INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic, inflammatory and most common skin ailment which is characterized by dry-itchy skin which bleeds, swells, cracks and thickens when scratched. It primarily affects infants.
Most common causes for atopic dermatitis are immune response diseases, defect in skin barrier and allergens such as environmental, emotional and food allergens.
The symptoms are redness and swelling of skin, lesions, skin inflammation, and flaky, dry, itchy skin with burning sensation.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS
For Infants:
- Avoid food products that may trigger eczema in infants. Some of the food products such as nuts, wheat, soy, milk and dairy products may aggravate the ailment.
- Pro-biotics are very much effective in diminishing atopic dermatitis in some infants. It mild downs the symptoms in food allergic infants.
- Use baby products such as baby soaps, talcum, lotion and laundry detergents which doesn’t contain perfume or scent. Dress the infant with nonabrasive, natural fabric made clothes such as cotton.
For Adults:
- Exclude garlic, onion, refined flour, deep fried food, processed food, fermented food, sour food, caffeine and non-vegetarian food from the diet as it may aggravate itching and redness of the skin.
- Drink plenty of water, fresh juice and vegetable soups instead of black tea, coffee and aerated drinks.
- Consume raw turmeric with warm milk before going to bed. Turmeric when taken internally boosts the immune system and hence helps to fight against infections and provides quick relief by healing atopic dermatitis.
- Eat plenty of essential fatty acids which are found naturally in walnut, almond, flaxseeds and hazel nuts. Consume evening primrose oil internally which reduces dermatitis symptoms. Also opt for essential fatty acid supplements.
- Replace acidic foods for whole fruits, whole grains, leafy green vegetables and sprouts or seeds. Include green smoothies, salads, steamed vegetables, celery, kale, parsley, cucumber and ginger in the diet. Use extra virgin coconut oil for cooking.
- Gluten free diet is the key to get rid of atopic dermatitis. Replace packaged food, white bread and cereal with legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouts, whole grains and fruits.
- Wear nonabrasive, skin friendly clothes. Loose fitting cotton clothes are very much appropriate to wear. Change cosmetic products that contains SLS. Opt for natural and organic beauty products.
- Avoid scratching the damaged skin as it may cause bleeding, swelling and may spread the infection on other parts of the body.
- Limit exposure to allergens. Take brief showers and avoid extreme temperature while bathing. After bathing pat dry the skin gently instead of rubbing the skin.
- Maintain emotional balance. Avoid stress, anxiety, fear and nervousness as it may trigger atopic dermatitis outbreaks. To relieve emotional imbalance try counselling, yoga, meditation and learn some breathing exercises and stress management techniques.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS
For Infants:
- Bath the infant once in a day with tepid or lukewarm water. An Oatmeal bath is most popular as it sooths infant’s skin. Put some oatmeal powder under running water and add 2 teaspoon of baking soda for cleansing effect. Pat dry and don’t rub infant after bath.
- Massage infant with vitamin E oil. Mix it with aloe vera gel for favourable results. This mixture gives blemish free, smooth and healthy skin.
- Apply mixture of 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 glass of tepid water on irritated skin to reduce inflammation and redness.
- Use moisturizer contains natural oils such as olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, virgin coconut oil, calendula cream and petroleum jelly as these are more beneficial than synthetic creams. It boosts healing process.
For Adults:
- Make a concentrated chamomile tea from fresh leaves by boiling for 10 minutes in water and apply on the affected area with gauze. Naturally soothing agents like chamomile and calendula are safer products.
- Apply dried mango paste on the affected area for quick healing. Take 2 raw mangoes, peel the skin and chop them. Boil in a pan with 3 cups of water till it urns in to smooth paste. Allow it to cool at room temperature and apply it for 10-12 days for best results.
- Boil turmeric powder in water and before going to bath cleanse the affected area with this mixture. Turmeric has antiseptic properties hence it repairs the damaged skin tissues externally.
- To get rid of burning sensation apply sandalwood paste and ice packs on affected area and keep it overnight for quick relief.