If you have ever suffered from eczema, you recognize the symptoms only too well - redness, itching, weeping skin, small blisters and a discharge that dries into crusts and flaky scales. All these symptoms, however, for all the discomfort they cause, do not constitute a disease.
Eczema itself is simply a symptom that shows up through the skin. It is like the tip of an iceberg. You can only see about five per cent. The other 95 per cent of the problem is invisible, but is definitely present under the skin.
Eczema is the body's way of saying that it is being irritated, either by an external or an internal source. Interestingly, this is also the definition of an allergic reaction.
SUPPRESSION
Steroidal ointments, the standard medical treatment for eczema, often provide temporary relief, but at what price? Continued use actually damages the skin by thinning it. They are also absorbed directly into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in a wide range of side effects which are common to all steroids, for example, a predisposition to infection and impaired adrenal function.
Meanwhile, the steroidal ointments do not cure eczema. It often returns with a vengeance, when medication is discontinued. The ointment suppresses the eczema; it did not get rid of it.
Unfortunately, suppressing eczema with medicated ointments greatly increases the risk of developing asthma, hay fever or other respiratory conditions, later in life.
NATURAL APPROACH
Dealing with eczema naturally involves three steps. Firstly, remove the source of the irritation. Secondly, remedy the nutritional deficiencies. Thirdly, boost the body's natural immune system.
IDENTIFY IRRITANT
Is the eczema aggravated by a reaction to a food or chemical? Many people find that certain foods, often dairy or wheat, worsen the symptoms. If this is so, you need to identify and eliminate the allergen from your diet. If it's a chemical, it is important to discover where you are coming into contact with it, so that you can avoid it completely in the future.
Once the offending allergen has been exposed and eliminated, you may still need to take further steps. If the eczema does not disappear on its own, then there are some remaining underlying problems that caused the original reaction.
FILL THE GAPS
It is important to fill in the nutritional gaps, so that the problem does not reappear. As we know, it is not only what we eat, but what we absorb, that counts. For instance, if you lack stomach acids or digestive enzymes, it is very difficult for your body to break down food completely and to properly utilize the nutrients it contains.
This undigested food could cause allergies in your body.
When undigested particles enter the bloodstream, the immune system reacts by forming antibodies to attack the perceived enemy. War follows and, with eczema, the skin suffers the war wounds.
Or perhaps you lack essential fatty acids. These are very important for healthy skin. Good sources include borage oil and fish oil.
Obviously, specific nutritional deficiencies vary from person to person. I strongly suggest a complete nutritional assessment if you have chronic eczema, since there are so many factors that can be interfering with your ability to assimilate the nutrients in your food.
IMPROVE IMMUNITY
Thirdly, increase your immunity. A homeopathic liver cleanse can improve your master blood-purifier's ability to filter out toxins more efficiently. A good detoxifying cleanse can help your body eliminate toxic heavy metals and other waste residues.
This can do wonders for clearing up skin symptoms, since excess toxins can attempt to leave the body through the skin, when the other channels of elimination are clogged. Homeopathic formulas can also boost your immune system, to help you achieve and enjoy good health.
Dr. Gail Smolinski, Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in both Traditional Naturopathy and Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, individual health consultations, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic. You may contact her at 306-783-1261.
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
