Phil
Re foods and eczema For anyone trying to identify if any types of foods are a causal or contributory factor in eczema here is my experience. I was advised by several sources (including doctors) that conventional allergy testing conducted by clinics would not be worthwhile. It was highly likely with my condition that I would give false positives to a wide range of foods (and non-foods). Instead I eventually found an alternative practioner who could test using a form of kinesiology. It was recommended to me by existing patients of hers. Basically the practicioner places a small sample of food under your tongue (such as chocolate) and you try to push your extended arm against their hand. If you are allergic to that substance you do not have the strength to push as you normally would have. I have previously seen something similar through acupressure on energy medians on the body. The result was that I was identified as being allergic to things like sugar, alcohol, chocolate, tea, oranges and strawberries. I was advised to avoid these entirely (no cheating) for two years. That was almost 3 years ago - now I an advised to eat a low sugar diet and can eat some of the foods again but still test as allergic to chocolate and alcohol which I must avoid completely. In fact allergy is the wrong word - it is more accurate to describe it as food intolerance. Did it work? My eczema has improved (see my previous message) but is still there. If you haven't tried it and are a long term eczema sufferer then I would give it a go. But I would only advise going to an alternative practicioner on the basis of recommendation. I would expect that everyone would be different for types of food to avoid (if any). What was of great help to me at the same time was the practicioner advised me about my diet overall. Previously I had eaten well but a fairly unhealthy diet - lots of snacking on chocolate etc. Now I easily eat 5 portions of fresh fruit or vegetables I day (previously I only bought 5 per week). I think this may have helped as much as avoiding foods where I have an intolerance. I live in the UK and so it probably wont help to give a name for the practicioner (and I dont think Healthlink would let me anyway). philsaw@hotmail.com