Eczema

Eczema is a condition that affects many people of all ages, but is especially prevalent amongst infants and young children. Whilst the visible symptoms of eczema show on the skin, it is generally accepted that it is closely linked to the internal health of the body. Consequently, although creams and salves will offer some relief, they are not the complete answer to managing this condition.

Dietary Advice

Many cases of eczema seem to be linked to food intolerances, and may flare up after eating certain classes of foods. This is especially true in the case of infantile eczema, which is most often linked to an intolerance to dairy foods. By avoiding cow’s milk, and foods made from milk such as butter, cream, cheese, etc, symptoms of eczema often improve. If the mother is breast-feeding her baby, she also should avoid all cow’s milk products as any intolerance can be passed to the infant through her milk. The same problems can also occur with citrus fruits and tomatoes, which should also be excluded if symptoms persist.

Intolerances to other classes of food are possible, and where these are suspected, expert advice should be sought to determine whether these exist.

It is recommended to include Omega-3&6 essential fatty acids (EFA’S) in the diet as no part of the body can function without them. EFA’S cannot be synthesized by the body. EFA’S can help alleviate allergies and improve dry skin condition.

Internal Toxins

Exposure to environmental pollution and food intolerances as mentioned above will lead to the production of toxins in the body. If these are not neutralised or eliminated, they will accumulate and can lead to symptoms that may include eczema. A number of herbs are known to help eliminate excess toxins from the body, and a range of these are used in Green People’s Hawthorn & Artichoke Formula. Formulated by leading herbalists, this stimulates and supports the function of all body systems that metabolise and eliminate toxins.

Hawthorn & Artichoke Formula is suitable for all ages from 12 months onwards – the dosage for adults is ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) twice daily, reducing to just 10-12 drops (0.5ml) twice daily for children aged under 4 years.

Baby Salve

In response to requests from customers for a skin salve suitable to ease eczema symptoms, Green People have developed our Baby Salve. Made with 96% certified organic ingredients, this soothing and disinfectant skin salve is designed to reduce inflammation and to provide fast relief for sensitive skin. Based on cold-pressed plant oils, which are rich in Omega-3&6 fatty acids, it also contains bee’s wax to increase water resistance and to reduce moisture loss from the skin. Infused Calendula together with essential oils of French Lavender and Lavandin are well known for their soothing and healing properties, and make this salve suitable for people of all ages with sensitive skin.

Irritating Chemicals

As well as being aggravated by food intolerances, many common ingredients found in conventional personal care products have been found to irritate skin affected with eczema. These include synthetic perfumes and fragrances, ethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate. Frequent exposure to these, and many other chemicals contained in conventional skin and hair care products, is a leading cause of many skin irritations.

Green People produce a wide range of personal care products that avoid the use of these ingredients and all other unnecessary synthetic chemicals. With product ranges aimed at babies, children, men and women, it is now possible for all members of the family to avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals from their personal care products. See our natural skin care products now.