Eczema diet
What diet do you suggest for my son who suffers from eczema?
Worldwide, eczema is now three times more common than asthma and in the UK, it affects an estimated four percent of the under 12s. In adults, it has been linked back to low levels of zinc, which works to support the immune system, but in children, food allergies, especially to milk, eggs and peanuts now account for some 80% of all cases.
The problem with milk is a protein called casein, which many children cannot digest after the age of two. The solution is to switch to rice, goat or sheep milks and to cut down on all dairy products in your son’s diet.
Sample white blood cells, taken from the skin of eczema patients have also been shown to have an in-built abnormality that causes them to release higher amounts of histamine and other allergic compounds. You can help counter this by giving your son vitamin C, combined with a potent natural antihistamine called Quercetin.
Vitamin C works in the body to reduce the amount of histamine released in the first place and to break down excess levels produced when the body is under attack or having an allergic response. Quercetin is one of the bioflavanoids that give fruits and vegetables their rich colours. A powerful anti-inflammatory agent in its own right, it is synergistic with vitamin C, which simply means that they both perform even better in the presence of each other.
Staphylococcus aureus, one of the so-called ‘Superbugs’ which is resistant to the more commonly used antibiotics, has been implicated in exacerbating and spreading eczema in the majority of cases so you will need to boost his holistic treatment by encouraging him to wash affected areas with a strong but natural antibacterial agent. Choose from Goldenseal, Echinacea or Burdock, all of which will also strengthen the immune system.
These can all be taken internally in tincture form but for an effective antibacterial facewash, dissolve 3-4g of the chosen herb in a pint of boiling water. Allow to cool. Filter through a coffee filter paper and splash over the affected area.
To relieve itching, invest in a tub of SK Cream made by British organic farmers, David and Margaret Evans in their old calfing barn in Lincolnshire. They make it from almond oil, chamomile, organic beeswax and borage, plus lanolin which works to soothe the skin. Some sufferers are allergic to this latter ingredient and so there is a lanolin-free version too.
*Source Naturel’s Vitamin C and Activated Quercetin costs £12.99 for 50 tablets. Mail order from Revital (0800-252875) and take 3-6 tablets a day. Rosa Mosqueta or Rose Hip oil has been formulated specifically for scar tissue (it is also excellent on wrinkles) and will help reduce the lividity of any residual scar tissue. Available from Rio Trading 01273-570987) it costs £9.99 for 20ml. Simply massage it into the affected areas every day.
*A 30g tub of SK Cream costs £9.95 which includes p&p. To order, call 01526-832491- but remember, there is only one telephone line to the cow barn so please be patient.