Nutritional Advice For Eczema
May, 2004 Eczema is defined as a superficial inflammatory process involving primarily the epidermis (skin), characterized early by redness, itching, minute papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing, and crusting, and later by scaling, lichenification, and often pigmentation (Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary). An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2003; 77(4): 943-51 called, Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA) Supplementation for Prophylaxis of Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)- a randomized controlled trial in infants at high familial risk, looks into the role of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and eczema. The result of the study suggests that early supplementation with GLA does tend to alleviate the severity of eczema in later infancy in children at high familial risk.
Certainly more research is needed to examine this relationship. Personal clinical experience and related experience from other practitioners have suggested improved skin problems in general with healthy changes in diet and supplementation. Is there a link between healthy skin and a healthy diet? Many health care providers feel there is. In an article on the website of Dr. Joseph Mercola titled, The Miracle Fat for Eczema—GLA, discusses these issues in depth. Other studies have shown changes in breast milk from mothers whose infants developed eczema in regards to EFAs. Until recently most brands of infant formula lacked certain EFAs as well. The amount of EFAs in newborns is dependent on their supply while in utero and later on diet of either breast milk or infant formula; and infants who have eczema of 1 year of age have significantly lower amounts of helpful EFAs. Eczema is a very common problem in children, and it is all too frequently mismanaged. Here are some tips to discuss with your child’s health care provider. With breastfeeding, what the mother eats will affect the infant’s health. Mom can switch from pasteurized milk to real, raw milk or avoid milk and related dairy products for a few weeks and observe any changes in the child’s skin. Other possible food sensitivities and allergies can be eliminated as well. This should be done under the supervision of an appropriate health care provider to ensure proper and adequate nutrition. Such foods as grains, especially wheat and gluten based products can be problematic. Breastfeeding is best and most infant formulas may not be optimal. There are good quality formulas you can make on your own. You can get more information on this at Dr. Mercola’s website, but remember to have this supervised by a nutritionist and your child’s pediatrician to avoid dangerous conditions from sub-optimal formulas. Supplementing with omega 3 fish oil can be helpful. Also digestive enzymes and probiotics (i.e.: acidophilus) can be beneficial as well. Sometimes trial and error may be the only way to find the right EFA supplement. Exposure to sunlight on the affected skin can also be helpful but avoid excessive exposure for obvious reasons. Once again we learn that diet and good nutrition are on of the strongest “medicines” at our fingertips. Healthy beginnings lead to healthy lives. |
