Prevent Eczema Flare Ups in Winter
If you already suffer from eczema, you are probably dreading the colder months.
Eczema flare-ups are all too common in winter. The sharp drop in temperature, wind and heating can wreak havoc on the skin, exacerbating eczema symptoms such as dry, itchy, weeping or thick and rough skin.
Unfortunately, we can’t change the weather. But there are few things we can do to help prevent eczema flare ups in winter.
Try coconut oil
When used as a moisturiser, coconut oil is deeply nourishing and protects the skin from environmental damage. What’s more, the lauric acid component is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, which helps fight Stapylococcus aureus – a bacteria that is often found on the skin of eczema sufferers.
Make sure to use good quality, certified organic coconut oil. You can apply as a whole body moisturiser or just on the affected parts after you shower.
Coconut oil can also be used in cooking. In fact, it is one of the best oils to cook with as it has a very high smoking point and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help heal the gut and fight off harmful pathogens.
Consume more omega 3 fatty acids
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids nourishes the skin from the inside out. They are a core component of every cell in our bodies and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, so can help prevent eczema flare ups in winter.
Omega 3 is found naturally in some foods, including small oily fish (such as mackerel and sardines), flaxseed oil, currents, walnuts and grass fed meat. Despite this, in Australia and New Zealand, most of us are omega 3 deficient due to our low omega 3 diets.
If you’re finding it difficult to get enough omega 3s through diet alone, supplementing with flaxseed oil and or fish oil is a good alternative. But, remember, when it comes to fish oil, you do get what you pay for. To ensure purity (i.e. no toxins or mercury), look for fish oil that has been filtered.
Eat organic
Our environment is full of harmful toxins that our body either processes or stores. And many chemicals, especially the ones we eat or come into contact with, can trigger or exacerbate our eczema reactions.
Luckily, we can significantly reduce our toxic load by eating certified organic produce (where possible), and by changing our household cleaning products (soaps, shampoos, makeup etc.) to natural alternatives. This can help prevent eczema flare ups in winter.
Manage allergies and sensitivities
Chronic eczema and acute flare ups are often sparked by allergies and or sensitivities to certain food and environmental substances. Addressing these reactions may help prevent eczema flare ups in winter.
Common triggers include:
- sugars
- gluten
- dairy
- amines (a natural chemical in aged foods like cured meats and cheese)
- dust and dust mites
- yeast
- mould
- salicylates (a natural chemical in many fruits and vegetables)
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA) we use a technique called muscle testing (also known as kinesiology) to help pinpoint your reactions to foods and environmental substances. Following testing, your HWA practitioner will work with you to address these reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:
- Draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- Aims to retrain your body
- May reduce your reactions to foods and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating eczema symptoms
Some cases can be complex, so our naturopaths may also recommend supplements, herbs and lifestyle advice to help achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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