If you suffer from eczema regularly, you understand the struggle to find relief from your skin’s irritated and reddened condition. Likely, you’ve already experimented with several different products. Your skin may become drier and even more agitated if you continue to use certain products, which is unfortunate.
Wait before you give up all hope! There are many things that, in addition to taking medication, you can do at home to get some relief from the symptoms that you’re experiencing. The natural remedies that are listed below could potentially help regenerate hydration and protect the natural barrier of your skin. If you are currently treating your eczema with prescription medication, speaking with your primary care physician before attempting any new home treatments is recommended.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Oats that have been finely ground are used to make colloidal oatmeal. It can soothe and soften irritated skin. Cream and powdered forms of colloidal oatmeal are both readily available. This is how you should put it to use:
- Adding the powder to bathwater that is lukewarm and soaking for ten to fifteen minutes can help relieve itching and rough skin by softening the skin.
- After you have finished bathing, pat your skin dry with a towel and then apply a generous amount of a hypoallergenic moisturizer that has a high percentage of oil in it.
Evening Primrose Oil
Oil extracted from evening primrose flowers is known as evening primrose oil. It is applied directly to the skin to calm and soothe any irritation. In the treatment of systemic inflammatory conditions like eczema, it is taken orally as a form of administration. Evening primrose oil is packed with omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid, both of which have been linked to the potential reduction of inflammation throughout the body. An older study found conflicting findings regarding the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating eczema. Despite this, many people claim that it helps reduce the symptoms of their eczema without causing any adverse side effects.
Coconut Oil
The meat of the coconut is used to press out the oil of the coconut. It is possible to apply it as an organic moisturizer to the skin. Coconut oil’s antibacterial properties can help reduce the number of staph bacteria that are present on the skin, which in turn helps prevent infections. People who suffer from eczema should pay attention to this because areas of their irritated skin may break and seep, creating entry points for bacteria. When using it on your skin, select virgin coconut oil or cold-pressed coconut oil that has not been treated with any chemicals during its processing.
Oil From Sunflowers
Oil is pressed from sunflower seeds to produce sunflower oil. According to research conducted, it protects the skin’s outer surface, which maintains moisture in the skin while preventing bacteria from entering. In addition to hydrating the skin, and relieving itching and inflammation, sunflower oil is also beneficial. It is possible to apply undiluted sunflower oil directly onto the skin, and the best time to do so is immediately after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp.
Witch Hazel
A natural astringent, witch hazel is created by using both the bark and the leaves of the witch hazel shrub. It has a long history of application as a topical treatment for inflammatory conditions of the skin. But there hasn’t been much research done on the effectiveness of witch hazel for eczema. Despite this, the remedy is frequently used to soothe irritated skin, stop oozing in affected areas, and provide relief from itching.
Calendula Cream
This is a natural remedy made from calendula flowers. Calendula has a long history of use as a traditional remedy for treating a variety of skin conditions, including inflammation, burns, and cuts. It is believed to increase blood flow to areas of the body that have been injured or inflamed, to help hydrate the skin, and to assist in the fight against infection. There has not been enough research done on the efficiency of calendula in treating eczema.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to influence the flow of energy. Even though more investigation is required, some findings suggest that acupuncture may provide relief from itching. Acupressure is very similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles, pressure is applied to specific acupuncture points using the hands and fingers. Initial exploratory research suggests that acupressure may help relieve the itchy skin caused by eczema.
Relaxation Techniques
A common factor in the development of eczema is stress. It is believed that stress performs a role in the development of inflammation, even though the exact reasons why are not entirely clear. It is possible that becoming more skilled in the art of relaxation and learning to deal with stressful situations could help reduce the severity of eczema flare-ups. The following are some examples of relaxation exercises that may be helpful:
- Meditation
- CBT stands for cognitive behavior therapy.
- Concentrating on one’s breath while visualizing
- Therapy through music
- Hypnotherapy
- Biofeedback
- Tai chi yoga
Vitamin D Supplements
Taking a vitamin D supplement has been shown in multiple studies to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups. Since vitamin D is known to improve the immune system as well as the function of the skin barrier, it stands to reason that individuals who are deficient in vitamin D might be more likely to experience eczema. A review published in 2015 notes that vitamin D is known to boost both of these functions.
Following an analysis of a large number of studies, the review concluded that additional high-quality research was required before any conclusions could be drawn. On the other hand, taking a vitamin D supplement might make your symptoms better, as suggested by the studies and personal experiences that were included in the review.
Tea Tree Oil
You may be already familiar with the purported therapeutic benefits of using tea tree oil to treat eczema. Even though there have only been a handful of scientific investigations into the effectiveness of using tea tree oil, the findings are very encouraging.
Manuka Honey
People who suffer from eczema often find that rubbing honey into their skin provides some relief from the condition’s symptoms. A study that was conducted in 2014 discovered that applying kanuka honey did not improve eczema lesions, but a study that was conducted in 2017 discovered that manuka honey was much more effective. According to the findings of another study conducted in 2003, topical application of a combination of honey, olive oil, and beeswax has the potential to alleviate the symptoms of both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis Vulgaris
Alter Your Diet
According to several studies, the foods that you consume have the potential to bring on an episode of eczema. Particular foods are more beneficial for eczema than others. For example, eczema flare-ups are frequently associated with the consumption of the following foods:
- Milk from cows
- Eggs
- Items made from soy
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
Other foods, such as the following, might be beneficial:
- Yogurt made from fatty fish
- Apple bread made with sourdough starter
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Prevention
If you have eczema, you should steer clear of anything that has the potential to aggravate your condition by irritating or drying out your skin and triggering an outbreak. This includes the following things:
- Soaps with fragrances or body washes that contain dyes
- Wool clothing
- Tight clothing
- Pollen a
- Animal Dander
- Perfumed detergents
Especially prevalent in children, eczema can also be brought on by allergies to certain foods. Eliminating common allergens like these foods, which have been linked to eczema, may help your symptoms.
Takeaway
When it comes to managing moderate to severe cases of eczema, you may find that all you need is a combo of self-care and the herbal supplements listed above. When treating severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe topical steroids or antihistamines for you. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment strategy that works best for you.
