Do you, your child, or loved one suffer from eczema? In this article, I will provide safe, natural solutions that have been shown to help eliminate the pain and suffering associated with eczema.
The number of patients coming into our office with eczema has quadrupled over the past 30 years. Worldwide, up to 30% of children and 10% of adults are affected. Most patients have tried everything, including conventional medicine, homeopathy, and herbals, with limited success.
Treatments often provide only temporary relief or sometimes worsen the condition. A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that 75% of children with eczema had food allergies, highlighting the significant role of allergies in this inflammatory condition.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Allergies play a crucial role in causing eczema, as they trigger inflammation throughout the body. A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that 75% of children with eczema were allergic to various foods, with common triggers including eggs, cow’s milk, wheat, gluten, peanuts, soy, citrus fruits, shellfish, corn, chocolate, chicken, and white potatoes.
Other factors contributing to eczema include:
- Diet and Gut Health: Antibiotics in meats, dairy, and fish products, food allergens, sugar, and processed foods can cause inflammation and damage the intestinal lining, leading to “Leaky Gut.” This condition allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can exacerbate eczema.
- Environmental Triggers: Certain soaps, detergents, chemicals, metals, perfumes, dust mites, grasses, fabrics, and animal dander can trigger eczema.
- Microbial Factors: Malassezia, a type of yeast, can cause eczema outbreaks.
- Psychological Stress: Stress has been linked to eczema and other skin disorders.
- Intestinal Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria can influence the incidence of eczema.
Natural Solutions to Manage Eczema
We have helped thousands of patients over the past 38 years by recommending the following program:
Dietary Adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory, Yeast-Free, Elimination Diet: Identify and eliminate foods that may trigger breakouts. Consider an IgE/IgG blot spot test to pinpoint specific allergens.
- Organic Coconut Oil: Use for cooking and apply to the skin for dryness. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Skin Care
- Natural Soaps: Switch to natural, “free” laundry detergents, soaps, and household cleaners. Use soaps that acidify the skin, such as Colloidal Silver Soap, organic Sulfur Soap, and organic Lavender soap.
- Peppermint Hydrosol: Effective for relieving itch.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute 50:50 with water for use against Malassezia and Staph infections. It can be added to bathwater or used in a spray bottle.
Supplements
- Vitamin D: Important for reducing inflammation and regulating the immune system. Vitamin D increases antibacterial proteins in the skin, aiding in the destruction of germs and viruses. It also helps in wound healing and maintaining the skin’s permeability barrier.
- Probiotics: A high-quality probiotic supplement can help balance intestinal flora, reducing the risk of eczema.
- Fatty Acids: Supplements containing Omega 3, 6, and 9 can reduce inflammation, relieve dryness, and help heal eczema.
Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid Sodium Laurel Sulphate: Found in shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, and moisturizers, this chemical can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
Stress plays a significant role in triggering and exacerbating eczema flare-ups. Here are the key ways stress impacts eczema:
- Hormonal response: Stress causes a spike in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to increased inflammation in the body and skin. This inflammatory response can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.
- Immune system effects: Stress suppresses the immune system, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier function and make it more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
- Skin barrier disruption: Stress can alter the production of skin oils, leaving the skin more vulnerable to irritation and dryness.
- Vicious cycle: Eczema flare-ups caused by stress can lead to more anxiety and stress, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
- Sleep disruption: Stress and eczema symptoms can interfere with sleep, further exacerbating stress levels and skin inflammation.
- Altered skin microbiome: Stress can disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms on the skin, potentially contributing to eczema flare-ups.
- Psychological impact: The visible symptoms of eczema can cause emotional distress, leading to social anxiety and depression, which in turn can worsen eczema symptoms.
To manage stress-related eczema flare-ups, experts recommend:
- Regular exercise to release endorphins and reduce stress
- Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet
- Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or yoga
- Establishing a consistent sleep routine
- Seeking support through therapy or support groups
- Maintaining positive social relationships
By addressing stress alongside traditional eczema treatments, patients may experience better overall management of their condition.
By following these natural solutions, many patients have found significant relief from eczema symptoms. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your treatment plan.
References
- University of Texas Health Science Center study on food allergies and eczema.
- Schlichte, M. J., Vandersall, A., & Katta, R. (2021). Diet and eczema: A review of dietary supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Houston Methodist Hospital.
- Comprehensive review of natural products against atopic dermatitis. ScienceDirect.