Echema Remedy: A Comprehensive Approach to Eczema

Eczema is a challenge that many young children face. It’s understandable that parents often turn to online communities for recommendations on creams and ointments that promise relief.

However, managing eczema can be a more intricate process than simply using topical treatments. It’s important to recognize that eczema is not just a skin condition; it may signal deeper issues within the body. Our skin can often serve as a mirror to our internal health, reflecting imbalances that may relate to our immune system or gut health.

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin conditions affecting children. Its emergence is often linked to abnormal immune reactions to various environmental factors, leading to ongoing inflammation. What’s particularly striking is that the journey towards developing eczema can begin even before a child is born.

Factors that impact a mother during pregnancy and the baby’s early months play a crucial role in determining skin health. By taking proactive steps and preventive measures, parents can make a significant difference in reducing the chances of skin issues later on.

It’s a journey, and with the right support and information, it can become more manageable.

What Increases the Risk of Eczema?

Scientific research, particularly from PubMed, identifies several factors that increase eczema risk:

Family History of AD:
If the mother suffers from eczema, frequent infections, or has elevated IgE levels (antibodies linked to allergies) during pregnancy, the child is at a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
Antibiotics During Pregnancy:
The use of antibiotics while pregnant may increase the child’s risk of eczema, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Antibiotics and Paracetamol in Newborns:
Administering these medications in the first few weeks or months of life can heighten the chances of developing AD later on.
Maternal Exposure to Phthalates:
Phthalates, found in plastic packaging, cosmetics, and cleaning agents, can raise the risk of eczema in children, particularly in boys, if the mother is excessively exposed during pregnancy.
Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A):
BPA, present in plastic bottles, receipts, and some canned foods, can negatively impact a baby’s skin health and increase the risk of allergies.
Heavy Metals:
Exposure to heavy metals like mercury can burden the body and exacerbate skin issues. Mercury can still be present in certain vaccines, so it is advisable to read all leaflets carefully.
Zinc Deficiency:
Zinc is a crucial mineral for skin and immune health. Its deficiency may contribute to the development of eczema.
Reaction to Aluminum in Vaccines:
Especially in triple-dose vaccines where aluminum levels are higher, routine infant vaccinations may affect allergy susceptibility. A study of 4,433 children found that those who received the DTaP vaccine with a one-month delay were less likely to develop eczema.Eczema is also described in three articles on PubMed as a side effect of the smallpox vaccine.
Short Breastfeeding Duration:
Research indicates that shorter or mixed feeding (non-exclusive breastfeeding) is linked to a slightly increased risk of eczema in children. Breastfed children have an 11% lower risk of developing eczema.

Natural Solutions for Eczema in Children and Infants:

1.Elimination Diet:

While breast milk provides the best nutrition for infants, it’s important to remember that some components of a mother’s diet can transfer into the milk. This sometimes leads to allergic reactions or makes existing inflammation worse.

Common allergens include:

cow’s milk proteins (found in dairy products like yogurt, cheese, butter, and cream)
eggs
nuts
wheat and glutens
soy
fish and seafood.

If you’re noticing eczema flare-ups in your child, it might be worth considering a temporary elimination of certain foods for 2–4 weeks. By doing this, you can observe how their skin reacts. If you notice improvement, it can help you pinpoint specific triggers when you gradually reintroduce those foods.

I completely understand how concerning this can be; I’ve been through it myself. When I eliminated dairy from my diet, it made a noticeable difference in my two breastfed sons, with their skin clearing up within a week.

For children over 2 years old in the UK, you have an option to explore food intolerances more thoroughly. The York Test can be a helpful tool—it allows you to check at home by collecting a small blood sample with a simple finger prick. I remember when I ordered the kit for myself a few years back; it even included a 30-minute consultation with a dietitian.

As you navigate this process, I would advise against opting for cheaper hair-based intolerance tests. While they can help with assessing heavy metal exposure, food intolerances are best evaluated through blood tests. It’s important to find the most reliable methods for your child’s health.

2.Gut Health for Mom and Baby

Gut dysbiosis in mothers, such as issues like Candida overgrowth, SIBO, or leaky gut, can deeply impact the composition of breast milk and may trigger inflammation in babies. If you’re navigating this challenging situation, know that improving gut health can be a supportive step.

Here are some gentle suggestions that may help:

Consider a diet that incorporates plenty of fiber and fermented foods, as long as they’re well tolerated.
Probiotic supplements, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium breve, are often recommended for addressing atopic dermatitis (AD).
It is also beneficial to limit sugar and processed products.

A study from 2018 highlighted that a persistent imbalance in the gut microbiome, alongside immune system challenges, has long-lasting effects, contributing to conditions like atopic dermatitis throughout life. Moreover, research has shown that disturbances in both the gut and skin microbiomes are linked to AD, suggesting that the health of microorganisms in both areas can significantly influence the likelihood of developing this condition.

If you or your child are facing issues like Candida overgrowth or gut dysbiosis, it is incredibly helpful to seek guidance from a qualified nutritional therapist or a functional medicine doctor. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—there are professionals who can support you in achieving better health.

3.Natural Care and Cleaning Products

When washing baby clothes, use gentle, fragrance-free detergents that do not contain enzymes to help prevent irritation on sensitive skin. For skincare, choose natural, fragrance-free products that are free from harsh chemicals. f you’d like to learn more about baby-friendly skincare, click here. To reduce the risk of irritation, avoid bathing in chlorinated water by using a water filter or bathing the baby in boiled water.

Soap berries are an excellent all-natural detergent alternative. Especially for children with sensitive skin and eczema, as they contain saponins that act as gentle natural cleansers

4. Oatmeal Bath

Numerous scientific studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal possesses various beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant, antifungal, and prebiotic effects, as well as the ability to repair the skin barrier and positively influence skin pH.

You don’t need to purchase a special type of oatmeal for these benefits. Here’s how to prepare an oatmeal bath for your child using regular oats. Please watch the video above.

5. Dead Sea Salt Bath

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Magnesium salts are abundant in Dead Sea water and are known for their beneficial effects on the skin, especially in treating inflammatory conditions. In 2005, a study was conducted to examine the effects of Dead Sea salts on dry, atopic skin.

For the study, volunteers with dry, irritation-prone skin soaked one forearm in a solution of 5% Dead Sea salt water for 15 minutes, while the other forearm was soaked in regular tap water as a reference point. The study lasted six weeks, during which the participants’ skin conditions were regularly evaluated.

The results were very positive. First, the skin that was immersed in the saline solution was more hydrated, indicating that the salt helped retain moisture in the epidermis. Second, there was a noticeable reduction in roughness and redness, both of which are signs of inflammation.

In conclusion, Dead Sea salt baths were found to be well-tolerated by the skin, strengthening its natural barrier, increasing hydration, and alleviating irritation.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to natural methods of supporting the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly in children. One promising approach is supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

A recent study examined the effects of combining omega-3 from fish oil and GLA from blackcurrant oil in children with AD.

For two years—during autumn, winter, and spring (as AD typically improves in summer)—children received either a specialized supplement (Mega Kid®) or a placebo. The study assessed changes in AD symptoms (e.g., SCORAD index), the frequency of steroid cream use, sleep quality, itch intensity, and the impact of the disease on family life.

The study included 52 children. After four months, children taking the supplement showed significantly fewer skin lesions and reduced steroid cream usage (from 30 mg to 10 mg per month). Sleep quality improved, itching decreased, and daily life became easier.

It appears that combining omega-3 fatty acids, GLA, and vitamin D may be effective and safe in alleviating AD symptoms in children. This could be a valuable option to consider as part of the treatment!

7. Licorice Extract Gel

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Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) has long been recognized for its positive effects on skin, particularly in conditions like eczema and persistent itching. But does it really work? This was tested in a study evaluating its efficacy in treating atopic dermatitis (AD).

Researchers prepared gels containing 1% and 2% licorice extract, which were applied by 90 patients over two weeks.

Importantly, the 2% licorice gel proved significantly more effective than the 1% version, reducing redness, swelling, and itching more efficiently. The results clearly demonstrated that licorice can be an excellent natural support in combating AD.

8. German Chamomile Oil

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Historically, German chamomile oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema due to its main components, which possess anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. One component, α-Bisabolol, is particularly noted for its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

In a study conducted in 2010 on mice, researchers found that chamomile oil affected immune cells involved in the development of atopic dermatitis. The study utilized a 3% chamomile oil solution. When applied to the skin, chamomile oil helped reduce excess antibodies and decreased histamine secretion. Additionally, it alleviated frequent skin scratching caused by itching.

Summary

Eczema, while a common skin issue, signifies just the tip of the iceberg, reflecting internal processes within the body. Understanding its deeper causes, like immune system dysfunction, gut health, or toxin exposure, is key. Natural ways—like a tailored breastfeeding diet, gut health support, gentle skincare, and supplementation—can offer relief to children suffering from eczema.

Eczema in children is a challenge requiring a holistic approach and patience. Instead of focusing solely on symptom elimination, it’s worth looking deeper and caring for the overall health of the body. The natural techniques described in this article not only alleviate symptoms but also support the child’s long-term health. Remember, every child is different—the key to success lies in observation and tailoring solutions to individual needs.

I invite you to read the post with a recipe for a moisturizing oat cream, which turned out to be amazing for our son’s eczema. Click here!

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