Natural Remedies for Eczema
No one can actually be productive, functional or even sleep comfortably if their skin is constantly turning red, itching, burning or flaking.
Imagine getting a new watch and a few hours later your wrist starts to tingle and turn red. You’re enjoying a great summer day at the beach then your scalp starts to itch and flake. Someone stresses you out at work and before you know it tiny bumps pop up on your hands and feet. This is the harsh reality for about 10% of adults and children in the Caribbean who are affected by eczema, which is most commonly found in those with African or Asian descent.
Eczema is a blanket term that describes an inflammatory reaction of the skin due to an inability to properly protect against allergens or normal organisms in the environment. This usually results in itching, scaling, crusting and cracking which is sometimes debilitating, but rarely life-threatening.
- Atopic Dermatitis may be due to a genetic immune dysfunction of the skin to external factors. Typically associated with family history of asthma and allergic rhinitis; it may start as early as a few months old. The rash in infants is typically noted on the elbow and knee folds and cheeks as small red or white bumps, while in older children they occur in the same areas but as scarred, darkened patches of skin which manifest due to repeated itching.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis typically occurs in areas rich with sebum like the scalp, eyebrows, beard, neck and chest when there is an abnormal response to a fungus in those areas. The most mild form appears as dandruff, but as it worsens it may become large red/white scales or plaques with intense burning and itching, sometimes causing hair loss.
- Contact Dermatitis as the name suggests is inflammation that manifests after contact with an allergen or irritant. Typically noted with, itching, burning, redness and blistering. Some allergens/irritants include:
Nickel commonly found in jewellery
Fragrances
Hair dyes
Plants like poison ivy
Rubber generally in latex condoms, gloves and elastic bands
Soap/detergents
In the case of children with atopic dermatitis, parents tend to eliminate foods like dairy or nuts from the diet when they suspect an allergic reaction. However, studies show this often times leads to essential nutrient deficiencies and no resolution of the eczema.
Identifying and avoiding triggers is the first and most important step in the management of eczema because “prevention better than cure.” This can be done by “patch testing” a presumed allergen by rubbing the material on an exposed area of the body like the inner arm (or on the back when tested at a doctor’s office). If testing at home wait at last 24 hours for a reaction, if done in a medical office the reaction will occur in a few minutes due to high concentrations of allergens used.
If triggers are unavoidable and a flare occurs, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids and oral antihistamines to treat the inflammation. In more severe cases, when the affected area is wide spread or blistering is present, oral steroids and drying agents may be added to the regimen.
- Moisture
Keeping skin moist prevents cracking, burning and possible infection. After showering or washing hands, emollients may be used on damp skin to lock in the moisture from the water and keep skin smooth, more comfortable and increase healing time. Thick oils and butters like shea butter, coconut, grapeseed and jojoba oil act as natural emollients with their high fat content that holds the water to the skin. Lotions on their own aren’t recommended because of the higher water to oil ratio which causes quicker evaporation, leaving the skin vulnerable to drying.
- Temperature control
Changes in the weather affect persons with eczema in different ways. The heat may flare the skin by drying it out and irritating it with sweat, but this is best combated by wearing loose, breathable clothing; avoiding many outdoor activities or applying emollients before venturing outside. In the colder temperatures, dry skin leads to cracking and fissures which can be prevented by lukewarm baths, appropriate layered clothing and avoiding household triggers.
- Colloidal Oatmeal
Oats have been thought to aid in the management of many diseases like high cholesterol to high blood sugar, but the colloidal oatmeal mixture is gaining in popularity and now found in soaps and lotions directed at treating skin disorders like eczema. Colloidal oatmeal is formed by grinding regular oats into a fine powder with a high power blender, then dissolving the powder in warm (not hot) water. This mixture releases soluble fiber extracts which have an anti-inflammatory effect when put directly on affected skin. After soaking the skin for approximately 10 minutes, there is generally a reduction in redness, itching and scaling.
- Manage Stress
7 out of 10 persons suffering from atopic dermatitis can identify emotional triggers to their flare ups. Emotions like extreme sadness, fear or anger may produce spontaneous eczema flares on the body, progressively worsening the ‘itch-scratch cycle’. When the skin is irritated it gives an itchy feeling which causes the person to scratch, that then releases more histamines in the skin giving a greater itch sensation, and the cycle continues. Adding behavioural therapy programmes to conventional medications have provided a reduction in this cycle and subsequent quicker resolution of symptoms. If therapy isn’t available the recommendations are to find “healthy” ways to cope with various emotional triggers like talking to loved ones, exercise or entertaining hobbies.
Some honorable mentions include aloe vera, tumeric and chamomile. These medicinal plants have noted some positive effect on eczema treatment, but only in lab testing and not directly on animal/human studies. Their possible side effects and toxicity levels have not officially been determined, hence it is recommended to proceed with caution and consult a doctor before any alternative medicine attempt.
