According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, eczema is a form of dermatitis that results from heredity, an allergic reaction, impurities or a combination of environmental factors. Triggers are commonly attributed to household cleansers, perfumed soaps, and exposure to extreme heat and cold.
Characteristically, the skin can become red and inflamed with dry, rough patches that tend to break open and bleed. Left untreated, eczema can negatively affect the immune system and lead to autoimmune disorders like arthritis.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Food Nutrition
A detoxifying diet consists of low fat and protein, high complex carbohydrates, large amounts of fiber and leafy greens. The Food Pyramid recommends primarily a vegetarian diet that eliminates the consumption of animal products and increases the intake of wholesome fruits and vegetables.
It is important to avoid fatty foods, anything deep fried, and highly processed or sugary snacks, which can become extremely toxic in the body. Further consideration for diet and nutrition include avoidance of allergenic foods. Highly allergenic foods include the gluten/wheat group, the casein/dairy group, peanuts and corn.
These foods often compromise the immune system and can produce irritation via the skin, the most sensitive part of the body. The Natural Pharmacy also suggests tapering off coffee, but not caffeine entirely, as alleviation has proven to decrease symptoms in clinical studies.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile provide anti-inflammatory properties and can eliminate stress in skin.
Barbara Close, an aromatherapist, herbalist and founder of the Naturopathica Holistic Health Spa in Easthampton, N.Y., suggests using a fine quality essential oil with a borage or primrose base oil of 3 to 4 drops to 1 ounce of base oil in a diffuser or applied to the skin as necessary until symptoms subside.
As always, in the event the condition does not improve or worsens with treatment, discontinue use and seek the advice of a medical or naturopathic doctor.
Vitamin Therapy
Eczema relates to the inability to process fatty acids resulting from a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]. This deficiency is significant and can require supplementation with evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil, fish oil, Vitamin C, Phosphatidyl choline and Vitamin E to replenish these stores.
James Balch, M.D., and Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., suggest 500 mg of evening primrose oil three times daily, vitamin A at 25,000 IU daily, a multivitamin plus minerals, and vitamin B with additional B12 as directed.
Herbal Therapy
The Natural Pharmacy suggests that those who suffer from eczema try herbal preparations made with licorice in topical or ingested forms; witch hazel as a topical preparation; topical chamomile; topical calendula; topical chickweed; sarsaparilla in capsule or tablet form; and oats as a soak or used in a topical preparation.
References
- "The Food Pyramid: Detox Diet"; 2009
- "Well-Being: Rejuvenating Recipes for the Body and Soul: To Decrease Skin Irritation"; Close, B.; 2000
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health: Atopic Dermititis"; May 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd ed)"; Balch, M.D., J & Balch, CNC, P; 1997
- "The Natural Pharmacy: Eczema"; Gaby, Alan R., M.D.; 1998
