The severity of this complaint can range from slight irritation and inconvenience to an extremely painful and even disabling problem. Unfortunately, like many non-infective diseases, the incidence of eczema is increasing, as our exposure to chemicals and unnatural substances grows. Even excessively early exposure of infants to foods which are acceptable to older children and adults can and does spark off the problem.

Causes

Adverse reactions to foods

These are of two types; allergic reactions and intolerance. Allergic reactions can be very severe and even life-threatening, and are caused by fairly immediate mobilisation of antibodies of type IgE. Intolerance reactions are slower and cumulative, but can nevertheless build up to quite a problem.

Digestive Abnormalities

If digestion is not efficient, partly digested particles of proteins can get absorbed into the bloodstream, and set up allergic reactions. Low stomach acid is well known to be associated with allergies.

Dietary deficiencies

Patients with eczema frequently have a deficiency of the two groups of essential fatty acids; omega-6, obtained from vegetable oils such as evening primrose oil, and omega-3, obtained mainly from fish. Vitamin A and zinc are very important for general skin condition, and zinc is important for the conversion of fatty acids to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. It is also necessary for the production of stomach acid.

Infection

Eczema lesions are usually infected by bacteria such as staphlococcus aureus.

Treatment

Eliminate food allergens

The foods known to be the most common allergens are: milk and milk products, citrus fruits, tomatoes, wheat, corn, artificial flavours and additives, caffeine, sugar, fizzy drinks and undiluted fruit juices. Pizzas contain three of these foods. These foods should be eliminated until a cure is obtained; they can then be re-introduced at intervals, one at a time.

Nutritional Supplements

¨      Vitamin A; 7,500iu per day

¨      Vitamin C; 1000mg per day

¨      Bioflavonoids; 500-1000mg per day

¨      Zinc picolinate; 20-40mg per day; reduce as condition clears

¨      Evening primrose oil; at least 2x1000mg per day.

¨      Fish oil; 1-2x1000mg per day.

NB A very few people are so allergic to citrus fruits that even citrus bioflavonoids cause an adverse reaction. In this case, either pine bark extract or grapeseed extract would need to be used.

Herbal Supplements

¨      Burdock; this can help inflammation, but can also have a direct effect on the staphlococcus infection.

¨     Aloe Vera; this is possibly the most powerful healing agent of all for eczema. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, greatly speeds up healing and tissue regeneration, and also has direct effects on infective agents.

 To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk