Eczema is an inflammatory dermatological disease and is found more in children and infants, than in adults. It appears on the hands, feet, legs, or the knees and elbows.
The symptoms are thick and dry skin, redness, and swelling. Also, eczema causes itching, and if you scratch the area, a rash is going to come up. The rash is blisters filled with fluids that can be easily burst.
It needs a week to heal, and then it goes back to the primary condition. Eczema is hereditary and chronic disease, even though for a lot of people it vanishes before they become adults.
The specific cause of eczema is still unknown, but it is believed that it is a response to an external irritant. Some of the skin irritants are detergents, soaps, animal dander, specific types of material, exposure to hot or cold, also stress may be a factor.
Usually, eczema is treated with corticosteroid creams or oral steroid, antihistamines, therapy with UV light, meds that have an impact on the immune system, and if the blisters get an infection, doctors prescribe antibiotics.
But, many of the treatments cause serious side effects such as nausea, warts, fever, face swelling, lymphoma, etc. Anyway, there is an alternative to natural eczema treatments.
So, here are several natural remedies:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil deeply gets into the skin and keeps it moist. It is a lipid, and to prevent drying of your skin you need fats and oils.
You should wash your hands with water, and dry them. Then take the coconut oil and rub the affected areas. Let it dry. You can use it throughout the whole day as much as you need.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is not a typical oil, but a liquid wax. It contains long chain fatty acids and alcohols and is moisturizing. This kind of alcohol does not dry out your skin, so do not have a worry.
Wash your hands and dry them with a towel. Gently massage the jojoba oil on the affected locations till it absorbs partly. Use this three times on a daily basis, since it is very rich, you do not need a lot.
If Oils Do Not Work
Some people do not have success with oils. That is why there is the vegetable glycerin to help out. When this glycerin is used for eczema, it draws the water from the deeper layers of the skin and moisturizes the skin.
To make this remedy, you will need food-grade vegetable glycerin, filtered water, a spray or mister bottle.
Take a spray bottle and fill it with a mixture of 1:1 amounts of water and glycerin. Spray it on your skin as much as you need. You can use different ratios like 1:2, even 1:3, but it is recommended to start with the lowest, till you get to know your skin reaction.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a disinfectant and eases the inflammation and burns. Take a cotton pad, soak in ACV and apply the affected areas. If you need to apply on larger areas, make a mixture of one part ACV and one part water, and apply it with a clean towel.
Be careful not to use this remedy if you have damaged or bleeding skin.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is used to relieve the itching that eczema causes. Make a mixture of one and a half cups of baking soda with three water galloons. Apply the mixture using a washcloth.
Green Clay
Green clay contains high amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and many other minerals that stop the itching. It has absorbent properties, so it prevents bacteria.
Make a solid paste out of half a cup of green clay with water. Put the paste on the affected area and let it dry out. When it is dry, cleanse it with cold water. The paste may become too dry before you use it, but you can always fix this by adding more water.
Honey
Honey contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes, it is used as a substitution of antibiotics. You need to wash and dry your hands. Take honey and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for 10-20 minutes, and then wash it off. You should do this 5 times in a day.
Since everything has to be treated from the inside too; we recommend you consuming turmeric powder, fish oil, and flaxseeds.
Turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin which protects your skin by neutralizing the free radicals and speeding up the healing time. It is best to consume one tsp. of turmeric each day. You may add it in pasta, vegetables, rice, and other meals.
Three to ten grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day show great improvements of eczema. Some natural sources of omega-3 are olive oil, nuts, salmons, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds. However, you should consult your doctor for consuming a fish oil supplement. (Note: Omega-6 fatty acids, get your inflammation worse)
You need a few tbsps. of flax seeds added to your smoothies, salads, granola or oat meal, since it is rich in omega-3.
Finally, if you have eczema, please visit your doctor before you decide to do your own treatment.
Sources: Cure Joy, Everyday Roots, RD, Natural Living Ideas
