Tag Archives: treating eczema

Treating Eczema With Natural Remedies

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Eczema is a skin condition that affects the young, the old and everyone in between. The classic presentation symptoms range from dry scaly patches or wet blistering clumps that can be intensely itchy and painful, and often bleed when scratched.  The traditional way of treating eczema has been the application of corticosteroid creams of different percentages on the affected areas or the use of thick moisturizers and at best being tested for skin allergies but with no available treatments for those allergies except for antihistamines.

The physical appearance and related symptoms are frustrating and debilitating for the most sane of us, and exhausting especially for parents who newborns have been diagnosed with eczema, especially since they did not already have enough to deal with on their plates to add to their sleepless nights. Psychologically it can do a number on most of us. So what are some of the alternative natural remedies that we as naturopathic doctors use for our clients?

The naturopathic way of treating eczema is not to hand out immunosuppressant creams or ointments, but to assist the body in its healing this vicious symptom. Eczema is usually caused by allergens that could be ingested or topical or in the environment of the individual and usually exacerbated by the climate and stress. Its the body hypersensitive reaction that causes the itching and the red rashes at times, and eliminating the offending cause is usually how naturopathic medicine works to treat eczema.

In order to provide relief from the symptoms, and get rid of the eczema, one must first treat the root of the problem. Allergens are the most common culprits but its not necessarily allergens that cause anaphylactic reactions. Generally I find that mild food allergies cause eczema in over 70 % of the clients. Stress may bring on a flare up of eczema as well, hence stress management techniques are key to tone down an over active immune system. A change in the climate may bring on a bout of eczema as well.

A change in use of body products such as body wash or shampoos, deodorants or make up , type of clothing such as use of wool or acrylic or introduction of new food items could bring on eczema if the body is allergic to any of the products of food items that have been introduced.

A lack of moisture due to inadequate water intake or lack of essential fatty acids could also effect eczema symptoms.

For more information on eczema and how to treat it naturally, please check this eczema article.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto.

Natural Treatments For Treating Eczema In The Winter

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As the winter rolls around slowly, most eczema sufferers may experience skin flare ups due to the fluctuating temperatures outdoors and indoors. Skin usually loses moisture, feels much drier and ends up getting itchy making eczema much worse in the winter.

Here are some naturopathic treatments that may help in keeping the skin supple and eczema free for the winter and all year long.

– Keep your water intake steady. With the summer temperatures dropping steadily, most people tend not to drink as much water. Keep a bottle next to your desk and make sure you drink at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces. If drinking plain water is difficult, to some herbal teas instead – camomile (or chamomile), birch, dandelion, stinging nettle would be god choices.

– Try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils – such as fried foods, animal fats and heat processed vegetable oils. Try to use cold pressed oils such as olive oil, which have the structure of the oils intact and are beneficial for your skin, hormones and overall health.

– Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which have a diuretic effect on the body, causing the body and skin to lose fluids and essential minerals.

– Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts. Eat good quality proteins from vegetable sources. However, make sure that you are not sensitive to any of the above – get tested for sensitivities, as food sensitivities can cause serious eczema flare-ups.

– Have lots of yellow and orange vegetables which are high in beta-carotene – a precursor of Vitamin A, which strengthens and protects skin tissue.

– Do not drink soft drinks and try to reduce your consumption of sugar and junk foods.

– Eat foods that are high in sulfur – such garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus. These foods keep the skin smooth and youthful.

– DO NOT SMOKE AND AVOID SECOND HAND SMOKE. Smoking constricts the tiny capillaries that nourish the skin, and in so doing deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients.

– Use a humidifier to humidify your environment, especially in the winter.

– Try to bathe with mild to warm water, and avoid using very hot water. Also try to exfoliate your skin using a loofah sponge at least twice a week. Moisturize after showering with products that contain Vitamin E, which attract water to the skin to hold in moisture.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.