Alleviate the Symptoms of Eczema Naturally? by Philippa Watt

One of the most common questions I have been asked as a practitioner of natural medicine is whether it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of eczema naturally. There is no short answer to this. When treating someone with eczema, it is not enough just to give them a cream to help alleviate the symptoms. The general lifestyle of that person must also be taken into consideration as well as their diet.

Firstly, the diet. Eczema can be aggravated by many common foods. Dairy produce is a very common food allergen. If you feel that food may be aggravating your eczema, then try keeping a diary of what you eat and whether you experience a reaction to that particular food. Another way to find out if food is a trigger is to have a food allergy test done. The York Nutritional Laboratories are able to test for a wide range of common food allergens. The test is quite simple, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. A food allergy testing kit is sent to you via the post. You take a pinprick of blood (there are no big needles involved!) and send it back to the laboratories for testing. The technicians will test to either 40 0r 93 common food allergies. Prices range between £99 for 40 food groups and £245 for 93 food groups. It is a very thorough test which many of my eczema clients have benefited from. If you would like to have a food allergy test done then call me on 01347 848154 and I will arrange for a testing kit to be sent to you.

Lifestyle factors can be another trigger for eczema. Family problems such as divorce, separation or bereavement, all take their toll on the body. If there is tension within the home, children will also suffer and it will cause them to feel stressed also. Problems over money, particularly after Christmas when the credit card bills come rolling in, is another major stress factor. As are problems at work with the boss, or difficult customers. You may not be able to control outside influences, but you can influence the way you react to them. One way to do this is to learn how to relax the body. Yoga and Tai Chi are both excellent ways to de-stress the mind and the body. Relaxation or meditation classes are also very good at teaching you how to tune into your body so that you know when you are becoming tense. If you do not want to go to a class, try purchasing one of the many self help relaxation tapes that are on the market. It is important that you make time for yourself so that you are able to unwind, even if it is just a long hot soak in a bubble bath.

Another excellent way of helping to control stress levels in the body is to have regular Reflexology treatments. Reflexology is a holistic therapy that uses a form of accupressure massage on the feet. The theory behind the treatment being that there are thousands of nerve endings terminating on the ends of each foot which correspond to an organ or gland within the body. One of the main benefits of the treatment is feeling more relaxed. I always feel that having a treatment is a little like taking the lid off the pressure cooker! All the stress and tension which builds up inside the body through everyday living is released after the treatment, making you feel lighter. If your eczema is aggravated by stress then try Reflexology. If it relaxes you it may help to alleviate your symptoms.

Finally, in my practice as a clinical Aromatherapist, I discovered an essential oil formula for eczema which helps soothe itchy, dry and inflamed skin. I have been selling this oil to my clients for many years. The feedback I have received from clients has been very positive. Most people who buy the oil are relieved to have found a natural alternative to steroid cream. I have never suffered with eczema, but over the past month, after going through a particularly stressful period in my own life, I developed dry, itchy, inflamed feet which kept me awake all night. When I realised I was suffering from eczema, I used my oil and was delighted when the itching and soreness eased and I was able to get a good nights sleep! I used it every morning and night for a week, and stopped using it three weeks ago. So far, I have not needed to use it again. If you would like to order the eczema oil, it costs £8 for a 100ml bottle and the number to ring is 01347 848107.
(June 2002)

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