I've had three people ask me about the improvement in my kids' skin in the last couple of weeks, so here's an excerpt from a longer article I wrote a couple of years ago for Dallas Child:

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease affecting more than 15 million Americans. The National Institutes of Health estimates 85 percent of children show signs of eczema between birth and five years of age. Nearly half improve by 15, while the remaining children struggle with the affliction into adulthood. Symptoms include red, scaly, oozing, blistering, thickened and itchy skin.  Common triggers include indoor and outdoor allergens as well as certain foods.

 

Triggers and Treatments

 

“In eczema, the skin is hyper-reactive,” says Maurica Contreras, a pediatric nurse practitioner in the dermatology clinic at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. “It can be triggered by grasses, pollens, stress, certain foods, infections, skin irritation due to wind, low humidity, heat, sweating, abrupt temperature changes, excessive washing or the use of drying products (such as harsh soaps or perfumed products).”

 

Pet dander, dust mites and other indoor allergens may contribute to the disease. Dr. Steven Pedro, a dermatologist in Fort Worth, TX, recommends a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. If it’s financially feasible, remove carpet and lay down real hardwood floors (that don’t have a lot of chemicals in the protective coating) to eliminate one of the biggest indoor triggers.

 

Dr. Larry Davis, of the Nutritional Wellness Center in Plano, TX, says dairy, corn, wheat, eggs, soy and even feathers are other common allergens that may cause the itchiness. Davis recommends eliminating foods for a minimum of three weeks and consuming only quality, whole food supplements (without any synthetics). “When eczema is bad, with deep lesions, the tissue needs time to heals and regenerate,” he explains.

 

Dr. Pedro suggests using dye- and scent-free soap or making your own laundry detergent. Apply lotions like Eucerin and Aquaphor right after bathing to lock in the moisture. Other suggested products: Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Robathol (a cottonseed oil that can be added to bath water), dye-free Aloe Vera and Aveeno. Alex Bekker, MD, a holistic practitioner in Dallas, recommends organic coconut or almond oils while Dr. Pedro prefers CeraVe and TriCeram, both of which contain barrier repair proteins.

 

Frank McGehee, a pediatrician with the Cook Children’s hospital network in Fort Worth, TX, says research shows a connection between taking a quality probiotic (either in yogurt, Kefir or pill form) and omega-3 fatty acids (derived from certain fish or flax seed oils and available in capsule or liquid form) and a reduction in the rash.

 

Alternative Medicine

 

Chinese medicine, pediatric chiropractic and holistic medicine are options for those looking for natural solutions. Bekker notes homeopathic remedies have no side effects like those that can occur with drug-based treatments.

 

Flare-up Fighters

 

1. Moisturize at least twice each day (after bathing is best).

 

2. Avoid sweating and overheating.

 

3. Avoid changes in temperature and humidity.

 

5. Apply a cold compress to relieve itching.

 

6. Trim fingernails as short as possible.

 

7. Double rinse clothes and always wash new clothes before wearing.

 

8. Follow a prescribed treatment regimen.

 

9. Limit exposure to triggers (this includes environmental and food).

 

 

Bottom line

The key to eczema is to know your triggers. Control them and moisturize daily to keep the skin healthy and moist.  Eczema may never go away completely, but it is treatable. Naturally.