WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, which affects up to 1 in 5 Australians & New Zealanders in early childhood. Although symptoms can prolong or even begin for the first time in adulthood, it can be traumatic to experience an eczema flare-up for the first-time or as the parent of a child with eczema.
The history of eczema dates back to the Greeks, in fact dermatitis derives from the Greek “derma,” which meansskin,and “itis,” which means inflammation.
Due to it being part of humanity’s history for so long, people have developed many attempts at eczema treatment, including herbal remedies, and now thanks to modern medicine’s better understanding of the condition, oral, topical and prevention treatments.
This is terrific news as modern and natural therapies can be combined for a powerful treatment plan.
Common symptoms of eczema include:
- Dry skin, cracking skin and weeping skin
- A recurring rash (usually on the face, inner elbows, behind the knees and/or hands)
- Thick skin/rough skin
- Itchy skin
- Sensitive skin (sensitive to the touch or being irritated easily by clothing)
- Irritated skin (skin irritation in general)
- Inflamed skin
- Scaly skin
- Broken Skin
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
Eczema is usually a multi-factorial condition, as there are several factors that can increase your susceptibility to developing it, as well as cause flare-ups. So, what causes eczema?
Eczema and Family history
It appears that both genetic and environmental factors may cause eczema, so it isn’t hereditary by itself. However, if you have a parent or sibling who already had eczema, there is an increased chance that you might get it too.
Many people who present with eczema have a family history of ‘atopy’, with a prevalence of eczema or other allergic conditions like hay feveror asthma. There could be changes in your genes controlling a protein that helps keep your body’s skin healthy. This occurs as if there aren’t enough proteins for your body to use, your skin won’t function properly.
Eczema and Stress
Stress often contributes to flare ups, and may even trigger a break out for the first time in adulthood. Eczema usually doesn’t occur due to emotional stress or anxiety. However, these conditions may trigger an outbreak.
Cortisolis is released when there is an increase in stress, which can disrupt the normal function of the skin and cause the inflammatory response.
Dyshidrotic eczemais a specific type of eczema that commonly manifests as small, intensely itchy blisters on the hands, as well as feet. One of the dyshidrotic eczema’s main triggers is stress.
Eczema and environmental / Allergy Triggers
Chronic eczema and ‘flare-ups’ can be triggered by reactions to various food and environmental substances.
Weather conditions like temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, etc., may trigger an attack. Your skin is an important part of your body; it helps regulate temperature, sense environmental changes, and protect against injury. Eczematous dermatitis causes the loss of moisture from the top layers of the skin, which allows bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter the body through the broken barrier.
The cycle of loss of moisture can lead to skin infections and other typical common symptoms, like dry skin, fungal infections and bacterial infections.
Eczema and food issues
Eating foods linked to an allergic reaction leads to the production of immune system chemicals called cytokines that contribute to skin inflammation, which triggers an outbreak of eczema. For people suffering from eczema, a skin care regime usually involves avoiding foods high in histamine (such as red meats), or using milder cleansing products than harsher ones.
In a study of 1,000 patients with atopic dermatitis, the researchers found 60% had some sort of food allergy.
Eczema and underlying health issues
Various underlying health conditions, like leaky gut,histamine intolerance, high inflammation levels, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, can contribute to chronic eczema and flare-ups.
What types of eczema are there?
Contact dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, and usually occurs when the skin gets easily irritated by certain substances. Contact dermatitis can be caused by any number of things, including wool, detergents (including soaps), paint, bleaches, alcohol-based skin care products, artificial fragrance, and pollen.
If the skin becomes irritated when exposed to something, such as dirt, dust, pollen, etc., it may become swollen or reddened. If you’re prone to developing contact dermatitis, then understanding and avoiding your own personal triggers could help protect against future outbreaks. You should always use products suitable for sensitive or mildly eczema prone skin.
ATOPIC ECZEMA (Atopic Dermatitis)
The term “atopy” refers to the tendency to be susceptible to allergies due to chronically high IgE levels. Atopic eczema refers to eczema caused by reacting to allergy triggers. It often runs in the family and occurs with other allergic conditions.
Atopic dermatitis symptoms
While many atopic eczema cases either begin in early childhood, it can also present later in adulthood, commonly after a stressful period in life. Reactions to food and environmental substances often contribute to chronic symptoms and trigger flare-ups.
What food can trigger eczema?
The most common food triggers for atopic eczema include:
- sugars
- wheat
- dairy
- amines (found in aged foods like cheese)
- yeast
- salicylates (a natural chemical in many fruits & vegetables)
The most common environmental triggers include:
- dust/dust mites
- mould
- animals
- pollens (especially during spring)
- grass
What treatments are there for eczema?
There is no cure for eczema, but many treatments are available. Most medical professionals will begin by examining the medical history of patients. In fact, many medical specialisations have sprung up to treat eczema, like pediatric dermatology and others.
Medications
Modern medications to treat eczema are usually applications of topical steroids, patches, prescription medications, and various other topical treatments and anti-inflammatories.
Herbal therapies to treat eczema
Natural remedies are a common way people can use to help manage the symptoms and prevent flares. Alternative therapies people consider are using oils. Tea tree oil and sunflower oil are two common types.
Others claim remedies, such as a warm water bath, can help the condition.
Elimination diets for eczema treatment
Elimination diets are typically used for dealing with allergies and food sensitivity issues. Eliminating all foods containing salicylates, glutamate, or amine may help pinpoint which one is responsible for your symptoms.
One of the biggest issues with these diets is that their restrictions cause stress for both patients and practitioners alike. For some people who go on these diets, they end up worse than before.
Is there a cure for eczema?
Eczema is a chronic condition, which means it cannot be cured. However, with the correct treatment plan and careful understanding of your family history, trigger substances, and a practitioner experienced dealing with the condition, it is manageable in most cases.
NATURALTREATMENT FOR ECZEMA
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland, we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify which substances you may be reacting to.
Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address your reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT) as a natural treatment for eczema.
PAT is a non-invasive, holistic therapy, which:
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances triggering your eczema symptoms
WHY PEOPLE LOVE PAT’S NON-INVASIVE NATURE TO TREAT ECZEMA
- No needles
- No herbal remedies
- No supplements
- No avoidance (in fact, you’ll be holding a vial of the substance in your hand).
PAT complements well with small lifestyle changes, so you can take PAT as a stand-alone treatment or a way to give yourself an extra boost in working with a complex condition.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements, herbs and lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Please note PAT cannot “cure” eczema – we aim to reduce your reactions and help manage eczema-related symptoms. We do not intend to raise unrealistic expectations. If symptoms persist, consult your health care professional.
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