Eczema can occur in people of all ages and is a rather annoying problem. Doctors often prescribe a steroid-based cream; for many people, however, the use of steroids creates many side effects and they do not always prove effective. However, there are other remedies you can use to help relieve itching, dryness, and skin changes. Adding some of these natural remedies into your skincare routine can make a huge difference in the appearance of your epidermis. However, if you do not see effective results or even the situation worsens, you should see your doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Changing the Lifestyle
Step 1. Identify the factors in your lifestyle that trigger eczema
These are different for each person. Someone may be sensitive to wool, while another may react to a chemical in a perfume. Since it is not initially known what can cause a rash of eczema in an individual, it is important to determine the causes. You can try keeping a food diary in which to write down the products you use and see what happens when you delete one.
It will probably take some time and some work to understand the factors that trigger eczema; many people start by setting a completely natural and organic diet, then start adding some products again to see if they can affect skin health
Step 2. Wear non-irritating clothing
Wear comfortable clothes when you can, and avoid rough, itchy fabrics like wool. Loose dresses in cotton, silk and linen are the most gentle on the skin. Also pay attention to the detergent you use: a slight residue may remain on the clothing that facilitates episodes of eczema. Try using a natural detergent or just switch to a different organic brand.
When exercising, wear appropriate sportswear designed to keep your skin cool and avoid sweating too much, which will make eczema worse
Step 3. Opt for non-irritating soaps and shampoos
Products such as soaps and detergents, shampoos, liquid dish detergents, disinfectants, and anything else that contains perfumes and additives can irritate the skin. Try to use soaps and detergents made only with natural substances.
Avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. These surfactants and organic compounds are often found in hygiene products and are known to irritate and dry out the skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate also breaks down the skin's natural proteins, making it more vulnerable to external contaminants. Medical studies have associated parabens with endocrine disorders, cancer and reproductive problems
Step 4. Use a humidifier
Dry air in the bedroom - and throughout the home - can aggravate the already precarious condition of eczema-prone skin, making it more dehydrated and flaky. You can remedy this situation by activating a humidifier that adds moisture to the air and to the skin. Both portable humidifiers and those connected to a system are readily available on the market and you can find them in a wide range of models and price ranges.
You can also humidify the air in a room without purchasing an appliance. You can get houseplants that naturally increase the humidity in the room through a process known as transpiration. Boston fern is a well-known natural humidifier
Step 5. Keep your home clean and avoid all forms of allergens
Allergies caused by agents such as house dust mites, pet dander, seasonal pollen, mold, and dandruff are all factors that can trigger eczema. Get a vacuum cleaner with a good filter and use it often.
Try to avoid bacteria, fungi and viruses. Obviously you should try not to have contact with sick people, as they could contribute to your eczema problem
Step 6. Minimize the factors that cause you stress
Eczema and other skin conditions are believed to be strongly associated with stress, both psychological and physical, so taking some time to try and relieve it can be extremely beneficial. Try relaxing activities: practice visualization techniques, hypnotherapy, do meditation, yoga, listen to music, or paint.
Always reserve some time for yourself each day to relax and unwind. Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, stress has been shown to aggravate it
Step 7. Bathe less frequently and use lukewarm water
If you wash too often, you risk removing the natural moisture layer of the skin, making the situation worse. Try to limit bathrooms and showers every 1 or 2 days if you can. Especially avoid cold or hot showers and limit the duration to 15 or 20 minutes maximum. Take a clean towel and pat dry gently.
- Make sure you always hydrate after a shower, preferably when your skin is still wet, to retain more moisture. Apply an additive-free moisturizer with coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, avocado, or castor oil. Keep in mind that although these oils are more tolerated by people suffering from eczema, it is true that every person is different and you may need to try different products before you find the one that works best for you.
- Avoid staying too long in the bath. Sometimes water can dry out your skin and that is something you absolutely want to avoid, as it may disturb your eczema. It would result in a higher likelihood of it itching.
Part 2 of 4: Using Topical Products
Step 1. Apply aloe vera
Take the gel directly from the plant if you can, rather than buying an aloe-based product. Take a leaf and squeeze out the clear gelatinous substance. Smear this gel directly on the skin affected by eczema and hold it in place. You can store the leaf in the refrigerator for various applications. Pure aloe vera is not associated with any negative side effects when used topically, so you can safely apply it as often as you see fit.
The gel-like sap of the aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years as a moisturizer and anti-inflammatory treatment. Many people find it effective in curing eczema, as it soothes itching and moisturizes dry, flaky skin
Step 2. Apply calendula lotion
You can use it freely all over the skin, as it has no side effects if applied topically; eventually you can also mix it with aloe vera gel before spreading it on the skin. Calendula is a flower whose extract is commonly used in lotions and creams to reduce pain and skin inflammation.
You can find many calendula products, such as soaps, oils, lotions, ointments, and creams at health food stores. It is better to buy these products than those you find in regular supermarkets, because they usually contain a higher percentage of pure calendula and potentially less irritating ingredients
Step 3. Use oats
Fill an old cotton sock or nylon knee high with organic rolled oatmeal and hold it over the bathtub faucet, letting the water run through the oats. This plant contains anti-inflammatory and anti-itch compounds with very relaxing properties.
- Try an oatmeal paste. All you need to do is mix some oats and water together until a paste forms and then apply it directly to the eczema.
- Nettle performs a similar function and you can put it in the tub water like oats. It is believed that it can stop the body's pain and itching signals.
Step 4. Make a chamomile compress
This is also a well-known natural treatment for eczema, capable of soothing itching and calming inflammation. You can make yourself an infusion of chamomile by soaking the dried flowers in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Drain the flowers and let them cool slightly. Finally make a warm compress by dipping a clean cloth in the chamomile, squeezing out the excess liquid. Press the fabric on the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
You can also massage the oils directly into the skin or add a few drops to a warm bath. However, be aware that some people develop an allergic reaction to chamomile tea, so you should try it on a small patch of skin before using it all over the affected area
Step 5. Use organic coconut oil
Cold-pressed organic virgin coconut oil is often used as a moisturizer, and many eczema sufferers claim it is much more effective than expensive store-bought creams. You can find it in health food stores, online and in some supermarkets. Apply the oil (which looks solid but dissolves quickly) on the areas of the body affected by eczema and let it soak into the skin.
When the oil is cold pressed it means that it has been treated at temperatures below 46 ° C, preserving all the nutrients, enzymes and minerals present
Step 6. Try sweet almond oil
It is often used in the treatment of eczema as it contains ursolic and oleic acid, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and facilitate skin recovery. You can apply it freely all over your body like a moisturizer, or you can spread it on your skin before entering the tub or shower, thus creating a barrier that protects the skin from the dehydrating effects of hot water.
Step 7. Try lemon
Simply cut one in half and apply it directly to the eczema. You may notice changes, but expect a burning sensation. It only burns when you scrub it. The burning is due to the fact that the lemon is removing the inflammation present under the skin. It often burns when skin lesions are present on the eczema.
Part 3 of 4: Changing the Diet
Step 1. Improve your nutrition
Avoid industrially processed foods as much as possible. Try to buy organic and natural products when you can. In other words, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, cook beans and legumes instead of buying canned ones, when snacking choose nuts, berries, seeds, fruits and vegetables and minimize red meat.
Be sure to supplement your diet with plenty of sources of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, green leafy vegetables) to help keep skin hydrated and soft
Step 2. Eliminate milk and dairy products
Cow's milk is one of the main foods that trigger eczema, so it's a good idea to exclude it from your diet (at least temporarily) to see if you see any improvement. Cow's milk is quite acidic and often full of hormones and chemicals that can aggravate the problem. Try to eliminate it entirely for at least two weeks and see if you notice any differences.
- Know that there are plenty of cow's milk substitutes, so don't be afraid to drink black coffee if you don't like it. Goat, sheep, and buffalo milk are all excellent creamy alternatives.
- If you want a non-animal substitute you can choose soy, hazelnut, almond, oat or rice milk.
Step 3. Cut back on gluten from your diet
Wheat is also believed to cause eczema outbreaks. If you can, eliminate gluten from your diet as it could be a factor in worsening your condition. Cut back on bread, pasta, grains, and other carbohydrate-rich processed foods.
Step 4. Implement an elimination diet
Try keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat each day and try to note any changes in symptoms when you eat certain foods. Sometimes you may experience signs right after eating or within hours. You should start to notice some specific characteristics with some foods. If you find that some dishes create particular rashes and make the situation worse, eliminate them from the diet for a minimum of 2 weeks (even better for 4-6 weeks, if you can) and pay attention if you notice any improvement in the skin.
In addition to dairy and wheat products, eczema can also be triggered by soy, eggs, nuts, and seeds. If you find these foods aggravate the problem, avoid them
Step 5. Take natural supplements
There are many dietary supplements that can help reduce the symptoms of eczema. Some of the best are:
- Fatty acids: They have been shown to soothe dry skin and reduce inflammation, making them effective for treating eczema. Take omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, omega-6s can promote inflammation. Research has found that 1.8 grams of EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid) taken every day for 12 weeks reduces eczema.
- Vitamins A, D and E: they help preserve skin hydration, improve its structure, increase collagen production and protect it from free radicals.
- Gamma linolenic acid: it is a type of fatty acid present in evening primrose, borage and black currant oil. It is believed that it can help relieve inflammation and restore lipid balance in the skin.
Part 4 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms of Eczema
Step 1. Learn about the common symptoms of eczema
The term "eczema" actually means a series of disorders that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. All types of eczema have the symptom of itching. If you scratch these areas you risk causing "oozing" sores, forming scabs and flaking areas that are typical of atopic dermatitis.
Although the direct cause of eczema is unknown, it is certain that stress can exacerbate the situation. Eczema typically appears initially in childhood or adolescence, although in some people it can occur after the age of 30
Step 2. Check your whole body for symptoms
The most common symptoms are itchy, dry, peeling skin and rashes on the face, behind the knees, on the inside of the elbows and in both hands and feet. In adults, although eczema occurs in only 10% of people, rashes appear more often in the elbows, in the folds of the knees, and on the nape of the neck.
In infants, eczema generally begins as a rash usually on the scalp (cradle cap) and face (particularly cheeks) and can begin when the baby is 2 to 3 months old. In children between 2 years of age and puberty, rashes usually begin in the creases of the elbows and / or the back of the knees
Step 3. Evaluate the type of eczema you are suffering from
Although inflammation and itching are common symptoms, it is possible to differentiate between different eczemas, depending on where they occur or the type of inflammation.
- If you have allergic or contact eczema, this could be a reaction of the body to some substance. You may notice inflammation of the skin where it touched that specific piece of clothing, jewelry, or substance.
- If you see patches of eczema on your palms and soles of your feet or have blisters filled with clear fluid, you probably have dyshidrotic eczema.
- If one or more areas of inflamed skin the size of a coin appear, especially along the arms, legs and buttocks, you have nummular dermatitis.
- If the scalp and skin on the face become yellowish, oily, or scaly, it is very likely that it is seborrheic dermatitis.
Advice
- Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose, borage and black currant oil has been shown to help relieve symptoms of eczema.
- Try to sleep well and adequately. If you have trouble sleeping, try taking a relaxing bath before bed, make sure your bedroom is cool and dark, and turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before bed.
- Try other approaches, including acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, and homeopathy. If you wish to try Ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy, be prepared for the idea of going through a long "interrogation", not necessarily referring only to eczema. Both homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicine, in fact, are alternative medicines that present considerably different philosophies and approaches, but know that Ayurvedic medicine has been known and applied for thousands of years while homeopathy for hundreds of years. Somehow they must be effective!
- If your hands are in poor condition, get a pair of cotton gloves. After applying a lotion mixed with a little coconut oil, put them in and keep them every other hour applying the lotion every time you put them on.
- Consider getting allergy tests. While they can be annoying at times, they are important because they allow you to find out which foods, animals, carpets, or even plants are causing your rashes.
- Try vaporizing lavender oil in environments; its relaxing properties can help you if you can't sleep due to eczema.
- If you don't have a humidifier, try spraying some water into the room with a vaporizer.
