Traditional Eczema Medicine VS Natural Treatment:
Many eczema patients use a cortisone-based cream daily to keep their skin flare-ups under control. According to Holford & Associates, these creams mimic the body’s own natural anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone, cortisol.
However, there are natural anti-inflammatories such as MSM, zinc, magnesium, omega 3 fats, turmeric, ginger and quercetin. These can reduce inflammation as well.
Can Quercetin Help Eczema…
Quercetin specifically has shown to decrease mast cell activity. Mast cells release histamine, an inflammatory chemical. Minimizing the activity of these cells can, in turn, minimize histamine release.
To maximize the benefits of quercetin on controlling allergies and allergic symptoms, physicians typically recommend using it along with Vitamin C and the enzyme Bromelain.
Whole Health MD agrees that quercetin and omega 3 fats can be beneficial, as well as flaxseed oil.
Quercentin’s antioxidant power enables it to reduce the allergic reaction because it prevents as many compounds from forming.
This strategy of treating the cause of the illness rather than the symptom is what is getting researchers’ attention.
If Your Skin Already Itches…
Although eczema is a more common skin ailment, there are many types of dermatitis. Therefore, treatment methods will vary depending on the affliction.
For patients already suffering from eczema, doctors usually start by recommending wet, cool compresses and baths. Colloidal oatmeal can also relieve itching.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also suggests taking fish oil, vitamin C, evening primrose oil, vitamin D, borage oil, bromelain and probiotics.
In addition, they state that consuming plants (ie. dark-colored berries) with flavonoids can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. (See a list of quercetin foods.) Even when taken in dried extract form, catechin, quercetin, hesperidin and rutin can help prevent allergic reactions such as eczema.
Important Note on Mast Cells & Quercetin Advantage:
Keep in mind, though, that mast cells are not “bad”. They do serve a very important function in the human body.
A research study on the US National Library of Medicine site states that, “Mast cells are immune cells critical in the pathogenesis of allergic, but also inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF”.
Some skin conditions do not respond to conventional treatment because they involve non-immune triggers. Therefore, prevention of mast cell cytokine release could be effective therapy for such diseases. That’s where quercetin comes in.
The results of this particular study indicated that quercetin was more effective than cromolyn at inhibiting release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from human mast cells.
The ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) also says that this flavonoid is commonly used in treating allergic conditions because it enhances the healing response.
Quercetin provides an additional health benefit, due to the fact that it can aid in the treatment of hayfever, asthma and hives that often accompany (or follow) eczema.
In fact, Fitapet makes quercetin chews that provide itch relief for dogs. Who knew you could find natural remedies for dog allergies, right?
Can You Minimize Eczema Outbreaks with Food?
I also ran across an article titled, “Top 5 Diet Tips for People with Eczema”, on the HealthWithFood.org website. It backed up the studies and research I had already come across in regards to using quercetin as a natural eczema treatment.
They list good dietary sources of quercetin, which include apples, capers, lovage, team, red wine, broccoli, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, and a variety of berries like raspberries, lingonberries and cranberries.
In more extreme cases of eczema, natural treatments may not help. That said, the stronger (more bioavailable) form of Quercetin is Quercetin Dihydrate. You can take this in its over-the-counter natural form.
In addition, Source Naturals Activated Quercetin contains Vitamin C, Magnesium and Bromelain to magnify the health effects of the quercetin.
Should you take a supplement? Check out the pros and cons: Quercetin side effects.