10 ways to holistically ease Eczema
Want to get to the bottom of your skin flare-up? Use these 10 simple steps to help you manage your skin.
If you suffer from eczema -the inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections then you will know just how uncomfortable and distressing it really is.
It is sometimes called atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form, however there are several types and it each type has its own set of symptoms and triggers.
There are some common symptoms for all forms of eczema:
dry, scaly skin
redness and inflammation
itching, which may be intense
It can present anywhere on the body, commonly found on the eyes, sides of mouth, hands, the crease of the arms and legs, and also on the torso - this can present in mild or inflamed forms.
So, why does it happen?
In people suffering from eczema there are altered epidermal lipids, whereby the skin struggles to retain moisture, causing it to dry out easily. The defective barrier allows penetration of allergens and micro-organisms, leading to contact (of allergen and micro-organisms) with the immune system. Therefore Eczema flares are related to the body’s immune stress response with varying triggers including an interaction between your environment and your genes. When an irritant or an allergen from outside or inside the body “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation, on the surface of the skin. This inflammation causes the symptoms of most types of eczema.
Many common household items are also potential environmental irritants and can cause allergic reactions leading to an eczema flare up.
The common triggers of eczema include:
• Climate
• Incorrect skincare products and treatments
• Poor quality make-up
• Commercial Perfumes
• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Emotional stress can also be a significant trigger for an eczema flare-up
• Peri-menopause and menopause.
• Certain fabrics like wool or polyester
• Laundry detergents + fabric softeners with chemical additives
• Formaldehyde- found in household disinfectants, glues, & adhesives
• Isothiazolinone - an antibacterial used in baby wipes
• Cocamidopropyl betaine - used to thicken shampoos and lotions
• Paraphenylene-diamine - used in leather dyes and temporary tattoos
• Food sensitivities can be triggers - milk, eggs, peanuts & wheat
• Excessive blue light emission from devices loading
Intestinal permeability
Histamine
Lifestyle
excessive use of topical ointments
Now for the good news? We can provide relief – with our holistic top tips for helping to manage this irritating + highly distressing skin condition.
Our tips for easing eczema:
1. Do not use hot water in your shower.
Limit long and hot showers and bathing as much as possible as it will dry out the skin even more.
2. Speak to a qualified clinician about how we can help you.
If you’re experiencing a flare-up, take care of yourself properly and be sure to seek help from a qualified clinician to support your skin.
3 Make your own easy home remedy instead of using body wash or soap.
Fill a flesh coloured stocking with Uncle Tobys Oats, use it in the shower by wetting and dabbing all over your skin. This is very soothing and forms a milky wash that helps to create barrier for the skin to further protect it.
4. Moisturise your skin daily with specifically developed cream or gel to help your skin form a protective barrier against the elements - apply after showering to seal in moisture.
We recommend Toleskin [C] by Biologique Recherche for your face – an extremely soothing cream to reduce skin itching and discomfort. It also contains a topical probiotic to help manage your skin barrier. For your affected body parts we recommend an application of Beta Gel – a powerful immune boosting serum designed to address reactive, traumatised, or irritated skin.
5. Keep a diary:
To help you understand your condition, it may be helpful to keep a diary to identify your eczema triggers. In it you can write down the following:
What you are eating and drinking - sugar, dairy, peanuts and gluten can all be triggers.
The type of skin products, chemicals, soaps, makeup, and detergents you have used
What activities you are doing, such as taking a walk outside in a wooded or subtropical area, or swimming in a chlorinated pool
How long you spend in the bath or shower, and the temperature of the water
When you’re under stress – both physical and emotional
When documentation is used in this way, you can begin to notice any connections between your activities and your eczema flare-ups.
6. Address your gut health:
All health begins in the gut. Your unique gut microbiome has a direct connection to your skin and can greatly impact its health. You need to ensure the probiotics you take have a high level of CFU (colony forming units). We regularly use Regul8 Digestive Tune Up for many of our eczema clients to soothe, cleanse and repair the gastrointestinal system which can help calm existing skin conditions.
7. Ensure you have an EFA – Essential Fatty Acid supplement:
EFA’s work to soothe and nourish the body, increase water levels in the skin and improve its structural integrity and barrier function. Here we turn to DMK EFA Ultra – which is a super charged blend of the EFAs 3, 6, 7 and 9, this supplement has more than 190 nutrients and bioactive substances all entirely sourced from plant-based ingredients.
8. Reduce eating foods donating high histamine levels:
9. LED light therapy.
This LED skin light therapy uses light energy to stimulate your body’s natural processes and promote healing from deep within. It is non-invasive and results are visible after each relaxing and healing treatment, but most profound after cumulative sessions. You do not need a consult with this treatment, and it is suitable for everyone. This is the clinic’s go to remedy for eczema, Cara uses it on her son when he has an eczema flare-up. You can see him in action under the LED on our Instagram highlights.
10. Toleskin treatment from Biologique Recherche:
The Toleskin Treatment from Biologique Recherche is formulated for highly sensitive and reactive skins. Toleskin is an extremely soothing and highly effective facial for reducing skin sensitivity, itching and discomfort. Regular use helps skin becomes more tolerant and less irritated, while the skin's texture becomes smoother, and redness is reduced. It is perfect treatment if your skin is in a state of crisis, and you feel like you are unable to receive any treatment because of the reactivity of your skin. For this treatment you do not need a consult, and it is suitable for rosacea, sensitive & reactive skin and eczema.
LED Light Therapy
Toleskin treatment by Biologique Recherche