Eczema and how to treat the condition naturally.

Rates of Eczema in the UK

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition in the UK. Approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults are affected. The UK is among the countries with the highest burden of eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, with rates of age-standardised Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) exceeding 280 per 100,000 individuals. This reflects a significant healthcare burden and highlights the importance of effective management strategies.

Herbal Medicines and Naturopathy for Eczema

Several studies and systematic reviews have explored the role of herbal medicines and naturopathic treatments for eczema. Common herbal and naturopathic interventions include:

1. Herbal Medicine:

   • A systematic review highlighted that CHM significantly improves symptoms of eczema compared to placebo treatments. These include formulations containing herbs like Scutellaria baicalensis, Albizzia, Sophora flavescens, and Dictamnus dasycarpus.

   • A notable Journal revealed CHM reduced eczema severity when combined with topical treatments.

   • Western Herbal medicines which has been used successfully for eczema are: Burdock, Cleavers, Red Clover, Blue Flag, Yellow Dock, Nettles and chickweed.

     
     

2. Probiotics and Fermented Foods:

   • Probiotics, especially those containing Lactobacillus strains, have shown promise in modulating immune responses in eczema patients.

     
     

3. Evening Primrose Oil:

   • Rich in gamma-linolenic acid, this supplement is often used in naturopathy to reduce inflammation in eczema. Mixed evidence exists regarding its efficacy, necessitating further research.

     
     

4. Tea Tree Oil:

   • Popular in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is widely used to soothe eczema flare-ups, although it may irritate sensitive skin in some individuals.

     
     

5. Aloe Vera:

   • Widely recognised for its hydrating and soothing properties, aloe vera gel is a key natural remedy to alleviate dryness and inflammation in eczema sufferers.

     
     

6. Turmeric and Curcumin:

   • Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit eczema management. However, its topical application can sometimes cause sensitivity.

     
     

7. Ayurvedic Medicine:

   • Ayurvedic formulations such as neem oil and herbal pastes are commonly used in managing eczema in India and are gaining traction in the UK.

     
     

8. Dietary Naturopathy:

   • Eliminating common allergens such as dairy, sugar, fish, flax seed, nuts, strawberries, pork or gluten, guided by naturopathic practitioners, can help alleviate symptoms in most eczema sufferers.

   
   

   

   
   

Evidence Summary

Several complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches have been trialled with varying degrees of success. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and dermatological societies in the UK emphasise that while CAM can complement standard care, it should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Selected References:

1. Johnston, G. A., & Bilbao, R. M. (2003). Use of complementary medicine in children with atopic dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology, 149(3), 566-572.

2. Stub, T., et al. (2018). Complementary and alternative medicine for eczema: A systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

3. Hon, K. L., et al. (2022). Complementary medicine for childhood eczema. Current Paediatric Research.

4. Schäfer, T. (2006). Unconventional treatments for atopic eczema. Handbook of Atopic Eczema. Springer.

5. Lio, P. A. (2016). Evidence-based CAM treatments for eczema. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

   
   

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