September Newsletter 2009 - Eczema
September 12th to 19th is National Eczema week, so we are going to look this month at why eczema occurs and what we can do to manage this distressing problem.
So what exactly is eczema and what causes it?
Also known as dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition which results in itchy red patches on the skin particularly on the face, scalp, hands and wrist. It is very common in young babies, although a significant number of older children and adults suffer as well.
The condition is essentially the result of an over active immune system and is triggered by an allergy to foods, pollen, animal fur or other substances. Individuals with eczema have been shown to have higher levels of a substance called histamine which can provoke allergic reactions when released in the skin. Some cases of eczema seem to occur after contact with allergens such as poisonous plants, jewellery made of chrome or nickel, cosmetics, dyes and topical medications and cleansers. If your eczema appears to be linked to something clearly identifiable such as a brand of washing powder or type of jewellery then it is probably fairly easy to manage, but what can you do if you don't know what the cause is?
Research shows that eczema often occurs after the administration of broad spectrum antibiotics which kill off the 'friendly' bacteria in our guts. These 'friendly' bacteria are an important part of our immune system. The good news is that supplementing with a good quality probiotic supplement seems to be very helping at dampening down an over active immune system and providing some relief from eczema.
Another well established risk factor is the presence of food allergies and intolerances. If you or your child have a true allergy to food then you may well be aware of it as symptoms tend to happen quite quickly after consumption. On the other hand if your eczema is caused by a food intolerance then it may be more difficult to work out what is causing the problem. In this scenario an IgG food intolerance test can be enormously beneficial in helping to identify the culprit. Check out our website at http://www.thenutritionlink.co.uk for more information and to purchase test kits.
Other strategies for controlling eczema include supplementation with fish oil and evening primrose oil which work by oiling the skin and helping to control inflammation.The mineral zinc also aids the healing process and helps to regulate the immune system. Grape seed extract may also be beneficial as it is rich in antioxidant substances which inhibit allergic responses.
If you would like help with your eczema don't hesitate to contact us on 01727 764 832 or e-mail us at paula@thenutritionlink.co.uk