Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that can affect all age groups, however, most sufferers develop the condition during the first nine years of life. In the United Kingdom, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema.
Many skin diseases cause symptoms similar to those of eczema, so it is very important to see a general practitioner in the first instance who may make a referral to a specialist dermatologist for further diagnosis and treatment.
Eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition and many sufferers have other allergies, such as asthma, hay fever and food intolerance. It can be triggered by an allergic reaction to foods (especially dairy products), pollens or animal fur. Some cases can be caused by coming into contact with poisonous plants, cosmetics, cleaning chemicals and poor quality jewellery. The condition can be made worse by dry air, too much sun and stressful situations.
In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding, particularly on the face, scalp, hands and wrists, behind the knees and on the elbows.
Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious and, with treatment, the inflammation can be reduced - though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.
Useful supplements:
Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been found to be of assistance in helping to relieve inflammation, dryness and itching in eczema sufferers (children should take 500mg twice daily). Researchers have reported that people with eczema do not have the normal ability to process fatty acids, which can result in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is found in EPO and to a greater extent in borage oil (starflower oil).
Fish oils are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids that may help revitalise the skin and relieve the itching and inflammation of eczema (children should take 500mg, or 1 teaspoon, twice daily). Vegetarians can substitute flaxseed oil for fish oil. Omega 3 supplements are natural anti-inflammatories and help keep the skin hydrated.
Probiotics have been used to prevent eczema in children and have also been explored as a treatment for infants and children who already have eczema. Some studies have found that probiotics alleviate symptoms of eczema only in infants and children who are sensitised to food allergens.
Recent research suggests that mothers-to-be can protect their children from eczema by taking probiotics during pregnancy.
Consult a qualified health professional before using probiotics. Children with immune deficiencies should not take probiotics unless under a practitioner's supervision.
Vitamin A is critical to the development and maintenance of your skin. When it is in short supply, the skin is particularly vulnerable to the thickening, drying and cracking that eczema causes. This vitamin is helpful in preventing skin dryness and can be taken orally or used as a skin emulsion,
Vitamin C (with bioflavinoids) in doses of 150 to 500 mg – depending on your child’s age and weight - two to four times per day reduces the body's response to substances that cause allergies and might be beneficial in treating eczema by affecting the immune system, aiding collagen production and promoting skin healing.
Bioflavonoids help reduce swelling, strengthen connective tissue, and help reduce allergic reactions.
Vitamin E helps to protect cell membranes. It is particularly beneficial to the skin by promoting healing and minimising scar formation and it can reduce itchiness. On unbroken skin, a capsule can be broken open and the oil applied directly to the skin. However, children only require small doses - as little as 10iu at 18 months, rising to 100iu by the time they are 18 years old.
Zinc stimulates the healing of wounds and skin infections and boosts the immune system. It is also needed for the processing of essential fatty acids and, as people with eczema appear to produce less of a zinc-dependent enzyme involved in essential fatty acid metabolism, it is a useful addition to evening primrose or fish oil supplements.
Research has shown that 60-70% of children are virtually clear of the condition by the time they reach their mid-teens. However, there are no guarantees that a child will grow out of eczema.
