WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema is a form of allergic dermatitis causing inflammation flare-ups of the skin that can produce dry, scaly patches on the skin and intense itchiness. This itchiness can lead to oozing sores as a result of scratching and the development of rough, scaly or leathery, thickened skin. The condition is really a form of dermatitis known as Atopic Eczema with the only real difference being that dermatitis is usually regarded as a temporary skin condition whereas Eczema is seen more as a chronic (long standing) condition.

Atopic Eczema usually appears in babies and young children. The precise causes of Eczema are not known. However, it is often inherited and can be aggravated by such things as hot, humid weather, particular types of clothing, stress, sensitivity to certain foods and other allergens, chemicals and other pollutants.

Infantile eczema in babies may present itself as severe nappy rash, leading to the formation of small blisters which can then burst and make the surfaces weep.This causes extreme discomfort and irritation which is often aggravated by urine and wet nappies. Infants and children usually grow out of the condition eventually. However, this is not always the case.Recently, we had an equiry from someone whose young 3 year old son was afflicted with eczema to the point where his scratching was so bad he wouldn’t let anyone near it. We’ve recommemded our Tamanu Butter rather than pure Tamanu Oil as it not only contains Tamanu Oil for the infantile eczema but virgin coconut oil to relieve the itchiness.

Eczema also affects adults of all ages and races. It can occur when skin rubs on skin. Areas most affected are the neck, the groin, behind the knees and in the folds of elbows. While clothing such as wool may play an aggravating role, emotional factors can also be a trigger.

It is important to understand that Eczema is not contagious. However, it is a painful condition and can easily get infected.

ECZEMA TREATMENTS

Healing Eczema with Tamanu Oil There are various medications around. The most common form are Steriod creams and ointments containing Corticosteroid (a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex). Used in low doses, these can be quite effective. However, high dosages or long term use can produce significant side effects including: –

* an increased appetite resulting in weight gain
* headaches
* increased blood sugar levels
* increased blood pressure
* stomach upsets
* sleeplessness
* Mood swings

Oral corticosteroid treatments (corticosteroid tablets) are also available but used over the long term, can produce very significant side effects, such as: 

* weight gain
* thinning of the skin
* increased cholesterol levels
* stretch marks
* weakening of the immune system
* dilated blood vessels

Occasionally, corticosteroid tablets are needed to control symptoms in people with severe eczema. They are usually only given for a short period of time due to potential side effects.

Other forms of treatment include Topical Immunomodulators (Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors), such as Pimecrolimus Cream (brand name Elidel) and Tacrolimus, that are used to control inflammation. However, because of concerns about cancers of the lymphatic system and skin, Pimecrolimus is not recommended for long-term continuous use and should not be used on skin that has pre-cancerous changes, is exposed to a lot of sun, or has previously had a skin cancer removed.

Antibiotic creams / tablets and antiseptic creams are commonly prescribed, if infection sets in. However, sometimes these chemical-based creams can irritate the affected area. Other treatments precribed for severe forms of eczema include tablets such as Sandimmun and Neoral. Again the problem here is that such medicines have some potentially serious side effects. Consequently, they are not suitable for babies or children and are only available for adults by prescription from a skin specialist. They are usually used only when other treatments have failed.

Phototherapy (where they use ultraviolet light) is another form of treatment for chronic, severe eczema. However, possible long term effects of this treatment include skin cancer and premature ageing. The patient is exposed to controlled levels of ultraviolet light two or three times a week and the treatment is both time-consuming and expensive.

WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ECZEMA?

When it comes to how to treat Eczema and what are the best eczema treatment products, there are those that suggest everything from borage oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, tea tree oil to primrose oil. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any of these are effective in how to treat Eczema.

However, one oil that is known to be effective for the treatment of Dermatitis and Eczema is Tamanu Oil. It has been used by the Melanesian people of Vanuatu for centuries to treat Eczema in babies and adults alike. Tamanu Oil has the unique ability to promote new skin cell growth. It is applied topically (directly onto the skin) and can also be used for various other skin conditions including Acne, the reduction of Acne scars, burns, the complete removal of age spots (in some instances), general scarring, dry or itchy skin, inflammation and Psoriasis.

Some users do find the strong nutty aroma of Tamanu Oil to be a bit overwhelming. Consequently, we have produced a topical cream called Tamanu Butter. This product has the added moisturising qualities of Virgin Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter. So, if you suffer from Eczema, we recommend the following:

• Apply either straight Vanuatu Tamanu Oil or our Tamanu Butter to the affected area morning and afternoon to reduce inflamation & promote the growth of healthy new skin tissue.

• If the Eczema appears on the hands, fingers, face or anywhere else on the body apply our Skin Rejuvenating Moisturizer (With Tamanu Oil) nightly before bed.

• Where the Eczema is on the body rather than on the face or scalp, it might also pay to apply our Tamanu Volcanic Ash Scrub provided the Eczema is not too sensitive. Even then, you can just put it on gently and leave it on (without trying to exfoliate with it) for 30-60 seconds, then rince it off.

As with all types of eczema and dermatitis, daily moisturising forms the basis for controlling atopic eczema.

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