According to the Eczema Society of Canada, 15 to 20 percent of the population suffers from eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), with 90 percent of all cases starting before age five. This condition is characterized by very dry, sensitive skin that becomes extremely itchy and inflamed. There is currently no known cure but there are many different treatments available.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent often used in the treatment of sores, bruises, and swelling so it would seem a good candidate for treating eczema. Unfortunately the research is slight and not encouraging. According to the University of Michigan Health System website there have been two double-blind studies conducted, with one showing that applying an ointment containing witch hazel four times daily provided more relief than the anti-inflammatory drug bufexamac. Interestingly though, bufexamac itself has been found to cause a high rate of contact dermatitis symptoms especially in the population studied – those with eczema. In April 2010 the European Medicines Agency recommended taking bufexamac off the market for this reason.
A later double-blind study conducted in Germany found that using a 0.5 percent hydrocortisone cream on moderate eczema more effective than witch hazel. In fact, witch hazel was not any more effective than the placebo cream.
Vitamin E and Vitamin A
A recent study out of Japan indicates that vitamin A is not helpful against eczema while vitamin E may well be. Dr. Masayuki Okuda and his colleagues took blood samples from 396 children, 240 of whom suffered from either eczema or asthma. They found no relationship whatsoever between a child's risk of either condition and the amount vitamin A in the blood. Previous studies that had shown a positive link depended on food logs kept by the participants rather than the less subjective blood tests.
This same study, however, showed that children with the highest levels of vitamin E were 67 percent less likely to have or get eczema than those with the lowest. Even a slightly higher than average vitamin E level offered a similar level of protection.
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
GLA, an essential fatty acid found in evening primrose and borage oil, is very well tolerated with no negative side effects, and some early studies, though not random or double-blind, offered hope that it might be an effective treatment for eczema. Unfortunately a comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the George Eliot Hospital and the University of Leicester in the UK, of 151 patients with eczema, found no improvement in the group receiving high doses of borage oil over those receiving a placebo.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A study conducted in Germany and published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2008 is quite encouraging regarding the omega-3 fatty acids and their potential for treating eczema. Forty adults were given either omega-3 supplements or a placebo daily over an eight week period. Those receiving the supplements recorded an average of 18 percent reduction in their symptoms using the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scale. This was a fairly modest study with only 44 participants but will hopefully lead to more studies in the future.
Probiotics
Two researchers from the Cochrane Skin Group looked at 12 randomized controlled trials where collectively 781 children diagnosed with eczema were given either probiotics or a placebo. The researchers determined that probiotics provides no significant health improvement and may, in fact, lead to adverse side effects including infection and bowel damage. The researchers did not rule out the possibility that other probiotic bacterial strains may eventually prove to be beneficial, but currently there is no indication that that is the case.
Bathing
Doctors used to advise those with eczema to limit bathing, thinking that it would aggravate the condition. According to the Eczema Society of Canada, today leading dermatologists around the world agree that not only is bathing not harmful but is important for removing build-ups of allergens and bacteria on the skin that can exacerbate eczema symptoms. It is important, however, to use a mild soap and to moisturize the skin immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp.
Emollients
Emollient creams are generally considered to be the first line of defense against eczema. A study published by the University of Bath, however, shows that water-based creams which contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) actually thin the protective barrier layer of lipids in the skin making it even more susceptible to irritation. They recommend oil-based creams and moisturizers for treating eczema instead.
Sea Water
According to British Association of Dermatologists, there is considerable anecdotal evidence that swimming in the sea may help children with atopic eczema. Unfortunately there are, as yet, no studies of this possibility. Additionally, some find that the salt water stings the already irritated skin, making it not worth the gamble.
Light Therapy
Although studies have shown that light therapy (both UVA and UVB) can reduce the occurrence of eczema flare-ups in some adults, the increased risk for both skin cancer and premature aging rule this out as a treatment appropriate for children.
Corticosteroid Creams
Corticosteroid creams have been studied for several decades and the potential side effects are well documented, ranging from mild to life threatening. Parents are often hesitant to use these creams on their children. Despite this, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, topical corticosteroid is still the treatment of choice for severe eczema that doesn’t respond other treatments. Corticosteroid treatments usually produce significant improvement in two to three days by reducing the skin’s inflammatory response. The academy also states that studies show that severe side effects are rare when corticosteroids are used according to the guidelines given to dermatologists.
It is important to consult with your family doctor or pediatrician before beginning any course of treatment. Even so-called natural products can have side effects. Your doctor will have access to up to date information to help you come up with a plan of action.
References
University of Michigan Health System (accessed 21 January 2011)
European Medicines Agency Recommends Revocation of Marketing Authorisations for Bufexamac
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (published online 30 April 2010)
British Journal of Medicine (published 11 December 2003)
Medscape: Probiotics May Not Be Effective for Eczema in Children (published 14 October 2008)
The Eczema Society of Canada (accessed 21 January 2011)
British Association of Dermatologists (accessed 21 January 2011)
University of Bath, News (published 18 October 2010)
EczemaNet: Treating Eczema with Steroids (accessed 20 January 2011)
Katherine Scrimshaw - Katherine Scrimshaw is a freelance writer and editor with a background in public relations, broadcasting and not-for-profit administration ...
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