Eczema. UGH!! What a pain in the butt! Anyone who has suffered from eczema knows that symptoms can be downright debilitating physically, emotionally and spiritually. Painful rashes, sleepless nights, shame, and feeling disconnected from life and other people.
You may even have heard that eczema is an incurable condition that can only be managed with cortisone, Benadryl and topical steroids. I believe that is misguided information. If you’re like me, someone who likes to get to the bottom symptoms rather than suppress them, help is here.
Some people have dealt with bouts of eczema since early childhood. It’s hard to imagine. So what is eczema and why does it erupt? Eczema is actually an umbrella term used to identify a wide range of “rashes” and “dermatitis-like” skin conditions.
Just like “inflammation” is a general term used for redness, irritation, or swollen reaction to an infection or injury in the body or on the skin. There can be a plethora of reasons for inflammation, and the same holds true for eczema. Generally, these sporadic, itchy, red, scaly rashes are a result of pathogens and triggered by food, chemicals and environment.
I have personally been dealing with eczema since the beginning of this year. It popped up all of a sudden with no previous warning. As a health ambassador, alchemist, truth seeker and risk taker I have committed to unravel my “mystery rash” for good, and help others do the same.
By trial and error, (and sometimes painfully so) I have created protocols and formulations that drastically reduce the intensity of symptoms, calm inflammation and itching, repair the skin, prevent scarring, and ultimately eliminate their re-occurrence.
It’s clear, in order to eradicate eczema for good, you MUST take a holistic approach to eliminate infection, strengthen your immune system, facilitate detox and support skin repair.
We can find valuable life lessons in dealing with skin disorders, or any health crisis for that matter. Like total love and acceptance of ourself no matter what, TRUSTING our body, being FLEXIBLE and willing to change old patterns and habits that no longer work for us.
If we stubbornly grasp to old ways of doing things, the symptoms not only persist but could get worse. Taking constructive action is the ONLY answer.
Remember, skin doesn’t “flare up” without good reason. There is ALWAYS a reason. And that reason, once found, can be remedied. Your body is a magnificent masterpiece that is programmed to thrive. You don’t have to suffer forever.
Just know that eczema doesn’t exist without a cause; and triggers are usually just a piece of the puzzle. With dedication, determination, flexibility and curiosity you can drastically reduce the severity of your outbreaks and heal your skin fast, naturally.
My Top 5 Tips for Eczema
1 | Don’t worry!!! Stress massively induces inflammation in the body and the last thing we need is to add fuel to the fire. When you’re experiencing an “episode” it’s important to remember that your body is NOT the enemy. Quite the opposite. In fact, it’s fighting hard to protect you from toxins, irritants and pathogens and unfortunately the rash is a result of this battle.
As hard as it can be, don’t allow yourself to emotionally downward spiral. Remember, everything is temporary. Your body is giving you a message that something needs attention. BREATHE. Take control of your thoughts, connect with your inner you, trust the process, and see the forest through the trees. Take action every single day to move towards healing and revealing the TRUE cause of your eczema.
2 | Avoid food irritants. Lectins (gluten, dairy, beans), inflammatory foods like sugar, processed foods, eggs, corn, soy, nuts except raw pistachios and macadamia nuts. Smoking and alcohol are all off limits. I recommend organic, clean diets like the plant paradox, the anti-inflammatory diet, low histamine diet.
Foods like blueberries, cherries, celery, kale, steamed beets, dandelion, garlic, mushroom, miso, lettuce, fish, chicken, beef (grass fed, pasture raised, no added hormones or antibiotics)
3 | Boost Digestion. Take digestive enzymes with every meal and even between meals, probiotics, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and glutamine. 80% of our immune system is in our gut, so this is where you want to spend lots of your energy healing and strengthening.
4 | Facilitate Detox. Eczema is your body’s way of releasing what isn’t working. We absolutely want toxins to be released but in a more “orderly” fashion. Ideally, toxins are removed through urine, bowels, and sweat. In order to get your detox pathways running smoothly, lymphatic drainage and liver must be be cleansed and supported.
Movement is good but excessive heat and sweating can exasperate rashes. Try to avoid “bootcamp” style workouts and incorporate rebound exercises such as trampoline and step aerobics. Yoga is also perfect for detox as it induces calm while oxygenating the blood. Also, try a charcoal bath.
Keep it lukewarm or cool, so your skin stays calm. When you’re done, gently pat your skin — don’t rub — until it’s just damp. Apply a soothing oil blend of coconut oil and essential oils such as cedarwood or myrrh.
5 | Avoid synthetic products. When you have a flare up, you are highly sensitive to chemicals from the environment and your home. Discontinue use of all chemicalized products and opt for non-scented, natural and organic if possible. This includes detergents, lotions, body washes.
Don’t use heavily chemicalized skincare, makeup or perfumes. Eliminate chemicals around the house and cooking. Toxic candles, air fresheners, plastics, tupperware, aluminum cans. Protect yourself from EMF’s from microwave, cell phones, computers etc.
Certain essential oils are amazing for rashes such as bergamot, geranium, melaleuca, chamomile, myrrh, cedarwood and lavender. Be sure to use only the purest of oils. Get water filters, air purifiers, non-toxic clothing and bedding such as 100% organic cotton, silk or linen.
Remember, skin doesn’t “flare up” without good reason. There is ALWAYS a reason. And that reason, once found, can be remedied. Your body is a magnificent masterpiece that is programmed to thrive. You don’t have to suffer forever. Just know that eczema doesn’t exist without a cause; and triggers are usually just a piece of the puzzle.
With dedication, determination, flexibility and curiosity you can drastically reduce the severity of your outbreaks and heal your skin fast, naturally.
