Why Am I Getting Eczema?

Continuing with my post from yesterday about "Going Dairy Free" I thought I would add a little information about Eczema.  Most likely due to the winter season, I have had several conversations with people about this frustrating skin condition.  I never feel comfortable with just putting lotions and creams on, as many of them contain very harsh chemicals.  I am always interested in why our bodies are reacting in such a way.  I decided to ask Dr. Sandra Miranda, my Naturopathic doctor for any information she could share.  She promptly sent me this handout that has been put together by the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.  I thought it might be helpful to share (with her permission of course.)

Eczema

The skin is the largest detoxification organ in the body.  It can detoxify for any organ or system and it is important to understand the root cause of any skin disorder prior to treatment.

Naturopathic Support

Your Naturopathic Doctor will assist you in identifying and addressing any physiological imbalances or emotional triggers that are contributing to your eczema and will indicate the treatment recommendations, supplements, botanical herbs, or homeopathic remedies that are required specifically for you.

Common Causes:

·         Food intolerances / allergies

·         Chemical irritants or an intolerance to body care (soaps, shampoos) and cleaning products

·         Rough textured clothes or clothes that impair the ability for the body to breath

·         Mineral imbalances (primarily low zinc, iron or selenium or high copper)

·         Low thyroid function

·         Low stomach acid or an imbalance in the intestinal gut flora (bacteria)

·         Lack of skin moisture

·         Unexpressed emotions or excessive emotional or physical stress

Treatment Guidelines Common for Eczema:

·         Follow the food elimination diet to identify any food intolerances / allergies

·         Dietary recommendations: reduce / eliminate animal products, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and chocolate and increase consumption of green and yellow vegetables, cold water fish and high fibre foods

·         Increase water intake to at least 10 glasses a day

·         Take ½ tsp of apple cider vinegar in water, 20 minutes before meals (to increase hydrochloric acid)

·         Ensure that the skin is kept moist on a daily basis

·         Stress reduction exercises (exercise, meditation, life style counselling)

·         Expose area of eczema to sunlight daily