Eczema may be triggered by airborne allergies, food allergies, or chemical irritants so it is often helpful to find out what may be aggravating your symptoms.  It is often worth considering a hypoallergenic diet, which will help minimise reactions avoiding foods such as milk, eggs, shellfish, chocolate, citrus, wheat, coffee and nuts may be helpful.  An allergy test to help identify food allergies and sensitivities is often recommended by nutritionists.  It is important to make sure that the diet contains a wide range of fruit and vegetables as they contain antioxidant substances called flavanoids which help inhibit allergic reactions.  Flavanoids are found in high amounts in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. 

In addition to this it is worth considering a range of supplements that may help reduce inflammation.  The most beneficial are the anit-inflammatory essential fatty acids with include both fish oil (an omega-3 fatty acid which is high in EPA and DHA) and Borage oil (an omega-6 fatty acid that is high in GLA)  both these oils contain substances that are converted into locally acting hormone like substances that can have a calming effect on the skin. 1000mg of each is recommended.  Vitamin E can also help relieve itchiness and dryness. 

The mineral Zinc and help to support the immune system and aids the healing process, it also helps support the conversion of essential fatty acids into anti-inflammatory molecules.  A supplement that is high in flavanoids, such a bilberry or grape seed extract is recommended. 

Natural creams can be applied which contain chamomile and liquorice as these herbs help to reduce inflammation.  Preparations containing calendula may also be of benefit.