According to the National Eczema Foundation (NEF), there are an estimated 31.6 million individuals in the US who have some form of eczema; that translates to one in 10 Americans! (1)

But what exactly is eczema and, most importantly, what can you do about it? That is what this article is all about, so let’s get started!

Eczema 101

According to NEF, eczema is “the name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections.” The 7 official types of eczema are:

• Atopic dermatitis, the most common, “basic” form of eczema,
• Contact dermatitis, when the skin becomes irritated after it comes in contact with an allergen,
• Dyshidrotic eczema, characterized by blisters on the hands and feet,
• Nummular eczema (or “discoid” eczema), identified by oval-shaped lesions,
• Seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by scaly, flaky, and sometimes greasy skin around the oil-producing glands typically found on the scalp, face, and chest, and
• Stasis dermatitis, sometimes called gravitational dermatitis or venous eczema, which occurs as a result of poor circulation in the lower part of the legs. (2)

In addition, eczema can often manifest in different ways according to skin color. For example, eczema can manifest in light-colored skin as inflammation and redness. On darker skin, eczema can look like brown, ashen-colored, or ashen skin. Across all people and eczema types, itchiness is a common characteristic of this sometimes debilitating (and almost always annoying) skin condition.

Is Eczema an Autoimmune Condition?

According to the National Institutes of Health, autoimmunity occurs when “the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body’s own cells.” (3) Some common autoimmune conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, Type II diabetes, lupus, Hashomoto’s, and Crohn’s Disease. You may have heard that eczema is really an autoimmune disease and, if you suffer from some form of eczema, you may be wondering if this is true. Unfortunately, the answer is complicated and depends on who you ask.

The NEF says no. In a recent article, they cite Dr. JiaDe Yu, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and NEF contributor, who says that eczema is instead “a complex condition without a single cause.” (4)

On the other hand, as far back as a decade ago, researchers have discovered that the most generic form of eczema, atopical dermatitis, is often characterized by autoimmune drivers at the molecular level. (5) And according to a 2021 Swedish population-based case-control study, there is a significant “comorbidity” between individuals who have a recognized autoimmune condition and those who have eczema.

So, who is right?

While the verdict may not be out completely in the academic world, in terms of the root causes of eczema (and more importantly, how those root causes may affect what you can do about eczema), no one can deny the connection.

Healing the “Big Factors” that Can Lead to Eczema Outbreak

One glaring similarity that can be a focal point for healing for both those with autoimmunity and those with eczema is diet. Cleaning up what you eat is key in reducing eczema outbreaks. This includes removing reactionary items as well as introducing nutrient-dense foods that can be flare-up preventative.

Enter omega-3 fatty acids. In a Norwegian study conducted in 2010, researchers found that when cod liver oil and omega 3 fatty acid-rich fish were introduced into the diets of very young children (and eaten at least once a week), the happy effect was a significant reduction in the risk of developing both eczema and asthma. (6) As a side note when it comes to autoimmunity, omega 3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from fish, have been known for some time to be the most “immunomodulatory” of all the omegas. (7)

Another “big factor” for eczema is stress. In fact, in a 2020 landmark survey, stress was the biggest single trigger for eczema flare-ups for 57% of women and 41% of men surveyed. (8) Eczema is also a huge risk factor for those who suffer from anxiety and depression. (9) This makes common sense. When the body goes into “fight or flight” mode, as it often does with both anxiety and depression as well as other stress-related conditions like PTSD and chronic stress, all mechanisms related to skin healing and repair come to a screeching halt as the body prepares for “fight, flight, or freeze.”

All this being said, one of the most significant things you can do to reduce flare-ups and even heal your eczema for good besides improving your diet is to learn and practice sound stress management skills. Here are a few tips that can be helpful for eczema sufferers and anybody who is dealing with the physical consequences of psychological stress:

• Prioritize your tasks and delegate when you need to
• Stay in the moment and let go of the worry about “what is going to come next”
• Take time to relax and have fun every day
• Routinely practice self-care, including exercise, a healthy diet, and quality sleep as well as other activities like warm baths, massage, deep breathing, stretching, and enjoying fun hobbies
• Take extra time for self-care when you know that a stressful event is coming up, such as a wedding, a vacation, or a move, as well as when unexpected events or crises occur.

3 Natural Substances That Can Help “Cool” Eczema

Not all the good things you can do for your body to keep eczema in check need to occur on the inside. While you are getting to the root of your condition by managing stress, changing up your diet, and determining if there is an autoimmune component to your particular situation, you can also use tried-and-true topical remedies which can significantly help your itchy, irritated skin. Here are just a few you will find as 100% non-GMO, organic, sustainably sourced ingredients in many CHARLíS formulas:

#1 Castor Seed Oil. Castor seed oil comes from tropical regions of Africa and India and has been used in these areas of the world as an anti-inflammatory for centuries. Castor’s inflammation-lowering properties are super-concentrated when the oil comes in seed form like it does in the CHARLíS Orange Blossom Lip Balm. Castor seed is also antibacterial so it can protect from further infection of eczema-prone area by pathogenic bacteria.

#2 Rice Bran Extract. Remember the study mentioned above that proved the healing power of omega-3 fatty acids? Well, these effects can also be felt when they are used in topical formulas as well. Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids as well as key B vitamins, vitamin E, and micronutrients like selenium and zinc that can both soothe and fortify eczema-prone skin. Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract is found in the CHARLÍS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum.

#3 Calendula. Calendula Officinalis, i.e. marigold, is not just a bright orange (and sometimes yellow) flower synonymous with the fall. Its extract has also been shown to help with dry skin and serious skin-related conditions, including eczema. In fact, while many studies have proven the efficacy of calendula for helping atopic dermatitis (as well as other skin-related conditions including psoriasis), a 2017 South African study also discovered that marigold extract can also be a healing balm for those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Organic, 100% non-GMO calendula extract is found in the CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum.

You CAN Heal Eczema Naturally!

If you suffer from some form of eczema, take heart! You can absolutely keep eczema at bay, prevent flare-ups, and even heal your skin for good naturally. Just like with acne (link), the key is to get to the root of the issue– which is usually connected to diet, stress, or deeper disease conditions like autoimmunity– while at the same time helping your skin to heal topically through anti-inflammatory, soothing, nourishing plants and plant extracts.

Here at CHARLíS, we support you with all the education and knowledge you need to make the lifestyle changes that are going to help you heal. At the same time, our products help you step into smooth, beautiful skin on the outside as well– because you are so worth it!

References:

1. A Population-Based Survey of Eczema Prevalence in the United States
2. Stasis Dermatitis
3. Autoimmunity may be rising in the United States
4. Is Eczema an Autoimmune Disease? Spoiler Alert: Nope
5. Atopic Dermatitis Found To Be an Immune-Driven Disease
6. Do early intake of fish and fish oil protect against eczema and doctor-diagnosed asthma at 2 years of age? A cohort study
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases
8. Stress and eczema
9. Eczema is a shared risk factor for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis and systematic review