-IBIS-1.7.6-
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cutaneous system
Eczema
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Eczema: also called Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a recurring inflammation of the skin and is characterized by red, dry skin. It is most commonly found on the face, wrists, and insides of the knees and elbows. The skin constantly itches, and there may be oozing blisters. Frequent scratching and rubbing may cause the skin to become thick, hard, and discolored. Although not an infectious condition, eczema may be accompanied by a contagious staph infection of the skin. Eczema occurs most often in infants, and in such cases, usually clears up by itself by the time the child is 18 months old.
People who have eczema are more sensitive to viruses and bacteria that affect the skin. Care must be taken to avoid exposure to people who have genital warts, herpes in the active phase, and those who have had a recent smallpox vaccination.
Many times, eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to something eaten or found in a person's environment. It may run in families and may be provoked or aggravated by stress or fatigue.
Constipation or irregular bowel movements can make eczema worse, because the skin must then eliminate more waste. For more information, refer to the article on constipation.
THE PROPER DIET FOR ECZEMA WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. It is important to test for food allergies. Sensitivity to wheat gluten is particularly a problem. Certain foods seem to be more likely to cause eczema. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible for the problem. The main problem foods are dairy products (including milk, cheese, ice cream), eggs, wheat, corn, and sugar.
After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. For more information, refer to the article on Food sensitivities.
2. Eat fish that is rich in essential fatty acids, such as mackerel, herring, and salmon, twice per week.
3. Decrease the intake of animal fats such as red meat and milk products (except fish).
4. Eat at least 1 cup of vegetables, 1 cup of whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, and 1 to 3 fruits per day.
5. Add fiber to the diet and increase the intake of fluids to 8 glasses per day.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin A 25,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 10,000 Units per day.
2. Vitamin E 400 Units per day. Use the variety that has mixed tocopherols.
3. Vitamin C 500 milligrams per day.
4. Zinc 50 milligrams per day. This is particularly helpful. Decrease the dosage as the condition clears up.
5. Digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid 1 or 2 capsules with each meal. Hydrochloric acid should be avoided if heartburn is present.
6. Fish oil, Flaxseed oil, or Evening Primrose oil Take1 teaspoon or 1 capsule 3 times per day for 1 month. Thereafter, take 1 teaspoon once a day.
HERBS USED FOR ECZEMA:
1. Dried Licorice Root makes a sweet tasting tea. Use 1/2 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes and steep for 15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
2. Burdock Root tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract 20 to 40 drops, 3 times per day or use as a tea. Prepare this tea the same as the licorice tea.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 2 or 3 times a day.
Sulphur 6C: For itching or burning eczema that feels worse with heat or after bathing.
Rhus tox 6C: For itching eczema with blisters.
Arsenicum album 6C: For dry skin that flakes like a fine powder and feels better with heat.
AS AN ADDITIONAL MEASURE FOR ECZEMA:
A non-oily zinc ointment applied to the skin as needed may help relieve pain and itching. As an alternative, an ointment containing the herb Calendula may be helpful.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.