Hi Sandra, what can you suggest to naturally help relieve eczema/dermatitis, or to at least minimise its severity? Any help would be much appreciated!
Thank you for your question. There are many reasons why the skin can become irritated and itchy, such as the obvious insect bites, stings and contact dermatitis, which require acute treatment and elimination of the irritating agent. A soothing and anti-inflammatory natural cream with the medicinal plants calendula, chickweed and nettle can be applied directly to the skin as a first option to relieve itchiness and help to heal the skin. It is important that the cream is of therapeutic strength in order to have the desired effect.
However, in cases of chronic eczema where the affected area is widespread and has been present for years or even decades, traditional medicine looks to address internal causes. Optimising the function of the skin itself as well as the elimination organs such as the kidney, liver and bowel, can be beneficial to treating chronic skin problems.
Traditional medicine views the skin as the 'third kidney' - meaning it is an elimination organ. Its health is also a reflection of the state of our other primary detoxification organs, the liver and kidney, as well as the digestive system, in particular the bowel. If these organs do not function optimally, possibly due to poor digestive function, diet, genetics, chronic infections or increased stress, there is a greater likelihood that the skin will be used as a detoxification exit port and burdened with unwanted by-products.
Simple lifestyle choices that optimise the primary elimination organs, if done regularly, can help to manage and lessen the severity of eczema:
