Living with eczema is tough. It is an irritating skin disease with a variety of causes. Its symptoms depend upon the cause and range from minor itchy rashes to flare ups with oozing and open sores. Eczema may be short-term or a chronic condition.
In general, eczema may be defined as a skin condition that results in the inflamed and red skin with an intense desire to scratch the affected area. But the misfortune is that the itchy desire does not fade away on scratching and an itch-scratch cycle is formed. This makes the victim’s condition more painful and unbearable and drives him crazy. Usually, the one who suffers from eczema have dry, red and inflamed skin and in some cases, there may be blisters that form a crust and break.
Eczema can be of many types, but the most common one is atopic eczema. This type is more common in the children. However, this condition may also affect the adults. Usually, it is a long-term condition that significantly improves on its own or gets clear completely with time.
The exact cause of eczema is not known, but allergens, heredity, certain medications, irritants, food allergy, hormonal changes or skin infection may be a triggering cause. Eczema significantly resolves on its own, but may flare up in the future. During the flare-up of eczema, a doctor may prescribe you steroids, creams, and pills to relieve your condition.
Now the question arises are there home remedies for eczema to ease the itch and other symptoms?
The answer is yes. Below is the list of natural home remedies for eczema
Top home remedies for eczema
- Coconut oil- The easiest home remedy for eczema is coconut oil. It penetrates deep into the skin and prevents the loss of moisture. Thus, it prevents the skin dryness and irritation. It eases itch and pain caused after scratching. The best thing is it is gentle and is easily available in the market. Rub coconut oil gently on the affected area 3-4 times in a day.
- Ice cold milk- Although it is said to avoid oral intake of milk or other dairy products if you have eczema. But the local application of Ice cold milk helps you to cool your itch. It contains lactic acid that penetrated deep into the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells. Also, the fat contained in the milk is absorbed by the skin and moisturizes the skin. Thus, skin gets strengthened and becomes flexible and durable.
Soak a clean washcloth in the milk and place it over the affected part. Repeat this a few times in a day.
- Oats bath– Oats bath combat dryness and forms a protective layer on the skin. This maintains the function of the natural barrier of the skin and also moisturize the skin. Also, oats are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and soothes itch.
Add a cup of oats to your bath water. Soak yourself in it for 20 minutes. This is followed by rinsing yourself with plain water and gently pat yourself dry with a towel.
- Jojoba oil- In the cases of eczema where coconut oil does not work, you may find jojoba oil effective in healing your condition. It is not exactly an oil, but liquid wax that deeply penetrates into the skin and incredibly moisturizes it.
Apply jojoba oil to the affected part and massage gently until it is absorbed. Repeat this 3 times in a day.
- Gotu kola– Gotu kola is a popular herb that has the property to ease the itch. It heals and regrows the skin. You may also find commercial creams in the market with gotu kola extract.
Take a tablespoon of dry Gotu Kola and steep it in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain the solution. Now soak a cloth with it and place it over the affected area.
- Apple cider vinegar- It is known to maintain the pH of the skin, acts as a natural disinfectant and soothes inflammation. This makes it one of the effective home remedies for eczema. Mix apple cider vinegar with equal quantity of water. Dip a cloth in this solution and apply it to the affected area.
* If your skin is bleeding or cracked better avoid apple cider vinegar or it may cause irritation.
- Aloe vera– The soothing property of this herb makes it one of the ideal home remedies for eczema. It is known to reduce burning, itch, redness and renders a cooling effect.
Extract fresh aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected part. Repeat this for a few days.
- Chamomile flowers– Chamomile has proved itself very effective in treating eczema when applied topically. Apart from its soothing property, it also prevent the spread of the infection. Soak chamomile flowers in your bath water. Wash the affected part with this water.
Besides trying any of the above home remedies for eczema, there is something more you need to know. When your skin suffers from eczema it begins to produce fewer fats and also its capability to retain the water diminishes. This is the reason why your skin becomes dry.
So there is something more you should do for complete treatment of eczema.
First is to recognize and avoid the allergen that triggers or worsens the eczema.
Second is to pay attention to your diet. Better avoid foods that are processed. Wash the fruits and vegetables properly to eliminate chemicals sprayed on them. Avoid junk foods and natural sweeteners. Avoid dairy products as irritants present in it may trigger eczema or aggravate your condition. Increase the intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseeds, avocados, Chia seeds, olive oil, hemp, fish oil, walnuts and fresh water salmons. Make a habit of drinking 10-12 glasses of water every day.
Third is practice moderate exercise and combat stress. But try to avoid sweating as it may trigger or exaggerate your condition.
And, yes, try to avoid or lower the use of soaps, detergents, dishwashing soaps and floor cleaners as they will worsen your condition. If you can’t avoid them completely better wear gloves when using them. Use an oil based soap for bathing purpose. Moisturize your skin with heavy cream based body lotion after bath. And yes, refrain yourself from scratching.
For inside out and complete healing of eczema try any of the above-mentioned home remedies for eczema and practice changes in your diet and lifestyle.
