Eczema & Dermatitis

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.

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry, itchy, cracking and weeping skin
• A recurring rash (usually on the face, inner elbows, behind the knees and/or hands)
• Thick, rough skin

What causes eczema?

Eczema is usually a multi-factorial condition, as there are several factors which can increase your susceptibility to developing it, as well as cause flare-ups. So, what causes eczema?

• Family history – many people who present with eczema have a family history of “atopy”, with a prevalence of eczema or other allergic conditions like hay fever or asthma
• Stress – stress often contributes to flare ups, and may even trigger a break out for the first time in adult hood.
• Allergy triggers – chronic eczema as well as ‘flare-ups’ can be triggered by reactions to various food and environmental substances
• Underlying health issues – various underlying health conditions, like leaky gut, histamine intolerance, high inflammation levels, vitamin/mineral deficiencies can contribute to chronic eczema as well as flare-ups.

Atopic Eczema

The term “atopy” refers to tendency to be susceptible to allergies, due to chronically high IgE levels. Atopic eczema refers to eczema that is caused by reacting to allergy triggers. It often runs in the family and occurs with other allergic conditions.

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 an environmental substances often contribute to chronic symptoms and trigger flare-ups.

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

Natural Treatment 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

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.

• Send our PAT Practitioners a Question HERE
• Request a FREE PAT Information E-PACK HERE
• Book online HERE

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.