Severe teen eczema
I am 12 years old and suffer from severe eczema. I don’t want to use creams which have strong chemicals in them because I’m worried about getting asthma too. I’ve tried lots of different creams; none of them have helped and now my skin is scarred in many places. What can I do about the eczema and is there any treatment for the scars?
The cream I am going to recommend is one I wrote about earlier this year and one which, since then, I have given to people who suffer from eczema to test for themselves. They have all come back with glowing reports for Allergenics - the first preservative-free cream which contains soysterol. The latter is produce from soya beans and has a similar therapeutic effect to cortisone, without the side effects. This cream will not cure your eczema but it will help relieve the painful symptoms.
To get to grips with the underlying cause of the problem you will need to take a good look at your diet says Sandra Gibbons, founder of The Alternative Clinic in London which specialises in skin disorders and author of a new book called Beat Eczema The Natural Way.
Rosa Mosqueta (Rose Hip) oil has been formulated specifically for scar tissue (it is also excellent on wrinkles) and will help reduce the lividity of the scar tissue you complain of if you massage it into the affected areas every day. Gibbons also recommends a bath emollient called Aveeno oat meal and a skin gel called Witch Doctor gel, both of which will help soothe the irritation.
Worldwise, eczema is now three times more common than asthma and in the UK, is affects some 4% of the under 12s. Researchers now believe the problem is a genetic one exacerbated by environmental pollutants. Sufferers like you have been found to be unable to digest a protein found in milk called casein and so changing your diet to cut out dairy products should help. If your mum is worried about your calcium intake, tell her that you probably can digest the casein in both sheep and goats’ products. Refined sugar in food will also make your eczema worse so start reading food labels and avoid it like the plague!
*The Alternative Clinic is on 0171-381 2298. A standard consultation costs £70 and includes testing for food intolerance, but you can call for a free diet sheet. For stockists of Allergenics cream call 01222-388422. Rosa Mosqueta oil costs £9.99 for 20ml and is available by mail order from the Rio Trading Company on 01273-570987. Add £1.50 p&p.