Introduction:

A general term for an itchy red rash that initially weeps or oozes serum and may become crusted, thick or scaly. The rash can in time become secondarily infected. Stress, food allergies, irritating chemicals, drugs, scratching, sun exposure, cold weather and poor digestion can all lead to this distressing external condition. It can manifest as hot, cold, dry or suppurating presentations and treatment must be tailored to suit.

It should be noted that the Chinese believe, that external conditions are less worrying than deeper, internal ones as the body is successfully managing to throw the disease process outwards. (The Greek word ekzein which is where eczema comes from means 'to boil'.)

Refer to dermatitis, psoriasis and skin.

Infantile Eczema

Sometimes, babies are born with eczema - If the mother is breast-feeding, then she must be treated initially. Seek professional advice from a herbalist or nutritional naturopath.

Some suggestions are simple herbs like dandelion root tea can be put into a bottle, if the baby can drink from one, if not, then the mother should drink the tea. If the baby is not breast-feeding then bottle milk should be replaced by almond milk with seaweed's.

Nutritional Advice:

Wheat and dairy foods are common problem foods and must be avoided, but ensure that the soya foods and soya milk do not cause allergic reactions. Try rice and almond milk initially.

Cold, scaly skin will be best helped by keeping to an eating programme of long, low-cooked, warming foods - grains, root vegetables and the like. Conversely for hot, itchy eczema and skin avoid heating foods e.g. coffee, alcohol, sugar, hot spices and eat 'cold foods' like salads and ensure to detox and remove heat via regular bowel movement etc.

Oxalic acid foods can also cause disturbances, therefore, be aware of sources such as; tomatoes, oranges, gooseberries, strawberries and rhubarb. Use olive oil in cooking and raw on salads, the latter with apple cider vinegar; both of which are good for the skin. Avoid trans fatty acid rich foods like margarine, cakes and pastries (the latter are wheat based anyway). Hemp seed oil and Linseed oil is rich in omega 3,6 & 9 and is good; also use evening primrose oil (Mega GLA).

Herb Quality:

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

DO NOT MIX HERBAL MEDICINE AND GP PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GP OR PRACTIONER

Natural Healing:

De-stress by dancing, exercising and meditating.