Eczema- The Lifelong Journey- Part 3

Modern medicine tends to see eczema as a dermatological condition. It treats the symptoms with steroids, antihistamines and JAK inhibitors.  These medications help to lower the inflammation and control the itching mainly by controlling, interrupting or lowering the body's immune response.  They can be incredibly helpful in stopping the eczema cycle of inflammation, itching and scratching.

Natural medicine notes a correlation between eczema , diet, exercise, fresh air and constipation.  They will often say that eczema is a result of having impure blood.  The focus is on improving the body holistically through resolving the constipation, getting fresh air, preserving the skin barrier, exercising regularly, using particular herbs and creating a special diet that relieves inflammation and avoids allergens.   

Traditional Chinese Medicine see eczema as a condition of stagnation, dampness and/or heat in the body.  To address the eczema, they focus on improving the body holistically by moving the bowels and blood, creating a special diet, taking herbs, exercising appropriately, improving the skin barrier, breathing and yoga and meditation. 

Notice any similarities?  

I would put them together to suggest the following:

1. There is no one answer to eczema- Everyone's body is different.  Just because something has worked for someone else, it doesn't mean that it will automatically work for you.  It is imperative to create a specialized plan that works for you.  And then stick with it.  
2. Know your allergens- Everyone recognizes that eczema is an inflammatory response.  Allergies or irritants can be animals, mold, dust, tight clothing, wool clothing, scratchy surfaces, foods, flowers, soap, chemicals....the list is seemingly endless. You need to find out what your body is responding to and remove it from your environment.  Nothing else will truly work while you are still being exposed to your allergen.  Don't assume that you know for sure what you are allergic to. I am highly allergic to dogs.  I grew up with dogs and loved every minute.  I had no clue that I was keeping my body in a state of constant inflammation by being constantly exposed to my allergen. 
3. Keep your bodily systems flowing and moving- Your body is about 60% water.  Have you ever noticed how healthy the ocean is?  How life flourishes in the ocean?  How much the water moves in the ocean?  It is never still.  Have you ever seen a stagnant pool of water? Stagnant water is an environmental hazard.  Life struggles to live there but parasites, bacteria and fungi thrive there. Move your body by exercising, stretching, breathing deeply and ensuring that your digestive tract is working consistently.  You should have at least one bowel movement a day.  
4. Eat to live- Dairy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, alcohol, soy, spicy foods, fried foods, processed foods and citrus are the most common causes of inflammation in people.  Salmon, berries, leafy green vegetables, yogurt, kombucha, apples, and broccoli are helpful in lowering inflammation in most people.  Burdock, dandelion, garlic, ginger, parsley, goldenseal, echinacea and green tea support your kidneys and liver in detoxifying your blood and your body.  Figure out a food lifestyle that will work for you.  This is not a diet but a way of life.  
5. Manage your stress levels- Your body may be stuck in fight or flight mode, producing cytokines which can cause the eczema responses. Exercise, walking, stretching, prayer, mediation and mindfulness can help to greatly reduce your stress which can help lower your inflammation.   
6. Support your skin barrier- Wash carefully using warm water avoiding harsh soaps.  Moisturize your skin immediately after washing. Continue moisturizing frequently throughout the day. Address infections as soon as possible. DO NOT SCRATCH!
7. Modern medicine can be a great first step in arresting the eczema cycle and giving you an opportunity to:
   1. Figure out your allergens- remove them from your life
   2. Figure out your lifestyle- incorporate regular exercise and movement into your life
   3. Figure out your food lifestyle- eat an anti-inflammatory diet including supportive herbs
   4. Figure out your mental health- lower your cortisol and stop the eczema cycle 
   5. Figure out your skin barrier- improve and support your skin barrier with hydration and moisturization continually

I know.  It's a lot.  And it takes a while to figure everything out.  And herbs take a while for effects to be seen.  

Be encouraged that there is a customized plan that will work for you.  A plan that will break the cycle, heal your skin, bring you peace and improve your overall health.  I found mine and I know that you can find yours too!