The National Eczema Society holds an awareness week in September. This month we ask if CBD can help Eczema sufferers?
So unlike Psoriasis our family has first hand experience when it comes to eczema. Both my husband and daughter have incredibly sensitive skin and my husband has suffered from occasional bouts since childhood. When it flares up it is itchy, painful and uncomfortable and he will do pretty much anything to calm it down. From a purely selfish point of view this was one of the very first creams we focused on developing with the help of our amazing formulators. The remit was simple it had to be a 100% natural, provide relief, reduce the inflammation and help with the dryness associated with Eczema. We found over time that combining CBD, Borage and Sunflower Oil was a winning combination and these are now the core ingredients of the Healing Alternatives Eczema Cream which you can buy directly from our website or through specialist stockists.
Whilst at fairs I get a lot of questions around our eczema & psoriasis creams and so in this blog I thought it might be helpful to answer a few of the most common ones. I am not a medical expert by the way and the information I am sharing with you is just information I have picked up whilst in the development of our creams and from first hand experience of the condition in relation to my family and interactions with our amazing customers. I very much hope that this will help those who are unfamiliar with eczema and might be interested in learning a little more.
What is Eczema and are Eczema and Psoriasis The Same?
No they are definitely not the same. Whilst both conditions share quite a few similar characteristics (such as redness and itching), they are two distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes thickened patches of red skin while eczema is an allergic reaction that results in inflamed patches of skin that itch and flake off easily when scratched or irritated too much.
Eczema is an umbrella term for several different types of skin conditions that feature redness, itching, swelling and dryness. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis (AD), often referred to as “atopic eczema” this is what my husband has. This type of eczema usually appears in early childhood. Other types include contact dermatitis (caused by contact with irritants such as soaps or detergents), seborrheic dermatitis (basically “dandruff”) and dyshidrotic eczema (known as “pompholyx” where you get itchy blisters on your hands and feet). In order to determine which one you have ask your GP to recommend a friendly dermatologist to accurately diagnose which eczema you have as it is possible to have more than one type of eczema on your body at the same time. An accurate diagnosis is important because each type requires its own treatment plan.
Can Eczema be cured?
There is currently no cure for eczema but there are many ways to manage the symptoms. The best way to get rid of eczema is by treating the underlying cause(s). Depending on the type you have, your dermatologist may recommend topical steroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. They may also recommend avoiding triggers such as certain fabrics or soaps that can worsen the condition. I once changed our washing detergent only for my husband to have an automatic flare up…whoops!
What are the best natural treatments available to treat Eczema symptoms?
My husband has over the years found the best way to manage his symptoms has been to combine prescribed creams with more natural remedies like aloe vera gel or coconut oil. That was until we created our own Healing Alternatives Eczema Cream with CBD, Borage and Sunflower oil.
What is it about CBD, Borage and Sunflower oil that works to treat Eczema Symptoms?
These three natural ingredients are known for their healing properties and when combined create a powerful blend that work together to synergistically help manage Eczema symptoms. Let's take a closer look at these three ingredients.
CBD for Eczema Relief
CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants that has been found to have many benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and itching associated with eczema flare-ups. It also helps to regulate the production of sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the skin that can make eczema worse if it becomes too excessive.
Borage & Sunflower Oil Benefits
Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant, which is also known as starflower. This oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation and dryness associated with eczema. Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to UV rays and environmental pollutants. Vitamin E also helps keep the skin moisturised and can be used as an effective treatment for dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Combining These Ingredients
When combined together, CBD, borage oil and sunflower oil helps to provide powerful relief from redness, itching and dryness. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are complemented by the GLA in borage oil while the Vitamin E in sunflower oil helps lock moisture into the skin. This combination not only reduces symptoms but also helps prevent future flare-ups by protecting against environmental damage and regulating sebum production.
By using these three ingredients together, you may be able to get effective relief from your eczema symptoms without resorting to harsh medications or creams. If you’re suffering from eczema symptoms, why not give this combination a try today?
Here is what one of our customers has had to say:
“I’m loving the eczema cream, it’s really helping my elbows”. Gret B.
Additional information & Support
As always, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using any new product or supplement for your health condition; they will be able to advise you on the best course of action for managing your specific situation. With proper care and treatment, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able enjoy life symptom-free.
Itch. Scratch. Repeat. A Memoir of Overcoming Eczema by Claire R.Keneally, MA,AHIP £13.42 on Amazon
If you have any additional questions please contact me using our dedicated WhatsApp link at the bottom of our website I will always try to answer them to the best of my ability and if this blog has in anyway been helpful and you think it might benefit someone else please feel free to forward it.
