Written by, Renata Filiaci MS

When a person experiences eczema, they witness their skin becoming red, itchy or inflamed in patches. Eczema is not contagious; however, it affects more than 30 million Americans (National Eczema Association). There are several forms of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema, and stasis dermatitis (National Eczema Association). The most common form is atopic dermatitis which usually begins in childhood (Noska, N). This type of skin condition erupts due to gene combination or environmental triggers causing the immune system to produce an inflammation (National Eczema Association).

Contact eczema can occur when the skin touches or you eat an irritating substance or allergen (National Eczema Association). Researchers have found evidence that repeated exposure to specific compounds can increase the risk of the immune system becoming sensitive to them, resulting in an allergic response; this is very common with wedding rings (Dr. Axe). A mixture of nickel and other metal exposure, as well as household products, have resulted in contact eczema.

To help diminish skin inflammation, you could exercise more and change your diet (Noska, N). Not only could there be an allergy to specific household products because of the chemicals, but there also could potentially have certain food allergies; the majority of food allergic reactions in the United States are triggered by peanuts, tree nuts, cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood, and specific meats (Dr. Axe; Katta & Schlichte). Keeping a food diary is helpful when learning what your body reacts to and then proceeding with an elimination diet, which may improve eczema. Eating blackberries, blueberries, and drinking apple cider vinegar as well as celery juice are also beneficial because they have anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-bacterial (Dr. Axe). Eating foods with bromelain found in pineapple, quercetin found in leafy greens, and vitamin C found in citrus can all reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune system as well as integumentary system (Dr. Axe).

Certain supplements are also beneficial, such as probiotics because a balance of the good and bad bacteria in the gut could be surfacing on the skin as eczema (Noska, N). You can find probiotics in a supplement form or certain foods. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are located in salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds as well as a supplement form including fish oil, provide healthy skin production, have anti-inflammatory properties, boost your immune system, promote healthy blood sugar levels, and boost your mood (Dr. Axe). Vitamin E is also useful because it helps soothe eczema (Noska, N).

A helpful herb formula that would be beneficial for treating eczema is a mixture of chickweed herb, burdock root, yellow dock root, Echinacea root, and cleavers herb (Noska, N). Mix two ounces of each and use it as a topical, soothing skin ointment (Noska, N). You can also mix one pound of anhydrous lanolin, half an ounce of locally sourced beeswax, and eight ounces of fresh herbs as mentioned above (Noska, N). This process requires some time but is an extremely beneficial and natural skin ointment.

Dr. Axe. (2018). Contact dermatitis + how to soothe skin irritation. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/contact-dermatitis/

Katta, R. & Schlichte, M. (2014). Diet and dermatitis: food triggers. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 7(3), 30–36.

National Eczema Association. (2002-2018). Contact dermatitis. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/

Noska, N. (2018). Clinical correlate: eczema [Online lecture]. Retrieved from

https://achs.instructure.com/courses/978/pages/clinical-correlate-eczema?module_item_id=99391