According to the Mayo Clinic, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that causes the skin to become red and unbearably itchy. Although a normal phenomenon in children, this disease can hit people of all age groups. It is a chronic skin disease, so you may expect a breakout every now and then.
Although a definitive cause has not made it into the medical books for eczema, nutritional deficiency is normally held responsible. It may as well be triggered by an allergen or irritant that comes in direct contact with the body. A few widely accepted causes have been listed below:
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Gene variation
- Food allergies
- Chronic stress
- Changes in temperature
- Dysfunctional immune system
- Pollens found in the environment
Now, for the most important part – how does one treat this super-itchy skin problem anyway?
There are a number of natural remedies that one may use to find relief from eczema. If you experience symptoms such as dry, itchy and bumpy skin, you may have atopic dermatitis.
Consult your dermatologist and get on with the following remedies!
Apply Olive Oil
Oils have generally remained at the top of the list when it comes to treating skin rashes, allergies, and eczema. Olive oil comes equipped with omega-3 fatty acids, which is popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. All you need to do is rub warm oil on the areas where you have itchy patches. Moreover, consuming olive oil as part of your daily meals will help clear out the skin inside out.
Aloe Vera to the Rescue!
The next best and easy remedy for eczema is the use of aloe vera. Make sure to get your hands on the pure gel. Gently apply the gel to the troubled areas and enjoy the soothing and cooling aftereffect. It’s best to use gel extracted out of an aloe vera plant because, artificial gels contain chemicals that may worsen the issue.
3. Try Magnesium Baths
Another natural remedy is to substitute normal water baths with magnesium showers or any other type of detox bath. The idea is to allow the skin to self-heal, which simple water cannot help with. Add a cup or two of magnesium flakes in your bathing water with 1/2 cup of Himalayan or sea salt, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and other essential oils that you like. Shower with this mixture for instant relief.
4. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the go-to for most skin, hair, and teeth issues. It’s also one of the greatest and proven remedies for eczema patients. You can choose to apply coconut oil or coconut oil lotion to combat itching and redness. In case of sensitivity to this type of oil, try using hypo-allergenic soaps for quick relief.
5. Consume Gelatin-Rich Foods
Bone broth is considered particularly useful for eczema owing to its high gelatin content. Gelatin ensures a soothing sensation on the skin, which is useful against itching. You may collect bones for broth from pastured poultry, fish, and bison.
6. Keep Skin Moisturized
Since eczema originates from dry skin, try and keep the skin sufficiently moisturized, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Use a good moisturizer and shower with anti-bacterial soaps and body washes. Make sure to keep the skin hydrated to avoid itchy patches and rashes.
7. Use Probiotics
This one is particularly beneficial for infants who suffer from eczema. A premium-quality supplement for probiotics is the ultimate go-to for such a condition. For expecting mothers, it’s recommended that they take these supplements to avoid skin issues such as these in their soon-to-be-born babies.
8. Apply Witch Hazel
The last natural remedy we are going to share is witch hazel. This herb has been found to be useful in curing eczema owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Grab a cream, lotion or toner that includes witch hazel as a predominant ingredient and treat the affected areas by gently applying it all over. Avoid using an alcoholic lotion with witch hazel, as it will aggravate your dryness.
While these natural and easy remedies can be used in order to treat eczema, be sure to have a dermatologist or other skin care expert review your skin condition and prescribe remedies to get the best care. You’ll be surprised just how many of these remedies are recommended by experts for combating eczema.