Foods
Infection is often a primary concern with eczema patients. To reduce the risk of infection, prepare poultices or cool washes of apple cider vinegar. This can either be applied directly to the skin, placed in a disposable infusion bag, or wrapped in a piece of cheesecloth, then applied to the skin. Keep the poultice in place by using a strip of cotton and wrap with plastic or waxed paper. Poultices can usually be left in place for several hours or overnight.
Food Supplements
As discussed earlier, omega-3 fatty acids help control the inflammatory response. Supplementing the body with essential fatty acids from fish oils (EPA and DHA) or simply eating more fatty fish (mackerel, herring, and salmon) can result in significant improvement in fatty acid metabolism. It is important to note that the degree of improvement tends to be correlated to the degree of DHA in the blood and fish oils are more effective at raising DHA than flaxseed oil.
Herbs
Licorice root appears to be helpful both internally and externally in the treatment of eczema. This herb exerts an anti-inflammatory action and has anti-allergic effects. Using 1 to 2g of the powdered root or 250 to 500mg of the solid extract internally can be helpful. Topically, licorice has demonstrated characteristics similar to hydrocortisone when used in the pure glycyrrhetinic acid form, e.g., Simicort from Enzymatic Therapy
A goldenseal powder poultice may be used in the same manner as the apple cider vinegar poultice. A poultice can be made using either fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs can be bruised and applied directly to the skin. Dried herbs must be made into a paste first using either hot water or apple cider vinegar. This can either be applied directly to the skin, placed in a disposable infusion bag, or wrapped in a piece of cheesecloth, then applied to the skin. The beneficial effects will be enhanced by keeping the poultice warm. Keep the poultice in place by using a strip of cotton and wrap with plastic or waxed paper and place a hot water bottle on top. Poultices can usually be left in place for several hours or overnight.
Other flavonoid-rich herbs have also been found to benefit eczema patients such as grape seed, bilberry, ginkgo, and green tea. These herbs help reduce histamine release from the cells and the allergic mechanism found in eczema patients.
Other popular topical treatments for eczema are creams containing chamomile or witch hazel. This type of preparation reduces the inflammation and the itching. When considering topical preparations, it is important to ensure they are not greasy as they will block sweat ducts and worsen the situation.
Lifestyle
As mentioned earlier, contact irritants play a significant role and can exacerbate symptoms of eczema. The use of hard soaps and detergents should be avoided. Soaps and detergents should be free of fragrances and be very mild. When doing your laundry, clothes should be rinsed twice to remove all soap residue. As well, you should never take steaming hot showers or baths as this further aggravates eczema.
Minerals
Low levels of zinc have been found in eczema patients. In addition, zinc is needed for proper essential fatty acid metabolism. Supplementation with 45 to 60mg of zinc daily can be beneficial.
Miscellaneous
Controlling histamine release is an important aspect of treating eczema and lower histamine levels help reduce the itch. Quercetin is an effective natural anti-histamine and a dose of 1,000 to 1,500mg daily are extremely effective.
Therapies, Healing Aids, & More
In regards to hydrotherapy, never take hot showers or baths. Cold compresses can help alleviate itching.
