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

Among the many varied causative factors of eczema, contact with an irritating or allergenic substance is both the most common and the most significant.

Common household cleaning products can contain chemicals and artificial fragrances, which can aggravate or trigger eczema in users.

Direct contact is the most likely mechanism to cause skin eruptions, but inhaling or indirectly touching objects that have been cleaned can also activate the body’s immune response, leading to an outbreak of eczema.

Natural, non-toxic cleaning products can be bought online, in many health food stores and increasingly, in local grocery stores and big box retailers such as Target or Home Depot.

You can also easily and safely make your own cleaning formulas using common household ingredients.

This article will outline safe alternatives to chemical-laden cleaning products, helping you on your path to better skin and better health.

1. Air Fresheners

Look at the ingredient list of your store bought air freshener, and there is a good chance that one of the main ingredients is formaldehyde, a chemical used to embalm and preserve the dead!

Formaldehyde has been shown to increase the risk for cancer and it can cause headaches, fatigue and skin rashes, including eczema.

The artificial fragrances in air fresheners are highly allergenic, prompting a hyper immune response, leading to eczema outbreaks.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Essential Oils such as lavender, eucalyptus or vanilla.

Use 10 drops in 8 ounces of water or purchase an essential oil ring that sits on top of your light bulb. The heat from the light bulb disperses the fragrance more rapidly.

‣ Proper ventilation will improve both the air quality and scent of your home. Read our section on air purifiers for more information.

‣ Herb & spice potpourri. Make your own assortment of dried herbs and spices or purchase a premade selection, just make sure it doesn’t have added chemicals listed on the label.

‣ Citrus scents are both invigorating and non-toxic. Most natural food stores carry air fresheners sourced from grapefruit, lemon, orange or lime.

You can also use freshly peeled citrus or stud your citrus with cloves for a homemade fresh fragrance.

2. Dishwashing Soap

Conventional dish soaps use concentrated chlorine and phosphates. They are extremely irritating to mucus membranes and the skin.

Many eczema sufferers can have immune trigger from washing dishes with these soaps or from coming in contact with automatic dishwasher liquids and powders.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ A 1 to 1 ratio of borax and baking soda makes a cheap, healthy powder for dishwashers. Most dishwashers will require 3-5 tablespoons of the mixture.

‣ For washing dishes by hand, look for a formula made without chlorine or phosphates. Ecover, Seventh Generation and J.R. Watkins make good products that work well and are chlorine, phosphate and chemical free.

3. Laundry Detergent

Make sure to wash all new clothes before wearing, as they can contain residues of the dyes or chemical finishes used in manufacturing.

Conventional laundry detergents can be irritating to the skin and have been associated with an increase risk for asthma as well. Several major laundry detergents have dioxane in their formulas, a known carcinogen.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Look for laundry detergents that are 100% biodegradable and say that they do NOT contain phosphates or sulfates.

‣ Key ingredients should say plant-based enzymes. Dr. Mercola’s Cleaner Greener is a good healthy detergent as is Eco’s earth friendly laundry detergent.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

The two most common toxic chemicals in toilet bowl cleaner are hypochlorite bleach and hydrochloric acid.

They are exceptionally dangerous to the eyes, skin, lungs and liver. Coming in contact with hypochlorite bleach or hydrochloric acid can lead to skin lesions that have been reported to last for weeks.

Unfortunately, these products are often used in windowless, closed spaces, which trap in the poison to be repeatedly inhaled. Some toilet bowel cleaners also contain benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene.

These ingredients are known to cause cancer causing and nerve damage. They have also been shown to cause birth defects in animal and human studies.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ The non-toxic toilet cleaners are based on citric acid and lactic acid, naturally occurring ingredients whose low pH works to break up filth.

‣ Fragrance should be sourced from natural essential oils, safe to breath by both the cleaner and bathroom users.

5. Bathroom Cleaner (Shower And Countertop)

The mold and mildew removing cleaning products are laden with fungicides alkyl ammonium chlorides.

Pesticides have been linked with learning and developmental delays, increased cancer risk and eczema.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Vinegar mixed with salt works great to scrub frequently used surfaces. A coarse grain of salt helps get hard to reach grout and corners.

‣ Baking soda and water removes odors and dirt equally well. The best ratio is 4 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water.

Warm water works better to remove stubborn spots. In a hurry, you can add a pinch of baking soda to a damp sponge.

‣ Mrs. Meyers makes a surface scrub that is ammonia, chlorine bleach, paraben and phosphate free.

6. Glass And Window Cleaner

Ammonia and isopropanol are the two big chemical offenders that comprise most window cleaners.

Ammonia can cause both lung and skin damage, aggravating allergic rhinitis and eczema. Isopropanol is metabolized to acetone in the body, an even more toxic metabolite.

Using isopropanol in a closed are can lead to poisoning, with symptoms of flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Applied topically, isopropanol causes loss of the protective fats in the skin, making the area more susceptible to eczema outbreak.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Vinegar works great to remove smudges and leave a streak-free shine.

‣ Many commercially available natural window cleaners use vinegar or alternatively, a plant-based cleaning ingredient called caprylyl or myristyl glucoside.

7. Carpet Spills

Perchlorethylene is the main ingredient in carpet cleaners as well as commercial dry cleaners.

It has long been implicated as an eczema trigger but is also carcinogen (cancer causing) and a recent study linked perchlorethylene to increased risk for bipolar disorder.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Mix cornmeal with Borax, 2 parts cornmeal to 1 part borax. Sprinkle liberally on carpet spill, let dry for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum.

‣ Club soda can help remove lighter stains, especially if it is used right after the spill occurs.

‣ Naturally It’s Clean makes a plant enzyme carpet cleaner that is sprayed onto spots.

‣ You can make a soapy solution with natural dishwashing liquid, but this is best used on synthetic fiber carpets and should always be patch tested on natural fiber carpets such as wool.

8. Hand Soap And Sanitizer

Triclosan, a form of dioxin, is a common ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers. It has been linked with hormone disruption and infertility.

Triclosan has also been shown to cause immune systems and birth defects in animal studies. If triclosan binds with chlorine, found in most municipal water supplies, it can form dioxin, a known carcinogen.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Old fashioned soap and water! Use natural soaps made from coconut oils, cocoa or shea butter.

‣ Jason natural products make hand soaps that clean and moisturize; they are also relatively inexpensive.

9. Furniture Polish

Furniture polish is based on oil-derived petroleum distillates, which are irritating to the lungs and skin.

Natural, Non-Toxic Options:

‣ Scratches in your furniture will disappear with a combination of equal parts lemon juice and vegetable oil.

Use a soft cloth to rub in the mixture until the scratch is no longer visible.

‣ Daddy Van’s makes an easy to apply, all-natural beeswax furniture polish.

Making Changes To Improve Your Skin And Overall Health

This article gave you a starting position to reduce your exposure to environmental pollutants in the home. These changes will reap better skin and better health but there are additional ways to eradicate eczema and feel better.

Read our articles on nutrition, probiotics and food allergies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of all the different factors which can contribute to eczema eruptions.

We also have an article detailing environmental triggers that goes beyond household cleaners to help you minimize exposure to eczema promoting substances.

Related posts:

1. Common Household Eczema Traps
2. Eczema & Candida: Yeast Could Be Causing Your Skin Eruptions
3. Skin Products And Eczema: How To Choose Healthy Cleansers And Cosmetics For Eczema

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.

Related posts:

1. Clean At A Cost: Household Cleaning Products And Detergents May Be Causing Your Eczema
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

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, officially called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an overactive immune system.

It most often first appears in early childhood but teenagers, adults and even the elderly can experience their first eczema eruption much later in life.

Genetics play a role in increasing risk for developing eczema but so do nutrition, living environment, occupational exposure and food allergies.

Fortunately, eczema is a treatable condition and eczema sufferers can get relief or even be cured of this disease.

Who Is Affected?

1. Workers who come in contact with chemicals, cleaners or other substances that are either directly irritating or indirectly cause an allergic response.

• Examples include hair dressers, construction, farming or printing

2. Infants and toddlers, especially those who exhibit food allergies during or shortly after food introduction

• Common food allergens are dairy, peanuts, citrus, shellfish, wheat and soy

3. People with a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever have an increased risk for developing eczema

• These commonly overlapping conditions are called the atopic triad

What Are The Different Types Of Eczema Skin Conditions?

Touching something that causes a toxic reaction in he skin is called irritant contact dermatitis. It is localized to the skin directly in contact with the offending substance.

Usually this is from repetitive, cumulative exposure such as a harsh dish washing soap used daily or acetone nail polish remover used by nail aestheticians.

However, it only takes a single episode to cause irritant contact dermatitis with dangerous industrial solvents and polymers.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an indirect form of eczema where the person’s immune system creates an inflammatory response to a stimulus.

This process requires at least two exposures; the first exposure sensitizes the individual and the second prompts the immune reaction.

Poison ivy rashes are an example of an allergic contact dermatitis. Eczema triggered internally and not from touching a substance is called atopic eczema.

It’s the eczema that is most widely known for it’s chronic nature and it’s association with allergies, hay fever and asthma. It can appear on a single spot or in many locations.

How Does Eczema Look And Feel?

Eczema appears as dry skin that is typically very pruritic (itchy). It can get tough or even leather-like over time from constant scratching and rubbing. This process is called lichenification.

Eczematous skin is often reddened and can have scales. Swelling can occur in the affected skin such that the area appears puffy. Eczema lesions can ooze clear fluid or bleed small amounts when scratched.

Some eczema eruptions are flat to the surface while others are raised bumps called papules (small bumps) or plaques (larger bumps).

The skin can become infected with bacteria or herpes virus, creating a change in the color or odor of the secreted fluid and/or an increased production of crusts.

Understanding Eczema: What’s Happening On The Skin Level?

A trigger from a person’s living or work environment, diet or medication causes the immune system to create a cascade of signal and reactions.

This type of hypersensitivity is called Type 1, which means that it is orchestrated by IgE immunoglobulins, which are a form of antibody.

Think of antibodies as the body’s security guards looking to identify and bring attention to invaders.

During a Type 1 reaction immune mast cell and basophils secrete vasoactive substances—vasoactive means dilating or constricting blood vessels. In the case of eczema, blood vessels dilate leading to swelling.

Immune T cells, particularly a subset of T cells called T helper cells, play a role in increasing inflammation in eczema lesions.

They also recruit cytokines called interleukins, who act as the alarm ringers of your body’s immune “security system.” Other immune cells increased in eczema are IL-5, IL-12, interferon γ.

Interleukin 5 cytokines (IL-5) stimulate B cell growth, secretion of other immunoglobulins (T cells, etc) and it also a key mediator in activation of eosinophils.

Cytokines function as the secretaries and office managers of the immune security system, sending messages and coordinating functions.

Eosinophils are a category of white bloods cells, which are immune cells that help fight infections. Eosinophils can be elevated when a person has a parasitic infection or when they have allergies.

They play a large role in inflammation in allergies, eczema and asthma.

Eosinophils also produce reactive oxygen species in an effort to neutralize microbes but unfortunately, high amounts of reactive oxygen can cause DNA and protein damage.

Think of them as the muscled, aggressive bouncers of your immune system – getting the job done but sometimes causing collateral damage.

What Can Elicit An Outbreak Of Eczema?

1. Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander.

2. Foods, particularly in children:

eggs, milk, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, fish and peanuts.

3. Bacteria such as Staph aureus can stimulate your body’s T cells and macrophages. These immune cells recruit other immune cells and initiate signals that tell the skin to swell, redden, itch and ooze.

4. Autoimmune antibodies. The IgE antibodies discussed in the previous section can direct their assault on your own body’s proteins.

The very skin damage of eczema can recruit more IgE and T cells, sometimes leading to a vicious cycle of hyper reactivity of your immune system.

What Can Aggravate Eczema Skin?

➠ Emotional stress can cause your body to manufacture more neurotrophin and neuropeptide, biochemicals that create changes in your skin barrier (the outer layers of your skin) and decrease the threshold for itchiness.

Read ways to decrease your stress level naturally.

➠ Winter aggravates eczema skin due the dryer air and possibly because of decreased skin exposure to light, and indirectly, less production of Vitamin D, which has a protective role in eczema conditions.

➠ Wool carpets, clothing, blankets and scarves can trigger eczema in some individuals. Others find removing clothing of any kind can trigger itching when the skin is exposed to open air.

➠ Frequent hand washing or bathing can lead to skin dehydration by increasing water loss through the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.

Day care or healthcare workers who wash their hands frequently have higher incidence of hand eczema.

Related posts:

1. Understanding The Different Types Of Eczema
2. Eczema And Emotions: Reduce Stress To Improve Skin Health
3. Detox For Eczema: How To Cleanse To Improve Your Skin Health

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

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that worldwide has a lifetime prevalence of 12%. This means roughly one in eight people will experience the symptoms or visual signs of eczema at least once.

The causes of eczema are multifactorial, but basically it’s the manifestation of a hyper reactive immune system.

There are a number of ways to prevent and treat eczema but first it’s important to identify whether your subjective symptoms and observable signs are in fact eczema.

What Is A Symptom?

A symptom is a feeling that you have that you or your doctor cannot see. For example, when you get sick with the flu, the first symptom you experience might be fatigue or joint pains.

These are maladies that one cannot objectively measure from the outside. It requires your own interpretation to help guide the diagnosis of flu.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching but some people don’t have the urge to scratch and instead feel an irritated or raw sensation. It is possible to have the sensation of eczema without any visual skin lesions.

Patients can report feeling their skin stinging, burning or itching without seeing any visual change in the appearance of the skin’s surface. This occurs especially early in the disease or in mild cases.

What Is A Sign?

A sign is a change that one can see. It is objective in that it can be measured or observed by the patient and doctor.

Going back to the flu example, a sign of the flu could be an elevated body temperature recorded by a thermometer or perspiration on the forehead.

If a flu leads to a secondary lung infection that can often be visualized with a chest x-ray. These are all signs used in diagnosis.

Signs of eczema can be wide-ranging. It may present as redness, scaling or cracking. The skin lesions can weep fluid or be very dry.

Many of the signs of eczema are not caused by the inflammation itself –they are the result of scratching and rubbing secondary to the provoking symptoms.

The Signs And Symptoms Of Acute Eczema

1. Pruritus – itching sensation, the most common and often also the most intense of eczema symptoms. The itching can be worse at night, during the winter or any condition that leads to skin drying.

2. Erythema – redness

3. Vesiculation – eczema eruptions can have fluid-filled bubbles, appearing as blisters on the skin surface. This most often occurs during the initial, inflammatory stages of a lesion or lesions.

4. Stinging – if eczema is prompted by exposure to an irritant or allergen, the skin surface can begin burning, stinging or smarting immediately. Alternatively, these sensations can be delayed for up to 24 hours.

The Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Eczema

1. Pruritus – again, with chronic eczema a sensation of needing to itch is tantamount. Here, the repetitive rubbing and scratch leads to skin changes, oozing of fluid and in some cases bleeding.

2. Xerosis (dry skin) – due to water loss through the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Nearly every person with chronic eczema will display some degree of dry skin.

Unfortunately, dry skin can make it easier of allergens and irritants to penetrate the surface and then reactive the hyper immune response—leading to a vicious cycle of eczema signs & symptoms.

3. Lichenification – the scratching and rubbing of chronic eczema produces a thickening of the skin, appearing at times almost leather-like. The skin markings are also more apparent in lichenification.

4. Fissures – cracks can develop in the skin, caused by repeated inflammation, dry skin, scar tissue from healing and aggravated by scratching and rubbing.

5. Hyperkeratosis – the coloring of the skin can change in chronic eczema, usually becoming darker from frequent rubbing.

Other Skin Conditions That Can Be Mistaken For Eczema:

Eczema can easily be mistaken for other skin conditions such as psoriasis, scabies or seborrheic dermatitis. Use the chart below to help you differentiate between these common dermatologic conditions.

Related posts:

1. Understanding The Different Types Of Eczema
2. Eczema Causes – What Causes Eczema?
3. Common Household Eczema Traps

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.

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