Eczema - the 30p snack to get rid of dry and itchy skin at home
ECZEMA could be treated with creams, ointments or moisturers. But you could also get rid of the dry skin condition at home by adding this cheap and healthy snack to your daily diet plan.
Doctor explains the signs and symptoms of eczema
Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, according to the NHS.
It usually appears in young children before their first birthday, but it can also develop for the first time in later life.
Eczema symptoms can vary between small patches of dry skin, to large areas of red, inflamed skin all over the body.
Patients could relieve signs of eczema by making some diet changes - including eating more nuts, it’s been revealed.
Inflammation is a key component in the development of eczema, so following an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial
Eating more nuts could reduce inflammation in eczema patients - one of the key causes of the dry skin condition, claimed Nuffield Health’s Nutritional Therapist, Sally Temple.
The snack falls under part of the anti-inflammatory diet that’s recommended for people with eczema.
You should only add more nuts to your diet if you’re not allergic to them, Temple warned.
“Inflammation is a key component in the development of eczema, so following an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial,” she said.
“Getting the right balance of fats in the diet can also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
“If you don't have allergies, it can be beneficial to eat plenty of oily fish, seafood, nuts, seeds and flax oil.
“Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates result in elevated insulin levels, which in turn promotes inflammation.
“Try instead to eat wholegrain carbohydrate, protein and plenty of vegetables to help keep insulin levels down.”
Patients could also try removing foods that could cause allergic reactions from their diet, she added.
Cutting out these foods one-by-one should help you to identify which foods are triggering your symptoms.
Speak to a GP or nutritional therapist before making any major changes to your diet.
There’s currently no cure for eczema, but some treatments could help to reduce symptoms.
Relieve any signs of itching with antihistamines, while more powerful treatments may be offered by a dermatologist.
Avoid scratching, as it could damage the skin and make symptoms worse.
Keeping nails short and wearing light clothing over affected areas could help to reduce damage from habitual scratching.
Speak to a pharmacist if you’re worried about the signs of eczema, or for advice on the best over-the-counter treatments.