Eczema Information.
Eczema is a very common, itchy, skin condition. Many children suffer with eczema and it is mainly an allergic response, but a lot can be done to keep it under control.
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What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a group of conditions where the skin is irritated and inflamed. It can affect the whole body or specific areas, such as the head, face, neck, backs of the hands and knees, behind the ears and the fronts of the hands and elbows. Although eczema often resembles skin infections, it’s not contagious. The two most common forms are atopic eczema and irritant contact dermatitis. Other types include allergic contact dermatitis and discoid, seborrheic, dyshydrotic, gravitational (varicose) and photosensitive (light sensitive) eczemas.
Atopic (allergic) eczema
Atopic eczema mostly occurs in childhood and tends to improve with age – though some people suffer from it all their lives. Sufferers are thought to be sensitive to allergens such as pet dander, house dust mite droppings, moulds and pollens or, more rarely, certain foods. They produce an antibody called IgE (Immunoglobulin E) to remove them; this causes a chain of chemical reactions known as inflammation, which makes the skin red, swollen and itchy. Other symptoms include dryness and blisters that can burst. Scratching can lead to painful cracks in the skin and bacterial infection.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis mainly affects adults and is caused by the skin coming into contact with everyday substances such as soap, hard water, detergents, bath foams, shower gels, bleach and disinfectant. These remove the fats, oils and proteins that form the skin’s protective barrier. The skin then loses moisture, becoming dry, itchy and irritated and vulnerable to further irritation. Other irritants include caustic soda, paint stripper and chemicals used in hairdressing and gardening.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is due to the body developing an allergic reaction to a substance - usually after repeated contact with it. Common culprits include nickel, rubber, and perfumes and preservatives found in cosmetics and toiletries.
Who gets eczema?
The number of people suffering from eczema in the UK has doubled in the last thirty years. One in five children and one in twelve adults in the UK suffer from some form of the condition.
What causes eczema?
Many skin experts believe that the sharp rise in the number of people with eczema is due to aspects of modern lifestyles such as central heating, exposure to chemicals in toiletries, household cleaners and cosmetics, pollution and food additives. Genetics are thought to be involved in atopic eczema, with sufferers inheriting an oversensitive immune system. Some have a genetic mutation that leaves them with little or no filaggrin, a protein that helps to form the skin’s protective barrier.
Is there a cure for eczema?
As with many common health problems there is no cure for eczema, but it is possible to reduce the number and severity of flare-ups by adapting your diet and lifestyle. A diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and poultry, low fat dairy foods, nuts, seeds and oily fish will supply the vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids the skin needs to stay healthy. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturised from the inside.
Studies suggest that stress often contributes to eczema flare-ups – relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and self-hypnosis may help to both prevent and relieve attacks. Some psychologists claim eczema is due to bottled up emotions; letting your emotions out – perhaps by writing them down, or discussing them with someone you trust, may bring relief.
Could my eczema be due to food sensitivity?
Some sufferers claim their eczema is linked to food sensitivity (allergy) and that they find relief by avoiding the offending foods. Foods commonly implicated include wheat, dairy foods, peanuts, citrus fruits and soya. If you think a particular food is causing your eczema ask to be referred to a dietician, who may suggest you follow an exclusion diet. However, the British Association of Dermatologists cautions that it’s rare for food sensitivities to cause eczema and recommends that sufferers focus on eating well instead.
Are there any supplements that might help?
Research suggests that some eczema sufferers are short of essential fatty acids, or have problems metabolising them. Fish oils and evening primrose oil are rich sources of essential fatty acids; taking these in supplement form may help to reduce inflammation and itching, though the evidence to back this up is conflicting. People with epilepsy shouldn’t take evening primrose oil, as it may increase the risk of fits. Liquorice taken internally or applied externally, in the form of a cream containing liquorice extract, is said to help. Chamomile tea, either drunk or applied externally is also thought to ease symptoms; the evidence for both of these herbal remedies is anecdotal.
What else can I do to prevent an attack?
One of the best ways to prevent a flare-up is to keep your skin soft and supple by regularly applying an emollient. Emollients are fat or oil based and are available as ointments, creams, lotions and bath and shower oils. Ointments are 80 per cent oil, whilst creams are 50 per cent oil. They work by helping your skin to retain moisture and protecting it from irritants. Emollients are best applied immediately after washing, bathing or showering, to keep moisture in. Popular brands include Oilatum, Epaderm, Eucerin and E45. Aqueous cream BP is a good alternative to soap or shower gel.
Wearing gloves (cotton ones if you are allergic to rubber) or protective clothing can also help prevent contact dermatitis.
How can I calm a flare-up?
Mild steroid creams are good for calming a flare-up. They work by suppressing the body’s inflammatory response. Mild hydrocortisone creams or ointments containing 0.1 to 1 per cent steroids are available over the counter and are safe when used as directed. Stronger creams must be prescribed by a GP and should only be used for short periods under supervision. Strong oral steroids are also available on prescription, but are only used for severe atopic eczema, as they can have serious side effects.
Natural skin soothers that may calm inflammation and ease itching include: oatmeal – put a couple of handfuls in a white cotton handkerchief, tie it tightly, then throw it in the bath as it fills; baking soda – add one or two cups to the bath, or mix it with water to form a paste and apply to the skin.
About the Author
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 Wendy Green is the author of 50 Things You Can Do Today to Manage Eczema . Wendy is herself an eczema sufferer but she hasn't had an attack since she began taking essential fatty acids on a daily basis. In this guide she explains the various factors involved in eczema and offers practical advice and a holistic approach to help you manage your symptoms, including simple dietary and lifestyle changes and DIY complementary therapies. Find out 50 things you can do to manage eczema including: Identify your eczema triggers and learn how to manage them. Discover how to treat young children with the condition. Choose beneficial foods and supplements. Manage stress to reduce flare-ups. Reduce your exposure to allergens.Wendy Green has written nine books on health  and currently works in health promotion. Wendy has a degree in Health Studies and is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that a healthy lifestyle should be fun, and that it is the small changes you make every day that really improve your health. Her books show you what these changes should be and how they can improve your health. |
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written by Yannick Boribon ND, March 16, 2011
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written by Yannick Boribon ND, March 16, 2011
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written by Wendy Green, May 30, 2011
Thanks for your comments regarding my article on eczema. In my book '50 Things You Can Do Today To Manage Eczema'I mention that many leading nutritional therapists recommend probiotics daily - either as a supplement, or in a probiotic yogurt or drink - to help ease eczema by encouraging healthy bacteria in the gut.
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