The Eczema Tribe - Page 25

[cobluegirl]

I suppose it could be possible... cheese is going to be cultured..where as milk isn't.

It could be somethign entirely different as well. Corn, wheat, eggs, nuts...those are all high allergins.

[majorsky]

Originally Posted by cobluegirl

It could be somethign entirely different as well. Corn, wheat, eggs, nuts...those are all high allergins.

Yeah, I considered that, but nothing else seems to be new in her diet. She does eat fresh corn and occasionally tortilla chips, she eats eggs regularly, and some wheat, along with peanut butter. But she's been eating all those things for a year or more with no new skin developments. The goat milk is the only new thing in her diet, I believe.

OTC hydrocortisone seems to help reduce inflammation and I'm going to pick up some Aveeno products (the safer ones listed on cosmeticsdatabase.com) at the store today. We'll stop the goat milk for a week and see what happens.

Kristin

[WuWei]

[WuWei]

Found this gem. Need to read through it...


Pat

[rainsmom]

Just thought Id post after so many years on this thread.

My dd is 8yo now, started having eczema at age 4, 1 yr after I weaned her.

Now she gets an occasional spot of it on legs arm or face, but it usually goes away with hydrocortizone cream. I dont like to use this, but she gets it so infrequently and i use a minimal amount......and its usually gone within 48hrs.

we have eczema on both sides of the family. My mom had it chronically very bad until age 18, then it went completly away for good. Her doctor at the time (1930's) used to xray her as a way of treating it. Didnt do that too many times.

my dh's sis had it bad in childhood, now gets an occasional spot like dd does.

[Rachel J.]

Both my sister and I have had eczema on and off for years. Since the birth of our children it's become worse. Her son, who just turned one, has also had it all over his body since he was about 3-4 months old. We've ended up going to a naturopath (for me and the baby) and have found a lot of improvement with homeopathics and identifying and avoiding sensitivities, mainly food but other environmental issues as well. I'm convinced that ultimately it is due to poor gut health. There are certainly many other factors which get mixed into the picture but that seems to be the main player, and the most controllable. My nephew's eczema has all but gone away with homeopathic support (poorly functioning immune system, parasites, viruses, food sensitivities, etc), his mom avoiding known allergen/sensitive foods in both their diets (which he'd never actually eaten since he was exclusively breastfed at the time), and chiropractic care.

Mine has improved quite a bit with the warmer, more humid weather but I've also noticed for the past few summers that when my seasonal allergies get intense, my eczema is more prone to flaring. I've just bought some probiotics from custom probiotics and am going to get serious about dealing with my gut health. Guess it's time to go back to the ND for an update on my health status and to get some direction about where to aim my will power (do I really need to avoid oats and bananas and...?).

[WuWei]

Pat

[ericaz]

Pompholyx.
I'm seriously ready to cut my hands off.
I'm no stranger to candida and I'm assuming that's what's going on but I'm feeling so reluctant to do any heavy cleanses because I'm nursing. I've avoided topical steroids and have been doing everything under the sun that's natural. Nothing has worked thus far. I eliminated wheat/dairy for a few weeks and didn't see a huge improvement. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason - but I'm familiar with food sensitivities and know they can be delayed...

I just need to get this under control or I'm going to wake up one morning with bloody hands.

Any other sufferers have luck getting rid of this?

[WuWei]

Found an informative site about Eczema!

Magnesium, Hydrochloric Acid and Digestion Magnesium is needed to reduce histamine levels. In the book Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, the authors note that food allergies are usually associated with low hydrochloric acid levels and poor digestion. The authors' rationale for this is that low stomach acid leaves food undigested and fermenting in the intestinal tract. This fermentation causes gas, bloating and stomach upset, the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Undigested and fermented food causes the body to raise histamine levels, which produce allergic reactions. This is why people take antihistamines for allergies, to lower histamine levels.



Low stomach acid levels reduce levels of beneficial intestinal bacteria which is needed for absorption of magnesium. When lab rats are deprived of magnesium, a wide variety of studies have noted that they develop allergy like symptoms. Their ears turn red and they develop skin problems. Rats with magnesium deficiencies have increases in histamine levels. They also have raised levels of white blood cell counts. Mg deficiency has been implicated in allergies and allergic skin reaction in many studies on humans, too. Variations of allergies, skin allergies, and raised white blood cells have all been noted as features of many chronic disorders.


Stress stops the production of HCL. See, also, The Magnesium Web Page.
One method used to find out if you have a stomach acid insufficiency is to look at your fingernails or toe nails and see if there are vertical ridges or lines. If the lines are strong, then there is not only a stomach acid lack but also the body is too acidic with respect to the acid/alkaline balance.


http://www.eczema.net/hydrochloric.html




If you drink before, during or after a meal, the HCl in your stomach is diluted and will inhibit or slow down digestion.



Raw vegetables and fruits contain enzymes which helps to take the strain off our finite (limited) enzyme production ability.



Protein should be eaten first so that the HCl can work on them immediately. You can then eat vegetables, but do not eat any fruit (at that time). Fruits cause an alkaline substance to be excreted which inhibits protein and starch digestion.


Pat

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by ericaz

Pompholyx.

Skin is a detox pathway.

Food intolerances due to improperly digested proteins as a result of inadequate stomach acid, thus nutrient absorption issues, lead to damaged gut and immune problems long term.

Or improper microbial balance in the gut.

I'd explore environmental allergens also. Do you have a HEPA air filter in the bedroom, dust mite covers on the mattress and pillows, no animals or stuffed animals in the bedroom, windows closed to bedroom at all times to avoid pollens, grasses, tree allergen exposures?

GMO-corn is a difficult protein to digest for some (most?) children and adults. Corn is in EVERYTHING. Dairy exposure is everywhere. Here is a list of hidden diary: http://www.kellymom.com/store/handou...dden-dairy.pdf

Hidden corn: http://www.cornallergens.com/list/co...ergen-list.php

Here is a link with more information about eliminating airborne allergens: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...l#post12748820


I would do whole food probiotics, cod liver oil, magnesium, vit. C, zinc, coconut oil, bone broths, green juices. Support the immune system. The gut is 70% of our immune system. (Antibiotics damage the microbial balance in the gut.)

Basically, you have to heal the gut to strengthen the immune system. Check out the "Healing the Gut-cheat sheet" at the top of the forum. http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=434071

It all starts with nutrient-dense foods, effective digestion (with adequate stomach acid), absorption of nutrients (in the gut with balanced microbials), and detoxification of the chemical byproducts of foods and environmental toxins in the liver.

Start here about detox pathways: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...bstacle-course

And here are a few informal videos about detox pathways: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/video/video

and here about evaluating digestion and stomach acid (beet "pink pee" test"): http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/topics/the-beet-test

This thread about Healing the Gut with Food: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...-gut-with-food

Nutrient Dense Foods: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...nt-dense-foods

Foods to Help Phase I and Phase II Detoxification:
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...4160Comment655

check out www.eatingcultures.com to try and guess on some of your detox pathways, and figure out which nutrients will be important for you. And www.detoxpuzzle.com to identify some of your detox pathways, nutrient deficiencies/needs.


Try topical coconut oil. Epsom salt baths are the most important addition, imo. Daily.

I would eliminate dairy from your diet. Dairy is the most common source of dietary allergen (and mucus production). Here is a list of hidden diary: http://www.kellymom.com/store/handou...dden-dairy.pdf

Dh had something similar, without the severity in the photo (most of the time), classical homeopathy resolved it. Now we do gut healing alternatives and it is gone. (knockonwood)


HTH, Pat

[WuWei]

Take a look at this cool online ebook I found about healing eczema! http://www.eczema.net/healing_eczema_book.html


Pat

[ericaz]

Hey Pat,
Yes. I should know all of this. I used to be a Weston Price Chapter Leader. :

I got off track. Far off track. It's partly psychological for me...I'm having trouble committing to a lifestyle change that would effectively prevent me from seeing food as wonderful and communal rather than something to be scared of.

I just got a call back from a local farmer telling me they now have fermented CLO in stock. So I'll be getting that this week. I don't have a HEPA filter, nor can I afford one in the foreseeable future. I truly think I need to work on this from the inside out - if I'm not in balance inside all sorts of things from the outside will bother me.

The eczema is only one way my body screams at me to heal. I've suffered from gut, urological and gynecological problems for years. My problem is that I've been chasing a cure rather than accepting that this is how it's going to be forever. No more chocolate. No more cocktails.

Btw, I used to take Magnesium in citrate form. Is that what you normally suggest for supplementation?

[aniT]

I need magnesium, and B vitamins and Iron (HGB was 10.5 just before I had surgery in June but it was 13 the day I arrived at the ER.) My problems were digestive too as I had my gallbladder removed for pancreatitis (as did my husband two weeks ago) We had suffered from gallbladder attacks for over a year... but the pancreatitis was it, we were done.

BTW.. DH ate three beats for dinner hours before going to the ER. The nurse asked me on day two how many he ate cause he was still peeing red. We thought that was normal. Interesting to know it is not. Our ND didn't even mention it wasn't normal.

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by ericaz

The eczema is only one way my body screams at me to heal. I've suffered from gut, urological and gynecological problems for years. My problem is that I've been chasing a cure rather than accepting that this is how it's going to be forever. No more chocolate. No more cocktails.

Btw, I used to take Magnesium in citrate form. Is that what you normally suggest for supplementation?

Ok, I believe our gut creates our health. But, I don't believe we need deprivation. We eat chocolate every day. Free trade, raw cacao, or 70% Green & Black. I like red wine. There are many alternatives. Choose sulfite-free organic. Choose potato vodka.

But, ya gotta get beneficial microbials.

I like whole foods for nutrients. Natural Calm is mag citrate. That is the preferred supplemental form, imo. Come on over to the Allergies forum or Heal Thyself to start a thread about You, we'd be glad to help identify detox pathways, nutrient deficiencies, where to start. http://heal-thyself.ning.com/

Pat

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by aniT

My problems were digestive too as I had my gallbladder removed for pancreatitis (as did my husband two weeks ago) We had suffered from gallbladder attacks for over a year... but the pancreatitis was it, we were done.

BTW.. DH ate three beets for dinner hours before going to the ER. The nurse asked me on day two how many he ate cause he was still peeing red. We thought that was normal. Interesting to know it is not. Our ND didn't even mention it wasn't normal.

Yes, the pancreatitis screams detox issues, also gluten issues, I've heard. Food folate is HUGE with pancreatic issues. Research a bit on the MTHFR gene variation. Basically about 50% of us have it in North America. And it is associated with a lot of health issues, cancers (esophagus, lung, breast, pancreas, liver, colon, ovarian), allergies, asthma, diabetes, blood clots, strokes, heart disease, miscarriages, etc. Food folate helps to address the deficiencies.


Pat

[aniT]

Originally Posted by WuWei

Yes, the pancreatitis screams detox issues, also gluten issues, I've heard. Food folate is HUGE with pancreatic issues. Research a bit on the MTHFR gene variation. Basically about 50% of us have it in North America. And it is associated with a lot of health issues, cancers (esophagus, lung, breast, pancreas, liver, colon, ovarian), allergies, asthma, diabetes, blood clots, strokes, heart disease, miscarriages, etc. Food folate helps to address the deficiencies.


Pat

Well the pancreatitis was due to gallstone blockage.

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by aniT

Well the pancreatitis was due to gallstone blockage.

Something comes before that.


http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article...Surgery/676534
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/...oks/21/113.cfm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Gallstones...ss?&id=2075982
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/a...for_gallstones

Basically, toxins overwhelm the liver, causing bile obstruction concerns. Detox and liver cleanses help prevent this, imo. (caution while nursing, pregnant or ttc)


Pat

[aniT]

Originally Posted by WuWei

Something comes before that.


http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article...Surgery/676534
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/...oks/21/113.cfm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Gallstones...ss?&id=2075982
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/a...for_gallstones

Basically, toxins overwhelm the liver, causing bile obstruction concerns. Detox and liver cleanses help prevent this, imo. (caution while nursing, pregnant or ttc)


Pat

I was nursing until I went to the hospital for 5 days. DS is 2.5 so I wasn't all that heartbroken that he weaned while I was gone. Was getting kinda done anyway if you want to know the truth.

Now I am finally trying to clear up the Candida that I am sure I have. (Oh boy I had rashes all over two weeks after surgery.) The funny thing is I am under the care of an ND who didn't recommend much of that stuff for our gallbladder issues. I suffered with a 3 week attach last year and even had jaundice and she didn't recommend a lot of that stuff. Like I said.. DH and I have been trying for a year to clear things up....but it apparenlty wasn't working and I couldn't do a liver cleanse while nursing.

I think I might try one soon.

[WuWei]

Unfortunately, the cynic in me has noticed a pattern that even ND's seem to Rx supplements that they sell, rather than whole foods. They can't control what patients eat, so why bother informing them, and most won't comply. So,

I'm not one for hard detox, especially with a history of mercury fillings or other allergy/intolerance/eczema issues already. It basically 'gets worse, before it gets better'. I'd rather see folks incorporate detox foods for natural healing and gut health balance.

Start here about detox pathways: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...bstacle-course

And here are a few informal videos about detox pathways: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/video/video

and here about evaluating digestion and stomach acid (beet "pink pee" test"): http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/topics/the-beet-test

Foods to Help Phase I and Phase II Detoxification:
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/t...4160Comment655

check out www.eatingcultures.com to try and guess on some of your detox pathways, and figure out which nutrients will be important for you. And www.detoxpuzzle.com to identify some of your detox pathways, nutrient deficiencies/needs.


Epsom salt baths are the most important addition, imo. Daily.

Consider starting a thread "About Me" in Allergies or Heal Thyself for individualized help.


Pat

[JRoberge]

Hi -

I'm new and consider myself to be pretty experienced in the world of natural eczema care. I've been helping manage my son's eczema for the past four years and he's gone from head-to-toe severe eczema, to occasional small patches here and there. So, he's about 95% better. Here's what I did to help him:

• Food eliminated (gluten, dairy, soy, corn, some tree nuts)
• Temporarily eliminated tomatoes, strawberries, and red peppers as they aggravated his skin when it was horribly flared up.

• Homeopathy: Dr. Reckweg 23, Homeodel 43 (both specifically for eczema)
• Immunoplex by Moducare
• Fish Oil (not sure if this has helped to be honest)
• Probiotics (again, not sure)
• Cod Liver Oil for vit A (also, not sure)

• Soap nuts with tea tree oil for laundry.

• ScratchMeNot mittens when itching is intense and scratching cannot be controlled.

• Calendulis Cream for calming flare ups.
• Manuka Honey Skin Cream for daily moisturizing
• Nablus Olive Oil soap for hand washing and baths.

I write a blog about our journey with eczema, allergies, and asthma. "It's an Itchy Little World"  I'm always looking for parents to share their story of what worked for them, so please stop by and say hello.