Home Remedies For Eczema

The term 'eczema' is used in two different ways. It can be used widely to describe any rash-like skin conditions. It is usually used specifically to refer to the most common type of these skin conditions: atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that commonly starts during infancy and continues through into childhood. Some people outgrow the condition while some people will continue to have it into adulthood.

There are many different types of eczema.

· Allergic contact eczema (dermatitis) - a reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign

Contact eczema - a localized reaction where the skin has come into contact with an allergen
Dyshidriotic eczema - irritation of skin on palms of hands and soles of feet, characterized by blisters
Neurodermatitis - scaly patches of skin on head, forearms, wrists, lower legs caused by localized itch such as an insect bite
Nummular eczema - circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaling and itchy
Seborrheic eczema - oily, scaly yellowish patches of skin, usually on scalp and face
Stasis dermatitis - skin irritation on lower legs, usually related to circulatory problems.

Causes

The specific cause of eczema remains unknown, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has had it or another atopic disease. If both parents have an atopic disease, the chances increase further.

Environmental factors are also known to bring out the symptoms of eczema. These include:

Irritants: soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats or vegetables
Allergens: dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, dandruff
Microbes: bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, certain fungi
Hot and cold temperatures: hot weather, high and low humidity, perspiration from exercise
Foods: dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat
Stress: it is not a cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse
Hormones: women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of eczema

Atopic dermatitis commonly manifests itself in infants with dry and scaly patches appearing on the skin. These patches are often intensely itchy. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary, depending on the age of the person with the condition.

Most people develop atopic dermatitis before the age of 5.Half of people who develop the condition in childhood continue to have symptoms of it as an adult, though these symptoms are often different to those experienced by children.

People with the condition will often experience periods of time where their symptoms will flare up or worsen, followed by periods of time where their symptoms will improve or clear up.

Infants:

Rashes commonly appear on scalp and cheeks
Rashes usually bubble up before weeping fluid
Rashes can cause extreme itchiness, which may lead to trouble sleeping. Continuous rubbing and scratching can lead to skin infections.

Children, from 2 years old to puberty:

Rashes commonly appear behind the creases of elbows or knees
Also common on neck, wrists, ankles, crease between buttock and legs.

Over time, the following symptoms can manifest:

Rashes can become bumpy, like goosebumps
Rashes can lighten or darken in color
Rashes can thicken (also known as lichenification) and then develop knots and a permanent itch.

Adults:

Rashes commonly appear in creases of elbows or knees or nape of neck
Rashes cover much of the body
Rashes can be especially prominent on neck, face and around the eyes
Rashes can cause very dry skin
Rashes can be permanently itchy
Rashes can cause scaly skin (more scaly than in children)
Rashes can lead to skin infections.

Adults who developed atopic dermatitis as a child but no longer experience the condition, can still experience dry or easily irritated skin, hand eczema and eye problems.

The appearance of skin affected by atopic dermatitis will depend on how much a person scratches and whether the skin is infected. Scratching and rubbing irritates the skin further, increases inflammation and makes itchiness worse.

Skin features associated with atopic dermatitis:

Atopic pleat - an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye
Cheilitis - inflammation of the skin on and around the lips
Hyperlinear palms - increased number of skin creases on the palms
Hyperpigmented eyelids - eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever
Ichthyosis - dry, rectangular scales on the skin
Keratosis pilaris - small, rough bumps, generally on the face, upper arms and thighs
Lichenification - thick, leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing
Papules - small raised bumps that may open when scratched and become crusty and infected
Urticaria - hives (red, raised bumps) that may occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath.

Remedies for Eczema

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular remedies for eczema. It has antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Plus, it is a storehouse of healthy vitamins and nutrients, such as lauric acid and vitamins K and E, that help combat itchiness and soothe the skin. For best results, use unrefined, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil.

Apply coconut oil directly on the affected skin several times a day to get instant relief from itching or mild pain. Continue for as many days as needed until the symptoms are gone completely.
You can also consume two to four tablespoons of coconut oil daily to help alleviate eczema symptoms and improve your overall immunity. You can simply swallow the coconut oil or add it to your foods or drinks.

2. Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal (very finely ground oatmeal) can be very effective in treating eczema. It contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that ease itchiness and reduce pain.

Add one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bath tub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in it for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry your skin gently, and then apply a mild moisturizer.
Alternatively, add one tablespoon of cold milk to two tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area, massaging gently for a minute. Allow the paste to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water.

Repeat either of these remedies three or four times a week for a few months to notice improvement.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used extensively in the treatment of different skin disorders, including eczema. A study published in the June 2010 issue of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that turmeric, among other herbs, is beneficial in skin care due to its antioxidant qualities.

Plus, curcumin, the active ingredient present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties that help treat inflammation and itching.

Mix one-half teaspoon of turmeric with enough milk to make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected skin twice daily until the redness and itchiness is gone.
Alternatively, you can add one-half teaspoon of turmeric to one cup of boiling water and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool. You can drink it or use it to wash the affected area.

Repeat whichever option suits you two or three times a day until you get relief.

4. Indian Lilac

Indian lilac, also known as neem, is another great remedy for eczema. Studies have shown that neem has antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can relieve eczema symptoms like dryness, pain, redness, swelling and inflammation.

Plus, neem oil is a good source of essential fatty oils and vitamin E that help keep the affected skin moisturized. Both neem leaves and neem oil can be used to treat eczema.

Grind together one tablespoon each of turmeric root, neem leaves and sesame oil into a fine paste. Apply it on the affected areas, let it air dry, and then rinse it off with warm water. Use this treatment once daily for a few months.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of neem oil to warm bath water and soak in it for no longer than 20 minutes. Pat dry your skin and apply some light moisturizer. Use this treatment once daily for one or two months.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has several properties that make it an effective treatment for eczema. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the itching as well as the burning sensation. Plus, its antimicrobial properties help prevent further skin infection. Also, aloe vera helps hydrate the skin and keep the area moisturized.

Extract the gel from a fresh aloe leaf. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil in the aloe gel.
Apply the gel directly on the affected skin.
Allow it to dry on its own, and then rinse it off with warm water.
Use this simple treatment twice daily for several weeks.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another soothing home treatment for serious skin conditions like eczema. The magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and relieves itching.

Also, Epsom salt promotes the removal of toxins from the body and its antimicrobial effect helps reduce the inflamed eczema lesions.

Mix one to two cups of Epsom salt in a bath tub filled with warm water.
Mix in 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Pat dry your skin and apply some moisturizer.
Do this up to three times per week.

Note: Epsom salt baths are not recommended for people who have heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes.

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is another popular remedy for eczema. The herb has flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce itching, inflammation, swelling and redness.

Add one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for at least 15 minutes. Strain and allow the solution to cool. Soak a clean piece of cloth in it and place it on the affected skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Use this treatment three times a day until symptoms subside.
Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil in one teaspoon of olive oil. Apply it on the affected area and massage gently for five to 10 minutes. Repeat at least twice daily until the problem is solved.

8. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat many skin problems, including eczema as it has soothing, cooling, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated and dry skin. Plus, sandalwood can help clear up eczema scars.

Mix one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and camphor with sufficient rose water or just plain water to make a thick paste.
Apply this paste on the affected skin.
Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Repeat twice daily for a month

REMEMBER

Eczema outbreaks can sometimes be avoided or the severity lessened by following these simple tips.