Eczema can be problematic and living with eczema is a difficult thing. It causes the skin to get red and itchy. Those who live with it are in a constant search for relief from these symptoms. If you suffer from the condition, then you have in all likelihood tried a few different products for it. You may have also found that some of the products in fact leave your skin even drier and cause more irritation.
Hope should not be lost however. There are medications available that will suit you. One thing you do to fast track the recovery is to add a few natural ingredients found at home to ease your eczema problems. The natural remedies listed below will help moisturize the skin and hence give relief from dry and itchy skin. If you have been prescribed medication for the condition, it will be a good idea to run these remedies by your doctor before proceeding to use them.
Below we have listed a few natural and unique solutions to your eczema problems.
1. Extracts of Aloe Vera
The gel that is extracted from Aloe plant is extremely beneficial for a number of conditions. It has been in use for centuries for a whole host of health issues. A well known use for aloe vera gel is in soothing eczema. Studies have proved that aloe vera gel has certain very beneficial medicinal properties. These include properties such as antibacterial, antimicrobial, boosts the immune system and heals wounds.
The first two properties listed here, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, are particularly adept at preventing skin infections. This is much more likely to happen when someone has cracked and dry skin. The property of being able to heal wounds is also very important and useful for those with eczema. This property makes it ideal to lessen the effects of broken skin and heal the thing faster.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Like the extracts of the aloe plant, apple cider vinegar has a number of properties that make it a versatile home remedy option. This also applies for eczema and other skin conditions.
Reports state that apple cider vinegar can help with eczema but it is recommended to proceed with caution. The acid in apple cider vinegar has the potential to cause damage to soft tissue. There are several reasons why apple cider vinegar could be an effective solution to eczema. It helps balance the acidity level of the skin. Vinegar has a lot of acidity to it. While the skin has acidic properties, the people suffering from eczema tend to have less acidic skin.
As a result of this, the skin’s defence mechanism is weakened. A solution to this issue may be to apply apple cider vinegar that has been diluted on to the skin. This natural home remedy is also adept at fighting bacteria. This property makes it ideal to apply on the skin of those suffering from eczema as this may help keeping the skin from getting infected.
3. Evening Primrose Oil
This is a type of oil that is extracted from the evening primrose plant. It also has properties that make it suitable for use in soothing skin irritation. It is also taken orally and this has been used to treat common inflammatory conditions. Eczema is one such inflammatory condition. This type of oil also has an abundance of omega-6, a fatty acid, and primrose oil also has gamma-linolenic acid.
Both of these compounds are very effective at fighting any inflammation in the body. Even though it has not been conclusively decided that it helps eczema are mixed, many people do use it for this condition and there haven’t been reports of negative side effects.
4. Bathing with bleach
This is definitely an unusual method and it may even seem risky but studies suggest that taking a bath with bleach can drastically reduce the symptoms of eczema. This is due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of bleach. Taking a bath with bleach in it can help destroy the bacteria present on the skin. A lot of studies have shown that taking a bath with bleach can lessen the demand for antibiotic or corticosteroid treatments.
5. Consider Light Therapy
Light therapy is an uncommon treatment method that is quickly gaining traction in the healthcare industry. The initial results of using this treatment method for treating eczema has been very encouraging. This type of therapy can help with skin conditions. It is also particularly good at reducing the itchiness and redness that eczema causes. It can even help fight inflammation and also make the skin look better.
This type of therapy is good at treating both localized eczema and also the more widespread kind. It can be applied on the hands and feet where other types of treatment methods may have failed. It can also be used extensively throughout the body if the eczema has spread all over it.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is yet another home made remedy that can be used to help fight eczema. This type of oil contains a lot of very healthy fatty acids. These acids, when applied to the skin, can help add moisture to it. This is very useful for those with dry skin and eczema. Coconut oil of the virgin variety can help fight inflammation and it can also improve the overall health of the skin. A few studies have concluded that the use of coconut oil for about 8 weeks will drastically reduce the symptoms associated with eczema.
While there isn’t any particular cure as such for eczema, the symptoms of the ailment can be managed. The above list of home remedies and light therapy can really help the cause. If the condition is too severe, a visit to the doctor is a must. Whatever medication he/she applies, these natural remedies mentioned in this article can be used as supplements to the prescribed medications.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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