The term eczema literally means "to boil over", which well describes the irritation and inflammation of the skin, associated with this condition.
Atopic eczema may begin in the first few months of life with red, weeping lesions on the face, scalp, nappy area and extremities. In older children and adults it may be more localized and chronic. The condition is largely an inherited one, linked with such allergic states as asthma and hay fever.
There is thought to be a transient deficiency in the immune system of the gut during the first few months of life, when atopic eczema often starts, thus allowing food allergens to enter the blood.
Dermatitis is characterized by similar symptoms as eczema, but does not involve the same inherited factors or links with asthma hay fever. It is usually linked to sensitivities and the culprit may be food or environmental chemicals.
Symptoms you may experience include:
Red, weeping, crusted lesions, usually worse in the creases of elbows, knees and wrists, but also seen on the face, neck and trunk
Intolerance to primary irritants such as household chemicals, airborne pollutants
Intolerance to environmental temperature or humidity changes
Intolerance to certain foods
Intolerance to wool garments
Factors that may be influencing your condition include:
A family history of eczema, dermatitis, asthma and hay fever
A history of food intolerance
Bottle fed as a baby
Leaky gut
A stressful life
Low hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes
Low immunity
Poor fat metabolism
Increased histamine production
Dietary Recommendations:
Foods to Avoid
Carbohydrates
Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars, confectionery etc. These can upset the metabolism of essential fatty acids, which is often already a problem for people with atopic eczema.
Fats
Avoid all forms of saturated fats from red meat, dairy products as these encourage inflammation.
Protein
Reduce the intake of animal protein from red meat such as beef, pork, lamb because this is attached to high levels saturated fat.
Fluids
Reduce the intake of stimulating drinks such as tea and coffee as these affect the adrenal glands and encourage the stress response, which can be a contributory factor.
Foods to Increase
Carbohydrates
Increase the intake of complex carbohydrates from whole grains. Increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables for their antioxidant content (particularly yellow and green vegetables, and red and dark berries).
Fats
Increase the intake of essential fatty acids from oily fish, nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower).
Protein
Increase vegetarian sources of protein. Vegetarian diets have been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This includes beans, lentils, pulses, soy products, nuts and seeds. Natural bio-yoghurt can help to replenish good gut bacteria.
Fibre
A high fibre diet will help maintain a healthy gut environment, reducing the likelihood of food sensitivities. Good sources of fibre are fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains.
Fluids
Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily — taken away from meals and sipped slowly to avoid stress on the kidneys. For variety drink diluted fruit juices, organic vegetables juices and herbal teas.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
Stress
Identify any areas of stress in your life. Allow space for relaxation. Start relaxation/yoga classes, breathing techniques etc. and even counseling or employing a life-manager.
Toxicity
Avoid any toxins that may exacerbate eczema symptoms, particularly the chemicals in household cleaning products use non-bio washing powders and bio-degradable cleaning fluids. House dust mite has been implicated in cases of eczema and therefore hypo-allergenic bedding, dust filters and air filters may be beneficial.
Nutrient Rich Foods for Eczema & Dermatitis:
VITAMIN C
Citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, sprouted seeds, black currants, tomatoes and peppers.
VITAMIN E
Wheat germ oil, nuts and seeds, fish, eggs, avocados, green vegetables.
ZINC
Oysters, fish, liver, brewers yeast, eggs, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms.
RUTIN
Buckwheat
QUERCETIN
Red & yellow onions, shallots, and apples.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Oily fish, nuts and seeds.
ACIDOPHILUS & BIFIDUM BACTERIUM
Natural bio-yoghurt.
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