Do you suffer from Eczema or Dermatitis

Eczema/Dermatitis are interchangeable names although there are varying types of Dermatitis.  Eczema is the term often used to described atopic dermatitis which is commonly caused by food allergies, hereditary, leaky gut syndrome, candidiasis, stress or sweating.  It is usually dry itchy skin which can produce scaling, flaking, weeping, crusting and sometimes colour changes of the skin.  It is often on the face, bends of elbows and behind the knees.  There are varying triggers but hot/cold weather, dry atmosphere, exposure to allergens, stress and viruses/infections such as the common cold can all contribute to outbreaks.

The most common type of dermatitis is allergic/contact dermatitis in which the skin becomes inflamed after contact with such things like perfume, cosmetics, soaps, chemicals, rubber/latex, plants and/or metals eg gold, silver, nickel found in most jewelry).  Stress or chronic tension can make the inflammation worse.  Generally this reaction will happen wherever the body has come into contact with the offending matter and will continue to become more severe and/or spread if the contact is continued.  It is often characterized by an itchy, red, raised rash that may blister.

Vitamins A, C, E, B complex, and D, zinc, seaweeds, essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil or fish oils) and probiotics are all great in helping these skin inflammations.  Try a gluten free diet for six weeks and then slowly add gluten containing foods back into the diet to assess if this is a cause.  Be mindful that frequent baths/showers deplete the skin of its natural oils.  Chamomile tea internally or used to soothe the skin will reduce the inflammation.

Want more information on how to treat your eczema or dermatitis – contact Megan.

  27/02/2012     Articles     0 Comment(s)