Taking a close look at eczema, and why topical steroids and corticosteroid creams are not the solution
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema as its most commonly known, is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious disease that can be impacted by countless factors. It can sporadically worsen or there can be a period of temporary remission.
The word “eczema” is usually used for conditions which are not caused by external irritants. “Derived from the Greek word meaning ‘to boil’, eczema causes inflamed, dry, flaky, red rash which usually itches. In more severe cases, the skin is broken and becomes weepy and scabbed.
Atopic eczema is usually regarded as a hereditary condition, often associated with asthma, hay fever, or hives in the same person or their family. It’s thought to stem from an exaggerated immune reaction to diverse environmental stimuli like allergens, irritants, and micro-organisms. Eczema sufferers also tend to have some sort of disordered fat metabolism which makes their skin less able to hold moisture.
Eczema sufferers often end up at the GP to relieve their symptoms. They are usually prescribed topical steroids and corticosteroid creams which can be effective to relieve itchiness and inflammation in the short term. Or, they might be given emollients to keep the skin soft and lubricated. All of these are just treating the outside of the skin and not considering the root cause of the condition.
The problem with topical steroid and corticosteroid creams is that the skin can become incredibly dependent on or even “addicted” to them, causing the skin to react badly when its use is stopped. This is called topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Corticosteroids can also inhibit growth, weaken bones, suppress adrenal glands, and cause many other problems.
What can we do to help manage this skin condition?
Lifestyle and dietary factors are of utmost importance. Check for allergens in your diet. Be wary of dairy products, especially implicated in the onset of childhood eczema. Try to avoid common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, cheese, and foods with additives and refined sugars. A gluten-free diet is often of therapeutic benefit in controlling eczema.
Test for food or chemical hypersensitivity. Common contact sensitivities include cosmetics, hair dyes, shampoos, fragrances, detergents, etc. Use alternatives to promote detoxification. There could also be a link between the incidences of eczema and the hardness of water where people live. I believe it might be a good idea to install a water softener. You could also use a product called Eco Balls. These are placed inside the washing machine instead of detergents. Using a mattress cover to minimise the contact of dust mites also can be helpful for some sensitive people.
Essential oils and aromatherapy have proven to be beneficial in managing eczema. The application of German chamomile, true lavender, and sandalwood will reduce the sensation of itching, reducing the physical trauma caused by scratching. Avoid scratching the skin, as it can break the skin and cause infection by bacteria and ultimate hardening of the skin. Anti- inflammatory essential oils like German chamomile applied topically will encourage the healing of lesions.
I found that eczema is an attempt for the body to eliminate an overload of toxins through the skin. Detoxifying essential oils - for example rosemary and carrot seed - in a blend can assist in the elimination of toxins.
In many cases, stress can be a big trigger. Therefore, essential oils dealing with stressors will be beneficial. Essential oils which are relaxants, such as Roman chamomile, bergamot, lavender, geranium, sandalwood and ylang ylang can play an important role in reducing stress levels. Try Kat’s Relaxing Organic Body Night Oil. Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation are also important to relieve stress!
Another key factor in controlling eczema is maintaining good moisture in the skin. Eat a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, either by supplementing or eating mackerel, herring, or salmon. Include high-quality, cold-pressed sunflower, safflower, or linseed oil in your diet. Taking evening primrose oil normalises the essential fatty acid imbalance and reduces symptoms of eczema. It is important to include sources of essential fats in your daily diet, for example having a mixture of seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, hemp, and linseed) eaten as a snack or ground and sprinkled over salads and soups.
Taking a bowel-cleansing formula which supports the liver and probiotic supplement to ensure a healthy gut environment. Foods rich in flavonoids (citrus fruits, berries, legumes, and green tea), and especially quercetin in a supplement, have been found to be very helpful in controlling eczema through their antioxidant activity and ability to prohibit histamine release.
Light therapies can reduce itching and inflammation of eczema. Using topical products that have hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas, with barrier-repairing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal, are considered effective. Creams containing glycyrrhetinic acid from liquorice or chamomile can help alleviate severe itching. Also dead sea salts, containing magnesium, help soothe and nourish dry, itchy skin while protecting and repairing the skin’s natural barrier.
Finally, you can reduce eczema flare-ups by avoiding abrupt changes in temperature. In the winter I recommend wearing layers to protect your skin from cold weather. Don't shower or bathe too hot. The dry air in your house due to the heating in the winter can flare up the skin, so use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Eczema is a frustrating, very uncomfortable skin condition. Luckily, there are many ways of dealing with its root causes, without having to resort to medication that just alleviates the symptoms.
