Home Remedies for Eczema

What is eczema? What causes eczema? Here is a list of home remedies for eczema and natural treatment for eczema including herbs for eczema that may help provide eczema relief. It also includes eczema symptoms of the different types of eczema.

Eczema is a term used to describe skin inflammation or dermatitis. There are many types of eczema and among them are atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, nummular eczema or discoid eczema, eczema herpeticum and asteatotic eczema. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Atopic anemia mostly affects babies and children below the age of 5. Some types of eczema only appear later in a person's life.

Atopic eczema in children or baby eczema is referred to as infantile eczema. Infantile eczema symptoms include rash that are very itchy and small bumps with fluids that will ooze. They surface on the face, neck, the front part of the elbow, behind the knees and on the scalp. The symptoms may reduce or will resolve after infancy or in adolescence or it may prolong or keep recurring in adulthood. It is also common that the parents of children who get eczema have asthma, allergies or hay fever. There is a high possibility that these children will also develop asthma, allergies or hay fever.

The common eczema symptoms in adults depend on the type of eczema. The symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are deep blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet that itch and burn. Nummular eczema symptoms include coin-shaped itchy skin lesions on the arms and legs. Eczema herpeticum is a serious condition as a result of eczema that has been infected with the herpes simplex virus. They appear as with small watery blisters filled with pus. The blisters usually appear on skin that was previously affected by atopic eczema. Asteatotic eczema mostly affects elderly people and symptoms include inflammation, bleeding and cracking on the skin. Atopic eczema skin symptoms are itchiness, rashes or patches which are red or brownish gray, fluid-filled small raised bumps and cracked or scaly skin.

Doctors haven't found the exact cause of eczema but suggest that the possible causes of eczema is the malfunction of the immune system and some gene defects that cause failure for certain proteins to maintain a barrier on the skin.

Here is a list of home remedies for eczema and self-care home treatment for eczema. See a doctor instead of trying these home remedies for eczema if you have eczema herpeticum symptoms, severe eczema or atopic dermatitis that is causing eye complication.

Home remedies for eczema No. 1 - Natural remedies for eczema

1. Organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar which contains the mother of vinegar is one of the best natural products to treat various conditions and ailments and this includes dermatitis. It works best when taken internally and applied topically.
   
   
   Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider in an 8oz glass of water and drink it 2 to 3 times a day. For topical application, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. You can use it as a wash or apply it on the affected area 2 or 3 times a day. It will sting a little bit but only for a while. Dabbing it on the skin before bedtime is recommended as it helps stop the itch and allows you to have an uninterrupted sleep. Avoid using it near or around your eyes.
   
   
   
2. Virgin coconut oil is a popular natural eczema treatment and it is gentle even on babies' skin because of its moisturizing effect. It contains a high amount of lauric acid which produces anti-microbial activities. It is one of the best home remedies for eczema and other skin inflammation.
   
   
   To take it internally, use it as a cooking oil and a substitute for butter and shortening in your baking. For external use, apply the virgin coconut oil on your skin inflammation. If your skin isn't bruised, massage the oil gently and it will penetrate deep into your skin. When you apply it before bedtime cover or bandage it to avoid smearing your bed sheet. Apply the oil several times a day.
   
   
   
3. African shea oil and unrefined shea butter contain fatty acids, vitamin A and E, are natural emollients and moisturizers and have anti-inflammatory properties. To use it, apply the oil or butter on your skin a few times a day. One of its other benefits is it has shown to have the ability to reduce scarring.
   
   
   
4. Emu oil is obtained from the fat on the back of the Emu which is a huge bird much like an ostrich and is native to Australia. Studies found that emu oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, does not clog pores and penetrates deep into the dermis. To use it, apply or rub the oil on your inflamed skin a 2 to 3 times a day.
   
   
   
5. A soak in an oatmeal or baking soda bath may help stop the itch.
   
   
   
6. Placing an ice pack wrapped in a plastic bag and thin towel on the itchy skin may also provide eczema relief.
   
   
   
7. Drink plenty of water to avoid worsening your dry skin and keep your body hydrated. The recommended amount is 8 glasses a day. Some studies indicate that drinking soft water may help relieve the symptoms of eczema. So, one of the home remedies for eczema that you may want to consider is installing a water softening appliance at home.

Home remedies for eczema No. 2 - Herbal remedies for eczema

1. Chamomile has been used as one of the home remedies for eczema and other skin irritations and inflammation for a long time. Chamomile exhibits antispasmodic, anti inflammatory and carminative effects and is also used as a remedy for asthma. You can use chamomile tea as a cold compress or apply chamomile oil on your skin.
   
   
   
2. Witch hazel is another natural moisturizing herb. It contains tannins and antioxidants and has been used as one of the remedies for eczema, acne and diaper rash.
   
   
   
3. Based on a double-bind study, there is evidence to show the potential of licorice root extract in reducing itching, redness and swelling caused by eczema.
   
   
   
4. Neem oil which is the extract from neem leaves and seeds have been used for centuries in India to treat various skin problems, infections and inflammation of which one of them is in the treatment of eczema.
   
   
   
5. Mullein has anti inflammatory, emollient and astringent activities and when applied topically, helps reduce skin inflammation. It is also used as a remedy for asthma, allergies and hay fever which is common among eczema sufferers.

There are many other herbs that are used as home remedies for eczema either taken internally, applied topically or both. There are also many secondary benefits of these herbs. But do check with a doctor first before trying any of these herbs home remedies for eczema and check if you are allergic to it.

1. Burdock root - has anti inflammatory properties.
   
   
   
2. Calendula flower - a natural anti inflammatory and antiseptic agent.
   
   
   
3. Dandelion root - has anti inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants to help strengthens the immune system.
   
   
   
4. Echinacea - has anti-microbial and antibiotic properties and helps boost the immune system.
   
   
   
5. Lavender - it has cleansing and soothing properties.
   
   
   
6. Lemon balm - it has antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties and support the immune system.
   
   
   
7. Oil of oregano - has anti bacterial and antiseptic activities and supports the immune system.
   
   
   
8. Oregon grape root - contains berberine and tannin, protects against anti bacterial infection and has astringent and anti-inflammatory activities.
   
   
   
9. Red clover - it is one of the herbs used to treat diaper rash. It has antioxidant, anthelmintic, estrogenic, anti-estrogenic and anti angiogenic properties.
   
   
   
10. Tea tree oil - one of the herbs that has many healing effects because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral activities.

Home remedies for eczema No. 3 - Avoid the triggers

1. Certain eczema flare ups occur due to external triggers such as allergens when they come in contact with your skin. Find out what triggers your eczema and avoid them or take necessary measures to prevent the outbreak or worsen the condition.
   
   
   
2. A sudden change in temperature is one of the triggers and so are stress, sweating, cigarette smoke, and dust. A long hot bath or shower can also lead to a flare-up. If you must take a hot shower, make it a short one or use lukewarm water.
   
   
   
3. Find out which foods cause an allergic reaction and avoid them. Some of the common ones are egg, milk and wheat. Food additives and artificial preservatives are also harmful. You must monitor and take note of the foods that you eat to know what to avoid.
   
   
   
4. Certain soaps, cosmetics, clothing such as wool or any materials that are dyed, detergents, jewelry and perfume may also trigger a flare-up.
   
   
   
   
5. The presence of staphylococcus aureus bacteria living and growing on the skin can invade a broken skin and cause bacterial infection. This is one of the reasons why you shouldn't bruise your skin and also take anti-bacterial supplement.
   
   
   
6. Dry skin can set off eczema. Try to keep your skin moisturized by applying herbal moisturizing cream such as aloe vera or any of the herbal extract mentioned above at least twice a day. If you do want to purchase over the counter eczema cream or lotion, check the ingredients first. Avoid eczema lotions and creams that contain lanolin.

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