Author– Dr Khalida Sabi (Naturopath)
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that presents with excessive itching, dry and scaly skin typically in the neck, elbows and behind the knees. It is often challenging to treat and can affect the patient’s self-esteem and quality of life. Often, eczema presents with significant pain, sleep disturbances and discomfort to those who suffer from it. Symptoms include intense itching; red or brownish-grey patches; small, raised bumps that ooze fluid when scratched crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze type of liquid and thickened, scaly skin. Although eczema is more common among children, people who have a family history of eczema or asthma are also at a high risk of developing eczema within childhood or even adulthood.
The most annoying part of having eczema is the ITCHING! The constant and desperate search to obtain some relief from this itching is enough it drive you up the wall, so to speak. The heat of summer aggravates Eczema resulting in a surge in the itching episodes and can also result in secondary bacterial infections due to continuous scratching.
The root cause of Eczema is seen as multi factorial, meaning, there are many different parts to consider before getting to the root cause. It could be caused by a genetic preposition (in the family genes), environmental triggers such as dust or pollen, high stress levels or even problems related to the immune system.
Naturopathic medicine focuses on a patient centered approach to healing, which means that we address the person and not just the symptoms of the illness. With this being said, each person is treated individually and the treatment plan will be unique to each person according to their specific triggers and lifestyle factors.
This all sounds very sad and gloomy but believe it or not there ARE ways to manage your eczema. Here are some general tips to help you manage this condition better:
1. MANAGE YOUR STRESS: stress is a big trigger and this can be reduces as well as controlled by adopting healthier stress management techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, taking up a hobby and lifestyle counselling to deal with stressful issues
2. ADDRESS YOUR DIET: Identify and rule out any food allergies as this can trigger eczema. Remove high sugar, high fat and processed foods as these add to the toxic load within the body and can trigger the inflammatory response. Add in a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit to your diet plan.
3. CORRECT YOUR GUT: focus on repairing the dysbiosis within the GUT. Naturopathic medicine believes that your immune system is situated within your GUT. Therefore GUT health is essential to immune system health. A strong, reactive immune system means a decrease the inflammatory response and therefore decrease the eczema flare ups.
4. DO MOISTURISE; Keeping the skin dry results in painful cracking. Applying coconut oil to the affected eczema areas keeps the dry patches moist and nourished.
5. ALLOW YOUR SKIN TO BREATH: Due to the stigma attached to eczema, many people cover it up with bandages or tight clothing. Rather choose to wear loose fitting cotton clothing which is less likely than other fabrics to irritate the skin.
*Disclaimer
The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned.
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