Itching can bring you unbearable discomfort and those suffering from eczema know it well. Eczema is a set of chronic skin conditions caused by inflammation and characterized by redness, itching, dry skin, rashes and the presence of cracks on the skin. It can be called as the ‘itch that rashes’. About one-third of our population suffers from eczema. It has been found that people living in developed countries are more prone to it. Eczema can be very challenging and uncomfortable in daily lives. It affects your work because frequent itch results in a lack of sleep and days off from work. In this article, you will read some home remedies to treat eczema.
Causes of Eczema:
The causes can either be environmental or genetic. If your family has a history of allergy or asthma, then you could be at a higher risk of getting eczema. People living in urban areas are more prone to eczema.
Triggers of Eczema:
- Heat and sweat.
- Contact with synthetic clothes.
- Lack of moisture in the skin.
Symptoms of Eczema:
- Dry, sensitive skin.
- Redness and rashes.
- Patches and change in skin color.
- Rough or scaly patches of skin.
- Areas of swelling
Home Remedies to Treat Eczema:
Contents
1. Coconut Oil to Treat Eczema:
People suffering from eczema have to deal with the problem of patchy and itchy skin. In this case, coconut oil can be an excellent moisturizer. It easily gets observed in the skin tissue where it acts as an emollient. It doesn’t only soothe your dry skin, but also prevents skin breakups that invite bacteria.
Direction for Use: Whenever you go out somewhere apply a layer of coconut oil as it will prevent environmental pollutants to come in direct contact with sensitive area that trigger itching.
2. Honey to Get Rid of Eczema:
Antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory qualities of honey help to speed up the healing process of broken and dry skin. It renews the skin cells and helps to eliminate the dry botches. It is one of the best remedies to get rid of eczema.
Directions for Use: Rinse your hand with clean water and let it dry. Put a thin layer of honey over the affected area for some time. After some time wash it off. Repeat the process thrice a day.
3. Fish Oil to Cure Eczema:
To reduce inflammation it is necessary to balance omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. And the best part is fish oil is rich in both. Try this amazing remedy to get rid of eczema.
Directions for Use: The dose taken will be given on the back of the bottle. It is suggested to mix the liquid with orange juice as it takes away flavor and odor.
4. Oatmeal to Treat Eczema:
Oats works amazingly well in treating eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties of oats can help in relieving the discomfort. It absorbs the excess oil thus reducing the inflammation. This acts as a natural skin cleanser and moisturizer. It is one of the best remedies to treat eczema.
Directions for Use: Take a cotton handkerchief and put about 3 to 4 cups of oats in the center. Gather the corner of the handkerchief and tie a knot in order to prevent it from falling. Now soak this pouch into boiling water and leave it for few hours until the water cools down. Then take the pouch out and squeeze the water out. A very light watery paste will appear. Rub that paste on the affected area and let it dry. Repeat the process and see the difference in two or three days.
5. Turmeric to Get Rid of Eczema:
Turmeric is one of the safest herbs used for treating various skin disorders. It is the root of the plant Curcuma longa. This ingredient present in turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and bactericidal property that prevents eczema. It also helps to relieve itching that is caused due to eczema.
Directions for Use:
- Add milk to about half spoon of turmeric and apply it on the affected area.
- Add boiling water to turmeric and make a thick paste. Apply the paste for 10 minutes. The bactericidal properties of curcumin help in relieving itching and rashes.
- Mix one spoon of grounded neem paste with one spoon of turmeric powder. The anti-inflammatory properties of both will help you to get rid of rashes.
6. Diet Treatment for Eczema:
Diet can play an important role in healing eczema. But there are certain foods that can make eczema worse. Common ones include milk and milk products. However one must consult the doctor because certain products are necessary for the growth and development (especially for children). You must have heard many people saying that after eating a particular food they suffer from this.
So a healthy diet chart which contains those vegetables and fruits that can decrease skin inflammation and promote skin repair can help you to heal eczema.
List of Food Items:
- Chicken broth helps in skin repairing amino acid glycine.
- Potato: rich in fiber and alkalizing.
- Green onions: contains anti-inflammatory quercetin and a rich source of vitamin K, important for healthy skin.
- Rice milk: low in chemicals and is considered eczema safe.
7. Licorice Root to Treat Eczema:
Licorice is a herb effective in dealing with eczema. It is anti-bactericidal which reduces the number of bacteria thriving in the infected area. It also keeps skin in good condition.
Directions for Use:
- Gel: It can be applied to the infected area twice a day.
- Tincture: Add 10 drops to water and keep it under your tongue. Repeat the process 3 times a day.
- Tea: Put some root in boiling water and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Beget it and improve your skin condition.
8. Aloe Vera to Cure Eczema:
Eczema can be treated naturally with Aloe Vera without any undesirable effects on the skin. It speeds up the healing process because of its moisturizing properties. It also reduces the size of the lesion. This is one of the effective remedies to treat eczema.
Directions for Use: The best way is to buy a local plant and cut a leaf of Aloe Vera and keep it in the refrigerator for using it as per your need. It will moisturize your skin.
9. Lilac to Treat Eczema:
Lilac does not protect you from sweating and dust but for sure it prevents you from drying skin. It is not only a great emollient but also has an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory property which helps to reduce the rashes and irritation. Lilac oil reduces the swelling and inflammation that is caused by eczema.
10. Sea Salt Bath:
It is one of the most effective home remedies for treating eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties and the high amount of essential minerals reduce the itching and hydrate the skin.
Directions to Use: Add about two and a half cup of sea salt to your bath. Don’t keep the water too hot. Before getting in ensure that sea salt dissolves in water.
Medications Available for Eczema:
It is better to take medications prescribed by a doctor. Some of them are topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and systemic oral drugs.
- Phototherapy: It is a special machine to emit ultraviolet light onto the skin to increase vitamin D production for fighting bacteria and reduce inflammation and irritation.
- OTC treatment: One can buy OTC products without the prescription. They are used for moisturizing skin and to help skin symptoms such as rash, redness and itch; and some are for gently cleaning skin to prevent infection.
Not only proper medication but a good skin care regimen and lifestyle can help you to stay away from eczema.
Quick Steps to Prevent Eczema:
- Intake of Green tea can help you to keep your skin cool.
- Bathing in a sea salt prevents you from infections.
- Foods rich in omega 6 and omega 3 reduces inflammation.
- Use Aloe Vera or certain good moisturizers to moisturize the skin.
- Avoid tight fitting fabrics that are rough.
- Use gentle soaps.
- Don’t be harsh on your skin.
- Take measures to reduce stress level.
- Use skin friendly products.
- Avoid dust mites.