Both eczema and psoriasis are chronic, itchy and inflammatory skin conditions which may include lesions, patches of redness, scaling and blistering. Eczema is quite common in infants; often inherited, it may also lead to asthma or hay fever. Psoriasis often appears on the scalp and extremities; commonly inherited and can lead to arthritis. Interestingly, these conditions rarely appear on blacks and few Indians. In this blog I will explore various causes and remedies to improve these conditions.
Most of the time adjusting the diet will be the most effective tool as most skin disorders are a result of faulty fat metabolism. I am not one to encourage prescription drugs unless all else fails because you are not getting to the root of the problem, just covering it up with meds. My son had eczema as a baby and milk was the main culprit and we changed him to a soy formula and the lotions we used (some of the common baby products contain really toxic ingredients). I would do things differently if I had a baby now (and that would be a miracle!). I have come a long way in what I have learned about diet and we have more choices in products than we did thirty years ago, thankfully more natural ones.
My research shows that a possible cause for eczema is high acidity in the body (low stomach acid). PH tests can be done. With eczema toxins build up in the liver and kidneys due to diet and it shows up in the form of rashes on the skin. Cleaning up the diet will improve this, although it could worsen temporarily while the toxins are being eliminated.
Those with eczema also often exhibit an essential fatty acid deficiency. Sesame seeds and oils are an excellent choice and best to cook with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Evening primrose oil will help relieve the symptoms. Increase the dietary intake of fish oils by eating more mackerel, herring and salmon or take supplements as fish oils have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effect. Flaxseed oil is also good; you can mix flaxseeds in your food and buy flaxseed crackers. Eat fish at least two times per week. An ounce of aloe vera juice after meals is helpful. Other vitamins that are helpful are Vitamin A, C, E, Bioflavonoids and zinc.
The beta carotene in Vitamin A is beneficial in treating skin disorders particularly if the skin is inflamed. Some good food choice include yellow and green foods like carrots, winter squash, pumpkin, leafy greens such as dandelion, beet, spinach, kale, chard and watercress. The chlorophyll will purify the blood and rid the body of toxins. Seaweed and spirulina are also good choices. Include mung beans, aduki beans, alfalfa, and unpeeled cucumber slices. For dairy, goat milk products are the best to use. Eliminate spicy, fatty, greasy, sweet, shrimp, oysters and citrus fruits.
Psoriasis is caused by impaired liver function, alcohol consumption, excessive consumption of animal fats, and incomplete protein digestion. If you cannot digest or absorb correctly in the intestines, bacteria will break down the amino acids known as polyamines. These are often increased with those who have psoriasis. To help with digestion, hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes may help along with Vitamin A and goldenseal. Detoxing is good too, and sometimes candida is present. My naturopath has a good program for Candida.
Fiber is also important to maintaining a healthy colon so those with psoriasis should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables (as we all should!). The liver filters the blood and its inability to filter toxins will exacerbate psoriasis. Avoiding alcohol altogether (sorry) would be a good thing to consider if you have psoriasis! Other herbs that may help are zinc, chromium, folic acid, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, selenium and Vitamin E. Fish oils in the form of EPA are good. Limit eating animal products, especially fatty ones and dairy products.
Obviously chemicals are irritants and should be avoided even if you don’t have one of these skin conditions! Avoid harsh, chemical-laden products including your laundry soap, and including vinegar in your final rinse can help. Lotions, soaps and shampoo should be avoided (water alone is fine) or be very mild, and natural; avoid chemicals in these products. I sell some awesome products in my Lemongrass Spa and Young Living Essential Oils product lines for skin care you may consider (on my website). Other topical substances can also irritate the skin like wool, nylon, elastic, suede and spandex so it is best to avoid wearing those if you think they might bother your skin. For adults, get proper rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Sunlight is helpful to both conditions but those with psoriasis should avoid over exposure.
As I stated in the case of my son, allergies are often the culprit and cause the skin to erupt. The best advice is to avoid the foods or environmental toxins that cause it as much as possible. Sometimes an air purifier or dehumidifier can help with allergens in the air. One can wear a face mask when cleaning to avoid the dust and dander. Smoking will exacerbate any allergic reaction; give it up for many health reasons. Many foods and additives can be the trigger so start by eliminating them for three weeks and then introducing them back into your diet one by one. Some of the most common foods might include eggs, dairy, corn, wheat, yeast, citrus fruits and food additives.
For skin rash relief, many herbs and essential oils can help. You can apply many topically alone or blend them in carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut; or blend in a scent-free lotion or body wash, or look for one that already has them, just be cautious about other ingredients that are present. Some can be taken internally too as a tablet. Evening primrose has been used for atopic asthma (sometimes related to eczema with allergies), migraines and arthritis. Salves with aloe vera, calendula, Echinacea, St John’s wart, green tea can be applied to the skin. Dried nettle used as an astringent can help relieve eczema. Teas of burdock root, calendula, dandelion root, nettles, Oregon grape root, plantain leaf, red clover blossoms can be made to drink daily. Turmeric in capsule is anti-inflammatory. For treatment of the skin you can rub with cucumber and dab with vinegar daily, wash with plain water. You may apply raw honey or teas of goldenseal to eczema. For psoriasis, wash with seawater, and add garlic oil to bathwater.
Other alternatives include acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology, naturopathy (my naturopath has success with mitigating many allergies), shiatsu, and vitamin and mineral therapy. Essential oils that are helpful, and can be used topically or mixed with a carrier such as coconut oil or jojoba, include bergamot, chamomile, Melissa, geranium, lavender, lemon, rose, and sandalwood.
Feel free to comment on anything that has worked for you, or perhaps something you learned that might help you. I hope this helps you with your condition or someone dear to you!