Skin is the largest organ in the human body. As it is the biggest organ, it tends to face issues. Among the many issues related to the skin, eczema is a commonly known condition like
Psoriasis. Eczema is a condition, where the patches of the skin turn out to be rough, cracked, red, itchy and inflamed. Even, some individuals face blisters as well.The term “Eczema” is otherwise used to talk about atopic dermatitis, which is the most common kind of eczema. Here, Atopic refers to the combination of diseases that involves the immune system. Examples include hay
Fever,
Asthma and atopic dermatitis. Here, dermatitis is nothing, but the inflammation of the skin. When some individuals, outgrow the condition, others will continue to have it all through the adulthood.
What Are The Symptoms and Signs Of Eczema?Most patients with eczema complain about itching. Even though there are different types of eczema and the appearance look very much similar in all types, there are some differences. For instance, in some types, there will be the distribution of eruption, while in some there will be a bumpy skin. Some of the common types include stasis dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. While the former occurs in the lower leg, the latter is common behind the knee and in front of the elbow.
Is Eczema Contagious?
It is not contagious and an individual cannot get it from another. Studies show that the exact cause of eczema is not known. However, a combination of environmental triggers and genes make it happen in individuals. Whenever an allergen or irritant get into the immune system, the skin cells do not behave normally, thereby leading to eczema flare-ups.Fast Facts About EczemaHere are some important points to know about eczema before you get into eczema remedies at home:
- Some foods tend to trigger the symptoms of eczema like dairy products and nuts.
- Symptoms differ based on the age of the person with eczema. However, often the symptoms include patches of skin with itches and scaling of the skin.
- Certain environmental factors like pollen and smoke can trigger eczema. However, it is a condition that can be cured.
- Treatment of this skin condition pays attention to healing the damaged skin. Further, the treatment also aims at alleviating symptoms.
- Even though there is not yet a complete cure for eczema, you can manage the symptoms in an effective manner.
- Eczema is not a contagious condition.
Read more on Asteatotic EczemaHome Remedies For Eczema
As you are looking for the remedies that can reduce the symptoms associated with eczema with some home remedies, here are certain remedies that will help:
1. Coconut OilCoconut oil coagulates when the external climate is less than 750F. So, you will more likely to see it like a white petroleum jelly. However, if you live in warm tropical coasts, where coconut palms grow in abundance, you will find it in liquid form. However, the semisolid to a solid state of this oil in colder places does not make it hard to apply.
How To Use Coconut Oil?- You can use coconut oil for external application
- If your skin is very much rough in some areas, it tends to break. If this is the case, you can use a coconut oil bandage. To prepare a bandage, warm a tablespoon of coconut oil and dip a cotton pad in it. Place the oil-soaked pad over the rough spot and permit it to remain for about 15-20 minutes. After some time, pat-off the excess oil with a tissue paper.
- Otherwise, you can add 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bucket of warm water and use it for bathing. Otherwise, you can also add 5 drops of skin-friendly essential oil like tea tree or lavender oil to get better therapeutic value.
- In addition, you can also use coconut oil for oil pulling and as a dietary supplement to prevent flare-ups.
How Does It Work?Coconut oil is known for its excellent moisturizing properties. Further, it can nourish your skin to prevent further flare-ups. It has the excellent properties to relieve the itching caused by eczema. Due to its antimicrobial effect, it will fight bacteria. Further, this oil is known for its immunomodulation effect. Further, this oil is known for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties and so it is effective against eczema.
2. Rely On TurmericTurmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. You should aim at including at least a spoon of turmeric to your diet on a daily basis to fight eczema. You can also use turmeric externally to fight flare-ups.
How To Use Turmeric?- You can make turmeric milk by mixing half a tablespoon of turmeric to milk. You can consume it internally to treat bacterial infections that cause itching and redness.
- Otherwise, you can add half a tablespoon of turmeric to boiling water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You can take this solution directly or you can use it for washing the affected area.
Alternative MethodAlternatively, you can make a paste by mixing a tablespoon each of turmeric powder and neem powder with water and apply it on the affected area to relieve rashes and itching.
How Does It Work?Turmeric irrespective of the form you use has an active ingredient called curcumin. It is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Due to its antioxidant property, it will bring down the time taken for the skin to heal.
3. Phototherapy /Light TherapyThe National Eczema Association has stated that phototherapy can bring excellent relief to eczema. It is nothing, but an exposure to the natural Sunlight.
How To Do?All you have to do to speed up the healing caused by eczema is that you should spend at least 10-15 minutes of time under the sun. You should do this, particularly during eczema flare-ups.
How Does It Work?As you know, the sunlight is the excellent source of Vitamin D. The exposure to the natural sunlight is called as phototherapy or light therapy. This therapy will increase the vitamin D in your body. In turn, the body will fight effectively against bacteria. Further, it will calm itching and inflammation as well.
4. Apple Cider VinegarYou might have heard that Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is an effective remedy for a number of ailments in the human body. The relieving thing to you is that it will help you fight against eczema as well.
How To Use ACV?- Take one part of ACV and one part of water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution. Apply it to the scaly areas of your skill gently.
- If you will have to handle a larger part of the body, just dip a clean paper towel in this solution and place the wet towel on the skin.
Here, you will have to remember an important point. You should not apply this ACV solution if you have cracked or bleeding skin. The reason is that ACV can irritate or sting the cracks.
Alternative MethodAlternatively, you can take an ACV bath to soothe eczema symptoms. All you have to do is to fill a tub with hot or warm water. Then, add 1-2 cups of ACV. Just soak in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. Once, you are done, let the ACV dry on its own. However, if you do not like the smell, you can just rinse it off after some time.
How is ACV Effective?ACV is long known for its ability to soothe the skin burn and inflammation. Further, it is known for its effective disinfectant property. ACV will also bring the right pH level in your body.
5. Take A Detoxifying Salt BathSome people do not feel comfortable being submerged in water when they have an eczema flare-up. If you feel comfortable staying in the water, you can use a salt bath. It will help with relief from irritation caused by eczema rashes. You can just add Epsom salt to your bathing water. Otherwise, you can also use Himalayan salt in your bathing water.
Ingredients- Sea salt or Himalayan salt – 1/4th cup
- Epsom Salt – 1/4th cup
- Baking Soda – 1/4th cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/3rd Cup
- Favorite essential oil – 10 drops
How To Make?- Dissolve the salts and baking soda in boiling water. Add these salts to a quart size jar and keep it aside.
- Fill a tub with warm water. Make sure that the water is warm and not hot as hot water can cause more damage to your skin. Add the ACV, pour the salt mixture and do not forget to add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Soak in the water for about 20-30 minutes before taking your regular bath.
How Does It Work?Epsom salt is rich in magnesium and it will relieve the irritation by increasing the magnesium content in your blood. Himalayan rock salt has a combination of trace elements that will improve the health of your skin to a great extent. ACV, as you know, is good for the skin. The same holds true for baking soda as well. Choose an essential oil with a soothing effect on the skin. The oil can be chamomile, bergamot or lavender oil.
6. Aloe Vera GelAloe vera is an excellent choice if you look for a remedy for topical application. The good thing about this remedy is that it will cool the burning sensation caused by eczema.
How To Use Aloe Vera Gel?- Take aloe vera gel directly from the aloe vera plant. Apply it on the affected area. It will relieve the burning sensation.
- Otherwise, you can also get the aloe vera gel available from a health store. Here, you should make sure that the product does not have alcohol as an ingredient. The reason is that alcohol can burn your skin and can worsen the dryness.
How Does It Work?Aloe vera gel is generally known for its anti-inflammatory property. Further, its ability to sooth the skin due to its soothing property will help with reducing the symptoms of eczema.
7. Jojoba OilJojoba oil is effective in addressing any skin condition. It can treat anything right from sunburn to eczema.
How To Use?- Apply jojoba oil to your skin directly
- As jojoba oil is excellent carrier oil, you can combine other essential oil as well with this oil for external application.
How Does It Work?- Jojoba oil works mainly because it resembles closely with the human sebum. Jojoba oil contains wax esters that the skin can absorb easily. Further, this oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties to improve the symptoms of eczema. As it is carrier oil, it will improve the absorption rate of other topical ointments and creams.
8. Oatmeal BathsIt is true that preparing for an oatmeal bath is a troublesome task. However, it will relieve the troubles associated with eczema.
How To Use?- Take a cup of ground oatmeal
- Add the oatmeal to a bucket of warm water for bathing
- Wait for some time until the consistency is observed
- You can soak yourself in this water for about 15-30 minutes before taking a bath
- You can even add essential oils to the bath to get a relaxing effect.
How Does It Work?Oatmeal helps by relieving the itching sensation in your skin caused by eczema. Further, it will help with retaining the moisture content in your skin to prevent flare-ups.So, you can try any of the remedies mentioned above to treat the symptoms of eczema. Bathing is an effective solution as it will relieve the burning sensation and itching. However, you should make sure to follow the tips below.Tips For Bathing and Moisturizing For Eczema
- Make sure to take at least one bath or shower a day
- You can use lukewarm and not hot water for bathing
- Also, make sure to bath for about 10-15 minutes
- Remember not to scrub your skin when bathing
- You can use a gentle cleanser. Remember not to use soap
- When you have a higher level of flare-ups avoid cleansers to prevent irritation.
