Eczema
What is it?
Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition, affecting about 3 per cent of the US population. Symptoms of eczema include superficial inflammation of the skin, redness, edema, oozing, crusting, scaling and vesicles in acute cases. The inflamed areas are intensely itchy which can lead to uncontrollable, subconscious scratching. Excessive scratching can cause the skin to thicken and develop flakes, crusts and breaks, which can bleed and become infected.
Although eczema can occur at any age, it is most common in infants, children and young adults. It is a chronic disease with periods of flare up and remission and often begins in childhood where it is typically found on the face or groin. It can also affect the hands, feet and ankles. Asthma is often associated with eczema. Hereditary factors are likely to contribute to the occurrence of eczema.
Eczema may fluctuate seasonally and over the course of a day. Blood tests reveal increased levels of cells and chemicals associated with allergic reactions. A number of factors may aggravate eczema; including stress, mechanical irritation, heat, sweat retention, excessive moisture or dryness of the skin, and dietary triggers.
Treatment of eczema
The main goal of eczema treatment is to stop the itch-scratch cycle. Good general health and minimizing stress are very important. Wearing loose clothing, preferably cotton, which allows the skin to breathe; and avoiding harsh soaps, chemicals and detergents can help to manage eczema. Medicated baths and nongreasy moisturizers may also be useful.
The symptoms of eczema are often treated with topical, or in more severe cases, oral steroids. However, these drugs have several undesirable side effects, including thinning of the skin, reductions in bone mineral density, adrenal suppression and immune system suppression. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to suppress itching.
Eczema and diet
Dietary triggers such as milk, eggs, fish, milk products and food additives may also aggravate eczema, and it is currently estimated that 15 to 30 per cent of children with eczema are affected by food allergies. In cases where food allergies cause eczema it is very important to eliminate the offending foods.
Low stomach acid is often found in eczema sufferers, and is likely to contribute to the development of food allergies. Improving digestive function may help to relieve the symptoms of eczema.
Vitamins, minerals and eczema
Antioxidants
As they protect against free radical damage and have anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants may be beneficial in the treatment of eczema.
Zinc
Zinc levels may be lower in eczema sufferers, although this may be due to nonspecific inflammatory effects.1 Clinical trials have not shown clear benefits of zinc supplementation.2
Selenium
Reduced concentrations of selenium in whole blood, plasma and white cells; and reduced activity of the selenium-dependent enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, have been found in eczema sufferers. However, few studies have shown an improvement in symptoms with selenium supplements.3
Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and have been shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of eczema. This is likely to be due to effects on prostaglandin metabolism. In a 1997 Italian study, researchers treated 30 eczema patients with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (274 mg twice a day), and 30 with placebo for 12 weeks. During this time, the patients assessed their own symptoms and they were also assessed by a dermatologist every four weeks. The patients who received GLA showed gradual improvements in itching, redness, vesicle formation and oozing, which were statistically significant compared with the control group.4 Borage seed oil capsules have also shown beneficial effects in the treatment of eczema,5 as have evening primrose oil capsules.6
Herbal medicine and eczema
Herbal treatment of eczema and psoriasis involves the use of blood cleansing remedies and diuretics such as figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), cleavers (Galium aparine), nettles (Urtica dioica), burdock (Arctium lappa), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and yellow dock (Rumex crispus). Liver herbs, such as Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium), may be used to improve detoxification. Other remedies, such as chickweed (Stellaria media), can be used to reduce itching while others act as antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. Nervine relaxants are sometimes used to help treat stress associated with eczema.