Soothing solutions

Natural approaches to eczema care

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that is thought to affect 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK. "The main symptoms of eczema manifest as itchy skin, red rashes as well as lesions mainly due to scratching," says Lucia Stansbie, a registered nutritional therapist (foodpowernutrition.com). She adds: "Eczema is an atopic condition, so genetic predisposition has a pivotal role in the manifestation of eczema. Flare-ups can be triggered by altered skin barrier, stress or changes in immune function and gut microbiota as well as some foods."

While medical treatments are available, many people seek natural remedies to alleviate symptoms and manage flare-ups. Here are some effective natural ways to soothe the symptoms and bring some relief.

Natural moisturisation

"Hydration is key when it comes to treating itchy, cracked and sore skin," says Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist with Chemist Click (www.chemistclick.co.uk). "If you experience a flare-up, natural moisturisers can help to prevent dryness and cracking. Coconut oil is effective in treating irritated or inflamed skin with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Shea butter and evening primrose oil may help with inflammation when applied directly to the skin.

Oatmeal baths which typically involve adding ground colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soaking for 15 minutes have also been found to be effective for relieving itching and inflammation. It’s important to use gentle skincare when you have eczema because the skin is sensitive. Stick to mild, fragrance-free shower gels and soaps. Also avoid hot baths and showers and pat skin dry instead of rubbing the skin which can aggravate your eczema. Eczema remedies should be approached on an individual basis as triggers can differ for each person."

Find your triggers

"Certain foods are associated with triggering eczema breakouts," says Kathryn Danzey, founder of Rejuvenated (rejuvenated.com).

"These foods are often considered to be common allergens and include dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish and soy. Tomatoes, citrus and some spices may also provoke a reaction. If you feel that you might have food sensitivities speak to your doctor about trying an elimination diet, to cut out the above listed foods one at a time. This test can help to identify which foods are contributing to your condition."

Eat probiotic foods

"Scientific evidence shows that eating probiotic foods improves gut health and has the knock-on effect of reducing inflammation," says Kathryn Danzey. "Include yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and pickles in your diet."

Seek out supplements

"There is limited data on the true effectiveness of supplements for treating eczema, says Abbas Kanani. "Evening primrose oil and borage seed oil are two natural supplements that have been linked to the improvement of symptoms and some research shows that eczema symptoms improve after taking vitamin D." Lucia Stansbie recommends zinc to support the immune system and vitamin A to support the renewal of skin cells.

"Add omega-3 to your diet," says Kathryn Danzey, "as these essential fatty acids boost cell membranes to moisturise and nourish the skin from the inside out."

Avoid perfumed products

"Avoid perfumed products including washing powder and fabric conditioners," says Kathryn Danzey. "When possible, keep the skin covered on cold, windy days. UVB light from the sun stimulates vitamin D production which helps to strengthen the skin barrier. However, in the UK we don’t enjoy enough sunny days for this to be of any great benefit, hence why doctors recommend taking a vitamin D supplement."

By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments, people with eczema may be able to manage their symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Before starting any new treatment, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider especially if the eczema is severe or persistent.

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