Eczema (or dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin causing the skin to become red, dry and itchy. Eczema can develop on any part of the body. In children it is most common on the face and scalp and in the skin folds where the skin is more prone to being warm and moist.
Causes of eczema
Internal factors: A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever;
particular food ie. dairy and wheat products, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, seafood, chemical food additives, preservatives and colourings.
External factors: Irritants -tobacco smoke, chemicals, weather (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions) and air conditioning or overheating; Allergens – house dust mites, moulds, grasses, plant pollens, foods, pets and clothing, soaps, shampoos and washing powders, cosmetics and
toiletries.
References: www.eczema.org.au ; www.medicinenet.com
Tips from the Wall:
- Coconut oil and shea butter
- Eczema is usually an external symptom of an internal issue. In my case, food sensitivity.
- Oatmeal bath
- Breast milk
- My daughter had a very bad case and after finding her food intolerances (gluten, dairy, treenuts) and giving them up (we did an elimination diet), she’s clear and smooth
- Cotton clothes
- Hazelwood necklace
- Oats in a stocking and pop the stocking in the bath, or crush oats finely and add loose to the bath
- ‘Surestop to Eczema’ – a natural serum
- Egyptian magic! Totally clears it up… It is olive oil, royal jelly, beeswax, honey, pollen and propolis.
- Vitamin D3
- No dairy
- Make dietary changes and remove all allergenic foods from diet, dairy, all grains (not just gluten) and soy.
- You could try omega supplements
- Goats milk soap
- If you are still exclusively breast feeding, it may be what you are eating. I’d cut out dairy first and see how she responds. If it doesn’t get better, I’d move to grains, especially wheat and corn.
- Children’s acidophilus is also the best start as far as supplements go. I have seen babies and children who’s eczema has gone after taking acidophilus (probiotic).
- Sunshine without sunscreen for 10 minutes helps to clear it up. Sometimes sunscreens can be irritants too, so find natural ones.
- Cut out soaps and shampoos for the moment. Use aloe vera plant extract to wash hair and body.
- Olive oil to help the scabbing skin not be too tight. Bicarb of soda in the bath will help fight the bacteria causing the flare-ups. You can wash clothes with bicarb and vinegar too. Any commercially prepared (natural or not) product will have preservatives and carrying agents in them so for the moment the more natural the better.
- Look at the internal balance by using probiotics and garlic tablets to get the body stronger to keep the balance.
- Calendula, cream or balm
- Probiotics, particularly LGG strain. Remove dairy from diet. Zinc and vitamin C plus Fish oils all for the skin. You can rub olive oil or Vit E oil into the skin if it is dry. For very angry, red skin try washing with some chamomile tea or oats to calm the skin down. Himalayan salt wash will help to stop the itch. Work out the underlying cause, often food sensitivity ~ The Ambaa Tree Natural Health Centre
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