Eczema, also called Atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition with no known cure. Common symptoms include dry, itchy skin and blisters that come and go. Often treated with topical aids, eczema also can be managed holistically by targeting overall life patterns that affect the health of the skin and the strength of the immune system. A holistic approach envisions eczema as a symptom of a larger issue that may improve by attending to dietary concerns, lifestyle choices and mind-body practices.
Environmental Factors
Sufferers of this chronic skin rash are likely to also have allergies as well as a family history of allergies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center's report on eczema. Avoiding possible irritants is key to managing allergies and skin conditions. Common home and workplace irritants include dander, cigarette smoke and chemical solvents. Those who work in offices may be especially at risk due to the high concentration of chemical products such as inks and solvents. Working with a health care provider can help with identifying possible irritants.
Diet Restrictions
Likewise, certain foods and beverages may contribute to skin sensitivities leading to eczema. The University of Michigan Health System reports in its "Eczema Knowledgebase" that common food irritants that trigger eczema consist of "food additives, histamine, salicylates, benzoates and other compounds (such as aromatic compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and spices." Also, avoiding coffee may have a positive effect, as reported by a 1987 article in the journal "Cutis." Subjects in this study were coffee drinkers whose eczema symptoms markedly improved after scaling back on their coffee consumption.
Evening Primrose Oil
Many supplements are touted as helpful for eczema, such as omega 3s, St John's Wort and vitamin E, but these supplements have had mixed results in scientific studies. Evening primrose oil, on the other hand, has some significant potential. In particular, evening primrose oil extract helps sooth eczema symptoms related to inflammation, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Mind-Body Techniques
Because eczema is related to allergic response and the immune system, mental and emotional health plays a role in the severity of symptoms. While a stress-free life may be impossible to achieve, opportunities always exist to improve how people deal with life stressors. Learning and practicing mind-body techniques reduces anxiety by lowering the levels of cortical and adrenaline, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some popular mind-body techniques include meditation, yoga, moderate exercise, as well as creative and relaxing hobbies such as knitting or painting.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eczema
- University of Michigan Health System: Eczema
- Cutis; Dermatoses in Coffee Drinkers; N.K. Veien, T. Hattel, and O. Justesen; 1987
- National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Evening Primrose Oil
- Mayo Clinic: Stress Management
