Natural remedies for eczema

Skin is meant to be smooth and radiant, not itchy, blotchy or red. When our skin doesn’t look its best, we don’t feel our best, and we become embarrassed and avoid public settings or wearing certain articles of clothing to cover up.

There are many skin conditions which can rob us of our confidence – eczema being one of them.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, appears on the skin as a red rash and can be quite itchy. Eczema is a chronic condition with no cure, yet there are treatments to help reduce redness and soothe itchiness.

Causes and symptoms of eczema

There are a few notable causes of eczema which include:

• Dry, irritable skin with reduced ability to protect itself
• A gene variation which affects the skin’s barrier function
• Dysfunction of the immune system
• Bacteria
• Environmental conditions

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Itching that is worse at night and can be quite severe
• Red or brownish patches on the skin
• Small, raised bumps that may excrete fluid
• Thickened, cracked, scaly, dry skin
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Natural remedies for eczema

There are many medications a person can take to treat symptoms associated with eczema. Some treatments are topical while others are ingested. These medications aim to fight infections, relieve redness and calm itching. There are also natural remedies you can try in the comfort of your home that require minimal effort and don’t contain a list of side effects.

• Eliminate milk and milk products which can irritate the body and skin
• Use natural coconut oil as a moisturizer – coconut oil has been known to contain antifungal properties
• Keep track of triggers and incidences when eczema worsens to avoid such situations
• Soak in oatmeal – oatmeal bath has anti-inflammatory properties which reduces itchiness associated with eczema. It also helps moisturize and soothe the skin
• Soak in chamomile tea – chamomile tea bath reduces inflammation and itchiness and helps soothe the skin
• Apply honey
• Avoid scratching
• Choose mild soaps with no scent or minimal perfume
• Use a humidifier
• Wear light, cotton clothing
• Minimize stress and anxiety

The above tips can help you combat the itchiness and redness associated with eczema.

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Sources:
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/alternative-therapies/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eczema/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20032073
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00350/eczema.html
http://everydayroots.com/eczema-remedies
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/atopic-dermatitis-eczema