Natural Remedies For Eczema
Eczema is a chronic, irritating and very itchy inflammatory skin condition that can develop anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on the arms and legs. Both children and adults of all ages can get it. Eczema leaves your skin very dry, which causes the itch, redness and discomfort.
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Apart from the redness, the serious itchiness and irritation of Eczema can truly take a toll on your ability to function and get things done in your day to day life. If the itch is left untreated and allowed to get out of control, all those mundane things like driving, cooking and sleeping will become increasingly difficult. In more extreme cases, the itching can leave deep scratches and minor cuts on the affected area that can easily get infected if not kept clean. Thankfully, there are a large number of natural remedies and treatments that can reduce Eczema symptoms.
Read on for some of the most effective natural remedies for Eczema.
Aloe Vera
You’ve probably heard of Aloe Vera gel and all its amazing healing and soothing properties for sunburns, insect bites, scrapes, scratches, etc. But it has also shown to be very beneficial for Eczema symptoms as well, due to its anti-inflammatory compounds. In addition, Aloe vera gel is also a fantastic skin moisturizer and has a pleasant smell. All in all, it’s a very good idea to add Aloe into your daily skincare arsenal.
Although the efficacy of Aloe Vera regarding dermatological conditions has not yet been proven conclusively, it has been showing a lot of promise in many clinical studies. You can either buy pure Aloe Vera gel at a pharmacy, or you can try growing it on your own and collect the gel from the leaves when they’re fully mature.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), is another common and easy to find substance that is widely known to have a number of health benefits and qualities, such as an aid in weight loss and eradicating certain stomach viruses. But some studies have shown that it has antibacterial benefits, and it can also bring down the high levels of PH in your skin. According to the NEA, Eczema patients typically suffer from excessive PH levels, which causes problems for the skin barrier. Thus, it can’t function properly and leads to flare ups. ACV to the rescue.
Before you apply ACV to your skin, be sure to dilute it first with water. To make a solution that isn’t too strong, mix two cups of water into one cup of ACV, then mix it well. If you prefer, you can try adding it to your bath water instead.
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
It may not be all that appealing or desirable at first due to its greasiness, but after you try it, you won’t want to go a day without it. Petroleum jelly packs a super hydrating punch. Apart from keeping the itch out of town, petroleum jelly doesn’t sting, and it usually doesn’t cause any other allergic reactions either. Better yet, it can also protect your affected areas from getting infected from all the incessant scratching, thanks to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. When applying the jelly, rub it into your skin thoroughly in a gentle circular motion.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
One of the most common culprits of a dreaded Eczema flare-up is elevated stress levels. Stress releases the “fight or flight” hormone. If you don’t keep your stress under control and to a minimum, this will make your Eczema symptoms quickly go from bad to worse.
There are so many methods and techniques that can help you maintain a calmer and more balanced mental and emotional state in your day to day life, such as practicing yoga, meditation, soothing music, exercise, deep breathing, and so much more.
However, if you find yourself chronically overstressed and nothing seems to be helping, it’s highly recommended to seek professional help from a certified mental health practitioner.
Stop Using Products That Contain Common Irritants
Have you bought and started using a certain product recently, such as a skin cream, shower gel, perfume, clothing detergent or fabric softener? Are your affected areas suddenly feeling itchier, more red and irritated than they were before? If so, then it’s time to throw it out right away and replace it with an Eczema friendly product.
Next time you go to a store or pharmacy, steer clear away from any products that contain allergens, especially fragrances and harsh chemicals. Your best bet is to choose a product that has “hypo-allergenic” written clearly on the bottle or packaging.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure whether you have Eczema or not, it’s very important not to self-diagnose yourself, as this can cause more harm than good. Visit a certified and trustworthy dermatologist to get examined and to receive a professional diagnosis.
Secondly, if you have an infection, these natural remedies will not be effective or sufficient to treat it. In this case, you must get medicated treatment from your dermatologist.
