ECZEMA OR DERMATITIS ECZEMA

It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin causing a distinctive pattern of symptoms such as itching, scaling, thickening of skin and discoloration of skin.

CAUSES:

• Heredity.
• Can be associated with asthma.
• Allergic – dust mites, detergents, rubber, nickel plated jewellery.
• Stress – physical or emotional.
• In babies diaper rash or napkin eczema is possible.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:

• Intense itching.
• Dry thickened skin usually on wrists, face, knees, and elbows.
• Small eruptions and blisters that may ooze fluid.
• Occasional redness and scaling.
• Rash.
• Dry leathery skin areas.
• Skin is abnormally dark or light in color than the normal skin.
• Raw areas of the skin from scratching.

DIETARY MANAGEMENT:

• Do not scratch especially with long nails. It may lead to secondary infection.
• Avoid foods you are allergic to.
• Avoid nickel plated jewellery, cosmetics, and other articles that give you skin complaints.
• Do not self medicate.

DO:

• You can apply non-medicated ointments like petroleum jelly to soothe the irritation.
• Yoga will help to relax and de-stress yourself.
• When washing or bathing, use less soap than usual. After bathing, apply lubricating cream on the skin while it is damp.
• Avoid eggs, fish, peanuts and soy.
• Avoid dairy products, sugar, white flour, fried foods and processed foods.
• Avoid the excess fat from meat – buy lean and preferably organic.
• Avoid sugar, gluten (wheat, barley, rye and oats) and raw eggs.
• Avoid soft drinks and oranges (if allergic to oranges).

CONSUME:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Consume lots of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables.
• Eat healthy diet, including five portions of vegetables per day, brown rice, millet, oily fish and a little fruit (no oranges).
• Consume diet rich in vitamin A and zinc, helps in regeneration of the skin.
• Diet rich in vitamin A:
• Liver oils of fish, egg, milk and milk products,
• Yellow orange colored fruits and vegetables green leafy vegetables are good source of - carotene.
• Foods rich in zinc:
• Shellfish, beef and other red meats, eggs and seafood, nuts, sea plants especially Japanese sea plants.
• Increase intake of vitamin C, it helps maintain healthy skin:
• Milk and milk products, citrus fruits, green vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables when fresh have maximum of vitamin C.
• Have coriander leaves frequently, its high in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy skin.
• You can have 3-4 strands of saffron in milk, it is beneficial for skin.
• Basil leaves (tulsi) are said to be helpful in skin ailments, eat 3-4 fresh leaves daily.
• Breast feed your child breast milk increases the immunity of your child and helps preventing eczema in future.

CONSULT PHYSICIAN:

• In case of prolonged duration or change in rash pattern take physicians opinion immediately.
• If symptoms get worse or if you see any Signs of infection (fever, redness of the affected area, pain) occur, see your physician immediately.