Atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder that causes patches of dry, itchy, and irritated skin that can flare up at any time. While not a cure, there are remedies that may alleviate it.
Environmental causes, a weakened immune system, and heredity all contribute to eczema. Unfortunately, if one or both of your parents had it, you also have a higher chance of developing it along with hay fever and asthma. This is because there is a genetic component to eczema; it’s caused by the gene FLG (filaggrin). Your skin becomes dry and fragile when this gene mutates because it finds it difficult to retain moisture. Flares then occur when you combine stressors like pollen, stress, harsh soaps, or even changes in the weather.
Eczema causes constant itching, redness, and patches of skin that feel like sandpaper. It frequently appears on babies’ faces or scalps. For older children and adults, it prefers elbow creases, behind the knees, and around the neck. Scratching is a vicious cycle: itching leads to scratching, which thickens the skin and causes it to itch even more. Some people experience oozing or crusting if their skin becomes inflamed.
Some herbs may help to relieve itching and nourish the skin. Here are some favourites:
Aloe Vera: The gel inside these prickly leaves is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and extremely calming. It soothes irritated skin and promotes the healing of fissures.
Chamomile: Brew a cup, cool it, and apply with a cloth. Its antioxidants (such as bisabolol) control inflammation and alleviate the irritating itch.
Calendula oil is known for its skin-healing properties. It combats bacteria, lowers redness, and speeds up healing – ideal for flare-ups.
Colloidal Oatmeal: Using ground oats in a bath or cream creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and reduces irritation.
Oils may also help with this condition. The following are the most useful for helping an eczema flare:
Coconut Oil: Rich in fatty acids, it moisturises and combats staph bacteria (common in eczema). You can use it solid or melted.
Sunflower oil is lightweight and high in linoleic acid, which strengthens the skin barrier and reduces irritation. Apply after a shower to seal in moisture.
To minimise eczema, avoid excessive washing with hot showers and strong soaps, which can strip your skin of natural oils. I would actually recommend not washing at all, but oil the body instead. If you cannot cope with the idea of not washing, take very brief lukewarm showers and pat dry. Use a fragrance-free soap (Codex is one such soap and it is made in Cork). After your shower, pat dry and oil immediately. Topical emollients can help restore lipids, which are typically depleted in eczema patients. The fatty acids in high-fat creams may improve the lipid composition of the stratum corneum, enhancing barrier function and lowering transepidermal water loss. All perfumed skin care products must be avoided. In times gone by ‘the top of the milk’, heated until the water is evaporated, was used. This equates today to clotted cream.
One fruit you really have to avoid are oranges. No matter in what form you like oranges, they will flare eczema. Actually all citrus fruits will, but orange juice is so ubiquitous, I am mentioning it in particular. Citrus fruits include chemicals including salicylates and amines, which can cause itching and flare-ups in many people. Additionally, the acidity might irritate sensitive skin from the inside out. Citric acid can lead to gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals. This gastrointestinal response may trigger histamine release, which is a chemical involved in the immune response. An increase in histamine can lead to increased itching and inflammation in the skin, which are hallmark symptoms of eczema.
Needless to say, stress is a big factor in causing an eczema flare so any mindfulness practices will help in managing it also.
