Eczema is the absolute worst but I can help. Maybe even save the day if I dare be so confident (which I do). First, let’s understand what Eczema actually is. And isn’t. Eczema is a heightened immune response to common allergens such as inhaled and ingested allergens. In English, it’s a skin condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. So it sucks for you to look at AND it’s itchy! Double loss. In fact, there is an itch and scratch cycle that goes: scratch>damaged skin>release of inflammatory chemicals>itch.
Eczema affects up to 20% of children and 5% of adults worldwide, and it’s actually increased by two to three times during the past four decades in industrialized countries so it’s increasingly common. Sure, while it’s nice to know you’re not alone, I get it. You still have Eczema. It’s something that typically develops during childhood. 50% develop it around age 1 and 85% by the time they turn 5.
And—this has been established but still—it affects your quality of life! Having Eczema can create sleep disturbances, school and work performance (32%), and even affects career progression (14%).
But, don’t worry, there are ways to make you feel (and look) better.
Therapeutic Approaches to Eczema
Of course you can rub some cream on it. Duh. But, there are treatment beyond skin creams that can really make a long-term difference. These include preventative measures such as breaking the itch and scratch cycle, bathing practices, reducing allergens/irritants you’re being exposed to, applying topical steroids twice a week (brah! Lift!), and bleach bath for antimicrobial treatment.
There are also complementary remedies. Complementary in terms of “alongside of” rather than “saying something nice.” These include natural products herbs and aromatherapy, meditation, chiropractic visits, massage, yoga, healthier diet, and other homeopathic remedies. You’re welcome for telling you all the things you already want to do to relax will improve your skin condition.
Food Triggers and Allergies
Since the condition is an allergic reaction, it’s great to be able to eliminate the foods in your diet that may be causing it. HOW DO I KNOW THIS, SARAH? Here are some ideas. Note that usually it takes 6-48 hours for symptoms (the rash) to appear after injection (eating the food). First, focus on foods that you know are bothering you vs a broad panel food allergy test. Doing universal food elimination could lead to nutritional deficiencies and is not recommended. Next, keep a food journal. I know we like to think we can remember what we eat, but we simply can’t. Our memories are shit; that’s science.
Start with assuming the allergenic food is a common one: milk, eggs, milk products, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, cow’s milk, or seafood. Note when you eat these things and if and when you see a reaction. Try eliminating one of these at a time to test if symptoms lessen.
Also increase your consumption of beneficial foods. For example, a study in Columbia of 3,237 children showed that a diet that created less of a eczema risk were- milk, butter, fruits, peas, beans, lentils, nuts, and potatoes. So we can see that milk is on both lists. that is why it is important to investigate foods slowly and not just eliminate everything. Rice and foods high in Essential fatty Acids are also beneficial!
Take Action
Don’t be smothered by your skin condition! There is hope! The above tips are JUST an introduction to the information I can share with you, though. Please make an appointment for us to sit down and talk straight about what’s going on with your skin.
As previously noted, Eczema is the absolute worst but I can help. This is not my first rodeo; I promise I can help you.