by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Are there any alternative remedies for eczema? Ive heard that zinc is good for the skin would that help?
A: This is an interesting question because there is some controversy about alternative treatments for eczema, which affects 3-7% of the population.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, patchy, sometimes scaly areas on the skin and severe itching, which makes it very difficult to refrain from scratching. But scratching perpetuates a cycle of worsened inflammation and itchiness.
Herbs and supplements
Some practitioners believe that people with eczema may have a zinc deficiency and recommend taking 50 milligrams per day. I am more wary about making this recommendation to my patients, because studies have shown that, over the long term, taking increased levels of zinc can diminish immune function.
The real controversy, however, which has taken place over the last decade and has heightened over the last year, has been about the use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) for eczema, particularly in England, where use of CHM for eczema is popular. Several studies in the early 1990s showed improvement in the skin condition of both children and adults who used CHM when compared to people who received either a placebo or standard Western medical treatment, which often includes topical steroids.
These results were intriguing, yet doctors were concerned because some people who took CHM for eczema experienced serious side effects, including hepatitis, kidney failure, and cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle). Therefore, some British dermatologists examined the ingredients of the most popular herbal remedies. They found that eight out of 11 of the topical CHM solutions actually contained steroidal substances.
Some of the reasons for the adverse reactions people experienced were that they used these substances in areas where large quantities of steroids should not be applied, such as the face, and they used them more frequently than steroids should be used. Plus, the dose of steroids in the herbal remedies was found to be higher than that in prescription medication.
So while the preliminary research results are intriguing, there are risks to using CHM for eczema. The British researchers believe that there should be regulation of these Chinese herbal remedies. Britain has therefore developed a register of Chinese herbal medicine to promote the standardization of substances and practices.
Essential fatty acids and other dietary issues
A less controversial issue is the imbalance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in people with eczema, who seem to have a higher amount of an EFA called linoleic acid than people without eczema. This difference may be due to a diminished ability to metabolize linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which is abundant in certain vegetable oils, such as corn, sunflower, safflower and cottonseed.
Researchers have studied evening primrose oil (EPO), which is a good source of a particular metabolite of linoleic acid, and have found that people who take this supplement experienced reduced eczematous patches and symptoms of eczema. The amount needed is three to six grams of EPO per day; do not take EPO, however, if you have a seizure disorder, because it lowers the seizure threshold.
As well, people with eczema should avoid animal fat and trans fatty acids (found in many processed foods and margarines), because they may promote inflammation.
For children in particular, eczema may be related to allergies both environmental and food allergies, so it may be worthwhile to have your child tested for these allergens.
Stress
Stress plays a role in eczema, because stressful situations and reactions can exacerbate eczema, and because having eczema can be very frustrating and stressful. A few studies have shown improvements in eczema symptoms in people who use stress reduction techniques, including biofeedback therapy, yoga, meditation, deep relaxation, and visualization.
In addition to all these suggestions, its important to use tepid (not hot) water for showers and baths, pat (dont rub) dry, and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Good luck!
Q: Are there any alternative remedies for eczema? Ive heard that zinc is good for the skin would that help?
A: This is an interesting question because there is some controversy about alternative treatments for eczema, which affects 3-7% of the population.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, patchy, sometimes scaly areas on the skin and severe itching, which makes it very difficult to refrain from scratching. But scratching perpetuates a cycle of worsened inflammation and itchiness.
Herbs and supplements
Some practitioners believe that people with eczema may have a zinc deficiency and recommend taking 50 milligrams per day. I am more wary about making this recommendation to my patients, because studies have shown that, over the long term, taking increased levels of zinc can diminish immune function.
The real controversy, however, which has taken place over the last decade and has heightened over the last year, has been about the use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) for eczema, particularly in England, where use of CHM for eczema is popular. Several studies in the early 1990s showed improvement in the skin condition of both children and adults who used CHM when compared to people who received either a placebo or standard Western medical treatment, which often includes topical steroids.
These results were intriguing, yet doctors were concerned because some people who took CHM for eczema experienced serious side effects, including hepatitis, kidney failure, and cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle). Therefore, some British dermatologists examined the ingredients of the most popular herbal remedies. They found that eight out of 11 of the topical CHM solutions actually contained steroidal substances.
Some of the reasons for the adverse reactions people experienced were that they used these substances in areas where large quantities of steroids should not be applied, such as the face, and they used them more frequently than steroids should be used. Plus, the dose of steroids in the herbal remedies was found to be higher than that in prescription medication.
So while the preliminary research results are intriguing, there are risks to using CHM for eczema. The British researchers believe that there should be regulation of these Chinese herbal remedies. Britain has therefore developed a register of Chinese herbal medicine to promote the standardization of substances and practices.
Essential fatty acids and other dietary issues
A less controversial issue is the imbalance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in people with eczema, who seem to have a higher amount of an EFA called linoleic acid than people without eczema. This difference may be due to a diminished ability to metabolize linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which is abundant in certain vegetable oils, such as corn, sunflower, safflower and cottonseed.
Researchers have studied evening primrose oil (EPO), which is a good source of a particular metabolite of linoleic acid, and have found that people who take this supplement experienced reduced eczematous patches and symptoms of eczema. The amount needed is three to six grams of EPO per day; do not take EPO, however, if you have a seizure disorder, because it lowers the seizure threshold.
As well, people with eczema should avoid animal fat and trans fatty acids (found in many processed foods and margarines), because they may promote inflammation.
For children in particular, eczema may be related to allergies both environmental and food allergies, so it may be worthwhile to have your child tested for these allergens.
Stress
Stress plays a role in eczema, because stressful situations and reactions can exacerbate eczema, and because having eczema can be very frustrating and stressful. A few studies have shown improvements in eczema symptoms in people who use stress reduction techniques, including biofeedback therapy, yoga, meditation, deep relaxation, and visualization.
In addition to all these suggestions, its important to use tepid (not hot) water for showers and baths, pat (dont rub) dry, and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Good luck!