Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry skin patches with redness and itching. It can occur anywhere on the body, but is often found in flexural areas such as elbow creases and the back of the knees. The most common type of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis, which is often found in infants and has a hereditary association with asthma and hay fever. Other common forms include Allergic Contact Dermatitis which is an allergic reaction to a specific substance that comes into contact with the skin, or Irritant Contact Dermatitis which results from repeated exposure to every day products and detergents that are irritating to the skin.
Our skin is our immune system’s first defense against microbes and toxins in our surrounding environment, and therefore acts as a barrier to protect us from infection. When this barrier is broken it creates an opportunity for bacteria to invade, and also results in loss of moisture leaving the skin dry and cracked. In managing eczema, we want to replenish the moisture and build back the barrier for protection while also treating internal imbalances to support our immune system and reduce inflammatory mediators. Below we have outlined a few tips to help you soothe the itch this winter.
Hydrate Your Skin
Bathing allows moisture to enter the skin, and when followed by applying an emollient (moisturizer) to damp skin, the moisture becomes sealed which enhances the protective barrier of the skin. Additionally, moisture reduces itchiness which will help control the itch-scratch cycle of eczema. Ensure you choose a moisturizer that is free of harsh chemicals and additives, and only contains soothing and healing ingredients. Coconut oil is a cheap and effective way to achieve deep moisture and is also anti-microbial which can help prevent infection. There are also many herbs such as chamomile, burdock and calendula that are soothing and can be added to moisturizers and salves to help heal and protect the skin. For alternative topical product recommendations consult your Naturopathic Doctor.
Eliminate Exposure
To minimize irritation in the first place, avoid irritating chemicals that are often found in products such as detergents, soaps, body washes and lotions, fabric softener, cleaning products and air fresheners. Choose skin care products that are free from:
- Fragrances or “parfum”
- Sodium Laureth Sulphate
- Parabens
- Propylene Glycol
It is best to choose natural and unscented personal care and cleaning products to minimize these harmful chemicals. The Environmental Working Group is a great tool that allows you to lookup the safety of ingredients in various products. For example, they have outlined their top non-toxic laundry detergents here.
Along with limiting use of irritating products, we want to limit exposure of environmental triggers such as extreme temperatures, abrasive clothing, sweat-provoking activities, low or high humidity, smoke, air pollutants and excessive washing without moisturizing. Keeping exposure to these factors to a minimum will limit the environmental burden on the skin’s sensitive barrier.
Heal Your Gut
A large part (around 80%!) of our immune system is in our gut, so when the integrity of our gut lining is compromised our immune system reacts, causing inflammation in various parts of our body – in eczema, the reaction occurs in the skin. Identifying food allergies and sensitivities is important in managing a potential underlying cause of eczema flare ups. To identify potential food allergies or sensitivities, an elimination diet or blood testing can be done by your Naturopathic Doctor. Additionally, high quality probiotics can help support gut health by altering the microflora and helping to modulate our immune system while L-glutamine can restore damaged intestinal cells and decrease gut permeability that may lead to systemic inflammation. Healthy fats help to nourish and soften the skin by increasing the integrity of our cell membranes, so supplementing with a high quality fish oil or consuming flax, walnut, hemp or avocado oil with food can be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
Although many people experience eczema, not everyone’s symptoms or triggers are the same. For more information on eczema and finding the right treatments, supplements and home care routines book an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor to receive an individualized treatment plan that is right for you.
