Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation and itching of the skin. Lesion can appear as dry, reddened skin that may ooze fluid or thicken from repeated scratching.

The causes of eczema are multifactorial; people’s eruptions can be triggered by contact with an irritating substance, by ingesting a food allergen or from repeated aggravation such as repetitive hand washing.

Eczema can be transient, appearing only one time or it can be chronic, plaguing an individual for a lifetime. Fortunately, there are treatments to help combat eczema and relieve symptoms.

This article will detail an overview of the conventional medical treatments as well as their limitations and side effects.

To learn more about alternative therapies without harsh side effects, please read the many articles detailing natural therapies for eczema on this site.

Eczema Drugs: Topical Corticosteroids

The first line approach by most general practitioners and dermatologists is to prescribe topical corticosteroids.

These are steroids that are applied in a cream or gel base to the areas of eczema on the skin.

They decrease inflammation by suppressing immune cell activity in the area and by changing the permeability (how easily fluid passes through the area) of the tissue.

Since eczema is largely an immune hypersensitivity, steroid use is aimed at halting immune reactivity.

Side effects of topical steroid use include impaired wound healing, skin thinning and secondary infection.

This means that any area of skin with repeated steroid application is more likely to become infected with a bacterium such as staph aureus. It also can delay normal skin healing after surgery or trauma.

Some people have an allergic response to the steroids themselves resulting in itching, white bumps called milia and a rash that resembles acne.

Unfortunately, eczema can also become tolerant to steroids after prolonged use and reappear despite continued application of the cream.

Some eczema suffers will experience relief from topical steroids only to have the eczema reappear as soon as the steroids are discontinued.

Common topical steroids: hydrocortisone, betamethasone, fluticasone, clobetasol and mometasone.

Eczema Drugs: Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors are a newer method of controlling eczema topically. They work by halting the activity of the immune system’s T cells, specifically by inhibiting proteins that signal T cells to activate.

They also stifle the function of mast cells, which produce histamine, a compound that changes the permeability of the skin.

Histamine release leads to the characteristic reddening and swelling of eczema eruptions. Both mast cells and histamine are crucial components of the allergic response.

The most common side effects of calcineurin inhibitors are skin reaction, flu-like symptoms, rash and infection.

Prolonged use increases the risk of certain cancers such as skin cancer at the site of application and lymphoma. Burning, stinging, tingling and soreness are the most often-reported skin symptoms.

Calineurins have also been associated with muscle pain, alcohol intolerance and headache.

Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are the two types of topical calcineurin inhibitors. Studies comparing the two have found tacrolimus to be significantly more effective with similar side effects.

Pimecrolimus does not leave a shiny sheen so is often used on the face for daytime applications.

Eczema Drugs: Antibiotics, Antifungals & Antivirals

As discussed earlier, skin afflicted with eczema, especially skin treated with topical medications that suppress immune function, is more prone to infection.

Bacteria, fungi and viruses can cause opportunistic infection in eczematous skin; opportunistic in that they take advantage of a weakened host to replicate and invade.

Bacteria: Staph aureus is the most common bacterial infection of eczema skin.

Interestingly, staph aureus is also a trigger of eczema so it contributes to a vicious cycle of weakening the skin by erosion of the defense systems and then taking over and setting up shop.

Both topical and oral antibiotics are used to treat secondary bacterial infections of eczema lesions.

Erythromycin is the most commonly used topical antibiotic.

There are quite a few oral antibiotics used for eczema infections, the most common are: macrolides, cephalosporins, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and clindamycin.

The most common side effects of the antibiotics are hypersensitivity reaction (allergic response) and tolerance (bacteria no longer killed or inhibited by the drug).

Viruses: Herpes is the virus that most commonly infects eczema skin. It appears as clusters of small, reddened, fluid-filled bumps that resemble blisters or ulcers.

Acyclovir is the most common anti-viral medication that is most often administered IV because of the potential severity of secondary herpes infection.

It can also be given oral, often preventatively to those with a history of eczema herpeticum (herpes eczema rash).

Fungus: Fungi cause the most rare infections of eczema lesions. Ketoconazole is the drug most often prescribed and is administered either topically or orally.

Side effects of topical application are burning and skin reaction. Liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and lowered testosterone (a hormone) are rare but possible side effects of oral ketoconazole.

Eczema Drugs: Anti-histamines

Itching is the most complained about symptom of eczema.

Quality of life can be compromised when people are kept awake at night scratching; therefore doctors often prescribe a class of drugs called anti-histamines to decrease the urge to scratch.

Histamine is the compound, discussed earlier in the discussion of calcineurin inhibitors, which causes changes in the permeability of blood vessels. The vessels become more leaky, leading to fluid build up and swelling.

This edema stimulates nerves that message your brain, signaling a response to scratch.

There are two categories of anti-histamines: those that are sedating and those that are low sedating. The most prescribed sedating histamine is diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and it is given orally.

Diphenhydramine may alleviate itching but it causes fatigue and sleepiness in most users. It can also cause digestive upset and urinary retention.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is the low sedating anti-histamine most widely used by eczema sufferers. It can still cause some fatigue as well as nausea, sore throat, headache and dizziness.

Eczema Lotions And Creams: Emollients

Topical lotions and creams are standardly recommended to patients with eczema that is dry or scaling. They also provide a layer of protection between the already irritate skin and potential allergens.

Unfortunately, conventional medical doctor recommend creams and lotions laden with preservatives and additives that can further aggravate the immune system.

Read our article on natural, topical treatments to find a suitable cream, lotion or salve.

The Bottom Line: Conventional Treatments Don’t Offer Permanent Resolution

The limitations and side effects of these conventional treatments should encourage you to pursue natural treatment options that offer real solutions to treat the underlying cause.

These alternative therapies rarely have significant side effects and their use is long lasting as opposed to the temporary “band aid” approach taken with the conventional pharmaceutical approach.

Related posts:

1. Eczema Treatments – Natural Treatment for Eczema
2. How To Treat Eczema In Children
3. Facial Eczema Treatment

What Is Candida?

Candida Albicans is a yeast organism that is commonly found living on the skin and cavities of humans.

In healthy individuals candida cells are not problematic because they are kept in check by the body’s barriers and immune system.

Susceptible persons can develop candida infections leading to vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush and overgrowth in the digestive tract, particularly the colon.

Candida infections can be passed between people by sexual contact, sharing toiletries or by handshaking if candida is living in the nailbed.

Lactating mothers can get candida infection of the nipple and pass the candida to their babies, who develop thrush.

The Relationship Between Candida & Eczema

Candida yeast produce potent allergenic compounds that can produce a dramatic immune response, especially in sensitive persons.

Eczema is caused by an exaggerated immune response to a trigger.

Studies have shown eczema and asthma sufferers produce a high amount of IgE immunoglobulin specific to targeting candida albicans.

Who Is At Risk For Candida Overgrowth?

1. Diabetics, or individuals with higher blood sugars

Candida love glucose and replicate readily in the presence of sugar, including that in bodily secretions.

2. Persons with diets low in beneficial bacteria

Probiotic species such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria can populate the digestive tract and cause competition with the yeast cells.

They also trigger a better immune response and a layer of immunoglobulins (immune proteins) called IgA that help identify and neutralize candida.

3. Immune compromised people

This includes HIV/AIDs patients, those people undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer, persons with auto-immune conditions taking medications that suppress immune response and people with genetic immunodeficiency such as Immunoglobulin A Deficiency.

4. Alcoholics

Much like sugar, candida loves to grow using alcohol as a medium for growth. A 1998 Sao Paulo study found over a 1/3 of alcohols can candida colonizing their throats, as compared to just 5% of non-alcoholics.

Symptoms Of Candida Overgrowth

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Eczema!!
• Endometriosis
• Erratic vision
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Feeling “spacey” or “unreal”
• Feeling of being “drained”
• Impotence
• Loss of sexual desire
• Muscle aches
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Numbness, burning or tingling
• Pain and/or swelling in joints
• Persistent vaginal burning or itching
• Poor memory
• Premenstrual tension
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate, often with urinary symptoms)
• Spots in front of eyes

The Candida Eczema Diet

The candida eczema diet is comprised of foods that support a healthy immune system, decrease inflammation and inhibit candida growth.

All of the foods that candida love to eat are restricted, especially for the first two weeks of the diet when most of the candida will die off.

Sugar, alcohol and vinegary foods promote the growth of yeast in the body. Refined, packaged foods are low in nutrients and high in artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

People serious about eradicating their candida and eczema with this diet should expect to follow it strictly for at least 6 weeks.

After that, many people are able to going back to some of their normal eating habits but with caution to avoid sugary and processed foods.

This is an eczema diet for children as well. Kids are also prone to eczema from yeast overgrowth.

You CAN Eat

• Fresh or frozen vegetables especially:
• Broccoli, onions, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, radish, cabbage and garlic
• Carrots, squash, yams, sweet potatoes, tomatoes
• Deep leafy greens
• 1 fruit each day after the initial 2 weeks are over
• Beans, peas and soy
• Healthy cuts of meat & poultry
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Unsweetened dairy except cheese
• Raw nuts and nut butters
• Organic butter and natural cooking oils such as olive, coconut and safflower
• Whole grains can be eaten 1-2 times per day and cannot be made with sugar or yeast! Many yeast-free breads are kept in the freezer section of your grocer.
• Popcorn
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal
• Herbal tea, if freshly made
• Water, including sparkling water

You CANNOT Eat

• White potatoes
• Canned vegetables
• Microwaved vegetables; microwaving breaks down anti-oxidants such as the sulforophanes in broccoli
• Boiled vegetables, as they have much less nutrient content – the nutrients leach into the water.
• Fruits for the first 2 weeks
• Yogurt with sugar (most flavored yogurts are very high in refined sugars)
• Partially hydrogenated oils; they promote inflammation and are carcinogenic (cancer causing)
• Breads and bakery made with yeast and/or sugar
• Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
• Dried fruit and fruit juice. Although these sugars are naturally occurring they are too concentrated and can promote candida. Fungi often live on dried fruit.
• Cheese, as it is a food loves by fungi and can promote candida
• Mushroom
• Vinegar containing foods such as vinaigrette dressings, barbeque sauce and pickles

Supplements To Help Eradicate Candida And Improve Eczema

1. Black Walnut

The hull of this nut has been used historically to help with digestive upset, parasites, high blood pressure and eczema. It was used both internally and topically to help with eczema lesions.

In vitro studies have shown black walnut hull extract to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. The dosing of black walnut is typically 500mg of solid extract or 30 drops of liquid extract taken three times daily.

Black walnut has a high tannin content and therefore should not be used for periods longer than 6 weeks.

2. Caprylic Acid

This is a naturally occurring 8 carbon fatty acid found in coconut and palm oil, milk and breast milk.

It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it an appropriate supplement in the treatment of candida overgrowth.

Because caprylic acid is fat soluble, it is better able to penetrate the mucosa layer of the mouth and digestive tract, and directly neutralize candida.

Typical dosing is 400mg taken before meals.

3. Oregano Oil

The aromatic oil of this herb is a potent inhibitor of parasite, bacterial and fungal growth.

It has also been shown to decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL (unhealthy cholesterol) and raising HDL (healthy cholesterol).

The carvacrol and eugenol constituents of oregano oil affect the surface of candida, breaking down the cell membrane. Dosing is 50mg taken three times daily.

It can be diluted in water or mixed in soft foods to make it more palatable.

4. Pau D’Arco

A native tree of Central and South America, Pau D’Arco is best known as an anti-cancer natural remedy.

However, it also has been used to effectively eradicate yeast infections, promote proper immune function and aid in wound healing.

Cell studies have shown Pau D’arco extracts to inhibit inflammation by inhibiting the COX-2 pathway, this is the same pathway targeted by aspirin and ibuprofen.

Pau D’arco most often comes in a liquid form and is dosed at 30 drops two to four times daily, from a solution of a 1:4 ratio of herb to menstruum (liquid solvent).

5. Probiotics

It is essential that once candida is eradicated, it is not welcomed back to the digestive tract.

Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can populate the colon and discourage takeover from candida cells.

Please read our complete article on eczema and probiotics to learn more.

Candida, Eczema And Your Health: Take Away Message

Now that you’ve learned about the complex interaction between yeast overgrowth, eczema outbreaks and symptoms of candida infection, it’s time to implement the diet and natural treatments outlined in this article.

Not only will you feel better but you’ll also get long lasting resolution of your eczema by treating the underlying cause. While candida overgrowth is a major cause of eczema, it is not the only trigger.

Please read the other articles on our site to discover more about the relationship between eczema and food allergies, eczema and environmental exposure, and a Chinese medicine approach to healing eczema.

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2. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health
3. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health

Nutrition is the foundation of good health and there are foods that can specifically support your body to reduce the incidence and severity of eczema.

Some of the superfoods in this article will be geared towards supporting and nourishing skin health while others will target your immune system.

When buying the ingredients to make some of the eczema food recipes, it’s important to purchase organic whenever possible to avoid preservatives and pesticides that could actually trigger eczema eruptions.

If organic foods are expensive in your local grocery stores, you can look into purchasing from a local farmer’s market, co-op store, directly from a farmer, or subscribe to a produce basket from a CSA.

CSAs (community supported agriculture) offer memberships or shares where you pay a discounted price on organic, local fruits and veggies by committing to getting a basket of goods every week (or every 2-3 weeks depending on the membership).

Websites to find more economical, local foods include Local Harvest, Eat Wild, and Eat Well Guide.

Skin Super Foods

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Fish, Free Range Meat, Walnuts, Flax And Omega 3 Eggs

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential, which means that they are not synthesized by the body and must be consumed through diet.

With developed nations’ dietary focus on factory farm meats and heavily processed starches there is rampant deficiency in omega 3 fats.

Low blood levels of EPA and DHA, specific omega 3 fats, in pregnant women have been associated with higher rates of eczema in their babies.

Toddlers consuming higher amounts of omega 3 fats had lower rates and less severity of eczema when compared with children not taking the supplement.

Omega 3 fats are important for the proper development and functioning of the cell membrane, which is the outer shell of each of your cells.

They are all important for vision, lining of the nerves and brain development. Omega 3 fats decreased inflammation, a primary mechanism for creating the redness, itching and swelling of eczema lesions.

Omega 3 deficiency can manifest as dry skin with small bumps that resemble goose bumps on the upper arms or thighs.

Deficiency in these fats was rare in the pre-industrial diet because people consumed more fish and the animal protein came from wild game or livestock that roamed pastures.

Sedentary animals do not produce omega 3 fats, instead developing more saturated fats from lack of exercise and movement.

Similarly, farmed fish fed a grain-rich diet do not have the same amount of omega 3 fats as a wild fish in a cold-water environment.

Strive to get in at least 3 grams of these beneficial fats into your diet every day. Ideally, a person with eczema lesion should have a diet even more influenced by essential fats, particularly omega 3 fats.

Many clinicians recommend 6 or even 10 grams of omega 3 fats for eczema patients.

Fantastic Fats Eczema Food Recipe: Walnut Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds salmon fillets, in 4-6 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white wine
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix all of the dry and wet ingredients together and coat the fillets on both sides.

Bake for 8 minutes until the crust is lightly browned. Each serving has over 10 grams of Omega 3 fats!

Fantastic Fats Eczema Food Recipe: Gluten Free Blueberry Flax Pancakes

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup rice flour
• ¾ cup buckwheat flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 2-3 tbsps ground flax seeds
• 1 1/2 cups milk, can use any kind: almond, rice, soy or cow’s milk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• 2 omega 3 eggs

Mix together all dry ingredients (the first 6 ingredients listed) in medium bowel. Stir in milk and eggs with whisk. Heat griddle or skillet and pour pancake batter.

Add liberal sprinkle of blueberries. You can adjust consistency adding more milk or flour based on desired thickness of pancake.

Each breakfast of blueberry flax pancakes has 2.5 grams of skin nourishing omega 3 fatty acids.

Immune System Super Foods

Medicinal Mushrooms: Maitake, Shitake & Reishi

These mushrooms, found traditionally in Asian foods, are loaded with immune system nutrients selenium, zinc and copper.

Polysaccharide components of the mushrooms, called beta glucans, exert the greatest influence on the body’s immune system.

Beta glucans are immune modulators, which means that they both up regulate and down regulate immune cells and messenger cytokines—they are considered immune balancing as opposed to being strictly immune stimulating.

A 2007 study of German children published in the journal Allergy found an inverse relationship between beta glucan exposure and atopic diseases, including eczema and asthma.

Animal studies have shown beta glucan ingestion to decrease the frequency and severity of hypersensitivity reactions.

This decrease in the hypersensitivity of the immune system may explain why medicinal mushrooms can help eczema sufferers.

At the same time, beta glucans have been shown to increase beneficial immune natural killer cells and decrease the incidence of infections.

Dietary consumption of beta glucans has also been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of heart disease and cancer.

Medicinal Mushroom Eczema Food Recipe: Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced medicinal mushrooms, a combination or all of one species
• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• ¾ cup leeks, using only the white part
• ½ cup chopped and toasted pecans or almonds
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté mushrooms for 3 minutes; add garlic and leeks and continuing sautéing for an additional 5 minutes.

Add rice and continuously stir mixture until rice is lightly browned, approximately 5-10 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Turn heat down to low, cover and let simmer until rice is fluffy and fluid is absorbed. This step should take roughly 20 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in toasted nuts and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy your immune hearty dish!

Related posts:

1. Eczema And Nutrition: The Nutrients Your Body Is Lacking Could Be Contributing To Your Eczema
2. Probiotics And Eczema: How The Bacteria Living In Your Gut Can Help Improve Your Eczema
3. Natural Remedies For Eczema

Understanding The Eczema And Immune System Connection

Eczema is a skin condition caused in part by a hyper reactive immune system.

This means that the immune system over responds to a stimulus, which can be from something in the environment or something internal.

Many therapies for eczema seek to either reduce the stimuli or suppress the immune response. Food allergy and environmental allergen testing is performed on many people with eczema to identify triggers and then advice avoidance of those triggers.

Medications, commonly steroids, are given either topically or internally to suppress the immune hyper response. The recommendations in this article will focus on natural, non-invasive methods for balancing immune health without suppressing.

Avoiding triggers makes sense initially but true healing will allow for reintroduction and better tolerance of immune stimuli in the long run.

Lifestyle Modification For Immune Balancing: Sleep, Exercise And Diet

For immune balancing and skin health, first focus on the basics.

Get adequate sleep, for most people this is 7-8 hours per night, but more during times of illness, pregnancy or growth. During sleep your body is producing different amounts of immune and repair cells than during the day, your immune system follows its own circadian rhythm.

Slow wave sleep increases growth hormone and cell repair while decreasing stress hormone secretion. Unfortunately, one recent study in the journal Sleep Med Review, showed that more than half of children with eczema experienced sleep disturbances.

Healing the immune system and eczema by supporting sleep could simultaneously reduce the rate of sleep disturbance and further improve sleep quality.

Exercise has been extensively examined in relationship to immune health.

Getting mild or moderate aerobic exercise can improve immune function, particularly improving the function of natural killer cells to target virus-infected cells and balancing immune cells called T cells, which play an important role in the hyper reactivity of eczema eruptions.

Exercise decreases resting levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases the release of endorphins, feel good molecules. Toxins are released through sweat during exercise.

It is important to point out that some eczema sufferers have exacerbations of itching with heavy sweating. Plan on wearing appropriate clothing to vent moisture and regulate body temperature.

The last lifestyle factor is perhaps the most important.

Diet plays a crucial role in the development and intensity of eczema. Not only do food allergies contribute to the pathogenesis (progression) of eczema in children, but also many food additives, coloring and preservatives are known immune irritants.

Much has been published recently regarding food additives and ADHD. One demonstrated mechanism of this has been an alteration in the breakdown of histamine. In eczema that same histamine molecule plays a lead role in the swelling, itching and inflammation.

Nutrients For Immune Health

1. Vitamin A is needed for proper growth and function of the thymus, an immune gland located in the chest. It increases natural killer cell activity and regulates antibody response.

Natural killer cells are responsible for identifying and neutralizing virus-infected cells and rejecting tumors. This is crucial for eczema sufferers who have increased risk of herpes virus and an inappropriate antibody response.

Vitamin A is also essential for proper repair of epithelial cells, the type of cell that makes up the surface of your skin. Liver, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe and apricots are good sources of Vitamin A.

The dosing for supplemental use is 10,000 IU per day, but this intake is not safe for pregnant women as high doses of Vitamin A can cause birth defects.

2. Quercetin & other bioflavonoids can decrease the release of histamine from immune cells by inhibiting an enzyme called cAMP phosphodiesterase. Histamine is a molecule that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the body.

It can change your blood vessel walls permeability, letting in more immune cells and contributing to the hyper response characteristic of eczema.

Histamine also provokes the itchiness experienced by nearly all eczema sufferers.

Foods rich in quercetin flavonoid are apples, onions, green tea and leafy green vegetables.

Supplemental quercetin should be dosed at 250mg twice daily.

3. Zinc deficiency has been found more commonly in eczema suffers than in the general population. Adequate zinc is required in the metabolism of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 fats that are crucial to both immune and skin health.

Foods sources of zinc include animal protein, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Zinc supplementation should be 15mg daily, ideally in the picolinate form for best absorption and utilization.

Herbal Medicine For Immune Health

1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb very popular in Traditional Chinese Medicnie for its immune supportive properties and adaptogenic properties.

Adaptogens help people adapt to stress by modulating the HPA axis, a hormone network within the body. Astragalus is especially appropriate for people with eczema for its immune benefits but also because decreasing stress can help prevent skin eruptions.

Astragalus has also been shown to decrease recurrence of asthma in children, improving another condition of immune hyper-reactivity.

2. Burdock root (Arcticum lappa) contains inulin, a phytochemical that activates a different pathway in the immune system called the alternate complement pathway.

This mechanism has been shown to be underutilized in persons with atopic dermatitis (eczema). Alternate complement pathway function is needed for killing bacteria, a problem especially important for eczema sufferers, as 90% will have the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus living on their skin.

Unfortunately, secondary infection of Staph aureus is not uncommon in eczema lesions.

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root also contains inulin like burdock root so it can help with the killing of hazardous bacteria. Dandelion also decreases inflammation, a hallmark of eczematous skin conditions.

It is also an herb that supports liver health and detoxification which can reduce internal immune stimuli such as heavy metals or solvents. Reducing body burden of toxins can decrease immune reactivity and subsequently reduce eczema eruptions.

Dandelion root also contains potent anti-oxidant function, neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Related posts:

1. NAET: How To Use Acupuncture Points To Train Your Body’s Immune System To Overcome Allergies And Eczema
2. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health
3. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health

What Is NAET?

NAET is an allergy elimination technique developed and pioneered by acupuncturist, chiropractor and medical doctor Devi S. Nambudripad.

She believed that removing blocks in the body’s energy channels could alleviate allergies. Devi herself experienced numerous food allergies while in chiropractic school in the early 80s.

She was able to overcome her allergens by administering acupuncture treatments while in contact with the allergen.

If a person has an allergy to corn, they will then receive a series of acupuncture treatments while holding a small piece of corn or having it lie on their body.

NAET is practiced both with acupuncture, involving needle penetration of acupuncture points, and with acupressure, where points are stimulated with pressure but not punctured with needles.

There are no age or health restrictions to NAET therapy. Infants and the elderly can both respond to the treatments.

What Types Of Conditions Can NAET Help?

• Food allergies, immediate or delayed
• Environmental allergies such as mold, dust or tobacco smoke
• Pet allergies from dog, cat or bird dander
• Eczema lesions provoked by allergies or energy blockages
• Emotional allergies that are triggered by anxiety or distress

The Relationship Between Allergies And Eczema

Roughly 1/3 to ½ of patients with eczema have at least one food allergy. The most common food triggers are milk, dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, citrus, soy and corn. However, any food can potentially be an allergen.

Environmental allergies can also provoke a hyper immune response, leading to eczema eruptions.

Common eczema triggers in the environment are hand soaps, detergents, molds, pollen, animal dander and wool clothing.

Allergens can cause direct damage to keratinocytes, cells that comprise the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. They can also disrupt the skin barrier and lead to breakdown of proteins.

Indirectly allergens stimulate the rush or inflammatory cells (cytokines) and immune cells (T-cells) into the skin. This leads to a cascade of reactions, which produce swelling, redness and itching.

What Can I Expect During An NAET Treatment?

NAET utilizes a technique called Applied Kinesiology where the practitioner tests the muscle strength of the patient while in the presence of a medicine, food or object.

Applied Kinesiology, also called muscle testing, will indicate if the substance is an allergen by causing a weakness in the tested muscle.

There are many variations of applied kinesiology but the most common one has the patient stand with both arm raised in front of them at chest level, palms facing upwards.

The practitioner places an object into one palm of the patient and then presses down on the opposite arm while the patient is told to resist this pressure.

An arm that drops more quickly suggests allergy or sensitivity to the offending agent. A strong arm indicates no problem with the tested item. This process is repeated on all suspected allergens.

Once the allergens have been discovered, the therapeutic part of the treatment can begin. The patient will hold one of the allergens during the acupuncture or acupressure treatment.

For roughly 15-20 minutes after the treatment the patient will continue holding the allergen. They will then be retested using the principles of Applied Kinesiology to see if the allergen has cleared.

If the allergy has cleared, the patient will be told to avoid the food or substance for at least 24 hours following treatment. This process is repeated until all allergies have been resolved.

Benefits Of NAET

1. Non-toxic, safe to use with a variety of medical conditions
2. Minimally invasive
3. Results are often long-lasting or permanent
4. Can eliminate the need for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
5. Helps with balancing immune system, restoring overall health

Limitations Of NAET

1. Process can be tedious, time-consuming if patient has numerous allergies

2. Cost of visits, especially if acupuncture is not covered by patient’s insurance

3. Cases studies of NAET have been published but there have been no randomized, clinical trials to date

Childhood Eczema Eradicated With NAET, A Patient Testimonial

Benjamin was smart, creative 4-year-old boy with chronic eczema, seasonal allergies and digestive upset. His parents had taken him to both the pediatrician and dermatologist looking for answers to the disfiguring eczema that was a permanent fixture on his cheeks, hands and abdomen. Ben was prescribed topical creams and oral anti-histamines. His lesions improved but always returned when treatment was discontinued or tapered. Ben’s dermatologist suggested oral steroids as a next step but the list of potential side effects alarmed his parents and they decided instead to turn to alternative medicine.

During the initial intake it was revealed that Ben had over 30 documented food and environmental allergens! He was a very bright preschooler who proudly listed off all of his dietary restrictions, which included peanuts, pineapple, tomatoes, eggs and bell peppers among others. Ben’s mom admitted that her son’s multiple allergies and sensitivities made both mealtime and play dates a planning nightmare.

Ben was started on supplements to decrease allergies and promote healing of his digestive tract. His parents purchased a high quality air purifier for his room and installed a water purification system. After 3 months Ben’s eczema had improved 30% but he continued to have outbreaks and digestive upset with trigger foods. Disappointed that he hadn’t had greater improvement; I referred Ben to an acupuncturist who performs NAET. Just after a month into treatment Ben’s mother called the office to say that he was able to eat tomatoes without itching for the first time since infancy. He was now able to eat pizza at birthday parties without feeling ostracized from the other kids. 6 months later I saw Ben for a follow up visit. He was now 5 years old and did not have a speck of eczema on his body and all of his food allergies had resolved.

Who Practices NAET And How Can I Find Them?

Many acupuncturists, naturopathic physicians, integrative medical doctors and chiropractors practice NAET. Dr. Nambudripad’s website has a list of providers trained through her institution.

Related posts:

1. Eczema & The Immune System: Balance Your Immune System To Improve Or Eradicate Your Eczema
2. Chinese Herbs And Acupuncture For Eczema: Treating Eczema Using Chinese Medicine Principals
3. Contact Dermatitis Treatment – Controlling Irritants and Allergies

What Is Detoxification And How Is It Related To My Eczema?

Detoxification is the process where the body gets rid of substances that are no longer beneficial or even harmful to your body functioning properly. This can be a metabolized pharmaceutical drug, heavy metals or digested food.

Your body developed this system of elimination so that is could safely interact with a complex world.

A caveman 7 thousand years ago could have eaten a poisonous berry or inhaled some burning brush; those foreign molecules needed to be removed from the body so as not to damage DNA or impede biochemical processes.

Unfortunately, a modern society has increased the burden of foreign material that your body needs to eradicate. However, there are ways to naturally support detoxification and encourage safe removal of the offending substances.

The organs of elimination are the liver, kidneys, lungs, colon (digestive tract) and skin. The skin is the largest organ of elimination, which helps your body to remove metabolic waste, noxious chemicals and excess heat.

If the skin is not doing this job efficiently or too much burden is being placed on your organs of elimination, diseases can develop. Eczema in particular is a skin disease of inflammation and immune system disruption.

Read on to discover ways to detoxify your body, which can improve your eczema.

In this article detoxification and cleanse will be used interchangeably although detoxification is more specifically describing the physiological process of elimination and cleanse is a term to describe diet, supplements and therapies to encourage that elimination.

Hydrotherapy And Saunas To Encourage Detoxification

1) Low Temperature Saunas

Low temperature saunas increase sweating and the elimination of toxins by the skin. To get an even greater benefit, use dry skin brushing prior to getting into the sauna.

Dry skin brushing opens the pores, removes epithelial tissue for easier secretion of toxins and promotes circulation and lympathic flow. A low temperature sauna should be between 110 and 120 degrees.

The frequency of saunas should be 3-5 times per week for around 30 minutes during a cleanse. Do not use sauna for detoxification if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or are under the age of 16.

Always consult your health care provider before beginning a detox program with saunas.

2) Drink Adequate Water

Drinking adequate water is essential for proper detoxification. Not only does water carry toxins metabolized by the kidney through formation of urine, it also produces the sweat which removes toxins via the skin.

This is crucial for eczema sufferers whose skin needs proper elimination of toxins. The general rule for water consumption is to drink half your body weight in ounces per day.

If you are a 200-pound person, you should drink 100 ounces of water per day. IF you are a 150 pounds person, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water each day.

3) Wet Sheet Pack

Be warned that the application of the wet sheet pack is not the cushy comfort of a spa treatment but it will reap the rewards of efficient detoxification.

Hydrotherapy using a wet sheet pack will require two full size or larger flat sheets (not fitted) and 1-2 wool blankets depending on the person’s size. Saturate the sheets with cool water and wring them out.

Wrap yourself first in the two sheets and then in the wool blanket(s). Make sure that the wool completely covers the entire sheet. Do not wrap your head.

Stay wrapped until the cool sheet is warmed; your body will dilate blood vessels and open your pores, which will encourage the removal of wastes through the skin.

The wet sheet pack should only be applied if your body is warm prior to its application, a person who is feeling chilled should not utilize this type of hydrotherapy.

Often the wet sheets will change color to reflect the material being expelled. Smokers often have a brownish tinge to their warmed sheets.

4) Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths have long been used to help alleviate joint pain and muscle cramps.

Epsom salts are made from magnesium sulfate, a mineral complex that can be absorbed into the skin and is strongly anti-inflammatory, by manipulating the NFkappaB pathway.

Both magnesium and sulfur are necessary for biotransformation, the body’s process of changing toxins to make them easier to excrete.

Magnesium sulfate has also been demonstrated in animal studies to reduce stress-induced oxidative damage. Use 2 cups of Epsom salts in a bathtub of water.

Cleansing Foods:

1) Artichokes

Artichokes help support proper liver function. The liver is responsible for biotransformation; the process of making substances more polar and therefore easier for the body to eliminate.

Artichoke leaves have also been shown in research to lower cholesterol levels. They also have benefit in treating indigestion and have evidence for repairing diseased liver when used in conjunction with milk thistle.

2) Lemon

Lemon can influence the pH of your body, prompting secretion of alkalinizing molecules that then make your body overall more alkaline and improve the function of certain enzymatic reactions. These reactions are crucial to detoxification.

3) Garlic

Garlic has been shown to increase the elimination of heavy metals in Chinese coal miners. It also contains sulfur, a component necessary for certain pathways of liver elimination of toxins. Eat 1-2 cloves per day.

4) Rice Bran

Rice bran has been shown in published data to bind to fat-soluble toxins, promoting their elimination. It acts much like a fiber, ushering the potentially hazardous chemicals out of the body via the bile and stool.

5) Oolong Tea

Oolong tea has benefits for elimination of fat-soluble toxins. The polyphenols in the tea inhibit your body’s pancreatic lipase, which increases the fat content in the stool.

Fattier stool can bind with fat-soluble toxins and excrete them when you have a bowel movement. Animals studies have shown better excretion of PCBs with intake of tea polyphenols.

Nutrients For Detoxification

1. Magnesium– Methylation is one of the primary channels for biotransformation, adding a methyl group to the toxic substance so that it can be more easily eliminated.

Methyltransferase enzyme is partially dependent on magnesium, so magnesium deficiency can decrease methylation.

Dosing of magnesium for detoxification is 150mg twice daily, preferably in the magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate forms.

2. Vitamin C –this famous vitamin is necessary for proper function of Cytochrome P450, which is the first step in elimination of hazardous materials from the body.

Vitamin C reduces the toxicity of heavy metals such as lead, hydrocarbons, PCBs, pesticides and some pharmaceuticals, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) poisoning.

3. Selenium– this mineral is essential for the formation of glutathione, the foundation of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which is crucial for biotransformation of fat-soluble toxins.

Logistics Of Cleansing: How Often And For How Long Should I Do A Detox Or Cleanse?

A cleanse should help a patient to feel better and improve symptoms of eczema. Occasionally, a person will experience a brief exacerbation of eczema as the toxins are leaving the body and aggravating tissues on the way out.

A lower intensity detox will prevent aggravation in most individuals. An overall healthy person would benefit from a yearly 7 to 14 day cleanse.

A person experiencing symptoms of toxicity, including skin eruptions like eczema, should expect to do an initial 3 week cleanse followed by repeat cleanses every 2-6 months depending on the body burden and their living environment.

If a person is able to restore health and clean up their lifestyle, working conditions and living space; he or she may not need to have periods of cleanse.

Instead, incorporating in nutrients and food to support biotransformation and elimination may be sufficient enough to maintain health.

Additional Resources:

Read the ebook Vanish Eczema for additional nontoxic, natural methods of clearing up your eczema.

The simple steps tell you what to avoid as well as what to include in your diet and lifestyle.

Related posts:

1. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health
2. Eczema & The Immune System: Balance Your Immune System To Improve Or Eradicate Your Eczema
3. Probiotics And Eczema: How The Bacteria Living In Your Gut Can Help Improve Your Eczema

It is a well-known fact that the rate of eczema is much higher in more Western, developed countries. This disparity was explained as a difference in diet, climate and hygiene habits.

Research has shown a correlation between eczema and anxiety, which psychologists attributed to increased distress about the appearance and symptoms of eczema.

Plainly, it was thought that having a skin condition such as eczema led to an increased risk of patient’s having more anxiety.

An exciting new study found higher stress and anxiety levels produced chemicals that led to an inflammatory response in the skin, resulting in increased rates of eczema eruptions.

Therefore, we circle back to the higher eczema rates in developed regions and speculate if some of that difference could be attributed to the higher incidence of anxiety and mental illness in those societies.

This article will discuss ways to reduce your stress and anxiety, improve mood and subsequently improve your immune and skin health.

The Science Behind The Mind Body Connection

Mind body medicine is a field of therapy that works to manipulate the psychophysiological connections between the nervous system, brain, hormones and immune system.

When the brain receives a stimulus from the environment such as traffic gridlock on a morning when you’re already late to work or a fight with your spouse; it then transmits that information to your body so that it can respond with a coordinated, appropriate response.

This stress response, commonly referred to as flight or fight, was intended to keep humans safe from mortal dangers such as fleeing from a carnivorous animal or avoiding injury in a confrontation.

Fast forward to modern times and the flight or flight response can be elicited dozens of times in a single day!

Final exams, project deadlines, family drama, financial strain, childcare duties and chronic illness can all take a toll on your body’s ability to cope with stress, by constantly stimulating your psychophysiological pathways.

The placebo effect is another well documented feature of the mind body connection.

Placebo effect occurs when a person believes they have received a therapy that they have not actually received, and they have an improvement in symptoms despite the fact that nothing therapeutic was actually administered.

Some studies have reported placebo benefit upwards of 70% and others have had cases of complete, permanent resolution of symptoms. Typically, placebo is measured by giving patients dummy pills.

Eczema And Anxiety: Understanding The Relationship

The higher rate of anxiety among eczema sufferers was thought to be a result of stress and embarrassment from the skin lesions. Now, new research suggests more of a vicious circle of anxiety actually exacerbating eczema.

The dermatology study group at Yonsei University College in South Korea demonstrated that eczema patients had higher levels of neuro-peptide Y and nerve growth factor in their epidermis and dermis (skin layers) as compared to healthy controls, people who did not have eczema.

Those patients with the highest levels of neuro-peptide Y and nerve growth factor had more pruritis (itching) and also reported more stress and anxiety on their questionnaires.

When your body experiences stress it activates the HPA axis, which is comprised of your hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. They in turn produce signals that tell the immune system to manufacture Type 2 T helper cells (Th2) which release neurotrophin and neuropeptide.

The neurotrophin and neuropeptide create changes in the skin barrier and lowering the itch threshold.

In summary, stress and your body’s response to that stress leads to a chain of biochemical reactions in the body which lead to an environment more at risk for developing eczema and worsening eczema symptoms, specifically itchiness.

Ways To Reduce Stress Naturally

1) Meditation is a way to slow down the processing in the frontal lobe of your brain, where higher thinking and active mind takes place.

Many people will mull over their problems and worries, keeping the brain active and sending those psychophysiologic messages to other parts of your body, including your immune system and skin.

During meditation people focus on their breathing, a visualization, a phrase called a mantra or a positive feeling. Meditation trains your brain to keep from wandering into negative thinking or anxious worry.

2) Tai chi, qi gong and yoga are gentle exercises that promote activation of your parasympathetic nervous system and halt your sympathetic nervous system (flight or fight).

When you are in a parasympathetic state your body can digest, relax, rest and repair. All of these exercise forms have an emphasis on breathing and some elements of meditation.

3) Biofeedback is a treatment administered by a trained professional that teaches your body to stop the stress response when presented with a stimulus.

It is a form of reconditioning that can help with anxiety or depression and is also useful for helping to control hypertension and ADD/ADHD.

Non-invasive heart rate and brain wave monitors are used to help modify physiological patterns. The patient can watch visualizations and then alter their breathing and thinking patterns to change their heart rate, brain waves and even pain perception.

4) Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help people learn how to modify their reactions to stressors.

A primary principle of cognitive behavioral therapy is for the patient to be able to observe and recognize their thoughts and mood, so that they are then able to make adjustments towards a healthier emotional response.

For example, if a person were to get a bad review from their boss they might feel angry, disappointed, nervous and embarrassed.

Psychotherapy teaches you to validate those feelings but then recognize that they will not improve the situation, enabling a shift to problem solving instead of stagnant negative thinking.

Nutrients And Herbs To Reduce Anxiety And Improve Mood

1) Theanine is a molecule found in green tea that reduces stimulation of glutamate receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and improving mental focus.

The structure of theanine is similar to amino acids. It has been discovered to reduce the death of neurons (nerve cells inside the brain) from overstimulation and oxidative stress.

The dosing for anxiety is 50 to 100mg twice daily.

2) Inositol is a nutrient often classified in the B vitamin, although the body can synthesize it, so it is not considered essential.

Inositol is both calming and hormone balancing. It’s also been shown to help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, indicating possible deficiency or genetic utilization difficulties in that population.

Inositol is found in food, especially citrus fruits and melons. Dosing is 1 gram taken three times per day.

3) Passion flower (passiflora incarnata) is an herb long used to calm the nerves of anxious people.

The flowers and leaves of passiflora have constituents, including indole alkaloids and coumarins, which are anti-spasmodic and mildy sedating.

The dose for anxiety is a tea of 1 teaspoon per cup of water, 1ml of a 1:5 tincture, or 2 grams of solid herb taken three times daily.

Passion flower should not be used long term or in high dose during pregnancy as it contains harmoline, which can stimulate the uterus.

Additional Resources

Vanish Eczema is an ebook with natural, easy to follow recommendations to improve and even eradicate eczema.

Decreasing your stress response will improve your health and can improve your eczema.

In addition it is also essential to learn proper nutrition, learn how to detoxify your body and natural methods to calm your immune system.

Related posts:

1. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health
2. Skin Products And Eczema: How To Choose Healthy Cleansers And Cosmetics For Eczema
3. Probiotics And Eczema: How The Bacteria Living In Your Gut Can Help Improve Your Eczema

Having eczema can make it even more difficult to navigate all of the products at the beauty counter. There are ingredients in skincare products and cosmetics that can aggravate eczema, particularly on the face.

Read this guide to learn not only what ingredients to avoid but also what ingredients can be beneficial for eczema sufferers.

When using a product for the first time, it’s a good idea to patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it generously.

Even hypoallergenic, naturally derived ingredients can potentially trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals.

Labeling laws in the United States and European Union require manufacturers to list the ingredients in their beauty and hygiene products.

If you can’t find an ingredient list on the label or product insert, then check the manufacturer’s website as ingredients are often listed there as well.

AVOID THESE INGREDIENTS:

1) Phthalates – synthetic chemicals man-made to soften plastic, phthalates are used in cosmetics, cleaners and body creams.

Phthalates are strictly regulated in Europe and have been banned in baby products by the European Union but in America there is still little oversight.

Beauty product manufacturers continue to use phthalates as emulsifiers and stabilizers—phthalates are basically utilized as fillers in the beauty industry.

Pthalates have been demonstrated in research to aggravate eczema, possibly because of disruption in immune system function or alternatively, because they are directly inflammatory to the tissue.

2) Parabens – are chemicals used in beauty products, which have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body, activating estrogen receptors.

Studies have found parabens in breast cancer tissue and animal studies have shown disruption in hormone signaling the presence of parabens.

Other names listed on ingredients for parabens are butyl, isobutyl, propyl and isopropyl parabens.

Patients with eczema that is aggravated with hormonal events such as the menstrual cycle, puberty, menopause, pregnancy or the post-partum period should be especially careful to avoid parabens.

3) Methylisothiazolinone And Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MIT)– these preservatives found commonly in beauty products are known to have a neurotoxic effect to animal brain cells.

They are irritants and commonly provoke allergic response in users, including contact dermatitis, a form of eczema.

Manufacturers put MITs in products as preservatives but also because they have anti-microbial properties, inhibiting growth of bacteria and mold.

4) DMDM hydantoin And Bronopol – these preservatives used in cosmetics and body products break down into formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

These compounds are antigens that are known to provoke an allergic response in many people.

DMDM hydantoin has been demonstrated to irritate sensitive skin and its predecessor formaldehyde is a neurotoxin, meaning it can damage nerve tissue in the body.

5) Fragrance – this term can refer to the thousands of different synthetic and naturally derived aromatic chemicals that are added to products to give them a characteristic scent.

Fragrances are among the most likely ingredients to cause an allergic response in a person with eczema.

Many artificial fragrances are also hormone disruptors, interfering with the proper signaling of hormones in the body.

BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS:

1) Cocoa Butter – Emollient and nourishing, cocoa butter is indicated for dry, scaling eczema.

The culinary world is familiar with the use of cocoa butter in chocolate treats and bakery but this vegetable fat extracted from the cocoa bean is also a potent moisturizer and anti-pruritic, decreasing itchiness.

A 2008 publication in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found the polyphenols in cocoa butter to improve skin elasticity and tone by improving the integrity of glycosaminoglycans and collagens I, III and IV.

2) Honey – Antimicrobial and healing to epithelial tissue, the outermost layer of the skin, honey is nature’s answer to a variety of skin conditions.

It has been shown to benefit diabetic foot ulcers, radiation burns and mucositis (mouth sores).

For eczema, lotions and creams with honey can help prevent secondary infections and promote healing of ulcerated or raw lesions.

Manukaderm is a product of medical grade honey with research backing its efficacy.

3) Cardiospermum Halicacabum – a viney plant native to southeastern United States, Cardiospermum is strongly anti-inflammatory and has been demonstrated as beneficial in eczematous conditions as well as psoriasis and xerosis (dry skin).

Commonly called Balloon Vine or Heart Vine, Cardiospermum is used as an ingredient in lotions and gels but it also diluted into a homeopathic preparation to make eczema creams.

Florasone is a 10% Cardiospermum eczema cream that is all-natural and does not contain any artificial fragrances or irritating fillers.

4) Mineral Makeup – cosmetics made from minerals are naturally derived and non-occlusive which allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk for irritation.

This non-occlusive property, called non-comedogenic by the cosmetics industry, also means that pores are not blocked and the risk for acne breakout is also lessened.

Rejuva Minerals makes purified mineral cosmetics that are screened for trace heavy metals and other contaminants.

Bare Minerals, a popular mineral makeup line, has some products that contain aluminum powder, artificial fragrances and retinyl palmitate; ingredients that have known health risks.

Avoid these ingredients when purchasing mineral makeup.

5) Oats And Oatmeal – the seeds of Avena Sativa, commonly referred by breakfast eaters everywhere as oatmeal, are used topically to soothe inflammation and decrease pruritis (itchiness).

Oatmeal can be applied to the skin in a variety of forms – as oatmeal baths, poultices and compresses.

It is also added to commercially available lotions and creams.

For an oatmeal bath add one tablespoon of oats for every gallon of water.

Trader Joe’s makes great oatmeal and honey soaps safe for eczema sufferers.

Coastal Classic Creations has an oatmeal facial cleanser and mask that can help soothe facial eczema.

Additional Resources:

1. The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization with a website dedicated to giving consumers information about the health risks of beauty and hygiene products.

The website is called Skin Deep. You can search for brand, ingredient, or individual product information.

2. Vanish Eczema is an ebook with natural, simple steps to help eliminate eczema.

It’s an easy read and based on methods that work quickly and safely to reduce the severity and incidence of eczema.

Related posts:

1. Eczema & Candida: Yeast Could Be Causing Your Skin Eruptions
2. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health
3. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health

Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly referred to by its acronym TCM, is a two thousand year old system of medicine that utilizes herbs, acupuncture and diet to correct imbalances in the body.

TCM methods can help treat eczema by identifying the pattern of symptoms. TCM methods take into consideration not only the appearance of the rash but also the constitution and overall health of the person.

First you need to identify the Chinese diagnosis of your eczema as the treatment is individualized to both the presentation of the eczema and the constitution of the person.

Follow the instruction below to discover your TCM eczema diagnosis and select the appropriate acupuncture points, herbs and foods for natural healing.

A Short Lesson In Chinese Diagnosis:

In TCM a diagnosis is made by interviewing a patient using an outline of 10 questions.

The answers, in combination with the appearance of the patient’s tongue and the type of wrist pulse are used to determine a diagnosis and then the subsequent treatments.

Jot down your answers to the following questions to help yourself identify your TCM diagnosis.

TEN QUESTIONS:

1. Pain

Does the person have pain and what is the location of that pain? What is the quality of the pain; is it sharp, dull, throbbing, stabbing or aching?

2. Cold/Heat

Are you a person who is generally warm or do you have a tendency to feel cooler than most people in the same environment? Do you kick the covers off at night or are you reaching for your Snuggie?

3. Perspiration

Does the patient sweat easily or never sweat? Where does the person sweat—is it only on the head or feet or is it all over? Is there an odor to the sweat: sour, sweet or putrid?

4. Appetite

Since the eczema began, has the person been more or less hungry? Has there been any change in weight? Any particular new food cravings or aversions?

5. Thirst

Is the patient thirsty or thirstless? Are you gulping down ice cold water or do you prefer to sip warm drinks?

6. Urination And Bowel Habits

Are you more constipated or do you have diarrhea? What is the color and consistency of the stool? Is the urine pale or yellow, is it clear or bright yellow?

7. Sleep

What are the sleep habits of the eczema patient? Does the eczema patient have a tendency towards insomnia or are they overly sleepy?

8. Menstruation

For ladies, this question asks about the appearance of the menstrual period as well as the flow.

Are her periods typically light (called scanty in Chinese medicine) or heavy? Is the menstrual blood bright red, dark or very light?

9. Hearing

Do you hear ringing in your ears or are you hard of hearing?

In TCM, hearing tells the practitioner much about the ears but also refers to kidney health as the kidney opens to the ears according to Chinese medicine principals.

10. Emotional Health

Is the patient angry, sad, depressed or frightened?

Different emotional states correspond with disease in an organ. For example, in TCM, depression is associated with problems in the heart or liver.

Eczema Chinese Diagnoses

Using the answers from the previous questions will help you discover which Chinese diagnosis most fits your eczema and lead to the proper selection of foods, herbal medicines and acupuncture points to treat your condition.

For advanced methods of diagnosis, using tongue appearance and wrist pulse please reference to a Chinese medicine text such as Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine or The Web that Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine.

1. Damp Heat

‣ Eczema sores have pus or fluid discharges

‣ Eczema that is painful, red and swollen

‣ Health conditions are aggravated by sugar, alcohol and fried/fatty foods

‣ People have a tendency to have cystitis (bladder irritation, infections) and bronchitis

2. Blood Deficiency

‣ Pale, anemic individuals with eczema

‣ People with blood deficiency have a weak pulse with pale tongue

‣ Blood deficient individuals have dry, itchy skin and dry, scaling eczema

3. Wind

‣ Symptoms appear without warning and change often

‣ People are prone to neurological conditions such as jerkiness, poor coordination or dizziness

‣ Eczema caused by a wind condition is particularly itchy and sore

4. Qi Stagnation

‣ Not a primary eczema Chinese diagnosis but can accompany other diagnoses of heat, damp heat, blood deficiency or wind

‣ People with qi stagnation often have gas: belching and flatulence

‣ Qi stagnation can manifest as a feeling of pressure or fullness. This can affect any body part but is most frequently the extremities (arm & legs), head or abdomen

It’s important to note that a person can have a combination of more than one Chinese diagnosis at a time.

If a person has signs of both wind and heat then they should look for an herbal formula and acupuncture points that address both of those conditions.

Chinese Herbs For Eczema

In Traditional Chinese Medicine herb combinations are used instead of single herbs. They are often called patent medicine or Chinese patent herbs.

1. LIEN CHIAO PAI TU PIEN – good for conditions with Chinese diagnosis of heat, wind. Contains scutellaria, jasmine, forsythia and red peony.

2. DANG QUI YIN ZI WAN – works well for anemic people (blood deficiency) with wind signs. Contains angelica, ligusticum, licorice and astragalus among other herbs.

3. XIAO FENG WAN – eczema sufferers with signs of wind and damp would benefit from this formula.

Contains the following herbs: sophora , gypsum, rehmannia, articum lappa, sesame, angelica and licorice root.

4. BI XIE SHENG SHI WAN – use this formula for eczema if you have damp heat signs. It literally translates to “subdue the dampness.”

Herbs in this formula include dioscorea, phellodendron, plantago, paeonia and gardenia fruit.

5. JIA WEI XIAO YAO SAN – the herbs in this formula are indicated for those with qi stagnation and heat signs.

Herbs commonly in Jia Wei Xiao Yao San are paeonia, poria, atractylodes, gardenia, bupleurum, ginger, mint and licorice.

ChineseNaturalHerbs and ChineseHerbsDirect are online vendors of Chinese combination herbal formulas.

None of these formulas should be taken by pregnant or nursing mothers without the advice of an acupuncturist or physician trained in traditional Chinese medicine.

What Is Acupuncture And How Can It Help My Eczema?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment that involves penetrating specific points on the skin with very thin needles.

The points correspond with different organs of the body as well as different body functions.

Depending on how the needles are inserted, the acupuncturist is working to either tonify (build up) or release energy to improve health and treat diseases.

If you do not have access to an acupuncturist then an alternative is to stimulate those points by either rubbing, applying pressure or by using acupressure beads that stick to the points.

These are different forms of acupressure and patients can reap considerable benefit. Seeing a licensed acupuncturist for treatment is the best option if you are able to do so.

Acupuncture For Eczema: The Most Important Points

All of these points are bilateral, meaning that they are found on the same place on both the right and left side of the body.

These descriptions will help guide you to the general location of the eczema points but please consult an acupuncture text, acupuncture mannequin or a web resource such as acupuncture.com’s point finder or pointfinder.org to help you more precisely locate the indicated point.

Lung 4

This point helps regulate qi and blood, particularly in the chest. It’s used for congestion, cough and asthmas in addition to eczema.

Location: This point is found on the inner aspect of your biceps muscle on your upper arm. Lung 4 is located 5 thumbwidths (use your own thumb for best accuracy) above the crease your arm makes when your elbow is flexed.

Lung 11

Use this point to heal wind eczema conditions. It can also help with nose bleeds, asthma and fainting.

Location: Just below the lower thumbnail, in the cuticle. It’s the side of the thumbnail farthest away from your pointer finger.

Heart 9

This point is used to treat both heat and wind eczema. It’s often used to treat emotional problems including hysteria and mania.

Location: Located on the little finger, just below the nail, in the cuticle on the side closest to your ring finger.

Spleen 2

Stimulating this point helps to clear heat from the body. Use it in eczema with a diagnosis of heat or damp heat.

It’s also used in fevers, gout, constipation and stomach pain.

Location: This point is on the big toe, just behind and slightly below the first joint. It’s on the side closest to the midline of your body (closest to your other foot, too).

Look for the section of skin which transitions from whiter (or darker depending on ethnicity) skin to pinker skin as Spleen 2 is located on this transition point.

Spleen 6

An essential point for women’s health and digestion, Spleen 6 is also a major acupuncture point for skin conditions. Use it in eczema with blood deficiency or dampness.

Location: Spleen 6 is located just above the inner ankle. It is directly 3 thumb widths above the medial malleolus, which is the boney bump of your inner ankle.

Urinary Bladder 54

Also abbreviated as UB 54, urinary bladder 54 is a point that helps with lower back pain, urinary problems, hemorrhoids and constipation.

For eczema, it works to move stagnation and promote elimination of toxins.

Location: UB 54 is located in the lower part of your sacrum, which is the boney structure connecting your spine to your hips.

It’s 3 thumb widths away from the midline of your spine. You’ll feel an indentation/depression, which is your 4^th sacral foramen (a hole that nerves and other vessels can pass through).

UB 54 is on the hiatus of the sacrum, therefore, it’s located in the last indentation (the lowest, closest to your tailbone).

Liver 11

This point is used to regulate the blood and is used in menstrual difficulties in addition to eczema. Use it for eczema diagnoses of blood heat or qi stagnation.

Liver 11 is often stimulated in eczema conditions aggravated by hormonal fluctuations such as puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or menopause.

It is also useful for eczema secondary to a sluggish liver function and environmental toxicity.

Location: This point is located on the beginning part of the thigh. Trace along your pubic bone and find the point where it bulges up a little (called the pubic tubercle).

Liver 11 is two thumb widths below the pubic tubercle, on the edge of a muscle called the abductor longus.

Kidney 12

This point is used to tonify qi. It’s indicated for people who are depleted and exhausted. Kidney 12 is used to treat eczema but it’s also recommended for impotence and uterine prolapse.

Location: Find your belly button and then go four thumb widths down towards your feet and ½ of a thumb width to the right and left.

The right and left Kidney 12 points are only one thumbwidth away from each other.

Large Intestine 4

This point is traditionally used to decrease pain and for conditions affecting the face. It is also a great mover of qi and blood in the body.

Use it for eczema on the face or neck. Also very important to use it for eczema with wind heat or qi stagnation.

Location: LI 4 is found on the hand in the fleshy mound of tissue between the thumb and pointer finger when you are holding the thumb firmly against the hand.

It’s anatomical location is between the 1^st and 2^nd metacarpal bones.

Large Intestine 11

LI 11 is the abbreviated name for large intestine 11. It is a huge point in TCM, helping to clear wind heat, heat, blood heat and dampness.

It is used with many skin conditions but is particularly good at clearing up eczema with any signs of damp heat.

This point is also used to clear redness, help reduce hypertension and improve symptoms of arthritis in the upper body.

Location: Flex your elbow with your palm pointed upward and LI11 is located at the very outer edge of the crease (lateral).

TCM Diet Recommendations for Eczema

1. Black soybeans: Helps to detoxify and move blood. Benefits the kidney and spleen.

2. Egg yolks (chicken): Nutrition for the blood, benefits the heart and kidneys.

3. Clams, freshwater preferably: Detoxifies, benefits the kidney and liver.

4. Mung beans: Cooling bean, benefits eczema with heat signs. Helps detoxify and benefits the heart and spleen.

5. Potatoes: Decreases inflammation, builds up qi. Benefits the spleen (digestion in TCM).

6. Olives: Beneficial to the lung and stomach. Helps build up qi and blood.

7. Fresh young coconut, including the firm meat and shell: Brings moistures, improves dry eczema.

8. Fava beans in their pod: Decreases swelling and builds up qi. Good for the stomach and spleen.

Additional Resources:

The ebook Vanish Eczema is a great resource to find additional natural strategies to eradicate eczema. It’s an easy read and offers clear, simple suggestions that actually work.

Two easy to read TCM books are Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine and The Web that Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine.

Related posts:

1. Eczema And Nutrition: The Nutrients Your Body Is Lacking Could Be Contributing To Your Eczema
2. Protecting Yourself When Trying Out New Eczema Therapies
3. Eczema Cure – Natural Cure for Eczema

It might seem bizarre on first glance to conceptualize that billions of tiny organisms living inside your digestive tract could influence the itching sensation of an eczema patch on your leg or the redness and oozing of an eruption on your cheek.

After reading this article you will understand the complex relationship between gut health, microorganisms (the probiotics) and eczema.

You will also be able to select foods and supplements to consume probiotics in the correct forms and amounts.

The first clue that gut bacteria could play a role in risk for developing eczema came with the discovery that breastfed babies have a reduced incidence, prolonged onset and decreased severity of eczema.

Initially these benefits were attributed to the passage of immune cells called antibodies but research has shown that breastfeeding moms taking probiotics created an even greater eczema protective benefit in their children.

Fortunately for eczema sufferers the benefits of probiotics can be achieved long after infancy.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are bacteria that are native to your digestive tract, which means that they are normally found in a healthy small and large intestine.

The population of good bacteria living in your gut can fluctuate depending on diet, antibiotic use and even stress. Most traditional cultures around the world had some forms of probiotic bacteria in their diet.

For Indians this was yogurt added to curries. The South Americans aged cheeses and the Asians fermented vegetables.

The bacteria in your digestive tract affect the way you digest and assimilate nutrients. Good bacteria help the body process and remove toxins.

They also influence the mucosal barrier (the inner lining of the digestive tract), which in turn can affect immune system function.

This last duty is where we see the most powerful relationship between probiotics and eczema.

If there is not a sufficient mucosal barrier then food and environmental antigens can cross over into the blood stream, habitually activating the immune system and leading to hyperactivity.

This hyperactivity is the hallmark of eczema conditions.

The Best Probiotics For Eczema

There are over 500 different strains of bacteria in the average colon but only 30 or so comprise the bulk and dominate metabolic activity and gut health.

The following are the top 3 of good bugs to promote health and decrease incidence and severity of eczema.

1. Lactobacillus Acidophilus

This probiotic strain is the most well-known as it is used to culture yogurts and other dairy foods.

A recent Japanese study showed intake of lactobacillus significantly improved symptoms of eczema and created a decline in cytokines, which are inflammatory immune cells.

2. Bifidobacterium

Not as well-known as lactobacillus, bifidobacteria are actually more prevalent in the colon and several large studies have recently shown superior benefit in regulating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Children at high risk for eczema who took a blend of bifidobacteria species in the first 3 months of life had decreased incidence of eczema compared to those in the placebo group.

3. Sacchromyces Boulardi

This beneficial bug is actually a yeast strain instead of a bacterium but don’t get it confused with pathogenic yeast like candida.

Sacchromyces boulardi increases the secretion of IgA in the intestines; this protects the immune system from being over stimulated by antigens such as food allergies or environmental toxins.

Sacchromyces has also proven effective in eradicating clostridium difficile, an infection of the colon that is extremely virulent.

Eczema And Probiotics: What To Look For In A Probiotic Supplement

If you are going to purchase a probiotic supplement, check to see that the vendor has quality control measures to ensure that what is claimed on the label matches what is inside the capsule.

This information should be on the package or insert paperwork. If it isn’t then you will need to contact the manufacturer to request it.

If a manufacturer does not do quality control testing by a third party then you do not want to buy their probiotic.

For maintenance, daily probiotic intake to help with eczema or for general health you need at least 5 billion cells of each bifidobacteria species and lactobacillus, taken twice daily.

The dosage of sacchromyces boulardi is typically given in milligrams. Take 250mg twice daily.

Generally, probiotics are taken for a period of 3-6 months so that a healthy population can be established in the digestive tract.

Some practitioners give high dose probiotics for one month and then wean down to the maintenance dose for the following months.

There are some patients who need probiotics indefinitely if they are not able to get them through diet.

High dose probiotics can range from 10 billion cells twice daily upwards of 50 billion cells three times daily.

These mega doses should not be done without clinical supervision because it is possible to get bacterial overgrowth of beneficial bacteria.

Eczema And Probiotics: Consume Prebiotics For Added Benefit

Some probiotic supplements now advertise that they contain prebiotics.

Prebiotics are the food source of the beneficial bacteria. Carbohydrate complexes called oligosaccharides are added to probiotic powders and capsules.

Common oligosaccharides include polydextrose, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

Soluble fiber and even some types of insoluble fiber also provide nutrition for the probiotic microbes to flourish.

Food sources of prebiotics:

• Onions
• Asparagus
• Garlic
• Dandelion greens
• Chicory root
• Artichokes
• Wheat bran

Foods With Live Probiotics For Eczema:

1. Yogurt in any form: soy, cow’s milk, goat’s milk or coconut. Check the label to see that it says the product contains live cultures.

2. Kefir: like yogurt but more liquidy since the extra fluid is not drained off.

3. Saurkraut

4. Sour cream

5. Kim Chi (Korean pickled and fermented cabbage—it tastes better than it sounds!)

6. Raw milk, although this is not readily available in all areas and needs to be cultivated in such a way as to avoid food-borne illness

Recipes To Incorporate Good Bacteria Into Your Diet:

1. Healthy Start Yogurt Smoothie

For your yogurt smoothie you can either purchase commercially available yogurt or you can make your own using a yogurt starter base.

If you buy your yogurt from the store, make sure that it says it contains live cultures; the two species to look for are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium.

Activia is a brand of yogurt that advertizes its content of both strains of good bacteria.

If you have a food allergy or sensitivity to cow dairy products you may be able to tolerate goat’s yogurt, which is available at many health food stores.

Non-dairy yogurts such as soy, rice or coconut can also be substituted as long as they say on the label that the product contains live cultures.

Blend the following ingredients together:

• one medium frozen peeled banana

• ¾ cup frozen strawberries

• one tablespoon flax seeds for fiber and essential fatty acids

• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt

• one cup orange juice or ½ cup orange juice with ½ cup milk (you can use cow’s milk or a dairy alternative such as soy, hazelnut, coconut or almond milk)

• optional sweetener: 2 tablespoons agave nectar or one teaspoon stevia

2. Killer Coconut Kefir (Vegan)

To make homemade coconut kefir you will need a starter culture of the good bacteria kefir grains, sugar and a young coconut.

If you don’t have access to fresh coconuts you can substitute for coconut milk.

1. Pour the juice of two fresh coconuts into a mason jar.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of kefir grains.

3. Cover with cheesecloth or dishtowel and let sit on the counter at room temperature for approximately 24 hours.

4. Kefir clumps will rise to the top and the mixture should smell somewhat similar to yogurt: sour and tangy.

Drain mixture through thin-wired colander or sieve to remove clumps. Alternatively blend clumps into mixture.

5. Flavor with natural sweetener such as honey, agave or maple syrup.

You can use coconut kefir with granola, on top of fruit salad or blend into a smoothie. It can be whipped with a mixer to make a healthy topping for desserts.

Additional Resources:

Cultures for Health is a website with a variety of kefir grains.

Probiotics Supplements is a website that carries a large variety of different products, including supplements that have all of the strains discussed for benefit with eczema.

Vanish Eczema is an excellent ebook for learning additional natural methods to treat and prevent eczema.

Related posts:

1. Eczema & The Immune System: Balance Your Immune System To Improve Or Eradicate Your Eczema
2. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health
3. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health