Holistic tips for treating eczema

September 10th sees the beginning of National Eczema Week in the UK. Eczema affects people of all ages but is primarily seen in children, who may "grow out" of it during early childhood only to see it recur again in later life. The National Eczema Society Reports that one in five children and one in twelve adults suffers from eczema in the UK.

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

The word eczema comes from the Greek word "ekzein" which means "to boil". Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a dry skin condition. It can be a highly individual condition, varying from person to person and take many forms. This non-contagious condition can present in mild cases as dry, scaly, red and itchy skin. In more severe cases there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding. The urge to constantly scratch may cause the skin to split and bleed leaving it open to infection. The most common form, Atopic eczema, is a genetic condition based on the interaction between a number of genes and environmental factors. There may be a family history of either eczema or one of the other ‘atopic' conditions such as asthma or hay fever.

Treating eczema and identifying triggers can be a frustrating process especially for parents with small children who have the condition. Conventional treatments are based on controlling symptoms with the application of creams and the reduction of environmental triggers and irritants.

Complementary medicine such as Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Naturopathy are quite often backed up by patient-led evidence of a treatment working, rather than medical research. That said, many people may find the holistic approach of looking at the whole body in relation to the condition, beneficial. There are number of lifestyle changes that can be made and are generally considered beneficial:

IDENTIFY YOUR TRIGGERS - eczema often worsens with increased stress, rapid changes in temperature and sweating. Avoiding wool, fragranced laundry detergents and synthetic skincare may offer some relief of symptoms.

CHECK YOUR DIET - do your symptoms worsen when you eat certain foods? Some people report symptoms are relieved when they exclude dairy products from their diet. Increasing your intake of Essential Fatty Acids especially Omega 3 may help moisturise your skin from the inside out. It is also known as a potent anti-inflammatory.

KEEP SKIN MOISTURISED - don't choose just any body cream though. Try a rich balm or cream made from plant ingredients. Look for products containing calendula, comfrey, chickweed and hemp oil, all known for their anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Pure Potions Skin Salvation is loved by many of our customers and is suitable for babies and children. Pai Organic Skincare also has a range of products suitable for face, body and even eyes of the eczema-prone. Avoid skincare with dyes, synthetic fragrance and mineral oil.

TRY A WARM BATH - as we head into Autumn this is a great treat for dry eczema-prone skin. Add organic oatmeal to some fine muslin and tie at the top to form a ball. Either attach this to the tap so water runs through it or leave the ball to soak in the bath water. Oatmeal has a very soothing effect on skin and can calm irritations. Alternatively, the Erbaorganics Milk and Oat Bath is a great addition to your bath with the benefits milk, oatmeal and lavender to relax body and mind.

Imelda Burke is the founder of Content Beauty/Wellbeing, which specialises in emerging results-driven natural & organic beauty brands. Content incorporates a wellbeing and beauty clinic and is regarded as ‘London's leading organic and natural apothecary'.

www.beingcontent.com Phone 020 3075 1006

5th September 2011