How to Tell the Difference Between Nummular Eczema and Ringworm
It’s often difficult to distinguish between nummular eczema and ringworm, so it’s always best to be evaluated by a dermatologist, say experts.
Published On: Jun 20, 2023
Last Updated On: Jul 5, 2023
With summer in the air, you may be interested in exploring sea moss as a remedy for eczema skin. It’s becoming a popular skincare product, but does it really work? Is it right for you and your eczema? We’ve consulted ecz-pert Dr. Jeff Yu, board-certified dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and gathered the facts.
Sea moss is a type of red algae also known as Irish moss (or Chondrus crispus). Sea moss is gathered for its carrageenan, a natural ingredient often used to help thicken, emulsify and preserve food and drinks. Carrageenan is available in several forms, including gels, pills, powders and gummies.
Sea moss may be a helpful alternative to corticosteroids or cortisone cream for treating eczema because of its unique anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties. Sea moss contains polyphenols, which are linked to decreasing inflammation.1 Inflammation is a key contributing factor in eczema, which is why sea moss may be an effective remedy for managing eczema flares.
Additionally, sea moss contains several vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and K) and minerals (iodine, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and more) which are known to contribute to healthy skin.2
While creams and serums are often used to apply to skin, there are not many credible sources that outline what form is best or safest for eczema skin.
Dr. Yu also believes that you should be wary of natural treatments. “Just because something is ‘natural’ or exists in nature, doesn’t mean it’s safe for your skin,” Dr. Yu said. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the adage before that ‘poison ivy is also natural.’”
Additionally, you may have an allergic reaction to sea moss if you are allergic to sulfur or shellfish.
Dr. Yu cautioned against adopting sea moss to treat eczema due to the lack of research and evidence to support how it may be beneficial for people with eczema.
Dr. Yu warned, “Without any studies to support the efficacy and safety of using sea moss for the treatment of eczema, I’d avoid it as a general rule of thumb. When my patients approach me about a new treatment I don’t know much about or hear about, the first thing I usually do is look into the literature to see if there are studies published on it. There isn’t much on PubMed, which is where almost all medical literature is published. Therefore, I would not recommend it to patients.”
Additionally, you may have an allergic reaction to sea moss if you are allergic to sulfur or shellfish.
Dr. Yu expressed concern with the cost of sea moss and its efficacy. “It’s probably expensive, but it’s probably not more effective than your cheap over-the-counter moisturizers like Vaseline ointment,” he said. “And worst case scenario, it can make your eczema worse because you could have an allergic reaction to it. I’d avoid it.”
If you’re still interested in trying out sea moss, it will likely be available at your local health foods store. There are also several different vendors who sell sea moss online. Prices range from around $30 to over $100 depending on the product.
In sum, ask your doctor before jumping into a new remedy, and know that while there are some anecdotal benefits attributed to sea moss, there is little research currently available to support them.
Learn more about alternative treatments for eczema here.
References:
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