Eczema is a skin condition associated with dry, bumpy and itchy patches of skin. It’s not contagious and can affect any part of the body, though it’s more common in some areas.
While there’s currently no cure for eczema, many treatment options are available. Both orthodox medicine and natural medicine can help reduce uncomfortable eczema symptoms.
What is eczema?
Eczema is also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and allergic eczema. It’s a type of dermatitis, which is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation.
When you have this condition, the skin’s barrier – the one between you and the outside world – is weak. This means it can’t keep moisture in very well, which makes you prone to dryness and irritation. During a flare-up, the immune system releases histamine – a chemical that makes you feel itchy. Unfortunately, scratching your dry skin can trigger more histamine release, making things worse.
Causes
Eczema causes are not well understood. Even so, risk factors and triggers for eczema have been identified.
Risk Factors
You have an increased risk of eczema if you have:
- family history of eczema
- other types of dermatitis
- allergies
- hayfever
- asthma.
Triggers
Common eczema triggers to minimise or avoid include:
- stress
- heat
- profuse sweating
- perfumes
- soaps
- harsh chemicals, e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
- artificial colours and preservatives
- foods: wheat, dairy, peanuts, soy
- rough, woollen fabrics
- viruses
- mould
- dust mites.
Eczema Types
There are many types of eczema, each with their own triggers and symptom profile.
Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common type of eczema. It usually begins in childhood and gets milder, or disappears, with older age. Patients usually also have asthma and hayfever.
Contact Dermatitis
A type of eczema that occurs after contact with certain substances
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis, when the immune system reacts to an irritant, e.g. latex.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis, when a chemical irritates the skin, e.g. bleach.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
This is most common in women, though men can also have it. Fluid-filled blisters form on any part of the hands or feet. It’s often related to allergies, smoking nicotine, and damp hands and feet.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Creates scaly, oily patches of skin that flake, kind of like dandruff. It’s most common on the hairline, scalp, upper back, nose and groin. In infants, this is called Cradle Cap.
Neurodermatitis
Similar to atopic dermatitis, it causes thick and scaly patches on the skin that can bleed when scratched.
Nummular Eczema
Creates round spots on the skin and looks quite different from other eczema types. It can be very itchy and develop after an insect bite or exposure to certain chemicals or metals.
Stasis Dermatitis
When fluid leaks from weak veins into the skin. It causes itching, swelling and changes in skin colour/tone.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of eczema vary between varieties, but often include:
- Dry skin
- Itchy skin
- Rash
- Tiny bumps on skin
- Thick patches of skin
- Flaky skin
- Swelling.
How To Cure Eczema
There is currently no cure for eczema. This is because science is still trying to understand it in detail. In the meantime, mainstream treatment for eczema involves avoiding triggers and managing symptoms.
Natural Treatments
Natural medicine can help eczema patients have a higher quality of life.
Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Homeopathy focus on getting to the root of the problem. They want to understand why the skin is reacting in this way, so they can create a treatment plan that targets it. They’ll likely look at your immune function, gut health, hormones, diet and lifestyle factors. These factors in combination, or isolation, can create uncomfortable skin reactions. The intention with both of these therapies is to treat the cause, and manage the symptoms.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed?
Doctors and specialised skin doctors, called Dermatologists, can diagnose eczema. They do a physical examination of your skin and take your cash history, before they make an assessment.
Eczema can look like other conditions, so your health professional may want to order tests. They may include blood tests, an allergy test, and/or a skin biopsy.
Conclusion
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. Orthodox medicine currently has no cure and aims to treat/manage the symptoms. Natural medicine takes a slightly different perspective and looks for the cause in each individual, while also managing symptoms.
Avaana can help find qualified, natural healthcare providers in your area.
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FAQ
What is the main cause of eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. However, triggers for flare-ups include stress, chemicals irritantants, e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate, dry weather and allergens.
How do I get rid of my eczema?
You can soothe dry, itchy skin by doing the following self-care practices.
- Moisturise your skin at least twice a day, more if needed.
- Use products that have ‘clean’ ingredients and avoid common irritants. This relates to moisturisers, hand soaps, body wash, facial cleansers.
- Try Rose otto oil (pure rose oil blended with a quality carrier oil, e.g. jojoba). It’s a safe and effective moisturiser for dry/sensitive skin. Use only 1-2 drops at a time.
- Avoid scratching
- Apply a cold pack to itchy areas for relief
- Minimise wheat and dairy intake during a flare-up.
Which foods trigger eczema?
Common foods that contribute to eczema include:
- Gluten (wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, kamut)
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Soy
- Anything with MSG
- Peanuts.
