The Awful Itch of Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin, an itchy red rash. The name comes from Greek, “boil over”, which is how the skin feels to those affected. Ranging in size from a small area that looks like a little patch of dry skin, to the entire surface of the body, it can be a source of unbearable misery. In its acute phase, the rash tends to appear abruptly, and the skin blisters and oozes clear fluid. The chronic phase develops either gradually from the acute phase or by itself, with dry, thick, scaly skin. Itching is present in both stages, and can be so severe that the sufferer will scratch until the skin bleeds.

Though uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, eczema is neither contagious nor life-threatening. Eczema occurs without contact and has more to do with internal factors than external ones.

Triggers that worsen eczema include: emotional, physical, or psychological stress; menstrual periods; weather and temperature - changes in weather, cold weather, raw winter weather, dry winter house heat, intense heat; wool clothing; detergents, perfumes or dyes; perspiration; pollen; food additives; dry skin. Common allergenic foods are dairy products, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, tomatoes and other nightshades, beans, shellfish, sweets, and chocolate. Heating stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can aggravate the condition, as can greasy fried foods. Saturated fats (meats, especially poultry, and dairy), refined foods, and sugar cause inflammation.

The primary conventional treatment for eczema is corticosteroid ointments, which aid in acute flare-ups but do not prevent recurrence. Steroids have a suppressive, not curative, effect and when applied liberally on the skin, may drive the condition deeper into the body. Keep a cortisone cream handy in case of extremely severe itching, but it is best avoided if possible.

Frequent, soothing baths are beneficial, especially for the dry, scaly type of eczema. Add one cup of finely ground oats and two cups of licorice tea to a tepid bath to relieve itching. Soap should be avoided, as it tends to be drying.

Soft cotton clothes that let the skin breathe are preferable to synthetic materials.

People with eczema may have an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. Studies of evening primrose oil report the reduction of the symptoms of eczema and the overall severity of the disorder. Plant sources of EFAs include flax seed oil, nuts and seeds. Fish oils such as cod liver oil or cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) have anti-inflammatory properties which have been shown to help control eczema.

Beta-carotene foods are beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases, particularly of an inflammatory nature. Examples are carrots, winter squash, pumpkin, and dark leafy greens.

Skin creams and salves containing one or more of the following herbs may help relieve itching and burning, and promote healing: chickweed, calendula, comfrey, and chamomile.

Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and helps calm skin inflammation. It is toxic if ingested and should only be used topically.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be very effective in treating eczema. Chinese medicine views eczema as heat drying the body’s normal cooling and soothing mechanisms. Acupuncture and herbs cool the body and soothe the tissues locally in order to treat acute flare-ups as well as provide long-term improvement in the condition.

On a psychoemotional level, eczema has to do with feeling safe and secure in the world, knowing when to trust or mistrust, knowing when to feel fear or not. Our skin being the most obvious boundary between ourselves and the rest of the world, skin problems are related to the balance between independence and dependence.

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