Eczema effects all ages and can range from causing extreme pain and debilitation, to mildly dry, itchy patches.
There is often a family history of eczema and in babies it can be a forunner to other immune mediated conditions such as asthma and food sensitivities.
Possible contributing factors:
- environmental allergens such as animal fur, laundry detergents, soaps, creams, pollens, dust mites etc.
- immune imbalance – most eczema sufferers have mast cells (a type of immune cell) that release increased amounts of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that triggers inflammation particularly in areas like the skin and mucosal tissue.
- stress or anxiety can exacerbate eczema
- food sensitivities
Naturopathic treatment of eczema
- If possible, identify the cause
No matter what age, an assessment of the foods and beverages you consume (or your baby consumes via breastmilk), and the cleaning and personal care products you use (or use on your baby) can give a naturopath clues about the cause of your eczema. If food intollerances are suspected, an allergy test can often identify the offending foods. Often a food/symptom diary is very helpful and your practitioner’s experience can make hair testng unnecessary.
- Balance the immune response
Herbal medicine and certain nutrients can modulate the way your immune system responds to certain triggers.
- Topical treatment without steroids
“Eczema Ease takes the redness out of my daughter’s eczema trouble spots surprisingly quickly, and I find it works just as well as hydrocortisone creams. It is a relief to find something natural that is effective… we’ve tried everything!”
Giselle Reid, Auckland, NZ
Over years of treating eczema I have developed a very effective natural antiinflammatory balm that helps to ease eczema dramatically in most people. It is packed with fresh chickweed, native New Zealand botanical extracts and New Zealand grown cold pressed avocado oil.
If you can’t make it in for an appointment I would highly recommend my eczema pack for the treatment of eczema.