essential fatty acids or to produce less of a zinc-dependent enzyme involved in essential fatty acid metabolism. This in turn reduces production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Taking supplements of essential fatty acids can bring considerable relief of eczema symptoms.
In a study of 179 patients, marked improvements were seen in the symptoms of the group taking evening primrose oil supplements (J. Nutr. Med. 2: 9-15, 1991). In another trial, eczema sufferers who were given fish oil experienced significant improvements after just 12 weeks. Fish oils can reduce levels of leukotriene B4, an inflammatory substance that has been linked with eczema (Acta Derm. Venereol. 144: 139, 1989).
Take these nutrients for smooth, healthy-looking skin
Vitamin A is critical to the development and maintenance of your skin. When it is in short supply, the skin is particularly vulnerable to the thickening, drying and cracking that eczema causes (Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 172: 139-52, 1983).
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient for healthy skin. Researchers from the University of Texas found that around 3g of vitamin C a day successfully reduced eczema symptoms in a double-blind trial (Med. World News (April 24): 41, 1989).
Bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, can also be beneficial. These increase the effectiveness of vitamin C in your body and can also directly control the factors involved in inflammation and allergy. They do this by inhibiting the inflammatory process and blocking the release of inflammatory substances such as histamine (Planta Medica 51: 16-20, 1985).
Herbal remedies can be up to 4 times more effective than conventional drugs
A number of herbs have also proved to be effective – sometimes even more effective than steroid drugs – in reducing eczema symptoms. For example, one of the active constituents of the neem tree, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, has been found to be four times as effective as hydrocortisone (a steroid) in reducing inflammation.
Another substance produced by this incredible tree was found in clinical trials to be as effective as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, phenylbutazone, in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions (Planta Medica 43: 59-63, 1981).
Burdock (Arctium lappa) root also has a long history of use for treating eczema. Its primary active component, inulin, appears to be able to correct defects in the inflammatory mechanisms and immune system in people with eczema (Pizzorno and Murray, Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine, 1990). Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) have also been shown to reduce itching substantially when used as skin creams (Z. Hautkr. 63:184-90, 1988; Rec. Adv. Bot. Hort. Pharm 1: 235-80, 1986).
Your Daily Eczema Defence Plan
Taking the following natural remedies each day can help ensure that you won’t have to worry about unsightly red skin patches ever again:
Evening primrose oil 3g
Fish oil 1g
Zinc 30mg
Vitamin A 25,000 IU (7,500 IU if you are pregnant)
Vitamin C 3g
Quercetin 600mg
Betaine hydrochloride as directed by a practitioner
Neem 1 capsule (or use skin cream)
Burdock
(avoid in pregnancy) 4x250mg capsules or 5ml extract
Chamomile herbal tea or skin cream
Liquorice herbal tea
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I suffer with Eczema. I’m going to try some your suggestions. Thanks for the article.
I have been suffering from eczema like symptoms for the past 18 months and due to the itching I have several raw wounds in my arms, neck and my lower body. It all started after I was prescribed citalopram which is an antidepressant or my migraine . But the doctors are denying that there is no link between the medication and eczema. I have been using various creams and various natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, neem and so on. Nothing seem to be working. I am also trying meditation, nothing seems to be working. It is affecting my concentration at work , and I feel so helpless and frustrated. I am withdrawing slowly from citalopram to see if my condition improves but the withdrawal symptoms are making me agitated. I am at my wits end. Can anyone recommend and tried and successful methods ?
My Daughter had such bad eczema for a year and a half. We got her allergy tested and changed her diet, and she still broke out. I had to put Shea butter on her every 30 minutes. She never slept because of the itch. Finally I started giving her BURDOCK ROOT after giving her 30 drops a day for about a week her eczema was all cleared up. I only have to put Shea butter on her after her bath now! She is not itchy anymore!!! Her skin looks amazing!! I just wanted to share what has been an answer to prayers for us!!
I suddenly had eczema like symptoms on my face and the face wash / cleanser I had been using for years started agitating it even more. I tried several other brands meant for sensitive, eczema prone skin, everything would worsen it. Finally I came to know of Made from Earth products. None of their products agitate my skin. Started using the Aloe & Jojoba Therapy and the Green Tea Cleanser. My face is completely clear and healthy now. I have seen a major improvements. It reduced redness, itchiness and breakouts.
Very helpful and generous information! I’ve had eczema for very long time and recently it strikes again and this time it’s stubborn and hard to go away eventhough I have consulted my dermatologist numerous times. One day I stumbled across an article saying zinc is helpful in treating eczema, and I asked my dermatologist whether zinc is helpful in fighting eczema, she reluctantly answered it won’t help much. What I’m trying to say is, these bloodsucking doctor/specialist in your neighbourhood are trying to siphon away from you as much as possible, they don’t want people to know zinc in fact is one of the most helpful measure to fight eczema. If every eczema sufferer is aware of zinc in fighting eczema, then those doctors will be running out of business. Such selfish bunch of people! Now reading this article again double confirms the validity of zinc in fighting eczema, love this!
My son suffered with eczema since he was born. Eczema covered his entire body. From his scalp to all of his tiny toes! He couldn’t sleep through the night from all the constant itching. Needless to say, it was horrible & he was very miserable.
One day at 1 1/2 years old, he swallowed a penny (scared me half to death!!) and 3 days later his body eliminated it. The day before I found it in his diaper, my husband and I noticed the eczema very quickly vanishing. Two days later it was completely gone. AMAZING!! At first I had no idea what made it go away.. I was stumped. People asked me what I did different.. if I had given him a new supplement? a new diet? I hadn’t changed a thing. And then a few days afterwards it dawned on me that that was the only significant change: that he swallowed a penny! I quickly looked up what metal a penny is made out of and surprise, surprise: a penny is 97.5 percent zinc!! And then I found this website about how patients made a full recovery after taking zinc.
So all you eczema sufferers out there, try ZINC! 😉
My wife suffers with eczema. I will tell her about this article and hope that some of this advice helps.
I have suffered with eczema all over my body for about 18 months now. I react to food. I itch all night and take many anti histamines. I am now on immuno suppressant drugs to stop the itching although it hasn’t started working yet.
I cannot eat any fat at all. If I do, I itch all over. Can anyone advise me of what I can do about this problem?
I have suffered with eczema all over my body for about 18 months now. I react to food. I itch all night and take many anti histamines. I am now on immuno suppressant drugs to stop the itching although it hasn’t started working yet.
I have a bad reaction to fats? I cannot eat any fat at all. If I do, I itch all over. Can anyone advise me of what I can do about this problem?
I have suffered with eczema all over my body for about 18 months now. I react to food. I itch all night and take many anti histamines. I am now on immuno suppressant drugs to stop the itching although it hasn’t started working yet.
I have a bad reaction to fats? I cannot eat any fat at all. If I do, I itch all over. Does anyone else have this problem. I am going to cut out wheat also as I think this may be a problem too. Can anyone advise me of what I can do about this problem?
I have suffered with eczema all over my body for about 18 months now. I seem to react to food. I itch all night and take many anti histamines. I am now on immuno suppressant drugs to stop the itching although it hasn’t started working yet.
I seem to have a bad reaction to fats? I cannot eat any fat at all. If I do, I itch all over. Does anyone else have this problem. I am going to cut out wheat also as I think this may be a problem too. I tend to eat bread and butter together so maybe there is a combination problem? Can anyone advise me of what I can do about this problem?
I have suffered with eczema all over my body for about 18 months now. I seem to react to food. I itch all night and take many anti histamines. I am now on immuno suppressant drugs to stop the itching although it hasn’t started working yet.
I seem to have a bad reaction to fats? I cannot eat any fat at all. If I do, I itch all over. Does anyone else have this problem. I am going to cut out wheat also as I think this may be a problem too. I tend to eat bread and butter together so maybe there is a combination problem? Can anyone advise me of what I can do about this problem?
Hi, I have had eczema all over my body for the last 18 months. It seems to be food allergies but I don’t know to what. I itch every day and take anti histamines. I am now also on Aziothiaprine to suppress my immune system to stop the itching. It hasn’t started working yet, but I would rather seek a natural remedy.
I think I am allergic to fats. I canot seem to eat anything with any fat unless I want to itch all night. I am going to cut out wheat as this may be a problem also. Does anyone else have bad reactions to fats?
I am at a loss as to what else to do so would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Great info. How would you recommend approaching a case of baby eczema?
Hi. I have had eczema for as long as I can remember. I have tried everything from steroids to chinese herbalist and when I started seeinh a hypnotist and an alternative therapist my skin started to clear. I follow a healthy lifestyle when I can because I am only 20 and at uni so it’s hard. But I am going to do exactly as you say and take all those remedies as it is key to work from the inside out with eczema. Not the other way round. Thank you so much and please keep updating on best brands to use x
I advise everyone to get an allergy test. It turns out I didn’t have any intolerences to wheat, milk or dairy at all. It was actually tomatoes, pork and citric acid. I was also low in zinc so I eat pumpkin seeds and sometimes sunflower seeds every day. It’s been roughly two weeks so far and there is a difference for sure. My skin is healing very fast compared to before.
I have had exzema as long as I can remember, but for the last 10 years I have been able to reduce it to a few spots on my hands which is usually caused by forgetting to use gloves when doing the dishes. 10 years ago I had exzema in my face, my back, front and scalp almost constantly. I stopped using schampoo and started using shower gel or regular soap instead and in an instant it all went away. I dont believe Im allergic to any substance in the schampoo but it really dries your skin up- and no moisturiser in the world seems to be able to replace it. I would recommend anyone with dry skin and exzema to try it (and my hair looks better than it did 10 years ago)
Basil [holy basil (tulsi) or even plain basil] also helps immensely with eczema. 5 leaves daily or a capsule daily, and you will see results almost immediately, take for a few motnths atleast.
Many thanks for this wonderful information. I too suffer from eczema, I have cut out wheat and dairy products and have found Rooibosh tea and apples very helpful too. I think they both contain Quercetin and the tea was used once cold to help babies with cradle cap. The supplements list is very helpful. Can you recommend a natural emolient to massage into the skin please?
I’ve been suffering from eczma ever since I can remember. And it has spread all over my body over the years and for the past year it hasnt gone down mutch without the aid of steriod creams when as before it wend down for a few months then came back. I thank you for this information because due to my unruly eczma I find it hard to concentrate at work etc.. and I fear loosing my job, so hopfully my new diet plan will get it put back in check once and for all thank you so much =)
I had eczema for the last 42 years and was trying allopathic as well as ayurvedic medicines. It was controlled for some time but repeated again causing much mental agony. Recently a skin specialist suggested food control by eliminating whet, curd, milk products, fried food etc and it turned out to be a great success. Now I can do well without much discomfort and without using steroids . Particular emphasis was also given for applying moisturisers. The present aricle seems to be very good and may turn out to be useful to the suffering humanity.
hi I had hand eczema for 7 years and six weeks ago it returned with a vengance.I have tried everything from chinese herbalists to creams lotions potions but do not get very much relief. I am waiting to see a specialist (saw one 7 years ago but not much help) My hands are red raw, inflamed itchy blistery and cracked and they burn continuously.I will try the defence plan thanks.
An excellent and comprihensive article and it really updated me on a lot of things in dermatology.
Plz. always e-mail me all important herb’s information.
I am going to try this. Thank you.
I am 27 and I have had eczema since i was 22. I have been trying different things for years,. It went away for a while and then came back full blast. I will try everything you just suggested. I think it should be treated from the inside out instead of just externally. Thank you for your help. We need more people like you and your team.
Thank you for the information i think it was informative and extremely helpful.