Some cases of eczema (atopic dermatitis) are caused by a skin disorder that is a result of abnormal skin cell growth and turnover.  The epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin is made up of moist, living cells and dry dead cells known as the stratum corneum.  The stratum corneum functions as a barrier, protecting the deeper layers of the skin from damage caused by infections and irritants and help to keep the skin from drying out.  When this barrier is broken down or damaged, the skin is no longer protected from irritants and may also lose moisture and become infected by bacteria.

Antioxidants are powerful treatments for eczema since they act as chemical scavengers, intercepting reactive molecules called free radicals before they have a chance to damage cells.   Free radicals are so dangerous because they not only kill cells, but also injures the cell and damage the cell’s DNA. When the DNA is changed, the cell mutates, growing and reproducing abnormally quickly.

Treating eczema with antioxidants may help prevent or regulate abnormal skin cell growth and turnover.

How to treat eczema with antioxidants

The most important antioxidants that are beneficial to helping eczema is vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.  Vitamin A is important for regulation of rapid turnover in skin cells, vitamin C helps to strengthen the skin, vitamin E helps to heal the skin, and selenium helps to detoxify heavy metals in the body.  The best way to get these antioxidants is by making sure that your diet is rich with this vital vitamins.

Foods rich in vitamin A:

• Carrots
• Yams
• Red bell peppers
• Liver
• Cantaloupe

Foods rich in vitamin C:

• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Mango
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Green leafy vegetables

Foods rich in vitamin E:

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Hazelnuts

Foods rich in Selenium

• Brazil Nuts
• Wheat germ
• Tuna and other oily fish
• Brewers yeast
• Sunflower seeds
• Cashews
• Lentils
• Shellfish

You can also take supplements for these particular antioxidants.  The suggested doses are as follows:  vitamin C, 1000 mg twice daily; vitamin E, 400 IU/day; vitamin A, 5000-10,000 IU/day; selenium, 50-200 mcg/day.  The best supplements are natural whole food supplements rather than synthetic man made.

Other Antioxidants for healing eczema

Grape seed and grape skin.  The antioxidant components of grapes are great for preventing formation of free radicals, which can be an effective treatment for eczema.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).  CoQ10 helps the cells convert nutrients into energy, increasing oxygen when necessary, and reducing oxygen before it reaches toxic levels.

Green tea extract.  Green tea extract helps to boost the immune system and supports the kidneys.

Milk Thistle extract.  Helps to detoxify the liver.

Making sure that you intake an adequate amount of antioxidants daily may prove to be one of the most practical and sufficient eczema treatments.

Very seldom is one treatment effective enough for treating eczema.  In fact, most medical research studies show that the most effective eczema treatments involves a combination of oral and topical treatments, along with lifestyle changes.

Eczema medications prescribed are based on several factors including the type of eczema, any past treatments, and the personal preference of the patient. The most commonly prescribed medications are both topical and oral.  However, those with severe cases of eczema may undergo phototherapy treatments.

Below are the most common treatments for eczema:

Moisturizers.  The #1 remedy for eczema that specialists recommend is frequent skin moisturizing.  Dryness of the skin aggravates the problem of eczema; hence it is important to always retain moisture in the skin by regularly applying moisturizers.  The best type of moisturizers have a low water and high oil content, and is free from any irritants such as fragrance.  Emollients are often recommended as they are effective at rehydrating the skin while having a mild inflammatory effect.  Avoiding over-bathing is also important for retention of the skin’s natural oils.

Corticosteroids or Topical Steroids. These creams are typically prescribed to decrease inflammation and are available in different strengths.  Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a dermatologist may prescribe a mild, medium, or high-potency cream. High potency steroid creams usually have undesirable side effects, especially if used for eczema on the face.  A common side effect that is a cause for concern is thinning of the skin when used for a prolonged period of time.

There are other types of non-steroidal creams that a doctor may prescribe to treat eczema.  Two topical non-steroidal creams, Protopic and Elidel have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of eczema.  However, in 2005 the FDA issued a warning that these drugs may contribute to the development of certain types of cancers.  Furthermore, these drugs are known as calcineurin inhibitors, which are immune system suppressants.  Because of the potential dangers and side effects of these drugs, doctors tend to precribe them if a patient is unresponsive to other forms of treatments, and limit use for short time periods.  Protopic and Elidel should also be avoided in peple who have compromised immune systems.

Oral antihistamines. These drugs are prescribe to control severe itching.  Antihistamines are used to fight the histamines that trigger symptoms of inflammation.  Antihistamines are sedatives, so drowsiness may occur.  The most commonly prescribed histamines are diphenhydramine [Benadryl], hydroxyzine [Atarax, Vistaril], and cyproheptadine).

Oral corticosteroids. These are prescribed to control acute cases of eczema.  Oral corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are also known to produce harmful side effects, so long-term use is discouraged.  Cyclosporine, an oral immunosuppressant drug is also used to treat some cases of eczema.

It is important to know that even though all of these methods will provide some eczema relief, none will actually cure eczema.