By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)
The skin, also known as the integumentary system is our largest organ. The skin’s main role is in protection (of the internal organs), detoxification (through perspiration) and acts as a sense organ (hot/cold awareness).
Whether we have darker, olive or fair coloured skin, many people are frequently troubled by various skin conditions, with eczema being the most common and frequently occurring complaint.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that brings with it patches of red, itchy and dry skin. Sufferers of eczema can often experience symptoms so severe that the patches become red raw and in some case may even bleed, ouch! Eczema can affect any skin surface (however it commonly affects the eyelids, inner elbow creases, behind the knees and the finger webs). Eczema may exist idiopathically (with no underlying condition or cause), whereas conditions such as psoriasis commonly exist alongside autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is skin condition similar to eczema however the distribution or affected area is primarily the extensor surfaces of the body (the back of the elbows, the front of the knees and the back of the head/occiput).
The cause of eczema is widely speculated and to some extent unknown. Normally symptoms are more severe in infants and children with the condition generally improving with age. In adults, modern diet is often to blame, specifically when a person’s diet is high in sugar, fructose, wheat and dairy. Recent studies have also linked mineral and vitamin deficiencies (specifically vitamin B6) to the exacerbation of skin complaints such as eczema. Other common potential causes are allergens such as; smoke, chemicals, detergents, chemical based personal care products, environmental pollutants, heat, emotional stress and specific fruit triggers such as kiwi, banana and berries. Discovering the culprit isn't always an easy task, but attempting to eliminate triggers is a good step forward.
An Itchy Skin Action Plan:
Healing Your Skin With Wholefoods:
As previously mentioned, making every effort to reduce sugar and wheat from your diet, as well as eliminating ‘deadly night shade’ foods is the first step to healing the skin with whole foods. Tomato, potato, capsicum, eggplant, red meat, coffee and alcohol are all examples of deadly night shade foods. Other common and well-known food triggers include; dairy (with the exception of goat’s milk as its proteins are low allergy), shellfish, peanuts, eggs, soy, corn, oranges, lemons, strawberries and preservatives/ additives (such as sulphates and MSG). Interestingly kiwi fruit can cause significant to severe allergic reaction when it comes to skin.
A study conducted with pregnant women found that higher maternal intake of meat was associated with an increased risk of eczema in infants 3-4 months of age. On the other hand, maternal intake of fish and marine omega 3 fatty acids in fact had a preventive or protective affect on eczema in infants.
Being mindful of reducing chemical cleaning and personal care products is an essential key to reducing eczema symptoms. Chemicals such as sodium laureth/ lauryl sulphate (SLS), a chemical foaming agent and petrochemical based additives; propylene glycol, parabens and polyethylene glycol are known skin irritants that have been linked to skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Be aware that soap-free or fragrance-free products such as sorbolene based products and 'fragrance-free' skin wash products that are not necessarily a better choice as these products are more often than not petrochemical based and contain an array of harsh chemicals that may cause irritation.
Kummeling, I etal. (2008). Consumption of organic foods and risk of atopic disease during the first 2 years of life in the Netherlands. Brit Journ Nutr, Vol 99. Pg. 598–605.
Al-Waili, NS. (2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study. Comp Ther Med. Vol 11 (4), Pg. 226-234.
Saito, K etal. (2010). Maternal meat and fat consumption during pregnancy and suspected atopic eczema in Japanese infants aged 3–4 months: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study. Paed Aller Immuno. Vol 21 (1: Part 1).Pg. 38-46.
Sausenthaler, S etal. (2006). Margarine and butter consumption, eczema and allergic sensitization in children. The LISA birth cohort study. Paed Aller Immuno. Vol 17 (2). Pg. 85-93.
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)
The skin, also known as the integumentary system is our largest organ. The skin’s main role is in protection (of the internal organs), detoxification (through perspiration) and acts as a sense organ (hot/cold awareness). Whether we have darker, olive or fair coloured skin, many people are frequently troubled by various skin conditions, with eczema being the most common and frequently occurring complaint.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that brings with it patches of red, itchy and dry skin. Sufferers of eczema can often experience symptoms so severe that the patches become red raw and in some case may even bleed, ouch! Eczema can affect any skin surface (however it commonly affects the eyelids, inner elbow creases, behind the knees and the finger webs). Eczema may exist idiopathically (with no underlying condition or cause), whereas conditions such as psoriasis commonly exist alongside autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is skin condition similar to eczema however the distribution or affected area is primarily the extensor surfaces of the body (the back of the elbows, the front of the knees and the back of the head/occiput).
The cause of eczema is widely speculated and to some extent unknown. Normally symptoms are more severe in infants and children with the condition generally improving with age. In adults, modern diet is often to blame, specifically when a person’s diet is high in sugar, fructose, wheat and dairy. Recent studies have also linked mineral and vitamin deficiencies (specifically vitamin B6) to the exacerbation of skin complaints such as eczema. Other common potential causes are allergens such as; smoke, chemicals, detergents, chemical based personal care products, environmental pollutants, heat, emotional stress and specific fruit triggers such as kiwi, banana and berries. Discovering the culprit isn't always an easy task, but attempting to eliminate triggers is a good step forward.
An Itchy Skin Action Plan:
Cortisone creams are highly effective in treating periodic ‘flare ups’ of eczema, however in long term sufferers a drug-free or natural approach with a focus on healing the body or finding/correcting the ‘cause’ is a more favourable choice. There are natural creams on the market that are helpful in dealing with psoriasis and eczema, however the best method in treating skin complaints is in not only in treating the skin but in healing from the inside-out. Improving internal health (the gut), changing lifestyle habits, improving the diet, attending to psychological health (reducing stress) and eliminating allergens are positive steps in alleviating skin conditions.
Healing Your Skin With Wholefoods:
As previously mentioned, making every effort to reduce sugar and wheat from your diet, as well as eliminating ‘deadly night shade’ foods is the first step to healing the skin with whole foods. Tomato, potato, capsicum, eggplant, red meat, coffee and alcohol are all examples of deadly night shade foods. Other common and well-known food triggers include; dairy (with the exception of goat’s milk as its proteins are low allergy), shellfish, peanuts, eggs, soy, corn, oranges, lemons, strawberries and preservatives/ additives (such as sulphates and MSG). Interestingly kiwi fruit can cause significant to severe allergic reaction when it comes to skin.
A study conducted with pregnant women found that higher maternal intake of meat was associated with an increased risk of eczema in infants 3-4 months of age. On the other hand, maternal intake of fish and marine omega 3 fatty acids in fact had a preventive or protective affect on eczema in infants.
Periodic liver cleansing may also help in the detoxification process, by reducing blood stagnation and toxin overload in the liver. You may detoxify the liver by eating foods high in chlorophyll (spirulina, seaweed, leafy greens; kale and spinach) and beta-carotene (papaya, carrots, squash, pumpkin and beetroot). Keep in mind that it is essential to eat these raw, slightly steamed or as fresh juice so that you can receive the greatest nutritional benefit. If you require guidance, support or are unsure of how to go about a safe and effective cleanse, consult with your Naturopath as they are trained to administer such programs. Liver cleansing is not recommended in infants, children or during pregnancy, so during these ages/ stages it is best to find the trigger in order to rid the body of eczema.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, it is important to reduce fatty, spicy and astringent foods that may increase heat or dampness in the body. You may choose to try eating more ‘cooling’ foods and observe any changes in skin irritation. Cooling foods, in TCM are; cucumber, banana (if this is a trigger for you, please avoid), grapefruit, lettuce, seaweed, watermelon, oyster, pear, peppermint, radish, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and pineapple.
NB. Be mindful that this information also applies to breastfeeding women who have young babies with eczema. Remember that what you eat transfers to the breast milk that they take in. In addition, studies into the maternal use of probiotics (specifically Lactobacillus Rhamnosus) have shown positive effects in the reduction of eczema in breastfed babies as well as a reduction in symptom severity.
Healing Your Skin From The Outside:
Healing Your Skin From The Outside:
Topical (directly on the skin) ointments and creams are helpful in taking the edge of the itch. Coconut oil, nutmeg oil, mashed papaya seeds, tumeric paste, paw paw/papaya ointment (petroleum free preferably) and other gentle creams that do not include alcohol (as this can cause skin inflammation and irritation).
You may also wish to prepare your own home remedies with items from your fridge or pantry, such as essential oil of Lavender that has a gentle and soothing effect and may be of benefit to inflamed skin. Home remedies may involve the application of raw honey and slices of fresh papaya on affected areas. This will have a soothing and healing effect on the skin.
Healing Your Skin From The Inside:
In dealing with conditions such as eczema it is important that treatment is approached holistically. Often people with skin complaints also have coinciding gut or digestive issues that must be corrected by healing from within, in order to resolve external symptoms. Clinical studies have found that TCM preparations and naturopathic herbs have both been effective in reducing the severity of symptoms as well as the recurrence of such skin conditions.
In dealing with conditions such as eczema it is important that treatment is approached holistically. Often people with skin complaints also have coinciding gut or digestive issues that must be corrected by healing from within, in order to resolve external symptoms. Clinical studies have found that TCM preparations and naturopathic herbs have both been effective in reducing the severity of symptoms as well as the recurrence of such skin conditions.
Some studies have established that EPA/DHA essential fatty acids (fish oil), zinc and vitamin D may all be helpful in treating eczema. Other studies have shown that taking 1.5 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily may be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with eczema. Many studies time and again have strongly indicated that probiotic use is helpful in relieving eczema.
Taking Care Of Your Skin Inside Your Home:
Taking Care Of Your Skin Inside Your Home:
Being mindful of reducing chemical cleaning and personal care products is an essential key to reducing eczema symptoms. Chemicals such as sodium laureth/ lauryl sulphate (SLS), a chemical foaming agent and petrochemical based additives; propylene glycol, parabens and polyethylene glycol are known skin irritants that have been linked to skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Be aware that soap-free or fragrance-free products such as sorbolene based products and 'fragrance-free' skin wash products that are not necessarily a better choice as these products are more often than not petrochemical based and contain an array of harsh chemicals that may cause irritation.
There is a large range of alternative products available on the market now that you may wish to trial. These products are mostly vegetable and plant based, including safe ingredients from nature such as; olive oil, vegetable glycerine, coconut, beeswax, shea butter, macadamia oil and a range of other similar constituents. Look for brands such as; Sukin, Natural Instinct, Eco Store, Kora Organics, Biologika, Organic Care, Aroma-Therapy Essentials and Gaia.
Treating the skin is complex, with some remedies and treatments working for one individual, but not others. The journey to finding answers can often be a nuisance, but if you think holistically and make finding the trigger your number one goal, you may then be able to live eczema-free. Remember that specific supplements have proven extremely helpful and making every effort to change your lifestyle can help. Reduce stress, eat a well balanced diet (eliminating trigger foods to boost immunity and digestion) and reduce chemical exposure. Keep in mind that healing takes time, so be as patient as you can. With time and appropriate care the skin will heal and 'clear up'. You may wish to have your chosen health care practitioner support and guide you through the process of eliminating foods and addressing your health and lifestyle. May your skin be itch free and good luck on your journey of health!
References:
Ross, SM (2003). An Integrative Approach to Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). Holis Nurs Pract. Vol 17 (1). Pg. 56-62
Guilliams, TG. (2000). Fatty Acids: Essential...Therapeutic. Vol 3 (2). The Standard.
Sausenthaler, S etal. (2007). Maternal diet during pregnancy in relation to eczema and allergic sensitization in the offspring at 2 y of age. Amer Journ Clin Nutrit. Vol 85. Pg 530-537.
Kummeling, I etal. (2008). Consumption of organic foods and risk of atopic disease during the first 2 years of life in the Netherlands. Brit Journ Nutr, Vol 99. Pg. 598–605.
Ellwood, P etal. (2001). Diet and asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema symptom prevalence: an ecological analysis of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) data. Journ Europ Respir. Vol 17. Pg. 436–443.
Al-Waili, NS. (2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study. Comp Ther Med. Vol 11 (4), Pg. 226-234.
Saito, K etal. (2010). Maternal meat and fat consumption during pregnancy and suspected atopic eczema in Japanese infants aged 3–4 months: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study. Paed Aller Immuno. Vol 21 (1: Part 1).Pg. 38-46.
Viljanen, M etal. (2005). Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Aller. Vol 60 (4), Pg. 494-500.
Sausenthaler, S etal. (2006). Margarine and butter consumption, eczema and allergic sensitization in children. The LISA birth cohort study. Paed Aller Immuno. Vol 17 (2). Pg. 85-93.
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