Joshua Melnichenko has worked at the Little London Herbal Store for almost 10 years.

Deterioration of eczema increases in January due to the cold weather and poor winter dieting according to a Nottingham herbalist.

The Little London Store, based on Trinity Walk, offers natural remedies for eczema that he claims may have less side effects than pharmaceutical options like steroid cream.

Joshua Melnichenko, employee at the Little London Store,  suggests central heating, hot showers and poor gut health are all leading causes to eczema during this time of year when the weather is colder and people crave comfort foods.

Eczema is most common inside elbow bends, behind the knees, hands and the face.

He said: “We have a lot of central heating indoors, which is very drying to the skin.

“Going from the heat to the cold outside dehydrates the skin a lot from that shock change.”

He added: “Eating lots of sugar and inflammatory foods can cause eczema because it stems from gut health.

“To detox in January you can take milk thistle which would help to cleanse through your liver, kidneys and gallbladder.”

A selection of products from the store including probiotics which help with gut health.

Eczema is a skin condition caused by genetics, stress and exterior conditions, creating the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed.

It is part of the common atopic group of conditions which includes asthma, food allergies and hayfever.

Dead sea salt baths once a week can help maintain the moisture to the skin, which is vital for those managing the skin condition.

Top tips for managing your eczema in January:

  • Avoid very hot showers.
  • Avoid having dairy regularly.
  • Only have foods from the *nightshade family every 3 to 4 days.
  • Pat your skin instead of scrubbing it.
  • De-stress
  • Avoid heavily-scented products

*Nightshade family are flowering plants that contain uric acid which inflames the skin, this includes: tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines.

Despite symptoms of eczema being consistent in patients, their triggers continue to be researched as they differ from person to person.

Amanda Roberts, eczema patient and liaison at the Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema, said: “Some people find their eczema is worst in the winter months or better.”

She added: “I encourage the eczema community to join the citizen of science research.

“We need more people to join us who know what it’s like to have eczema.”

To be a part of the research visit: https://rapideczematrials.org/