Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. While it is most common in children, who sometimes outgrow it, it can occur in adults as well.

Symptoms and Complications Associated with Eczema

Most often, eczema (which is also referred to as atopic dermatitis) causes the skin to become dry, red, and intensely itchy. Other symptoms include a recurring rash, scaly areas, oozing or crusting, and areas of swelling. Eczema decreases the skin’s ability to act as a physical barrier by causing changes that allow water to escape and environmental allergens and irritants- such as pollen and dust mites- to enter (source). Skin affected by eczema also lacks healthy levels of a natural antibiotic agent called cathelicidin. The combination of more porous skin and lower levels of cathelicidin leaves it more susceptible to infections: more than 90 percent of people with eczema have colonies of Staphylococcus aureus growing on their skin (source). These infections can contribute to a cycle of increased sensitivity and inflammation.

Causes of Eczema

The cause or causes of eczema can vary greatly from person to person. A family history of eczema increases the chances of developing it. Factors as simple as dry climate or exposure to hot water can also trigger this condition. Certain substances, such as soaps, detergents, dust mites, or animal dander can contribute to eczema as well. And in other cases, the root of the problem is even more complex and may involve diet and/or stress. Some foods, including sugar, wheat/gluten, dairy, most omega-6 fatty acids, and fried foods increase overall inflammation in the body and can damage the lining of the intestines, which can sometimes lead to rashes and eczema in the skin. Many of the above foods and substances are also allergens, and people who suffer from allergies sometimes develop eczema, too.

Treatments for Eczema

There is no known “cure” for eczema, but the symptoms can often be kept under control with a variety of approaches. Because there are so many possible root causes of eczema, managing the condition may require making several changes.

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

If you suspect that the cause of eczema is dietary, try eliminating one potential offender (such as dairy, gluten, and sugar) at a time. Avoid each possible allergen for at least two weeks to allow time for the body to fully rid itself of it. While removing possible triggers, it may also be useful to add a few healing, anti-inflammatory foods.

Probiotics are extremely important for proper digestive and immune function; they help modulate inappropriate immune responses (think allergic reactions), reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. Probiotics are found naturally in yogurt (be sure the label says “contains live, active cultures”), kombucha and kefir (probiotic drinks), kimchi, and sauerkraut. Probiotics are also available in supplement form. A diet high in fruits and vegetables (with the emphasis on vegetables) will also support healthy gut bacteria.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help to heal the skin, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system (source). Food sources of omega-3’s include wild-caught salmon, herring, tuna, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and egg yolks. Chia seeds are also a good source of zinc, a nutrient essential for wound healing.

If you believe that allergens such as soaps, detergents, or dust mites are contributing to eczema, try to reduce exposure to these irritants. Take warm, not hot, showers or baths, and use soap sparingly, especially on affected areas of the skin. Verefina’s Foaming Hand Soap and Shea Butter Bar Soap are extremely mild soaps made with 100% natural ingredients. The lavender or unscented options are best for those with eczema. Lowering exposure to dust mites may also help relieve eczema symptoms. Clove essential oil can be used to get rid of dust mites on sheets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. A 2006 study found that several essential oils, including clove essential oil, are effective against a common species of dust mite (for more on how to use clove oil against dust mites, see the note below).

Skin disorders are frequently related to high levels of psychological stress; therefore, reducing stress may also help relieve the symptoms of eczema. Regular exercise and meditation techniques can be useful for managing stress.

Topical Treatments

There are a number of topical treatments that can help reduce inflammation and lessen eczema symptoms.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a high water content, so it can provide moisture for irritated skin. It also contains vitamins, mineral, and amino acids needed to heal skin.

Calendula

Calendula is extremely soothing on the skin and supports the skin’s natural ability to heal itself. Both aloe vera and calendula are found in the Aloe and Calendula Cream, a lotion designed for extremely dry and/or irritated skin.

Coconut Oil

A thin layer of coconut oil applied to affected areas can help soothe the itching and pain associated with eczema.

Lavender Essential Oil

As noted above, eczema can increase the risk of infections on the skin. Lavender essential oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help bring infections under control. This essential oil can also stimulate cells to regenerate and heal faster. A mixture of lavender essential oil diluted with coconut oil can help reduce eczema.

First Aid Line

The First Aid Ointment and Stick can also help to heal skin affected by eczema. In addition to calendula oil and lavender essential oil, these products also contain ingredients that deeply moisturize the skin and promote healing. Tamanu oil helps regenerate and hydrate skin cells. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating eczema. Olive oil delivers anti-inflammatory compounds as well. And sea buckthorn oil is loaded with antioxidants, which are critical for repairing damage to skin cells. 

The causes of eczema can vary greatly from one person to another, so addressing the problem may require several approaches, including making changes to diet, reducing stress, and using one or more topical treatments.

Do you or someone you know have eczema? How do you treat it? Please share your comments below!

Note: To rid sheets of dust mites with clove essential oil, wash them in hot water, then rinse in cold water. During the rinse cycle, add 20 to 25 drops of clove essential oil to the water. (You want to add the essential oil to cold water because high heat can damage essential oils). If the smell of the clove oil is too strong for you, you can do a second rinse. For mattresses and upholstered furniture, mix two cups of baking soda with 20 drops of clove essential oil in a jar. Shake well to blend. Using a fine mesh sifter, sift the mixture over the mattress or furniture. Leave for at least one hour. Thoroughly vacuum all of the baking soda up.

Sources:

Axe, Josh. “Natural Eczema Remedies and Treatment.” Dr. Axe. Web. 1 February 2016.

http://draxe.com/natural-eczema-remedies-treatment/

Axe, Josh. “15 Omega-3 Foods Your Body Needs Now.” Dr. Axe. Web. 1 February 2016.

http://draxe.com/omega-3-foods/

Brody, Jane E. “Understanding Eczema to Treat It.” New York Times Blog. 29 July 2013. Web. 31 January 2016.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/29/understanding-eczema-to-treat-it/?_r=0

El-Zemity Saad, Rezk Hussien, Farok Saher, and Zaitoon Ahmed. “Acaricidal activities of some essential oils and their monoterpenoidal constituents against house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae).” PubMed. December 2006. Web. 3 February 2016.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1661675/

Roller S., Ernest N., Buckle J. “The antimicrobial activity of high-necrodane and other lavender oils on methicillin-sensitive and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).” PubMed. March 2009. Web. 1 February 2016.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19249919

Tohi, Willow. “Lavender Kills Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Bacteria.” Natural News. 2 March 2013. Web. 1 February 2016.

http://www.naturalnews.com/039317_lavender_antibiotics-resistant_bacteria_staph_infection.html

Weil, Andrew. “Eczema Treatment and Symptoms.” Dr. Weil. Web. 31 January 2016.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00350/eczema.html

Photo courtesy of Verefina

About the Author

Katie Zapotoczny is a Verefina Affiliate and the creator of An Ever Green Life, a blog that seeks to empower readers to make changes that will improve their health and help protect our environment.