Eczema presents a complicated picture, both in terms of understanding what causes the condition and determining the best treatments. Atopic eczema, the most common form of eczema, has been associated with allergies, particularly food allergies in very young children, while non-atopic eczema presents itself more frequently in older children and in adults. A genetic component to eczema has been identified in the form of mutations in the FLA gene that encodes for profilaggrin, a precursor to filaggrin, the structural protein that helps form the permeability barrier that is our skin. A compromised epidermal layer permits water-loss, and dry, scaly lesions that are susceptible to infection and often a cause for a discomforting itch. Some combination of allergy, barrier disruption, and environmental factors conspire to bring up the disease symptoms—but what that exact combination entails has thus far eluded clear explanation.

Environmental factors appear to influence the flare-ups associated with eczema, with dry climate and harsh soaps being two significant culprits leading to bouts of increased rash and redness from the condition. Natural remedies can help with both problems to alleviate eczema flare-ups. Restoring barrier integrity through the use of natural products helps address the first problem, even when exposed to dry environmental conditions.

In our experience, a combination approach tailored to your individual needs is often the best approach for gaining natural eczema relief. By combining ongoing lifestyle and dietary measures with a selection of herbal and other natural topical treatments you can soothe symptoms, gently nourish and detoxify your system from the inside out, support immunity, and gain the synergistic benefits of all that Nature has to offer.

Let's Take a Closer Look at the Natural Approach to Eczema Treatment

Elimination Diet Basics for Skin Conditions

Your skin deserves better. There is something that you do every day that can create problems for your skin. To you, your skin problem may be called psoriasis, eczema, rosacea or acne, but to your skin it is an inflammatory reaction, and the source of that inflammation may very likely be the foods that you are putting in your mouth, into your digestive system.

Systemic inflammation and many common skin diseases can be the result of, or be made worse by the foods that we eat and the lifestyle we choose to follow. One problem has long been how to decide—of all the different foods you eat—which one or more is causing the chronic inflammation and skin eruptions.

Learn About Food Allergies and Intolerances and How to Follow an Elimination Diet

Whereas connections between diet and chronic skin diseases like psoriasis are just emerging, connections between eczema and diet have long been suspected and diagnosed (albeit fairly unreliably) by allergy specialists. Like virtually every aspect of our health, genetic components exist. But environmental triggers seem to escalate the speed and extent to which the symptoms manifest. If you or your partner or their ancestors suffer from eczema, you may want to consider practicing a quality, anti-inflammatory gluten-free and casein-free diet during pregnancy. Then continue practicing this diet with your baby, and nurse the baby, for at least one year to give their immune system time to better develop unchallenged by potentially damaging allergens. Be sure to speak with an experienced registered dietitian about how to implement this diet during and after pregnancy.

Read on for Deirdre's tips and sample menu that shows you how to incorporate Nature's foods to improve eczema symptoms.

Get Tips and Menu

DermaHarmony is a Great Place to Start

Our programs promote healthy skin with nutritional supplements, cleansing and detoxification, pH balancing, mild topical treatments and dietary guidance. Radiant skin begins with a proper diet and optimized nutrition for your body!

• To learn more about the approach, visit How it Works.
• To assess your symptoms, take our on-line Skin Assessment.
• If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-827-3730.
  We're here to listen and help.