Eczema
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Eczema is a term for inflammation of the skin. Cases of eczema look different from person to person, though generally it can be said that eczema is accompanied by itching, scaling and redness. It may also weep, blister and bleed if scratched.
There are different types of eczema. These include:
Although steroid creams are beneficial to eczema, they also cause the thinning and premature aging of the skin, and when discontinued the condition flares up again. This causes many eczema sufferers to seek alternative therapies. Herbal Treatment aims to help alleviate symptoms through both symptomatic treatment and by supporting the body as a whole. Identification and avoidance of known triggers also plays an important part. |
Diet and lifestyleSELF HELP
1) Avoid any identified irritants - scented soaps, body lotions, bubble bath, make-up, washing powders and conditioners can irritate the skin. 2) Many eczema patients find that cutting down on dairy and wheat products help. Talk to a health care professional before making dietary changes. This is especially important with babies and young children 3) Take 500 to 1,000 mg a day of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from evening primrose oil or borage oil, or 1,800 mg a day of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from fish oils; children should take amounts proportionately less according to body weight. Ideally eat oily fish rather than supplementing. Evening primrose capsules can be broken and the contents applied to the skin 4) If stress plays a part, exercise and practise relaxation techniques such as yoga. A herbalist will also use nervines to help reduce stress levels 5) Bathe in lukewarm water rather than hot and use oats whilst bathing (see below) 6) Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and have a balanced diet 7) Oily fish - helps to relieve inflammation 8) Avoid food additives as these can trigger eczema 9) If heat irritates the condition then keep the house cool |
Two cups of Chamomile tea a day may help to relieve symptoms - Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory action and will therefore help to ease flare ups. It is also a relaxing remedy.
CREAMS
Chickweed cream - this cools and soothes itchy skin. Buy lanolin-free creams (lanolin can aggravate eczema in some people)
Creams containing Evening primrose oil and Borage oil can help. Patch test before using
BATHS
OATS - place a handful or two of oats in a muslin'cotton bag or nylon stocking. Tie up (so you don't end up bathing in porridge!) and add to the bath. The bag/stocking will ooze a white milky substance which is very soothing to the skin - easing irritation and itching. Patch test before using.
An infusion of Chamomile flower heads can be used to soothe itchy and inflamed skin. Place 50g of chamomile into a jug, add 750ml of freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 15 mins. Strain and add straight to your bath. Soak for at least 20 mins.
Bath bags - Mix 4 parts oats (preferably organic) with 1 part marigold petals. Add a good handful to a cotton/muslin bag, tie up and add to a warm bath. marigold can be substituted for lavender for a more relaxing bath.
MEDICAL HERBALISTS
A medical herbalist uses a range of plants to help relieve eczema and each type of eczema will need a different approach. Herbalists do not have an 'Eczema mix' - instead we select plants that suit the individual and therfore no two prescriptions will be the same. A herbal consultation will aim to identify any substances which may be causing the skin to flare up.
A herbalist will take an overview of your general health, including your diet and a thorough history of the problem and how it affects you. Plants which support your body and are suitable for you to take will be then be selected. This is important as some herbs are not suitable for everyone.
A therapeutic treatment strategy may involve:
Anti-inflammatories - to relieve inflammation and help to soothe the skin
Immune enhancing herbs and anti-microbials to treat any bacterial infection and support the immune system
Lymphatics and alteratives are very beneficial - examples include Galium aperine and Viola tricolor
Herbal anti-histamines - ie. Urtica dioica and Plantago lanceolata
Nervines - to treat any associated stress
Anti-allergy herbs
Anti-puretics and emollients - plants that reduce itchiness and soothe the skin
The liver and kidneys may also be supported
Treatment is designed to treat the individual and their presenting symptoms. Herbs that prove beneficial to some may be too strong for others, aggravating their eczema instead of relieving it - no two people are the same.
Although topical treatment is important in the treatment of eczema it can only achieve so much. Herbalists believe that eczema must be treated from within, and therefore teas and tinctures play an important role. When treating internally it is best to consult a herbalist - some plants such as nettle can be helpful but it is quite a heating plant and therefore may not suit everyone; and a number of plants should also not be taken alongside certain medication or by people suffering from certain health conditions. A herbalist is trained to know what will best suit the patient and how to achieve maximum results in a safe way.
In the case of babies and young children it is important to seek advice from a qualified medical herbalist.
See disclaimer
CREAMS
Chickweed cream - this cools and soothes itchy skin. Buy lanolin-free creams (lanolin can aggravate eczema in some people)
Creams containing Evening primrose oil and Borage oil can help. Patch test before using
BATHS
OATS - place a handful or two of oats in a muslin'cotton bag or nylon stocking. Tie up (so you don't end up bathing in porridge!) and add to the bath. The bag/stocking will ooze a white milky substance which is very soothing to the skin - easing irritation and itching. Patch test before using.
An infusion of Chamomile flower heads can be used to soothe itchy and inflamed skin. Place 50g of chamomile into a jug, add 750ml of freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 15 mins. Strain and add straight to your bath. Soak for at least 20 mins.
Bath bags - Mix 4 parts oats (preferably organic) with 1 part marigold petals. Add a good handful to a cotton/muslin bag, tie up and add to a warm bath. marigold can be substituted for lavender for a more relaxing bath.
MEDICAL HERBALISTS
A medical herbalist uses a range of plants to help relieve eczema and each type of eczema will need a different approach. Herbalists do not have an 'Eczema mix' - instead we select plants that suit the individual and therfore no two prescriptions will be the same. A herbal consultation will aim to identify any substances which may be causing the skin to flare up.
A herbalist will take an overview of your general health, including your diet and a thorough history of the problem and how it affects you. Plants which support your body and are suitable for you to take will be then be selected. This is important as some herbs are not suitable for everyone.
A therapeutic treatment strategy may involve:
Anti-inflammatories - to relieve inflammation and help to soothe the skin
Immune enhancing herbs and anti-microbials to treat any bacterial infection and support the immune system
Lymphatics and alteratives are very beneficial - examples include Galium aperine and Viola tricolor
Herbal anti-histamines - ie. Urtica dioica and Plantago lanceolata
Nervines - to treat any associated stress
Anti-allergy herbs
Anti-puretics and emollients - plants that reduce itchiness and soothe the skin
The liver and kidneys may also be supported
Treatment is designed to treat the individual and their presenting symptoms. Herbs that prove beneficial to some may be too strong for others, aggravating their eczema instead of relieving it - no two people are the same.
Although topical treatment is important in the treatment of eczema it can only achieve so much. Herbalists believe that eczema must be treated from within, and therefore teas and tinctures play an important role. When treating internally it is best to consult a herbalist - some plants such as nettle can be helpful but it is quite a heating plant and therefore may not suit everyone; and a number of plants should also not be taken alongside certain medication or by people suffering from certain health conditions. A herbalist is trained to know what will best suit the patient and how to achieve maximum results in a safe way.
In the case of babies and young children it is important to seek advice from a qualified medical herbalist.
See disclaimer
Photo used under Creative Commons from InAweofGod'sCreation
