Instead of looking too far for remedies for dry, itchy skin with eczema, there are homemade remedies that are proven to be efficient for managing the symptoms of acute eczema.
It is not out of place to buy cosmetic products, take medication or even modify lifestyle when the symptoms of eczema hit hard but there are natural products that can be formulated to treat many skin diseases including symptoms of eczema.
Coconut oil and aloe vera are natural moisturizers that can fix dry and broken skin. These products fight bacteria that are harmful to the skin and combat inflammation as well as prevent skin infection.
While natural remedies are not known to be a cure for acute eczema, they can prevent flares and the physical symptoms of the disease.
Let’s go through natural remedies for acute eczema.
1. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a plant that is commonly found around the world. This plant has a gel that has been used for ages to treat various diseases including skin diseases like acne and others.
Aloe vera gel is also used to soothe eczema and it is known to have properties like antibacterial, antimicrobial, immune system-boosting, and wound-healing.
It is the antibacterial and antimicrobial agents that are responsible for preventing skin infections for people with cracked or dry skin. Meanwhile, the wound-healing properties account for soothing broken skin.
Usage In Treating Acute Eczema
Aloe vera gel can be found in cosmetic stores in packaged forms or you can buy them as plants and extract gels from the leaves to use.
If you can going to buy a product containing the gel, look out for preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colours. They are drying agents that can make eczema worst
You may want to start with a gradual application of the product to know if you are sensitive to the product or not. However, it is believed to be good for everybody.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has several benefits ranging from improving body weight to treating skin conditions like acute eczema.
A report by the National Eczema Association claims ACV must be used with caution because the acidic content can damage soft tissues on the skin.
There’s currently no report that proves apple cider vinegar can reduce the symptoms of acute eczema but it is believed that this product can help because:
Apple cider vinegar has a very high acidic content. Since the skin is naturally acidic, people who have eczema may have less acidic skin.
Therefore taking diluted apple cider vinegar can balance the acidic content of the skin. Note that vinegar if not diluted, can cause skin burn.
Ironically, a lot of the soaps in use today are alkaline which means, they can affect the acidic level of the skin. This is why bathing with certain soaps causes eczema flares.
Usage
Make sure you dilute apple cider vinegar before application to the skin because an undiluted product can cause injuries or burns.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in bathtubs.
People can use the vinegar in wet wraps or baths, and it is available in most supermarkets and health stores.
3. Bleach in the bath
The idea of using bleach sounds ridiculous I know, but this product has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can improve the symptoms of eczema.
Bleach kills bacteria and can do so for those found on the skin. Also, this product will likely restore the microbiome on the surface of the skin.
There are conflicting reports about using bleach baths, some reports claim it is beneficial to the skin while others claim it has no benefits.
Usage
In order to make a bleach bath that can reduce the symptoms of eczema, use 6 per cent plain bleach and do it this way:
Add a half cup of bleach in a bathtub, ensure you pour the bleach only when the bath is filling, and soak in it for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the body with warm water afterwards and gently pat the skin dry.
In the case of discomfort or irritation, stop using bleach to bathe. Asthmatic people should also stay away from taking bleach baths because of the strong fumes.
4. Colloidal oatmeal
This remedy is made from oats that are processed and boiled to bring out properties responsible for skin healing.
Body lotions containing colloidal oatmeal are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When used, scaling, dryness, and itching, are improved.
Usage
You can add powdered colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub with warm water and soak it for a few minutes.
Ensure you go for colloidal oatmeal products that do not contain other fragrances and derivatives. Products that have oats as the only ingredients are readily available in stores.
You can find lotions and creams with colloidal oatmeal on Amazon.
This product can be used by all ages and categories of people but some people may be allergic to oats, such people should avoid it.
5. Baths
Bathing is the easiest remedy for eczema treatment. Bathing moisturizes the skin, which will benefit eczema-infected skin whose outer layer does not function well.
There are people who claim they have dry skin after bathing, which makes their eczema worse but dry skin is likely caused by using too hot or cold water and using strong soap that fails to moisturize the skin.
You may want to avoid bathing too much if you have eczema. NEA recommends that adults: bathe or shower at least once a day, use lukewarm water, limit bathing to 10–15 minutes, avoid scrubbing the skin, use gentle cleansers instead of soaps and try several medicinal baths.
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is good but it depends on your skin type. This oil is good for people with dry skin and eczema because it contains healthy fatty acids that can moisturize the skin
Virgin coconut oil helps to protect the skin by fighting inflammation and creating barriers.
Virgin coconut oil is especially good for children in treating the symptoms of eczema.
Usage
Quite simple – apply virgin coconut oil after bathing. You can apply it all over the body as many times as you have your bath to keep your skin moisturized.
7. Honey
Honey is used to treating several skin problems from burns to scars to eczema because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
If ingested, honey can boost the immune system, fight off bacterial infections and even heal wounds.
If applied directly to the eczema spot, it can prevent infections and at the same time moisturize the skin.
Usage
Apply honey to the affected body part.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is gotten from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia tree. This oil extract is used to treat several skin conditions including eczema.
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that can stop skin dryness and itching.
Usage
It is advisable to dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin. You can also mix tea tree oil with olive oil, or carrier oil for a quicker result.
9. Dietary changes
What you eat plays a huge role in the outlook of your skin. Since eczema is an inflammatory condition, it suffices to say you should avoid meals that can cause inflammation.
There are foods that are anti-inflammatory including Vegetables, fish, meat, fruits, cinnamon, turmeric, beans, and so on.
Meanwhile, foods responsible for inflammation include eggs, soy, wheat, and dairy products, so stay away from these ones.
10. Gentle soaps and detergents
Some soaps and detergents are too hard for the skin because of their alkalinity.
Ensure you go for mild, gentle, fragrance-free, no-lather soap or cleanser. Also, if you have eczema, you may want to avoid soaps with particles used for exfoliating or scrubbing because they can further irritate the skin.
Soaps or detergents with more lather are also good for treating the symptoms of eczema.
11. Avoid strong heat sources
Close proximity to sources of heat like fire can cause the skin to become dry, thereby aggravating itching and dehydration of the skin.
If the environment feels too hot, you can use humidifiers and avoid strong heat sources like fire and heaters.
12. Wrap up in cold weather
Just like too much heat is bad for the skin so are cold, and harsh winds during winter.
If temperatures are too low, you can cover your body to avoid dryness and breaking of the skin.
Home Made Remedies To Treat Acute Eczema
