By Sherrie Miller
E
czema, or Atopic Dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition amongst children. In fact, it affects approximately 20% of children and the numbers continue to rise. Eczema is generally characterised by itchy, red, inflamed skin. It can present itself as a patchy raised red rash, and in some cases, splitting and weeping skin. Eczema is often seen on the face, backs of the knees, hands or the folds of the skin. In many cases, children who have eczema are more likely to have asthma and other allergies. Eczema flare-ups often happen in winter due to the dry, cold air and indoor heating systems that can dry out the skin. Popular treatments of eczema are usually topical with cortisone creams, or by taking antihistamines, oral steroids or immune-suppressant medications. Bleach baths are also often recommended. The types of clothing a child may wear, temperature fluctuations, and what detergent clothes are washed in, may also cause eczema flare-ups.
ARTIFICIAL ADDITIVES Artificial additives such as colours, flavours and preservatives are common eczema triggers. Avoiding these additives for general good health is recommended whether eczema is a problem or not. Read food labels to determine triggers. MSG and other flavour enhancers should also be avoided.
Eczema is considered a systemic condition and so treatment should You can download a phone app to research artificial additives in be looked at from a systemic viewpoint. Serum IgE (Immunoglobulin foods by simply entering the number code you see in the ingredients E) antibodies are usually high in many eczema cases which list and the app will provide you information on the potential harm. suggests the immune system is reacting to substances within the body. DIGESTIVE ISSUES We know that skin barrier dysfunction is the main concern for Gut health is an area of medical research that is gaining huge eczema sufferers, often looking at environmental factors but other momentum and there is so much more yet to discover in this interesting areas to investigate include stress, food intolerances, digestive issues, area of medicine. When we talk of the gut, we are referring to gut dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies. the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract consists of the mouth, FOOD INTOLERANCES oesophagus, stomach, large intestine, small intestine and anus. The Food intolerances can include common allergens such as gluten, liver, pancreas and gall bladder are the other organs that make up part of the whole digestive system. Residing within the gastrointestinal dairy and eggs. However, naturally occurring food compounds such as salicylates, amines and glutamates can also be triggers. tract is an army of bacteria and pathogens collectively known as the microbiome which play an influential part in many biochemical Writing a food diary and monitoring flare-ups may assist in finding functions within the body. the potential cause of eczema. Undergoing an elimination challenge test is another way to determine Digestive issues can include constipation, diarrhea, bloating potential eczema triggers. Start with the elimination of suspected and reflux. More chronic complex cases include Irritable Bowel food allergens. Do this for 2-4 weeks to see if eczema symptoms Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease and Diverticulitis. clear up. If this elimination shows improvement in the skins condition Healthy digestion is important to extract the nutrients from the food we eat to allow our body to function optimally. This process then do a challenge test by adding the food back into the diet, one at a time, and monitor any reactions. If a reaction should occur, this of digestion also includes eliminating wastes from our body. When our diet is unhealthy or digestion is not functioning properly, this could indicate which food may be an eczema trigger. If you are a breastfeeding mum with a baby suffering with eczema, can cause inflammatory conditions. If the inflammation becomes then you should also do an elimination challenge test with your own chronic, it may cause intestinal permeability, commonly referred to diet. Food intolerances can come through a mother’s breast milk and as leaky gut. When leaky gut occurs, unwanted pathogens, food particles, proteins and toxins may leak into the blood stream, striking affect the child’s skin condition. an immune response. This immune response can irritate and inflame It’s best to be guided by a nutritional health care professional when different parts of the body, which may include the skin. Addressing doing a diet elimination challenge test. digestive issues is a key component in managing eczema. 72 Peninsula Kids – Winter 2020