Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) By
Donna Duncan
Disclaimer The information in this presentation is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or for treatments. Statements on herbs and supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA"
Symptoms of Eczema • Skin itching. • Inflamed and red skin. • Blistering occurs sometimes with oozing, crusting of the skin and scalp.
-Petersen, 38
Characterizations of Eczema • A higher tendency of itching. • Dry, thickened skin, with a decreased capacity to hold water. • Increased tendency to thickening of the skin due to rubbing or scratching. • The skin tends to be overgrown with bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus. -Murray & Pizzorno, 448
Causes of Eczema • Caused by a variety of factors. • Allergies to certain foods, metals, cosmetics, disturbances in the metabolism of the individual, faulty elimination, constipation, inadequate diet, stress, sluggish liver and kidneys.
-Petersen, 36
Causes of Eczema • “An overgrowth of the yeast, Candida Albicans in the gastrointestinal tract has been implicated as a causative factor • “Elevated levels of anticandida antibodies are common in atopic individuals.”
-Murray & Pizzorno, 450
Causes of Eczema “Physiological abnormalities primarily originate in the immune system”
– The skin of persons with Eczema is known to have abnormalities causing the Mast cells to release a high amount of histamine and other allergic compounds resulting in inflammation and itching. – A defect in the ability of the body to kill bacteria involving the alternative complement pathway (ACP). -Murray & Pizzorno, 448
Inhibiting Excess Histamines • The use of an East Indian plant, Coleus forskolii, is the most potent herbal antihistamine. As an extract/ Recommendation: 50 mg. 2-3 X daily
• Licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra also has good anti-allergy properties. Both topically and internally as fluid extract/ Recommendation: 1-2 g -Murray and Pizzorno, 453-4 This information is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose and are suggestions only. Statements on herbs and supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA"
Herbal Protocols for Eczema • Horsetail Equisetum spp. A compress of 1 tsp. fresh crushed or dried horsetail stems in 1 cup of water, boiled for 10-15 minutes, then allowed to cool. Soak a cotton kitchen towel in the water and squeeze the excess out, wrapping towel around the inflamed area. Cover with a dry towel. Leave for 10 minutes.
• Marshmallow Althaea officianlis root and Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra mix into a paste and applied topically to soothe and heal. -Gottlieb, 197 This information is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose and are suggestions only. Statements on herbs and supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA"
Herbal Protocols • Aloe Vera (topically) • Burdock Root Arctium lappa (2-8 g)* • Dandelion Taraxacum officinale (2-8 g)* • Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis • Nettle Urtica Urens • Propolis • Sarsaparilla Root Smilax spp. * Recommended daily -Petersen, 36 This information is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose and are suggestions only. Statements on herbs and supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA"
Homeopathics for Eczema Graphites 6C
4X daily
• Moist/honey-like discharge, dry and rough skin. Feels better with sleep, worse from eating cold sweat foods or seafood
Sulfur 6C 4X daily • Dry, rough, red and itchy skin. Better from fresh air, worse from washing, overheating and early in the morning.
Petrolium 6C 4X daily • Moist Eczema that is sensitive, rough and cracked (may bleed). Better from warm air, in dry weather. Worse from damp, wet weather. -Lockie &Geddes, 186-7 This information is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose and are suggestions only. Statements on herbs and supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA"
Eczema: Lifestyle Modifications • Recommended Therapeutic dosages of vitamins A (5,000 IU per day), E (400 IU per day), C, Zinc (45-60 mg. per day.
• Other Supplements: Flavonoids (Quercetin: 400 mg, 20 min. before meals; or Grape Seed extract: 50-100 mg. 3X daily), Ginko Biloba extract 50 mg. 3X daily, Flaxseed: 1 Tbs. daily.
• Avoid processed foods, eat vegetables and fruits. Seeds, such as: sunflower, pumpkin and sesame ensures adequate vitamin F. • Water, 6-8 glasses a day for adults. -Petersen, 36
Eczema: Lifestyle Modifications Manage stress, with stress reduction techniques… “Meditation can help a person with eczema release the stress they’ve accumulated during the day” says: Pratima Raichur, N.D.
15 minutes a day, in a quiet secluded room, is sufficient. -Gottlieb, 197
References: Gottlieb, Bill. Alternative Cures: the most effective natural home remedies for 160 health problems. Rodale Press: 2000 Lockie, Andrew, Dr. and Dr. Nicola Geddes. Complete Guide to Homeopathy. Dorling/Kindersley: 2000 Murray, Michael, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rev. 2nd ed. Three Rivers Press: 1998 Petersen, Dorene. Nat 303 Holistic Pathology & Protocols Manual. ACHS: 2006.