Eczema - that annoying itch!

Symptoms of eczema include, dry itchy skin, blisters, sores, weeping skin. There are different forms of eczema but whatever form yours takes it can be extremely irritating and annoying! Causes vary, they can be external, for instance an allergic reaction to soaps or washing detergents, synthetic fibres or wool. There can be internal factors, such as food allergies, emotional stresses, or hormonal flare ups. What ever the trigger, they can be addressed collectively using supplements, improve diet, by recognising and removing trigger foods, changing detergents and using Homeopathy.

Some food commonly linked to causing eczema flareups are; dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars and fermented foods. To help alleviate the stresses that causes eczema to flareup, you can try introducing stress management to prevent vicious cycles of negative thoughts recurring. This can also be addressed through Homeopathic consultations.

Supplements to consider to help support the skin are Evening Primrose Oil. The oil is derived from evening primrose seeds which are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This has been shown to inhibit inflammatory metabolites and posses hydrating properties, which can help reduce the itchy dryness associated with eczema.

Fish Oils are also beneficial in the form of Omega 3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the itching. It is ideal to eat 2-3grams of omega 3s a day in the form of oily fish. But as this can be difficult for some to achieve, supplements in Omega 3 with a recommended dose of 1100mg of Pure Fish Oil taken twice daily can help.

Multi Vitamins & Minerals are beneficial to help the conversion of the fatty acids found in evening primrose oil and fish oil, including B vitamins and zinc. But please be mindful that sometimes supplements can even aggravate the condition you are trying to alleviate. So trial an error does play a part, and by introducing a supplement one at a time, will help you pinpoint which one may possibly be causing an aggravation.

Homeopathic remedies are usually used constitutionally to treat eczema, that is the symptoms of the whole person are taken into consideration not just those eczema symptoms. As homeopathy is an individualised treatment, no two people with eczema will necessarily receive the same remedy.

Contact me for more information on treating skin conditions with Homeopathy.

Helen Lee DSH RSHom