Perfectly Natural Ways to Treat Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis as the condition is medically known, can be a hard health issue to manage. eczema is characterized by dry, scaly and very itchy skin. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, at least not yet. So those who suffer from the condition must routinely take medications or engage in self-care treatments.

The best way to treat eczema as recommended by the National Eczema Association is bathing and moisturizing. Eczema can lead to serious infections due to bacteria or fungi, so it’s very important to keep the skin clean with daily showers. Moisturizing takes care of dry skin that exacerbates the condition. Dermatologists recommend eczema sufferers to soak in a warm bath and then moisturize soon after towel drying. Moisturize afterwards if you have to apply prescription eczema treatments like topical steroid creams, says doctors from Temple Dermatology, Dermatologist in Temple.

If you have suffered from eczema, you know that typical shampoos, cleansers, moisturizers and body washes contain harsh chemicals that can make the eczema worse. Bathing products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates to make foaming suds. These chemicals can have a very drying effect on the skin, which can make the eczema worse. Some moisturizers can contain preservatives and other chemicals that may do more harm to the skin than good. So here is a list of natural remedies for eczema that will not irritate or make the condition worse:

Vegetable Shortening

This traditional kitchen ingredient is great for moisturizing dry or cracked skin associated with eczema. Applying vegetable shortening onto skin and leave it 2 to 4 hours for the skin to absorb. You can wrap the application area with tape or plastic to prevent the shortening from getting on anything else. Vegetable shortening, unlike the average moisturizer, does not contain harmful chemicals like parfum and will be very gentle on your skin.

Use Vegetable or Mineral Oil in Bath

Olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, lavender oil, and other similar oils are known to be soothing on eczema-prone skin. Add some to your warm bath to soothe excessively dry skin. The effect will be quite soothing. If the eczema is severe, you can add a glass of milk or a handful of plain oatmeal to your bath with the oil as well.

Use Salt to Relieve Itching

Can’t take the itching anymore? Use one to three cups of Epsom salt in your bath to relieve itching and also to possibly remove scales.

Eat Turmeric

Most of the benefits of turmeric are delivered when you eat it, not when you slather it all over your body. Turmeric is known to reduce inflammation and help skin conditions like eczema thanks to a naturally occurring antioxidant known as Curcumin. To get the most of this spice, consume about a teaspoon per day. You can easily add this golden yellow spice to dishes like rice, pasta, and hash browns. It often has no flavor in small amounts.

Aloe Vera

Use aloe vera to soothe irritated and stressed eczema skin. Apply gently on the affected area with clean fingers to experience a cooling and immediately soothing sensation.

Try one or two of the above remedies to see which works for you the best.

Share this post