A recent research says that 1 out of every 10 people suffers with Eczema, at least once in their life. Eczema is an itchy skin condition. People have a misconception that this is a pediatric condition but a study says that even seniors are vulnerable to it.
The risk of Eczema is so rampant that 1 out of every 5 toddlers falls prey to it but this risk dwindles gradually with adulthood and middle age. This risk again increases when people reach their 70’s. Observations reveal that 1 out of every 10 seniors averaged to have been affected by Eczema.
Nearly 32% of Americans are affected by different stages of Eczema(1).
There is no permanent cure for Eczema. But there are various ways to treat the symptoms to prevent further damage and heal the skin.
Medicines, Moisturizers, Natural treatments, being food conscious and lifestyle changes are all parts of effective treatment of this condition(2).
Treating Eczema requires a little patience and a close watch.
The 4 phases of Eczema treatment are
Remedies for treating Eczema include the below options.
Eczema can toll not only your physical health but also mental health. Though Eczema poses a painful physical condition, it also causes a lot of social embarrassment. There are a lot of home remedies that help you treat Eczema effectively. Read on to know what are they.
[Also Read: Dyshidrotic Eczema Home Remedies]
The antimicrobial, antibacterial, wound healing and immune system boosting properties of Aloe Vera prevent the skin from infections and offer a soothing effect during skin irritation and itching. It is good to use fresh Aloe Vera Gel extracted directly from the plant. But before using, check for skin sensitivity as Aloe Vera can sometimes cause stinging or burning sensations.
[Also Read: Benefits of Aloe Vera]
Eczema reduces the acidic properties of the skin. As Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic, it can be used to soothe the symptoms of Eczema by balancing the skin acidity. Do not use concentrated Apple Cider Vinegar as this can increase the skin irritation.
[Also Read: Natural Ways To Cure Heat Bumps]
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help in wound healing. It also strengthens the immune system. It prevents infection and also moisturizes the skin.
All of us know that Eczema is a situation where your skin goes through a lot of damage like going dry and red. It loses its moisture. Excessive itching leads to lot of bleeding and infection. There is a lot of mental stress as to how to get out of this situation. There are a lot of natural remedies to deal with this dreaded situation.
Made from finely ground oats, it helps in softening and calming inflamed skin caused by Eczema. Add this to lukewarm water and soak the affected area in it for 15 minutes to get relief from itching and soften the skin(3).
NOTE: Usually, people soak themselves around 10 to 12 minutes for relief from itching but it is always advised that you consult your doctor before using this remedy. Soaking yourself too long would dry the skin and increase the itching.
Coconut oil has Lauric acid which has an antibacterial property that kills the staph bacteria and prevents infection. Choose Virgin or Cold pressed variants when treating Eczema. The healthy fats of coconut oil help cure dry skin.
Just after a shower or a bath. You can also add a little coconut oil to your bath.
NOTE: Before using Coconut oil, ask your doctor. People who are allergic to coconuts, please refrain from using coconut oil as this can lead to further worsening the situation. Seek the advice of a pediatrician before using coconut oil for infants and toddlers.
It acts as a barrier to the skin and protects it against bacterial skin infections. It is advisable to use this oil for infants as it is quite helpful and also does not harm the sensitive skin of babies.
Inflammation of the skin or the body can be brought down by the inclusion of certain foods in the diet. These foods are called anti-inflammatory foods which are listed below
Fish varieties high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids like salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, herring and sardines should be considered.
Potatoes (Potassium and Fiber for reducing irritation) and Green Onions (Vitamin K for healthy skin)
Bananas are high in Potassium, and this makes it the best fruit for treating Eczema.
They are highly alkaline foods that reduce inflammation.
[Also Read: Healthy Diet to Heal Eczema Naturally]
Amino acid glycine present in meat helps in repairing skin.
Note: Foods to avoid include Citrus fruits, Gluten or Wheat, Soy, Eggs, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Cloves and Tomatoes
Homeopathic way of treatment is typically a way of treating a situation from the root level. There are scores of people who believe in this approach of treatment which they claim have shown considerable results. Below are some variants of Eczema.
Sulphur is considered as one of the most effective remedies for Eczema. It offers instant relief from excessive itching and burning sensation. It shows a positive effect in cases of worsened Eczema, usually caused by the unsystematic usage of ointments.
Graphite is very effective in treating Weeping Eczema. Weeping Eczema generally forms between toes and fingers, scalp and behind the ears. It provides substantial relief from eczematous eruptions that expel sticky fluid and also treats eczema that forms on the eyelids.
Sepia officinalis is the apt homeopathic remedy for eczema that occurs in bends of elbows and the knees. It relieves the situation of severe itching that arises due to dry skin.
Lycopodium clavatum proves very effective for patients suffering from certain sort of urinary or gastric trouble. It provides effective relief from bleeding followed by severe itching caused by eczematous eruptions. It also treats and relieves hardened skin and deep fissures.
NOTE: Speak to your homeopathic doctor on the quantity of dosage you should take because the dosage varies from person to person.
Stress is one of the most common triggers for Eczema. There are different ways of dealing and bringing down stress which include
There is a lot of pain and discomfort associated with Eczema. There are many prescription drugs but if you are looking for natural and effective ways to treat the symptoms, there are essential oils, alternative treatments, and home remedies. What essential oils are good for Eczema? If this is the next question running on your mind, read on the below list to find out how to use them too.
It disinfects the skin and prevents infection in the cracked skin. It also kills microbes and germs harboring on the infected areas and helps against recurrence of Eczema.
[Read: Benefits of Tree Tea Oil for Eczema]
Do not use Tea Tree oil orally as it can cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, loss of motor control, diarrhea and rashes, if ingested orally.
Because it is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, it has a soothing effect on the skin. It can be applied directly on to rashes, inflammation, dryness and itchy areas of the skin.
[Read: Essential Oils for Eczema]
The menthol content of the oil is used to bring down the pain caused by Eczema significantly because high menthol numbs down aches and pain.
We all know that the skin succumbs to a lot of suffering and dryness during winter. Dealing with Eczema can be more challenging during winter. Remember to follow the below mentioned list of precautions to deal with Eczema more effectively during winter.
As far as possible be away from mental and physical stress. Proper food habits (Heavy breakfast, moderate lunch and a light dinner will help you maintain a proper health, In addition to this, choosing home remedies which are natural will also keep you away from falling prey to the side effects of chemical drugs. Staying healthy both from inside and outside will help prevent flares.
As said earlier, treating Eczema requires a little patience and a close watch.
Eczema is a condition which can happen to both children and adults but very commonly occurs in children. Both males and females are affected equally. It can commonly be triggered for people who have a family history of allergies and asthma.
Infection can become serious with rubbing and scratching the affected areas. Prolonged damage like this can cause permanent scars. Disturbed sleep is another result of itchy eczema. Many people stay away from social life as they are uncomfortably self-conscious in a gathering.