Eczema and Milk Thisle

[gt022]

I recently took my daughter who is 3 to a Chakra energy healer. She had my daughter under some lights for a period of time and at the end recommended 2 milk thistle per day for her until the next visit (when the dosage could change). I am a bit skeptical because this is new for me. However, I will try just about anything at this point because my poor baby itches continuously to the point where she will draw blood.

I read somewhere that children should be given 1/3 the adult dosage. I am wondering if the 2 pills per day is too much for her little body? I also wonder if the steroids the traditional physician has her on will adversely affect the milk thistle? Protopic and Desonide are the two steroids I have used on her skin. They have both been effective to a point. Nothing seems to take away the itch. I need something to take away the itch for her. Will Milk Thistle do that - take away her itching sensation?

[Admin]

Thanks for the post.  I watched my wife suffer from severe eczema, and the itch was all consuming.  Being the father of a little nine month old, I can only imagine how it would tear at my heart.  While this post may get me in trouble with dermatologists, I want to be clear on my clinical experience and personal family experience, and just tell it like I see it.  Western medicine knows very little about eczema.  They have some very serious and potent weapons in the fight to stop the itch,. .. mainly steroids.  However, they have no idea how to clear up and keep away chronic eczema without some serous side effects (I advise you to read the side effects and warnings for steroid cream).

Ok, on to alternatives.  First, eczema is a tough one to treat.  It is very complex, and needs to be treated from several different angles. 

Professional Guidance is advised:
If you want to tell me what state you live in, I can suggest local practitioners to help guide you through the process. 

Herbs / Supplements:
Milk Thistle - will help with the swelling, and may help with the itch, but think of it as a guide towards a place rather than a cure.  It is not a cure for eczema.  In terms of dosage, I don't know how much is in each pill, so you would have to share that.  In terms of drug/herb interactions, there will not be any worth mentioning as far as I've seen in research and studies.

Omega 3 Oils - Omega 3 oils will also help with the swelling, and may even help moisten the skin.  I'd strongly suggest: http://store.martek.com/store/ . 

Red Clover and Dandelion - Work directly with the skin, and also help aid in reducing swelling.  We make all of our milk thistle blends with the three herbs, because we've found they work better with inflammation and swelling than milk thistle alone.

That's the starting point.  Again, if you need suggestions for practitioners, feel free to call us any time.  303.859.7585.

Sincerely,

Mark

[gt022]

This is very helpful. I actually do not know the dosage of each pill, but will find out.

I live in Brockton, MA. I am also researching chinese herbs. From what I am reading, a lot of advice is given to treat eczema from the inside out. I have been told to go the organic route - which means to purchase all organic foods for my 3 year old. I also was told to give her distilled water vs. spring water and to test her Ph balance.

I understand this process may be a long one, but I have been battling doctors since she was 3 months old. I told the doctors she may be allergic to milk, but they never tested her until when she turned one and would not drink regular milk at all. Finally, somone tested her and found out I was right and she was allergic to a ton of other things too (nuts, kiwi, milk, soy, eggs, sesame, fish). I added the fish recently because she told me it made her throat itch, but she has not been officially tested for shellfish allergies.

I found some interesting information on www.merryclinic.com. Take a visit and let me know what you think. I am very curious and anxious to help my little one. I breaks my heart to think I cannot do anything to help her. I am desperately trying to find her some relief. Thanks again for the advice.

[Admin]

Those that have severe eczema, often test allergic to everything you throw at them.  The body is HYPER allergic, and the skin shows that.  Many "allergens" will, over time, become non allergens, as they become less reactive.  However, that doesn't make it any easier when they are allergic.  Those foods must be avoided.  In terms of milk, you may want to investigate "Raw" milk.  It is very powerful, anti-inflammatory, health affirming, and healing.  We are fortunate enough here in Boulder to have a local coop.  The number of children allergic to milk that have healed that is astounding.