Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes itchy red skin, particularly in the elbow and knee creases. Dealing with chronic eczema can be incredibly distressing, leading sufferers to seek effective methods for clearing it.
Unlocking the path to clear eczema may be possible through allergen testing, providing valuable insights on effective management strategies.
A reader experienced a severe eczema breakout lasting months. Allergy testing revealed an extreme egg allergy, and avoiding eggs cleared up the skin condition in six weeks.
While allergic reactions to eggs are commonly observed in infants and young children with eczema, it seems to occur less frequently in adults. However, individuals of all ages with difficult-to-treat atopic dermatitis may have multiple allergic sensitivities (Boonstra et al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Sep. 2018). As mentioned, avoiding allergic triggers whenever feasible may be the most effective form of treatment.
Home remedies that might help:
Various remedies have been suggested by readers. While some prefer using coconut oil as a moisturizer, others enthusiastically recommend Noxzema for clearing it.
In certain cases, probiotics have shown potential benefits. Some readers have found relief from eczema by using oils rich in gamma-linolenic acid, such as black currant seed oil, borage oil, or evening primrose oil. Flaxseed oil has also been beneficial for some individuals. While there is limited research, a study (Uehara et al., Archives of Dermatology, Jan. 2001) suggests that drinking oolong tea may help alleviate its symptoms.
Vitamin D can also help clear eczema.
A pilot study conducted in Boston investigated the potential benefits of vitamin D supplements for children with persistent eczema. While the results were inconclusive, they showed promising indications of vitamin D’s potential to clear or alleviate the severity of eczema (British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008).