Natural Treatments for Eczema

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http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsetoh/a/Eczema.htm

 

Natural Treatments for Eczema

 

Also known as: Atopic Dermatitis

 

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by superficial skin

inflammation, with diffuse redness, swelling, oozing, crusting, scaling, and

itchiness.

 

Susceptibility to developing eczema is genetic.zILo='';function

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It is frequently associated with a family history of allergic disorders, such as

hay fever and asthma, however, environmental factors may trigger this disease.

Although foods and inhalants produce reactions when they are tested, eliminating

these substances don't always cause remission.

 

Symptoms of Eczema

Symptoms may begin in first few months of life with red, moist, crusted lesions

on the face, scalp, diaper area, arms, and legs. Older children and adults may

have more localized and chronic eczema, typically appearing as redness around

the elbow joint, behind the knees, and on the eyelids, neck, and wrists.

 

Eczema often improves by the age of three or four, although it commonly worsens

again, either during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

 

There is constant itching, scratching, and rubbing of the skin. Secondary

bacterial infections are common in the scratched skin.

 

The following are some known factors that can worsen symptoms of eczema:

emotional stress, fragrances, environmental temperature, humidity, house dust

mites, upholstered furniture, carpeting, chemicals, fabric softeners, and wool

clothing.

 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of eczema is based on the patient's family history of allergy,

hayfever, or asthma, duration of the skin condition (allergic eczema is a

chronic condition), and the appearance of the skin.

 

In infants, a condition called seborrheic dermatitis can appear quite similar to

eczema. In people of all ages, inflammation of the skin after contact with a

substance, called contact dermatitis, also looks like eczema.

 

Natural Treatments for Eczema

The use of soap can dry and irritate the skin. Conventional treatments for

adults include antihistamines, ultraviolet radiation, psoralen, and

corticosteroid creams and ointments. Oral corticosteroids are sometimes used as

a last resort.

 

Diet

Some clinicians have reported improvement when patients avoid foods they are

sensitive to, such as wheat, cow's milk, shellfish, oranges, peanuts, food

preservatives, and corn. Flaxseed oil is a good source of essential fats, which

help to decrease inflammation. One tablespoon per day is a typical dose.

 

Nutritional Supplements, Herbs, and Vitamins

GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid found in high

quantities in evening primrose oil. It has been shown to improve the symptoms of

eczema, and is widely used in Europe for eczema. A typical dose is 2 to 4 g per

day, taken with food. Results can take up to six months to develop.

 

Zinc - Zinc supplements are said to be effective for eczema. Doses should not

exceed 30 mg per day, because too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency.

 

Skin and lymph cleansing herbs - yellow dock, burdock, cleavers, nettle, and red

clover are all herbs that can help " drain " the skin and clear skin rashes.

Yellow dock in particular is an excellent herb for chronic skin conditions, such

as eczema and psoriasis.

 

This is a simple tea recipe using dry herbs that can be found in a health food

store:

 

burdock root, 1 part

 

red clover, 1 part

 

yellow dock, 1 part

 

Mix these dry herbs together. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 1 cup of hot

water.

 

Topical Applications

Zinc oxide - Applying zinc oxide to unbroken skin can help relieve the itchiness

of eczema.

 

Evening primrose oil - The oil applied to cracked and sore skin can help to

promote healing.

 

Vitamin B12 - Some clinicians believe that eczema tends to occur in people with

vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

Chickweed, Chamomile, Calendula, St. John's Wort, and Goldenseal can be applied

topically to the skin to promore healing of cracked, painful, or dry skin. Many

companies make topical ointments using these hers, particularly formulated with

eczema in mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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