Starting from scratch

Naturopath and herbalist Bex Seligman suggests some holistic ways to manage the symptoms of eczema

Eczema can be an exhausting battle, whether it’s your skin flaring up repeatedly without warning or your child struggling with constant itching and sore skin. The frustration of trying endless creams and medications can feel overwhelming.

Eczema is an inflammatory condition manifesting with various symptoms. A naturopathic approach can offer lasting relief by addressing eczema from the inside out.

The skin is the largest organ of detoxification and reflects what’s going on inside the body. Healthy skin indicates a healthy colon, kidneys and lungs, which all work together to detoxify the body.

Whilst conventional treatments often focus on alleviating surface symptoms and making dietary changes, a naturopathic approach takes a more integrative approach, examining factors like gut health, genetics, environmental influences, emotional wellbeing, hormones and immune system function.

Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. A treatment plan that incorporates stress management techniques and herbal adaptogens, which support a healthy stress response, can help reduce the impact of psychological factors on skin health.

The influence of the gut microbiome on the skin is also an important consideration. This complex ecosystem within our digestive system is key in controlling immune response, handling inflammation, and maintaining the health of the intestinal barrier. Eczema isn’t just a skin problem; it often signals much deeper imbalances within the body.

Environmental factors are another critical area of focus. Common triggers like mould, dust mites, pet dander and toxins from insecticides, household cleaners, personal care products, and fragrances can exacerbate eczema.

A natural approach often combines nutritional and herbal medicine, which work synergistically. Consider the following options.

Essential Fatty Acids
Eating oily fish, seeds and nuts will provide the body with essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and 6. You should aim to eat a couple of portions each day, mixing different types of nuts and seeds for variety, and include a selection of fish (e.g., sardines, mackerel and wild salmon) three times a week. Flax and hemp seeds contain a good balance of the two. Try adding two tablespoons of crushed seeds a day to your diet.

Fibre
Fibre is required to keep the intestinal tract regular and help eliminate toxins from the body, which, if not removed, will impact overall health.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a great oil for the skin, both when consumed (in foods like almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds) and when applied to the skin using oils with a high vitamin E content, such as wheat germ oil.

Vitamins A and C
The skin also needs a good selection of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially vitamins A and C, (from fresh fruit and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, blueberries, beans, cranberries, blackberries and raspberries), and zinc (from sources such as shellfish, legumes, fresh ginger, sesame, pumpkin and hemp seeds and cashew nuts).

Vitamin D
This helps to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. Consider a good quality vitamin D supplement. Supplementing with vitamin D can help eczema, and more severe eczema can be connected to low levels of vitamin D in the body.

Quercetin
The flavonoid quercetin can ease eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lifestyle tips for eczema management
Using a natural moisturiser such as coconut oil after bathing can help to soothe symptoms of eczema and reduce dryness. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Use on slightly damp skin to protect the skin barrier.

An oat bath, where oats are added to a muslin bag and added to bath water, is a very traditional but effective way to soothe irritated eczema, especially in children. A colloidal oatmeal bath is better in that the oatmeal is very finely ground and easily dispersible in water. The properties in the oatmeal help to reduce itching and improve hydration and the pH balance of the skin. These therapeutic baths are a natural remedy that can help to relieve symptoms of eczema. Colloidal oatmeal helps soothe the skin and has properties that help reduce irritation.

Stress management is also often overlooked as a lifestyle management tool for reducing eczema flare-ups. Building regular stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help to support your wellbeing and are a key factor in managing eczema.

Other simple things to consider that can make a difference are heat or changes in temperature. Keeping cool is helpful, as being too hot can make your eczema itch more. Choose soft, breathable, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibres like cotton to minimise irritation.

Other complementary therapies can be of value, such as acupuncture, herbal medicines and nutritional therapy where food allergies are identified as a trigger.

Taking a holistic approach and making lifestyle adjustments can have a positive impact on eczema and the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Bex Seligman is a naturopath and herbalist with over 20 years of experience, who specialises in children’s, women’s and executive health. Email her at [email protected].
Follow her on Instagram: @healthforwealth_bexseligman or visit www.healthforwealth.co.uk