The Five Best Natural Home Remedies for Eczema
Red, itchy skin often with small fluid-filled bumps is one
of the easily visible signs of eczema. Also known as 'atopic dermatitis', this
irritating skin condition at its worst can make it difficult for individuals to
sleep or perform their daily routine work. A doctor can prescribe the right
medication for relieving the itching. However, there are quite a few natural
home remedies for eczema that you may want to give a try as well.
Before we go on to take a look at some home treatments for
eczema, let's find out what are the signs and symptoms of this skin condition
and what its causes are.
What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?
Individuals with atopic dermatitis often have red to
brownish-gray colored patches that itch, especially at night. There may be
small, raised bumps. When scratched, these bumps may leak fluid and crust over.
The skin may be thickened, scaly or cracked. Constant scratching can make the
skin raw and painful.
Eczema can occur anywhere on the skin. However, it is most
likely to appear on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, face, neck and the upper
chest. It is also most likely to appear in the bend of the elbows or behind the
knees. It may also appear on your eyelids.
The condition usually begins in childhood. In most people,
eczema flares up from time to time and then subsides. Symptoms may disappear
completely for many months or even years before these flare up again.
Severe itching results in scratching, which in turn
increases the irritation of the skin. If the barrier of the skin gets broken
due to constant scratching, the skin may also get infected with Staphylococcus
aureus bacteria. In fact, most people with atopic dermatitis have these bacteria
on their skin. These can further worsen the symptoms.
Some people think that eczema is contagious and they keep
the child away from other siblings. However, the condition is not contagious so
you don't have to worry about other family members getting this condition.
Before we go on to take a look at the best natural home
remedies for eczema, it is important to understand the causes of this skin
condition and the factors that may worsen its symptoms.
What are the causes of eczema?
Although not much is known about the causes of eczema, it is
considered that people with this skin condition may lack certain proteins in
the skin. The lack of these proteins makes the skin hypersensitive, which in
turn causes swelling and redness.
People with a history of asthma or seasonal allergies have
been found to be prone to this skin condition. Children with family members
with hay fever, asthma, or other allergies are likely to inherit genes that
predispose them to atopic dermatitis.
Keep in mind that eczema may get worse when the person is
exposed to certain triggers that cause allergies. However, allergies do not
cause eczema.
Symptoms of eczema may get worse if an individual is exposed
to pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites. Cold and dry air or contact with
chemicals, rough fabrics and other irritants may worsen the symptoms. Colds or
flu, dry skin, too much swimming, bathing or showering, and skin lotions or
soaps may also worsen the symptoms. Certain foods such as eggs, milk, or wheat,
stress, rapid changes in temperature, and pollution are also likely causes that
can worsen this skin condition.
Now that we have an idea about the symptoms and causes of
eczema, let's find out if there is any way to prevent this condition. We will
go on to look at the best natural home remedies for eczema after a brief look
at prevention.
How to prevent eczema?
Eczema is inherited, so it isn't really possible to prevent
this condition. However, a few studies have shown that breastfeeding until the
infant is 4 months old may prevent this condition from occurring.
Since dry skin is one of the major causes of an eczema
flare-up, it may be worthwhile to keep the skin moisturized. Dry skin can be
prevented by spending less than 15 minutes while bathing and using lukewarm
water instead of hot water. Using bath oil may help in reducing the drying
effect of bathing. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps cause dryness. Avoid these
and use mild soaps instead. Use a thick moisturizer or baby oil immediately
after taking a bath to lock the moisture in.
Since eczema may get worse when exposed to certain
allergens, it may be useful to avoid things that can worsen your symptoms. This
includes avoiding exposure to pollen and dander, dry winter air, harsh fabrics,
foods that may cause allergies, skin care products containing strong
fragrances, harsh soaps, excessive stress or heat and sweating.
Using a humidifier may prevent dry air from worsening your
eczema symptoms. Avoid scratching as much as possible. Use cold compresses to
reduce the irritation so that you don't scratch too much and damage your skin. Cool,
smooth clothing is the best option to avoid a flare up of dermatitis or prevent
the symptoms from worsening. Drink lots of water since this also adds moisture
to the skin.
Now let's take a look at the five best natural home remedies
for eczema.
The Top Five Natural Home Remedies for Eczema
Virgin coconut oil
Coconut oil is considered to be one of the best natural
remedy for eczema. This oil provides enough moisture to the skin to prevent it
from drying. It also contains vitamin E which also helps promote healing of the
skin.
Buy virgin coconut oil and apply it on the skin immediately
after taking a bath. It will not only reduce itching but also prevent flare-ups
of eczema.
Oatmeal
Another "delicious" home remedy for eczema is oatmeal. Yes, not only can you eat this one but also use it on your skin to
soothe dry and irritated skin. The best way to use it is by taking an oatmeal
bath. Oatmeal baths will soften your skin, prevent drying, and reduce the
itchiness.
Take whole oats and grind it in a food processor to turn it
into powdered form. Add the oatmeal to tepid water and allow yourself to soak
in the bath for about 10 to 15 minutes. Some people find that adding full fat
milk or honey is further beneficial to leave the skin moisturized for a long
time. Pat dry with a soft towel and do not rub your skin. You can take this
bath three times a day to reduce itchy and irritated skin.
Tea Tree Oil
An essential oil known for its benefits to dry and itchy
skin is tea tree oil. You can add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to your
lukewarm bath water and soak the affected areas for about 20 minutes. Tea tree
oil has antiseptic and soothing effects on the skin. It will relieve the itchiness
and dryness on the skin. Add a few drops of virgin coconut oil to the water and
your skin will end up being moisturized as well.
Tea tree oil can also be combined with olive oil or almond
oil and applied directly to the skin. Make sure to test this preparation before
the actual application to assess any possible allergies to tea tree oil.
Shea Butter
Another wonderful natural home remedy for eczema is shea butter You will find shea butter in many skin care products. However, what you
should look for is raw shea butter since it is the best possible moisturizer
for your dry, itchy skin.
Shea butter can either be added to your bath water or
applied directly to the affected areas. Test this natural home remedy before
the actual application to make sure that you are not allergic to this product.
Neem Leaves
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is a popular Indian
natural home remedy for eczema. The leaves, oils, and flowers taken from this
tree are used to treat a range of health conditions including urinary disorders
and diabetes. It is especially useful for skin conditions.
Neem oil can also be purchased and applied directly on the
affected area. However, since the smell of this oil is quite strong, some
people may not like applying it on their skin.
You can take a neem bath as well. Allow neem leaves to soak
in warm water for about 30 minutes. Take a bath using this water. Do not use a
towel. Allow the water to dry on its own. Taking this neem bath will relieve
the itching and also cure the rashes.
Other tips for eczema relief
Now that you know about the five best natural home remedies
for eczema, let's take a look at a few other tips for eczema relief:
- To prevent yourself from scratching at night, try wearing gloves.
- Since sweating can cause your eczema symptoms to worsen, avoid rigorous exercising during a flare-up.
- If you just can't stop yourself from itching, try using calamine lotion to soothe the irritated skin.
- Take omega-3 three fatty acid supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and may relieve itchy and irritated skin. You can get your daily dose of this essential fatty acid by consuming fish oil, replacing your regular cooking oil with flaxseed oil, or by consuming a mackerel or tuna at lunch.
What to do if these natural home remedies for eczema do not
work?
While these home remedies for atopic dermatitis are usually
quite useful, you may want to see a doctor if your symptoms are getting worse
and making you lose sleep. A painful or infected skin is another reason why you
may want to consult a doctor for treatment of your eczema symptoms.
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© Copyright Roohi Khan, 2012
