Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is a hereditary sensitive skin disorder. It is inherited in patients or in families with asthma and sinus allergies as well. It is a sensitivity of the skin to environmental (including skin care routine), emotional, and dietary factors. So a multifactorial approach is needed to keep eczema from recurring. Eczema flare-ups are generally a sign of imbalance, which needs to be addressed. Medications like antihistamines and steroid creams can be used when the symptoms are severe but are not a healthy long-term treatment since they have risks of side effects and only serve to suppress the rash.

  1. Water and soap worsen eczema. Brief showers in lukewarm water no more than once daily with a mild soap-free cleanser are ideal. Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile “soap” (Kona Naturals), Simplicite herbal cleanser (Lokahi) or Cetaphil bar or liquid (drugstores) are mildest cleansers for patients who tend to have eczema. Don’t wash the areas with eczema daily. We daily should wash our axilla and groin where we accumulate body odor daily but other parts of the body can simply be rinsed every other day. Avoid Ivory, Dial, Safeguard, Irish Spring and other harsh soaps.
  2. If you are given a medicated cream, it needs to be used twice daily on areas of itching and rash until clear. This can take a few weeks. Flurosone cream is a non-steroid herbal cream that helps with eczema (Lokahi or Kona Naturals). To prevent eczema you must moisturize daily to the areas that are prone to eczema. I recommend Kukui nut oil, almond oil or coconut oils at bedtime. If you prefer a lotion, I recommend Simplicite natural lotion without parabens (Lokahi) or Alba very emollient lotion or Weleda skin food (Kona Naturals). From drugstores Cetaphil, Keri, Eucerin lotions are alternatives.
  3. Avoid chemicals (harsh detergents – try Ecover or 7th generation from Kona Naturals), excess water exposure (ocean, hot tubs), heat and sweating, scratching (itch scratch cycle!! Keeps it going) and stress when your eczema is flaring, these things make it worse. For itching Quercetin 250 mg (a natural antihistamine from orange peel) can be taken 4x/day (Lokahi, Kona Naturals). For severe itching Benadryl (over the counter) can be used in the evenings for itching and sleep, the children’s syrup can be used to lower the dose if the adult dose makes you groggy in the morning. Claritin (loratidine) (over the counter) is a non- sedating antihistamine that can be taken in the morning for daytime itching without causing drowsiness. Cold compresses are great to knock out itching. Put a bowl of cold water in the fridge with washcloths and a little lavender oil or try a bag of frozen peas or corn. Tea tree essential oil can be applied directly to the itchy areas and is also antibacterial. Aveeno or Sarna anti-itch lotions can help during the day. Gloves are a big help for hand eczema, as well as lotion after every hand washing.
  4. A good diet of lots of vegetables, fruits and monounsaturated fats helps eczema. A diet of sugars and bad fats worsens eczema. Try to avoid sweets, desserts, sodas, and sugary drinks. Also avoid fried foods, fast foods, fatty meats and processed cookies, pastries, chips with trans- or hydrogenated fats. Avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring, tuna in moderation because of mercury) are all good for you because of their Omega 3 essential fats. Other than a Multivitamin daily, Fish oil supplements (Omega 3 fatty acids) 2 capsules (1000mg) daily with food are necessary. (Eskimo 3 at Lokahi or Nordic Naturals brand at Kona Naturals).
  5. Decrease stress level. Find ways to relax. Going for a walk/yoga/meditation/reading a book. John Kabat Zinn “Wherever you go, There you are” is a great book introducing meditation. Kona Yoga has beginning Yoga classes. Regular exercise helps with the stress levels and keeps you fit for your general health.
  6. Drink 8-8oz glasses of water daily, caffeine and alcoholic beverages don't count. It helps keep your system hydrated and flush out toxins through your skin.
  7. If you are not improving, please come back to the clinic so we can discuss other options for treatment and food allergy testing.