[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The are a-lot of Myths surrounding Eczema and In this article we outline what it is and what it does, hopefully dispelling some myths along the way.
Also known as atopic dermatitis.The terms are used interchangeably, which can be a bit confusing, as some people speak as though they are different things.
There are several types of dermatitis, eczema being one of them. It is a skin condition that causes redness and itching. It usually presents as a dry rash in the creases of the elbows, and knees, behind the ears and ankles, neck and wrist. It can also be on the face, back and stomach. It may involve areas of rough, dry, itchy skin that can be red or weepy and also crusting, scaling and thickening.
Eczema can affect any age group. It is most common in infants, affecting 1 in 5 children under 2 years of age. Infantile eczema usually begins in the first six months of life, and on average begins to improve between 2-5 years of age. A child can also develop eczema after the age of 2, as can adults.
There is no single cause of eczema or eczema flares. Genetic factors are implicated, especially in people who have other allergic tendencies.
Eczema, asthma and allergies are known as the atopic triad, and if there is a family history of any of them, then the risk factors go up for childhood development of one or all three of them.
Up to 80% of children with eczema, also have an airborne allergy (dust mites, pollen, mould, animal dander) or asthma as well. Up to 30% of infants with eczema that have the family history of allergies, also develop food allergies, and more will develop allergic rhinitis or asthma.
There are so many different factors that can contribute to the development and flares of eczema. As Newcastle naturopaths, we look at family history, food and environmental allergies, the influence of stress, and immune function dysregulation.
Exposure to a wide range of things can be linked to eczema, including wool, latex, detergents, synthetic fibres, cosmetics, plants, chemicals, bacteria, fungi, and even urine and saliva. So yes, your teething baby may be triggered by drool.
It can be frustrating as a parent trying to navigate this journey by yourself. There’s always lots of “what ifs” and “was is that” questions. Sometimes you will never know what triggers it, however, using a process of elimination and utilising testing, we can help you narrow it down and improve your child’s quality of life.
Having eczema may impact sleep and behaviour. There can be more tantrums or irritability, as they are feeling itchy, hot or uncomfortable. In older children, it also impacts self-esteem and mental health as the visual impact of the condition can have negative psychological effects.
Left untreated, eczema may develop into bacterial, fungal or viral infections, and can be quite severe. There are no specific lab tests for eczema; a diagnosis is based on clinical observation. Blood testing may be done investigating allergies- looking at white blood cells, IgA, IgG, or IgE responses can be useful in seeing if antibodies or antigens play a role.
Naturopathically, looking at GUT health by testing the microbiome, or investigating the IgG and complement proteins can really highlight areas to target for treatment.
As Newcastle naturopaths who are experienced with treating childhood eczema, there are a few things we do in clinic to help.
We need to do a bit of digging to find out triggers. We might talk to you about food intolerance testing or allergy testing, or do elimination diets. Once we find said triggers, then we remove them for a period of time.
During the removal phase, we focus on gut healing and repairing, rebalancing the immune system and optimising nutrition. We do this with diet, and targeted supplements like prebiotics, and probiotics such as LGG, which is shown to reduce eczema. We will also focus on essential fatty acids to improve skin integrity.
We aim to reduce inflammation, and adjust the diet to remove processed inflammatory foods, and increase anti-inflammatory foods that are safe for you. We focus on increasing the biodiversity of your microbiome, which will improve your immune function.
After a time, we begin to systematically reintroduce the triggers, and aim to be able to have no reactions long term. The time it takes to help is going to be unique to your child, depending on the severity of symptoms, healing may take place in 6 weeks or 6 months.
Herbal medicine is great to support eczema, and we utilise herbs that have anti-allergic, wound healing, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the key skin herbs for improving skin inflammation is gotu kola, while using the herb albizia, reduces allergic responses. We often use nettles in cases where the skin is super itchy and inflamed.
There are lots we can do to support the skin. It is essential it doesn’t dry out, and we do this both internally and externally.
Use an organic oil and moisturiser. We love local brand Twig Botanicals and their chickweed ointment. It is absolutely fabulous for increasing moisture and reducing itch.
Avoid things that are drying- use a non-soap-based wash, limit the time spent in water, filter the bath water in super sensitive kids, and use bath teas that can include herbs or oats to help reduce itch.
Observe your child for triggers- is it after playing at the park? Could it be the grass or the sand pit? Swimming lessons- try a pool that is non-chlorinated.
Carpets- make sure they have long pants on.
Fabrics? Maybe try organic bamboo, as it is super soft and antibacterial.
Are you washing in a detergent that contains chemicals or fragrances? Go back to a really simple organic detergent with no added nasties.
Is it after playing with teddies?? Make sure you wash them weekly and pop them in the sun or freezer, and put all toys in a sealed container if not using and cleaning frequently.
You see there are lots of small things that might be part of your daily routine that are flaring eczema. Change lifestyle habits like cleaning products and swim schools can really impact skin health.
For very severe eczema, you may need to wet wrap, or utilise medications. Please note that it’s important to make sure you find someone to help that works alongside your doctor’s recommendations as do our Newcastle naturopaths.
Working on the underlying cause and improving the immune reaction may be a bit daunting at first, but a few months treatment can really change your child’s life!
Long-term use of steroids thins the skin and makes them more susceptible to skin problems, so being able to improve this chronic skin condition naturally is so beneficial.
If you want to book a 20 min assessment and tell us what is happening with you or your child’s skin and see if we can help, book below now:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
