Fighting The Battle Against Eczema

So many of my patients and clients suffer with Eczema, babies on up to 100's.  There are things you can do!  

First...  Let's get educated.   BTW...  Call me anytime.

Melissa Caruso RN

203-762-3449                      

                                           What Is Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that affects an estimated 10-20% of the world population. Eczema is the skin’s inflammatory response to internal or environmental irritants and causes red, itchy, flakey skin patches.

Eczema can be embarrassing, frustrating and difficult. It can harm our sense of self-esteem since our sense of beauty and is very closely related to healthy-looking skin.

Eczema varies in severity and in type. The causes for breakdown of the skin’s immune system are unknown. Some studies indicate it is related to a genetic predisposition [Ref 1], or, in children, being given certain vaccines [Ref 2], but there is no concrete evidence for all types of eczema.

We do know that environmental factors or allergic reactions can trigger these inflammatory eczema.

Atopic Ezcema is the most common type of eczema, initiated when a person has an allergic reaction. The most common allergies to foods are wheat, dairy and sugar but flare-ups often can occur after taking other substances the body rejects such as coffee or other stimulants. A Doctor or nutritionist can help diagnose and isolate allergies.

Occupational Eczema is triggered by exposure to work-related environmental substances that trigger eczema irritations. Nurses and doctors, restaurant chefs or waiters, anyone who must wash often with harsh soaps are likely candidates. Those who must work with concrete or other substances such as artists, construction workers often contact harsh substances in their occupation. Working with rough materials such as rope, stone or dirt can also be hard on the skin and, especially in rough weather, can trigger eczema conditions.

Nummular Eczema is characterized by coin shaped spots on the skin and can be triggered by harsh detergents or soaps or tight clothing or fabrics causing allergic reactions.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. When it is hydrated and given the proper nutrients it can better do its job of protecting and acting as a barrier to the internal workings of the body. When overwhelmed by toxins and irritants and stress, a negative immune response is more likely to occur.

There is no known cure for eczema but reduction of all possible triggers does help keep it under control. Lifestyle changes and diet are most often prescribed.

                                      Diagnosis Of Eczema

To make a proper diagnosis and recommendation for eczema treatment, the health care specialist will need a complete history that may include:

• Family history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.
• Dietary habits particularly any noted reactions to certain foods
• Lifestyle habits including any exposure to irritants or possible allergens
• Occupational exposure to (chemical) irritants
• Any drug intake (use of prescription or non-prescription drugs)
• Stress
• Other environmental factors or changes (such as dry climate, high temperatures, use of certain soaps, chlorine, etc.)

                                            Relief for Eczema

While there is no established cure for eczema, relief is attainable. Proper care can help reduce dry skin and itching.

Dermatologists uniformly recommend moisturizing as a vital step in eczema relief. Keeping the affected area moist can promote healing.

Eczema recommendations:

• Use moisturizers
• Avoid contact with irritants
• Avoid scratching
• Take lukewarm baths or showers using cream wash
• Wear loose 100% cotton clothing
• Avoid rapid changes in temperature and hot dry climates
• Use a humidifier in dry weather
• Be alert to “triggers” – items which are related to a reaction or “flare-up”
• Use organic soaps or detergents
• Reduce stress

                             Treatment Options For Eczema

Treatment options for eczema include the following, each with its own benefits and in some cases, side effects. No drug should be taken or given to a child without consulting with a health care specialist.

All health care specialists recommend keeping skin moist with a moisturizer and removing any sources of allergens or “triggers” of a flare up.

Antihistamines

Effectiveness: Prescribed to relieve itching and promote sleep.

Side Effects: Drowsiness. Overuse can cause extreme sedation. Histamine does not appear to play a major role in eczema symptoms.

Consult a physician before giving any histamine to a child.

Topical Immunomodulators (TIMs)

Effectiveness: Can help reduce itching and redness and inflammation. They are designed to impede the inflammatory process by blocking mast-cell degranulation and leukotriene gene expression.

Side Effects: TIMs are a new class of drug, having only recently been approved by the FDA. So the studies and testing have been limited to those submitted for FDA approval. Based on data to hand there is no interference with the body's immune system or known side effects.

Corticosteroids (steroids)

Effectiveness: Prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching.

Side Effects: Patients treated with these medications reported a number of side effects including thinning of the skin, formation of dilated blood vessels, stretch marks and infection.

Cold Compresses

Effectiveness: A cold wet compress can help to reduce inflammation and thus itching.

Side Effects: None.

Antibiotics

Effectiveness: Antibiotics are used to treat the secondary skin infections that often accompany eczema. Bacterial infections, like staphylococcus and streptococcus, are not uncommon in the skin of people suffering from eczema.

Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea and allergic skin rashes are common side effects. Excessive use of antibiotics have also been linked to Candida Albicans (yeast infection) and breast cancer.

Homeopathic Remedies for Eczema

Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine used to treat illness and relieve discomfort of a wide variety of health conditions. It treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease ( to activate the body’s own immune system).

Homeopathic remedies are tailored for the type of eczema and can be soothing during flare-ups. A deeper treatment is recommended by an experienced practitioner to fit a person on many levels and bring the body into balance.

Effectiveness: Trained and licensed homeopathic doctors practice Homeopathy. Some doctors are also trained as homeopaths.

Side effects: None.

Herbal Remedies

Effectiveness: There are a number of herbs recommended as home remedies for eczema. They all treat skin disease through detoxification and blood purification including Neem leaf or oil (that boosts immune response, as well as purifying and detoxifying the blood) Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sassafras, Pansy, Marigold and Red Clover.

Side effects: None.

Dietary/Lifestyle Changes

Effectiveness: Nutritionists, holistic MDs and Naturopathic practitioners generally recommend a dietary and lifestyle change to resolve eczema conditions with much evidence showing results. Usually recommended is removal of common allergens such as wheat, sugar, dairy, coffee, etc and adoption of a diet full of fresh vegetables, fruits and grains. Lifestyle changes include more outdoor exercise, fresh air sunshine and stress reduction techniques.

Side effects: None.

References:

1. Research Confirms Genetic Skin Barrier Defect Linked to Eczema, reported by American Academy of Dermatology, National Eczema Association

2. Clin Exp Immunol. 2000 October; 122(1): 16–19.

P D Arkwright, L Patel, A Moran,* M R Haeney,* C I Ewing, and T J David

Any medical information posted in this Blog or published on this website is NOT intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. Consult with a health care professional.