A proper diet and herbal remedies can often go a long way in managing skin problems. Patricia Loh answers some commonly asked questions.


CHRONIC SKIN PROBLEM
My 17-year old son has been suffering from skin rash since he was a toddler. The doctor says it is a form of eczema. Whenever the rash appears, my son would be prescribed steroid cream, antibiotics and anti-histamines to control the itch and redness. Are there herbs that help?


Atopic eczema is an allergic condition that has a strong hereditary factor involved. More than half the people with eczema would frequently have family members who have the same complaint. Chronic skin problems such as this usually respond well to the supplementation of essential fatty acids that are found in oils of flaxseed, fish and evening primrose. If he is on a typical teenager’s diet of fast food, canned drinks and unhealthy snacks, its time to re-introduce more nutritious food! A balanced diet of complex carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, fruits together with plenty of pure water can be effective therapy on its own. The Ayurvedic herb, Albizzia, is beneficial for treating eczema, as is the Chinese herb called Baical Skullcap. Popular western herbs for skin problems include Sarsaparilla and Burdock.
Oat, the familiar breakfast grain, can be used to make a soothing bath for eczema. Put about 2 cups cooking oat in an old sock and tie it to the tap so that hot water can run over it into a tub. Add 2 tablespoon of Epsom salt and 4 drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy (both available from pharmacies) to the bath water. This makes a soothing bath for inflamed skin.

EXTREME DRY SKIN
I am in 50s and recently started having a problem with extremely dry skin all over my body. The dryness is causing the skin to peel, crack and itch. The skin specialist has given me some moisturizer and antibiotic cream but they only bring very slight relief. Can you suggest a herbal remedy for me?


If you've never had this problem in your younger days then I would suspect that the dry skin problem could be due to your pre-menopausal years. Change in hormones can cause a multitude of signs and symptoms, among which are dry skin, tiredness, insomnia and mood swings. Herbs such as Dong Quai, Vitex, Wild Yam and Black Cohosh are beneficial for these problems. One of the most useful supplements for dry skin is flaxseed oil and fish oil. Improvement will not come overnight as the body takes time to reap the benefits of natural remedies. So be a little patient.

BABY WITH RED, ITCHY SKIN
My 4-year old daughter suffers from a rash that appears consistently on her cheeks, forehead, hands and legs. The pediatrician has classified the case as Infantile Eczema. The recommendation was for me to stop the powder milk formula and try soy-based milk.


Unfortunately some children can be allergic to cow’s milk powder formula. In cases such as this, I prefer to recommend Goat’s Milk powder for children who are intolerant to cow’s milk. Eczema and other chronic skin inflammations respond well to “healthy oils” such as flaxseed, evening primrose and fish oils. Pierce the capsules containing the oils and squeeze into a spoon. This can be mixed with her solid food (eg porridge) or a little honey and water when you feed your child. Herbs such as Red Clover, Dandelion and Echinacea work well to reduce the frequency and severity of infantile eczema. See a herbalist to get these herbs mixed in the correct proportion and to advice on dosage. Steroid cream is still required if her skin flares up badly. You may want to try some herbal cream. Herbs such as Calendula, Chamomile and Aloe Vera are very soothing and healing.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal centre in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.