A Natural Approach To Eczema
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
Eczema can be caused by stress and emotional factors, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies and digestive function abnormalities including low stomach acid and low pancreatic enzyme levels. It is usually treated by dermatologists with prescriptions for various steroid creams that suppress the rash. For many people, this is acceptable practice.
For those who wish to adopt a more natural approach, make the diet as unrefined as possible. Avoid fried and processed foods, coffee, tea, alcohol and sugar in any form. Even the sugar found naturally in fruit and fruit juices might aggravate chronic eczema in some individuals. Dairy and eggs are strongly allergenic and found in hundreds of foods. A trial therapy of strict avoidance of these foods for several weeks will do no harm. Conventional animal products can be loaded with drugs such as antibiotics, synthetic hormones, nitrates, nitrites and other potential toxins. For short term relief, an organic, plant based diet is best. As symptoms improve, poultry and fish can be added back to the diet. Later, whole fresh fruits can be consumed on a trial basis. If the eczema returns upon reintroduction of any food, a stricter dietary approach of either complete avoidance or a four day rotation of reactive foods can be instituted.
Nutrient supplements that may be very helpful for both treatment and prevention include essential fatty acids (e.g. fish or salmon oil, evening primrose oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, black current seed oil, oil of borage, etc.), vitamin A, B complex vitamins especially biotin, vitamin C, bioflavonoids (pycnogenol, hesperidin, catechin, quercetin), vitamin E, zinc, calendula, tea tree oil and aloe vera. Treatment depends mainly on biochemical individuality which is something that can be determined through professional consultation and testing. Topically, calendula cream helps healing and prevents infections. So does vitamin E cream and aloe vera gel. See a naturopath or a medical doctor familiar with the natural approach for a personalized program.
Dr. Rona
Comments
1 Comment so far
In 23 years of clinical practice, I have found that gluten and dairy are major contributing factors when it comes to dealing with eczema. Immune modulated intolerances/sensitivities to stimulants as well chemicals and often Mycotic infiltrations are also contributors. Avoiding these and addressing oxidative stress, immunity and the aforementioned contributing factors have shown to sigificantly add to encouraging improvements of such conditions.
Blessings
Dr. Trudy