Eczema Bulletin, Issue #021 - Manuka Honey And Eczema
Welcome to April's edition of the Eczema Bulletin e-zine, and thank you for subscribing.
This is the 21th edition of Eczema Bulletin. It will bring you articles and news about eczema, and also any updates to what-is-eczema.com. If you would like to add any suggestions for articles or news, or even add your own then I would love to hear from you
You can contact me here
This month's Eczema Bulletin includes
- April's Featured Article – Manuka Honey and Eczema
- My favourite eczema news article
- Tip of the Month
- 5 Ways To.....manage nipple eczema
Manuka Honey and Eczema
Manuka honey comes from a plant, which is only found in New Zealand.
It has some reported beneficial properties.
- Completely natural. No hidden chemicals or preservatives
- Good moisturiser. It goes deep into the layers of your skin, and helps to draw moisture in
- Antibacterial. It can help to reduce the risk of infection
- Anti-inflammatory. Soothes redness and itching
- Skin Healing. Helps repair damaged skin, and promotes the growth of new cells
You can see from this list that these properties could all have a positive effect on eczema.
There may not be an immediate improvement, or even in a few days. But over a few weeks you may see a difference. As with all treatments, it may benefit some eczema sufferers, and not others.
There are a couple of ways that Manuka honey can be used
- Internally. Take 1 teaspoon, 2-3 times a day
- Externally.
Apply to the skin twice a day
Applying honey to your skin can be very messy. Apply at the best time for you, for example, at night. You can cover it with cling film or a bandage to stop the honey getting everywhere.
You can also buy cream containing Manuka honey. They may not be as effective as pure honey, but some of them contain other ingredients that may help eczema. Just check that all the ingredients are natural.
Pure Manuka honey is graded on a scale called UMF. It is a trademark that measures 'the attributes and values that make up Manuka honey, and assures purity and quality' (www.umf.org.nz)
The rating is only for pure Manuka honey that comes from New Zealand. This helps you to recognise the right stuff!
- 0-4 not detectable
- 5-9 low levels
- 10-15 useful levels
- 16+ superior high grade levels
If you are looking for the best, go for
the highest rating you can find. The higher the number, the better properties it has that can help you manage your eczema.
You may find a lower rated honey helps you if your eczema is not severe, or just needs managing.
One downside is the cost. It can be expensive. There are some supermarkets that sell cheaper versions. Look for the rating on the honey, this will tell you that it is pure Manuka honey.
Please let me know if you have any experiences of Manuka honey, and how it has worked for you.
Eczema News Article
Mia Litzenberg, an 11 year old from Michigan, has been hospitalised twice in the last year, because of her eczema.
While in C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, she found out about their music program after meeting the hospital's music fellow. Mia plays the piano and enjoys singing.
On April 1, Mia is performing at the hospital's Micah Smiles Benefit Concert at The Ark at 316 S. Main St in Ann Arbor. The proceeds go to the music-therapy program.
Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 7.30pm.
You can find out more about the concert, and ways that you can help, here
Tip Of The Month - Have An Allergy Free Easter
Easter can be a great time for children. But if your child has eczema, and/or allergies, there are some aspects of Easter that could be an issue.
So I decided to look for some simple ways to make Easter as much fun for eczema and allergy sufferers.
A traditional chocolate egg can be full of allergens. One option is to buy an allergy free chocolate egg. Moo Free do a great range of eggs and other chocolates that are free from dairy, gluten, wheat and lactose.
Another option is to make some 'crafty' eggs with your child.
- Buy some wooden eggs and decorate them. You could then have an Easter egg hunt with them
- Paper eggs. A very simple option is to draw some egg shapes on paper. Cut them out, and paint them
- Plastic eggs. Buy some plastic eggs that you can open in half. You can then fill them with small, nibbly, allergy free foods
- Eggheads. Love these :)
There are also a few 'un-eggy' things that you can get children at Easter:
- Board games
- Day out vouchers
- Books
- Puzzles
- Wooden toys
If you have any great ideas for Easter gifts, let me know, so I can share them :)
If your eczema is still persisting after 3 months, please visit your doctor. They will check to make sure that there are no other underlying conditions.
