Eczema can be classified as either an allergic reaction or an autoimmune condition, but in either case it involves the body’s immune system running out of control in the layers of the skin. This causes the symptoms of eczema, which include a red and itchy rash, with dryness, thickening, and scaling of the skin. Most often it will appear on the hands and feet, face, knees and elbows, though it can affect any part of the body.

Eczema is increasing in incidence, and is more common in babies and children, though it affects many adults as well. It is estimated that as high as 30% of the US population has been afflicted by eczema at some point in their life. The cause of eczema is unknown, though it has a genetic component and is associated with other autoimmune type conditions such as seasonal allergies or asthma.

For sufferers of eczema, you know how difficult it can make life at times. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of eczema as well as prevent breakouts.

First, there are some basic tips you can follow to help with eczema.

Avoiding harsh soaps and detergents with synthetic chemicals can reduce the sensitivity of your skin. Try to use natural products instead.
Avoid extremes of temperature, especially heat. Overheating and excessive sweating can trigger outbreaks.
Don’t wear clothing that can irritate the skin, such as wool.
Use a quality natural moisturizer daily. Dryness of the skin increases eczema attacks.

Conventional treatments of eczema are unfortunately few, and some of the ones that are available come with potential unwanted side effects. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with the itching and reduce inflammation, and stronger corticosteroid creams can be prescribed, but while these help with symptoms they do little to reduce the occurrence of outbreaks. Other prescription creams are available that help to modulate the immune response in the skin, however they come with warnings that they may increase the risk of skin cancer. Antibiotics have been shown to reduce outbreaks as well as prevent infection, however as with the use of any antibiotics long-term, this carries the risk of developing resistance to the antibiotics as well as disrupting the immune system.

For this reason, unless your eczema is severe, it is likely you will want to try natural treatments first. There is no one-hit-wonder for treating eczema naturally, so effective natural treatment for eczema will involve understanding more about the triggers of eczema and what systems of the body are involved.

The two most important areas to consider in relationship to your immune system are your digestive system and your endocrine system.

The digestive system contains a large number of immune cells in it, so an unhealthy digestion will make your immune system weaker and make eczema outbreaks more common.
The endocrine system involves your hormones, and in the case of eczema, the hormones involved in stress specifically will have a negative effect on your eczema if your stress levels are too high.

To keep a healthy digestion with eczema it is important to avoid foods that increase inflammation in the body. These include foods high in sugar and saturated fat, red meats, dairy, and eggs, as these increase the processes in the body that produce inflammation. While it may not be possible for everyone to completely avoid these foods, try to consume them minimally or in moderation. Some people have allergies to certain foods like wheat or dairy, so if you notice certain foods making your digestion worse, try and avoid these foods. Overall, keeping a healthy and balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and fiber will go a long way in creating a healthy digestive system and reducing eczema outbreaks. Also, drinking adequate water to stay hydrated helps the body resist the allergic response associated with eczema.
» Read more: Treating Eczema With Natural Medicine and Stress Reduction