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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly occurs in children but can persist into adulthood. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin prone to developing small blisters and flaking. Unlike psoriasis, eczema is more closely associated with allergies and atopy (a tendency to overreact to allergens). However, both psoriasis and eczema share common features – persistent skin inflammation and a compromised skin barrier. Eczema is not life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable due to intense itching, risk of infection, and its impact on sleep and daily life.

Symptoms of eczema:

  • Dry, flaky skin: commonly occurs in elbow creases, behind knees, on hand joints, and on the face and neck in babies. The skin cracks and peels.
  • Intense itching: the itching can be severe enough to disrupt sleep. Scratching worsens the lesions and can lead to secondary infection.
  • Redness and inflammation: affected areas are red or dark pink, warm, and inflamed. Small fluid-filled blisters may appear and burst during acute phases.
  • Thickened skin: chronically affected areas may become darker and thickened (lichenified) from constant scratching.

The causes of atopic eczema are a combination of genetic predisposition (defect in the skin barrier, lack of filaggrin protein) and external factors. It often affects individuals or families who also suffer from asthma and pollen allergies (atopic triad). Eczema-prone skin loses moisture more easily and allows allergens and irritants to penetrate, triggering an immune response in the skin. This response is typically an excessive Th2 immune reaction (characteristic of allergies) with distinct roles of Th17 and Th22 cells that maintain skin inflammation.

The result is chronic inflammation with periodic flare-ups (e.g., in winter, under stress, or with allergen exposure). Oxidative stress occurs due to inflammation and skin cell damage – studies show that eczema-affected skin has higher markers of oxidative damage. Additionally, the constantly activated skin immune system depletes antioxidant reserves. Immune imbalance here manifests as excessive reactivity to otherwise harmless substances (such as dust mites, pollen, food, soap, etc.).

Natural support for the body

Besides topical creams and allergen elimination, diet can play a role in controlling eczema. Spelt can be beneficial for eczema-prone skin. It provides essential fatty acids (and even more in omega-3 enriched green juice) that help restore the skin's lipid barrier. Linoleic acid and omega-3 are important for the skin barrier – their intake can reduce skin dryness and inflammation. Zinc from spelt is particularly important for eczema: zinc accelerates skin healing, protects against infection (acts immunomodulatory), and is often deficient in diet. By consuming spelt, we also increase zinc and copper intake, which together contribute to skin regeneration enzymes.

The anti-inflammatory effects of spelt are evident through the reduction of IgE antibody levels and histamine reactions (albeit indirectly). A healthy diet with whole grains helps the body be less "alert" to allergens. Improving gut flora with spelt fiber can also have an effect – recent research links gut bacteria balance to reduced atopic conditions. The fifth aspect is antioxidant protection: vitamins A, C, and E obtained from spelt strengthen the skin. Vitamin A (beta carotene) is essential for normal skin keratinization and is often used in treating skin conditions; spelt contains it in green parts (juice). Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis and strengthening skin capillaries, while vitamin E calms inflammation and itching. Together, they all protect the skin from oxidative damage due to inflammation.

Spelt-based supplements (like lyophilized juice) can be practical – it's easier to give a child or adult a natural supplement tablet than to make them eat a large portion of vegetables, and the effect on vitamin and mineral intake is similar. Of course, foods that worsen eczema should be avoided (some children react to cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, etc.), but within a balanced diet, spelt is safe and beneficial. Over time, natural support to the body with spelt can lead to less frequent eczema outbreaks, reduced itching intensity, and faster skin recovery after flare-ups.