Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition readily recognized by small blisters, which fill with colourless liquid and which then burst leaving the skin dry, cracked and weeping and possibly bleeding. It is often accompanied by itching, and scratching makes it worse.

Eczema can run in families and be associated with other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. It is often seen in children and then returns throughout adult life. Through research it has been found that eczema patients have a deficiency of gamma linoleic cid (GLA), which is important to the immune system. GLA is absent from powdered milk and paediatricians believe breast-feeding can be protective.

An outbreak of eczema is often started by the immune system reacting to such things as house dust mites, animal hair and common bacteria. Removing the cause can make a huge improvement. It can also be made worse by emotional upset.

Excluding some foods such as dairy products, wheat or eggs can help but this should only be done if an allergy to a particular food has been found. Cow’s milk is of particular concern due to their exposure to pesticides.

An outbreak of eczema can be made worse by contact with water and also washing powder. Products containing Lanolin should also be avoided. To protect the hands from having the natural protective oils removed, rubber gloves can be used for washing up; however a fresh pair of thin latex disposable gloves could be worn inside the rubber gloves to prevent a build up of bacteria inside the gloves.

The key to good health including the skin is a good diet and should include oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring which are all rich in essential fatty acids as are flax seeds and hemp and walnut oils, all of which can be used as salad dressing. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and together with sunflower seeds are good sources of linoleic acid. Both can be added to soups and salads or eaten as a snack. It is also important to drink at least 2 litres of liquid such as water, herbal infusions or fruit juice every day to keep the body and skin properly hydrated.

To help relieve the symptoms of Eczema, and in particular the itching, we have Chickweed Cream. The Chickweed (Stellaria media) is combined with Clivers, commonly known as Goose Grass (Gallium aparine) in a traditional preparation. The base of this cream is BEESWAX with no added water or other form of dilution.

We have many recommendations for this cream for both eczema and psoriasis.