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If your skin is frequently itchy with thick red, scaly patches or small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched, it's likely eczema, not just dry skin. Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is more than just a skin condition. It’s an indication that there is a problem with your immune system and also has inflammatory and allergenic components. It’s been found that in people with eczema:
- The skin barrier is altered so that water escapes while environmental allergens are allowed to enter, resulting in itchy, dry patches
- The skin lacks normal amounts of cathelicidin, a natural antimicrobial that helps protect skin from infections as virulent as MRSA
- A protein called claudin-1 is weakened, allowing the skin cells to become leaky and permeable to environmental allergens and infectious agents
If you have problem skin such as dry skin or eczema, you'll likely find that the best solutions tackle the problem from the inside out. Steroids are often recommended for treating the inflammation that may underlie eczema flare-ups, but omega-3 fats can be effective in this regard without side effects. Omega-3 fats help to normalize your skin fats and prevent dehydration in your cells. Some of the best foods to add to your diet to increase your omega-3 fat intake include sardines, anchovies and herring. You may also benefit from an omega-3 fat supplement, such as krill oil.
Research also suggests that limiting sugar and supplementing with fermented foods or beneficial probiotic bacteria can cut the risk of developing eczema in half. The beneficial bacteria in your gut has been found to help prevent allergies by helping your immune system to distinguish between pathogens and non-harmful antigens and respond appropriately – and this may be one reason why they also appear so beneficial for eczema.
Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of applying unnatural moisturizers that likely contain chemical ingredients that will further irritate your skin. Pure emu oil, coconut oil or organic body butter are alternatives that can provide moisture without chemical additives
Other tips to help minimize eczema flare-ups include:
- Minimize stress in your life, which can further promote inflammation and eczema
- Shower shortly after heavy sweating, as sweat can trigger eczema outbreaks
- Check for unrecognized food allergies, which can sometimes manifest as eczema
- Avoid exposure to irritating detergents, soaps and other substances, which can cause contact eczema