Eczema is a skin condition that affects many people in the United States. PubMed Health states that this condition is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction in your skin that leads to prolonged skin inflammation, and that this health problem is particularly common in infants. Weeping, oozing and crusting blisters are a common sign and symptom associated with eczema. Ask your doctor if natural substances, such as flax oil, may be helpful in treating your eczema.
About Eczema
Eczema, including weeping eczema, is a type of dermatitis characterized by inflammation, skin discoloration, itching and swelling, notes the Better Medicine website. This condition is common among children and often clears up by the time an affected child reaches adulthood. Some people with eczema may experience infection-related skin blisters that weep or ooze pus. The pus, which is often golden in color, eventually dries to form a crusty layer over your skin. Weeping eczema is more common in children than adults, due to the tendency of children to scratch their itchy skin, which leads to infection.
Flax Oil Background
Flax oil, or flaxseed oil, is made from the seeds of the flax plant and contains an abundance of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid. Your body converts alpha linoleic acid into omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Both EPA and DHA are found in fish oil. Flaxseeds, although not flaxseed oil, also contain substances known lignans that may be helpful in preventing cancer. Flaxseed oil may be consumed in liquid or capsule forms.
Flax Oil Uses
Flax oil has been used for numerous health purposes. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that flaxseed oil -- or other oils containing abundant amounts of essential fatty acids, such as black currant seed oil, primrose oil or salmon oil -- helps encourage proper lubrication of your skin. Flax oil has been used historically in helping reduce eczema-related skin redness and inflammation, but randomized controlled trials may be needed to determine the true efficacy of this supplement for this health purpose.
Additional Information
Weeping eczema is a sign of infection and should always be treated by a competent health care professional. Do not delay seeking treatment for your health problem if you develop the characteristic signs and symptoms of eczema. If you are not treated in a timely and proper manner, the skin infection may spread or you may develop permanent scarring. Always exercise caution when using natural substances such as flax oil in treating eczema. Review flax oil's risks, benefits and limitations with your physician before using it to help treat your eczema.
References
- PubMed Health: Atopic Eczema
- Better Medicine: Eczema
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
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