Q: I have suffered from Eczema for the last 5 years having developed it in my teens. I use steroid creams but am a bit worried as I have heard that they can bleach your skin. Are there any natural ways of dealing with Eczema?
A: You are not alone, 20% of the population suffer from Eczema at some point in their lives. There is no real cure for the condition and many sufferers are now looking for alternative ways to manage their Eczema with the minimum use of steroids.
The causes of Eczema are varied. If it is not hereditary, it can be caused by irritants, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. In later years, the onset of Eczema tends to be associated with poor circulation in the legs.
Fortunately, there are some practical ways to manage the condition as well as some alternative treatments that are steroid free.
Don't take baths too often but when you do, add bath oil to the water in order to keep the skin moisturised, and try to avoid soap.
Natural oatmeal in the bath water is a useful tip and to save the mess, works best sewn into a little muslin bag.
Stay away from woollen clothes and blankets and wear rubber gloves with a cotton inner lining when doing housework.
As far as diet is concerned, some nutritionists believe that avoiding dairy produce may help with the condition, so switch to substitutes such as soya, rice, hazelnut or almond milk and seek out alternatives to your usual cheese and butter.
Goat’s milk is another solution and if purchased fresh from the supermarket will taste similar to cow’s milk which makes life easier with the kids!
Oranges and all orange juice products must be avoided too.
Evening Primrose oil is now commonly used as a treatment, both topically and orally as a supplement and can be easily purchased in capsule or liquid form being suitable for young and old alike.
An excellent topical ointment to ease the irritation is one made naturally from the herb Chickweed and this can be freely applied to even the most sensitive skin.
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