Eczema – Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Eczema is an itchy, scaly rash often caused by sensitivity to food, certain chemicals, or environmental conditions such as dryness. The rash is not always true allergic reaction, but a an immune system reaction to a normally harmless substance. Symptoms vary and can appear anywhere from a few minutes to several hours after exposure to the offending food or substance. Eczema runs in families, often along with tendency to develop asthma, hay fever or hives.
Avoid foods that trigger or worsen eczema, external causes such as wearing wool clothing next to the skin.
ROLE OF DIET
Certain foods trigger eczema. Common culprits include eggs, dairy products, seafood, walnuts, and pecans. It is important to be tested for food allergies by trained physician to avoid dietary limitations that may be unnecessary.
Cow’s milk can cause eczema in babies and small children, they may be able to tolerate goat’s milk or soy-based products. Many children outgrow their sensitivities by the age of 6, but others have lifelong recurrences.
Consume more antioxidants. Dryness may cause eczema by triggering the formation of free radicals and therefore may be countered by antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Preliminary studies indicate that foods rich in this substance can improve eczema. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables including apricots, squash, mangoes,carrots,pumpkin and sweet potatoes are good choices.
Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids. Foods like vegetable oil, fatty fish, and flaxseed may decrease swelling by helpinng to generate hormonelike subtances called prostaglandins which reduce inflammation. Another source of essential fatty acids is evening primrose oil. In an experimental study, patients found that their symptoms improved when they took the supplements of evening primrose oil, rich in an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid.
Get lots of vitamin B6. Some researchers believe a diet rich in vitamin B6 protects againts sensitivity rashes. Good sources include vegetable oil, eggs, oily fish, legumes, brown rice, wheat germ, and leafy green vegetables.
Environmental triggers. Chemicals in the environment probably trigger eczema more than foods do. Common offenders include nickel, which is often used for making costume jewelry, and latex which is used in household and industrial rubber gloves.
People in certain jobs are at high risk for developing eczema. Acrylic adhesives are a hazard for manicurists and their customers, for dental technicians and for people who build models as a hobby. Athletes sometimes suffer from skin rashes on the feet caused by adhesives used in bonding sneakers. Buying another brand of sneakers sometime solves the problem. Woolen clothing worn next to the skin can cause a rash. People sensitive to wool should also try to avoid skin-care products based on lanolin, the natural oil that is found in wool.
It makes sense to avoid known triggers. If your rash is worse in either hot or very cold weather, avoid extremes of temperature. Buy only soaps, detergents, and toilet papers free of dyes and perfumes.
credits to Readers Digest Food that Harms Food that Heals
