A bit extra on ECZEMA.

Hands up anyone who has eczema.... Hands up anyone who knows anyone with eczema.... Eczema would have to be one of the top 3 reasons people come into the shop. They are always looking for a new cream to try. That is, until we enlighten them with the REAL cause of eczema!

Treat the cause…
Even though eczema is seen on the skin, it is actually an INTERNAL problem because the skin is a reflection of our immune system and digestion. Over 70% of our immune system is located in the gut so we need to heal the gut to improve the reaction of our immune system. This means that you can try all the creams in the world but this only has a “band-aid” effect until you treat the cause. Psoriasis is different to eczema as it is an autoimmune disorder.

What happens…
1. Our body is exposed to an allergen eg. food, dust particles
2. Our mucous membranes that line the gut becomes inflamed causing the tight lining to become “leaky”
3. The allergen proteins wrongly enter the bloodstream rather than staying in the digestive tract
4. Our body’s immune system does not recognise these foreign objects and sets off an immune reaction
Result: eczema (dry, itchy, irritated skin), headaches, tiredness, moodiness

Can be aggravated by… stress, seasons (Winter or Summer), heat, unnatural skincare products, unnatural cleaning products (washing powders), smoking, alcohol consumption.

Topically…
We’ve found that the products with the most positive feedback are:
© Billy Goat soap
© Massage coconut oil straight onto the skin
© Moogoo’s Eczema and Psoriasis Balm (or MSM Soothing Cream for babies/kiddies)
© Moogoo and Warbotanicals “Itchy and Scratchy” are wonderful shampoo and conditioners

A very soothing bath…
Cut off the foot from a pair of stockings, add one cup of rolled oats and 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers and tie up the end. Let this soak in the bath water and gently rub over the body like a sponge. Add one tablespoon of almond oil or coconut oil to the bath water. You can also massage those oils into the skin as a moisturiser once you get out too.

Supplements…
© Fish oil: Most people take fish oil but aren’t nearly taking enough. Start with 5 capsules twice a day until symptoms clear up and then just maintain with 5 a day. Or consider a concentrated liquid like BioCeuticals Omega Sure liquid $29.95) where one tsp is equivalent to 6 standard capsules.
© Probiotics: to decrease inflammation, improve digestion, modulate the immune system and heal the gut lining. The strain of probiotics specific to eczema is Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG which is found in Ethical Nutrients Eczema Shield, Ethical Nutrients Inner Health Plus Powder For Kids and BioCeuticals Baby Biotic.

Diet…
© Eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods like fruit and vegies, brown rice, quinoa, ginger, garlic and turmeric.
© Eliminate allergens like dairy and wheat from the diet (one at a time) for a minimum of 4 weeks to observe any differences.
© Drink 2 litres of water every day to hydrate the skin and flush out any toxins.
© 70% OF PEOPLE WITH PSORIASIS ARE COELIACS!!! Have an allergy test at the immunologist or ask your GP for a blood test to see if you’re coeliac (gluten intolerant). If you continue eating foods that you’re intolerant to, your gut lining will constantly be inflamed and leaky.
© Fresh is best! Limit processed food such as boxed cereals, muesli bars, chips, cake, lollies and chocolate, icecream, biscuits and soft drink.
© Take as much stress off of your liver as possible such as limiting coffee, alcohol, fatty foods and smoking.

Lifestyle…
© Adapt to stress and anxiety better by doing at least one thing you enjoy on a daily basis such as walking on the beach, reading, getting a massage, having a bath or doing yoga. Stress will always be there but the way you manage it can change.
© Dry skin brushing before you jump in the shower or bath can help to exfoliate away old, dead skin cells.
© Get daily sun exposure to increase your vitamin D levels.
© Try wearing natural fibres like cotton or bamboo.
© Swap to natural cleaning products and laundry powders.

Don’t put up with being itchy!! It’s not something you have to live with! Pass this on to any itchy people you may know.