And no, they are not new Disney characters!
Recently, one of my subscribers (and old friend…not old, old, but old as in been around a long damn time!) mentioned that in middle age, she was suddenly suffering from eczema and if I recall correctly, either an increased issue with asthma or newly developed asthma. I had already been researching causes and potential cures or at least how to improve issues with eczema, so it was timely that she would mention this issue.
As a child I sufferered terribly from eczema. I know this is gross, but I would scratch until I bled! I was always walking around with bandaids on my the inside of my elbows and the back of my knees. I was fortunate that my outbreaks were only in those two places, but it was still torture.
As I got older, and coincidently, as I improved my diet and developed heathier habits, not only did my eczema go away, my hay fever disappeared as well! Later in life I would have outbreaks of eczema, but after some research, I believe I might have solved the mystery as to why. (At least in part.)
It’s been a while since I have had any issues, so I originally started researching eczema for my granddaughter who also suffers from it. I noticed that she had recently developed a patch on her cheek. Unlike myself, she has it in multiple areas and I wanted to figure out how to help her. I remember the torture. It’s miserable to itch all the damn time! I am a big believer in the idea that you can reverse almost any issue. Worst case, improve it. While her eczema is not age related, I do believe that it is related to her immune system and diet!
Afte the recent comment from my reader, I revisited my research and here’s what I learned!
We all know by now that with age things tend to deteriorate. Obviously, there are many things we can do to slow the process, but it’s pretty much inevitable that things will start to malfunction or slow down. One of them is our immune systems, which is why is so important to take such good care of it and develop habits that strengthen the immune system, rather than harm it! (Like unnecessary and excessive antibiotic use and poor dietary and lifestyle habits.)
Studies have shown that the hormone estrogen has a significant effect on the immune system. Hormones as you know (or maybe do not know) are chemical messengers secreted by the glands of the endocrine system of our body. They are released directly into our bloodstream and tell our muscles and organs to perform certain functions. Hormones are essential for the proper functioning of our body. For a number of reasons, they can get out of balance and when that happens it can often lead to some pretty serious health issues.
Apart from the endocrine system, our body also has a unique self-defense system to prevent and guard our organs against invasions of germs, viruses, pathogens, and other foreign elements from the outside world like dust or pollens. Just like the endocrine glands, our immune system also releases some hormone-like chemicals to fight against these invaders. One of these chemicals is Histamine. Histamine does have some important functions, but like everything else, too much of it can be a problem. (Too much of most things can cause problems!) It becomes a problem when there is more in the body than can be broken down. Histamine triggers inflammation at the site of invasion to prevent the further spread of pathogens, which causes us to sneeze, tear up, or itch. Other symptoms might include hives (which I got regularly in my early thirties before enlightenment!) Post nasal drip, nasal congestion, and even headache can be a result of histamine issues.
Our endocrine and immune systems are meant to work in coordination, and their functions go hand in hand. But in some individuals, an imbalance in the endocrine system can trigger a false response from the immune system. The immune system overreacts by prompting unnecessary inflammatory responses that may make things worse for the body. One such discomfort is allergy. Allergies are nothing but an over-exaggerated and unnecessary immune response to some harmless foreign elements. There are many kinds of allergies – eczema and asthma are two of them.
Research shows that those who have eczema (or atopic dermatitis) are three times more prone to develop asthma in the next 5-10 years. This correlation between asthma and eczema can be explained by the fact that both allergies are caused by excess histamine secretion by our immune system. Histamines cause inflammation in the skin that leads to itching and blocks air passages in the lungs, causing breathing discomforts.
Menopause can worsen the condition
As if eczema and asthma aren’t scary and torturous enough, menopause can actually worsen both. During menopause and premenopause, our body goes through various changes including the aforementioned fluctuating hormones, falling estrogen levels, stress, fatigue, mood changes, sleep problems, and digestive issues. Issues like stress, a faulty digestive system and lack of sleep all have a serious impact on our immune system. As a result our bodies may react differently to previously harmless allergens by producing more histamines to defend the body. Unfortunately, many women develop these allergies during this menopausal or premenopausal period. Those with allergies may experience a worsening of their conditions.
So what can you do! For one, consume a diet that supports your immune function. In the mean time, here are some ways to naturally get some relief from the symptoms:
Aloe vera has been used in traditional and folk medicines to help with many skin-related ailments. Research has shown that aloe vera (all parts of the plant) possesses potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may explain its wound healing and immune-boosting activities. It is known to prevent infections, soothe inflammation, and promote healing of irritable skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, scars, and boils. Aloe vera also works as a wonderful moisturizer that can help soothe eczema.
Aloe vera gel and aloe-based products are readily available, however, choose carefully! Some store-bought gels may contain artificial colors, perfumes, or other chemical preservatives that can worsen your condition. I suggest buying an aloe vera plant. You can extract the gel from its leaves, and apply it directly to the affected areas.
Bathing! Eczema sufferers need extra moisture for their skin. Bathing can help with these conditions by balancing the pH of the skin and by keeping the moisture intact. However, a proper way of bathing is more important because using soap and water often can make your skin even drier and worsen eczema.
Do
Bath at least once a day.
Use lukewarm water.
Adjust your bath time to 5-10 minutes.
Choose your soap carefully. Soaps with high pH value can disturb the natural acidic medium of skin and damage it even further.
After the bath, use a deep moisturizer that can penetrate the skin barrier and also work as a sealant. Cocoa butter or shea butter can do the trick.
Add apple cider vinegar to lukewarm water and soak for about 15-20 minutes. A National Eczema Association (NEA) report suggests that apple cider vinegar may help with eczema conditions. People with eczema have elevated pH skin. This can compromise their defense systems and trigger skin allergies like itching. ACV is mildly acidic (low in pH) that can help balance the skin pH levels. However, always use vinegar in diluted form, as its acidic nature may damage soft tissues.
Don’t
Don’t use the water too hot or too cold, as it may irritate the skin even further and make it drier.
Avoid harsh soaps. You can also make your own DIY soaps with natural saponins and herbs.
Avoid rubbing vigorously.
Here are some other things to try!
Oatmeal is not just for cookies! A 2015 study suggests that colloidal oatmeal possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent itching due to inflammation on the skin. It can help reduce dryness and roughness. Add powdered colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm water and soak. Avoid this treatment if you are allergic to oats. As with everything, read the label! Check for added preservatives that may worsen your condition.
Tea tree oil and Neem oil are both well known for their extensive use in traditional medicines. Due to their extremely strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound healing actions, these wondrous oils can help with almost any kind of skin disorder. Neem is widely used in India as an additive to soaps, shampoos, cleansers, lotions, creams, and other skincare products. Neem oil contains antihistamine flavonoids that reduce skin dryness and itching, prevent inflammation, and reduce allergies. Before using tea tree oil on the skin, always remember to dilute it with a carrier oil first.
Moisturizing the skin plays a key role in eczema prevention. Choose the right oils and body-butters that can provide adequate moisture and also help in preventing its loss.
Coconut oil contains some healthy fatty acids that can penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and prevent dryness. It is clinically proven to soothe inflammation of the skin, which may help with eczema. (an inflammatory disorder.)
Honey is an age-old remedy for soothing skin conditions, healing wounds, and boosting immunity. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and emollient nature can help keep the skin moisturized, reduce itching, and help with allergic conditions. (Test first on a small area and do not use if you are allergic!)
Olive oil naturally contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties and is also a heavy-duty sealant for locking in the moisture. Applying warm olive oil to the affected area before bedtime can greatly reduce itching and ease eczema symptoms.
Make dietary adjustments! (My issues improved greatly when I cut wayyyyy back on sugar!) Since eczema is basically an inflammation of the skin that is caused by excess production of histamine chemicals, foods with antihistamine flavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties can help address the underlying root cause. Consume lots of green vegetables, turmeric, cinnamon, fatty fish, olives, bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. Consume sources of vitamin C and omega-3 to naturally reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin C is a great immune-booster and acts as a natural antihistamine so enjoy foods high in vitamin C. I also take a 1000 mg supplement daily.
Avoid eating inflammatory foods like dairy and wheat. Get your gut in check! (most of your immune system lives there!) A strong gut lining and diverse gut microbiome are essential for a healthy immune response.
Some foods are higher in naturally occurring histimaines. Try eliminating those and perhaps you will see improvement! Most of them you should be avoiding anyway! Those include: Cured meats, shellfish and canned products. As always, it is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. (Avoiding some veggies higher in histamine)
Lastly, a study published by the National Institute of Health (link below) suggests that methods of preparation can also affect the histamine levels in foods. Grilling and frying for instance, increased levels where boiling resulted in a reduction of histamine levels.
While I have been fortunate to be symptom free fro some time now, I do have friends that are suffering. I hope that you will find this information helpful.
If any of you have found relief from eczema in some way not mentioned in this post, we would love to hear from you.
For more indepth information I found this great article and the NIH study is also below:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11175/everything-you-need-to-know-about-histamine-intolerance.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5705351/
Dear Old Friend,
Not old, old, (but old as in been around a long damn time!)
You called me out with the sugar and dairy products! I can give up the sugar (…well maybe not the sea salted dark chocolates) but the struggle may come with the cheese plates! I guess I’ll have to add more nuts and dried fruits to my charcuterie boards.
Thanks for this awesome blog and all the knowledge share! I find you writing not only informative but quite entertaining and at times, downright hilarious even though these topics are joke. Keep spreading the love!
Thank you! Whether it is writing comedy or sharing what I hope is useful, helpful information, at the end of the day, I just want everyone to feel good and be healthy. Age doesn’t have to bring illness and disease. That said, I feel your pain! All things in moderation. I love cheese too. It’s really the only dairy I enjoy. I may never give it up completely, but I have cut way back.
That is exactly the attitude. Add more of the good stuff on the tray and there will be less room for the guilty pleasures. And remind yourself, “Is this cheese worth the price?” Sure, they will be times that you will be dying for a piece of chocolate or cheese, but you don’t want to be “dying, dying” over it. It’s kind of like, “Hmmmm if I have one more glass of wine, I’m going to feel like crap tomorrow!” You put the wine stopper in and keep it moving. It’s not worth losing tomorrow because I feel crappy because I overindulged. And I definitely am not trying to kill my liver since I need it!
As always, thank you for your support and encouragement. It is work. I do a lot of research and write and rewrite and proof and still make mistakes, but I find it rewarding. And until I can get my writing back on a stage, it is my creative outlet! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I truly appreciate you.
Stay safe and sane!