Top Home Remedies for Eczema
Some people live with atopic dermatitis (mostly known as eczema) for years. According to the latest statistics, approximately 4% of adults and 2% of children in the United States have eczema flare-ups. Dermatologists still can’t explain why eczema is showing up in older adults.
There are a lot of factors that can trigger this skin disease- stress, cigarette smoke, heat, antibacterial ointment, household cleaners, certain metals, and fabrics, etc.
People living with eczema know that sometimes this condition can erupt all of a sudden. Here are the best home remedies that can help relieve itching and keep eczema under control:
Honey
According to the study, honey can help boost the immune system and heal wounds and burns. High-quality honey contains antioxidants and it has an antibacterial capability.
Eczema honey is available at most pharmacies. You can also make a mixture with honey on your own. To do so, you should mix cinnamon powder with home-made honey and apply it on the affected parts.
To relieve symptoms of eczema, you can also mix a teaspoon of honey with half of the lime in the glass with lukewarm water and drink it every morning.
You can apply honey cream to moisturize dry, scaly skin twice per day.
Aloe vera cream
It has been proven that creams and gels with aloe vera have immune system-boosting, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. People with eczema can use aloe vera gel in order to relieve itchy skin.
You can grow aloe vera at home and use its juice anytime you need it. Aloe vera juice can also be used to treat burns and canker sores.
If you want to use aloe vera plant for skincare, clean your skin with unscented soap and lukewarm water before applying the gel. Avoid leaving the juice on your skin for a long time. Dermatologists recommend repeating this procedure at least twice a day in case of an eczema flare-up.
If you want to buy aloe vera cream in the pharmacy, make sure it doesn’t contain fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, and colors – they can cause an allergic reaction.
Also, you can find thick moisturizers for dry skin that contain a high concentration of aloe vera juice.
Apple cider vinegar
The National Eczema Association (NEA) has recently conducted a study on the effects of apple cider vinegar. The dermatologists have discovered that it can help balance the skin’s acidity levels, relieve itching and redness and fight against bacteria. You will find apple cider vinegar in many stores and pharmacies.
Before using apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for your skin disorder, follow simple rules:
You should not overuse the vinegar since it can cause chemical burns. However, you can easily avoid it by diluting the vinegar with warm water before applying it. To moisturize your skin without unpleasant consequences, add two glasses of apple cider vinegar to the hot tub and rinse your body with cold water after ten minutes of soaking. Also, you can mix a tablespoon of vinegar with warm water, dip a clean gauze in the mixture and wrap it around the skin. Rinse the area affected by eczema with the cold water, dry yourself with a towel, and apply a moisturizer at the end of a procedure.
It is necessary to contact the doctor before using apple cider vinegar to treat eczema symptoms in infants.
Oatmeal bath
Dermatologists, M. Catherine Mack Correa and Judith Nebus, conducted a study in 2012 on the effects of colloidal oatmeal on the skin affected by atopic dermatitis. They found that the fine powder can protect the skin, moisturize it, and reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Consider making an oatmeal bath to stop eczema from spreading. You can find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores or make it at home.
To make it on your own, you would need to grind the oatmeal into a powder (with blender, food processor, or coffee grinder). Then, mix the powder with lukewarm water. If it looks like a milky liquid, in the end, add it to the warm bath (make sure the water is not very hot) and mix it with hands. To relieve the itch, stay in the tub for twenty minutes, take a shower, and apply a thick moisturizer afterward. You shouldn’t be in the water for a long time since it may aggravate your irritated skin.
If you buy colloidal oatmeal from the pharmacy, make sure to follow the rules listed on the package.
The bottom line
People living with eczema can use natural remedies such as honey, oatmeal, aloe vera juice in order to keep their skin condition under control. You can buy eczema honey, aloe vera gel or colloidal oatmeal at local drugstores or make mixtures on your own. Besides using natural remedies for eczema, avoid harsh fabrics, make cold compresses, and apply thick moisturizers daily. However, before using any home remedies, you should contact your doctor.
