Eczema is a condition where your skin isn’t producing a substantial amount of oils and fats. Because of this, it can leave you with dry, itchy, and scaly skin. It can be debilitating and leave you scarred if not treated due to the constant need to scratch. Now, before you slather on all kinds of prescription creams, take a look at a few home remedies that may just do the trick.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been used for years to help with a variety of different things. People ingest it to reduce high blood pressure, reduce inflammation and arthritis, boost the immune system, improve brain function, and help with weight loss, among many other things. Besides ingesting it, people have also used it to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by swishing it in their mouths like mouth wash. The most popular use of coconut oil is for dandruff treatment. But did you know you can also use it to treat eczema? Because it is a lipid, it works by sinking into your skin and filling up the intercellular space that causes you to lose moisture, which is what’s irritating your skin. All you need to do is rub the oil on the affected areas, and let it air dry. You may apply it as needed.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has chemical constituents that have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and moisturize the skin. To make an oatmeal bath, just pack some oatmeal into a cheesecloth, tie it off, and make a package somewhat resembling a giant tea bag. Fill your tub and let the bag soak until the water becomes milky and smooth. You can also squeeze the bag to ensure as much of the oatmeal moisture seeps out. Afterwards, let yourself soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes. When you get out, gently pat yourself dry and apply your usual moisturizer. Along with reducing inflammation, it is also shown to help with relieving itchiness.
Chamomile Tea Bath
Just like an oatmeal bath, a chamomile tea bath is also known to relieve itchiness, soothe the skin, and reduce inflammation. Not only that, it can aid in healing areas that you may have overly-scratched. It contains levomenol, a natural alcohol that has been studied to reduce inflammation, ease irritation, and provide anti-microbial effects to decrease any risk of infection from scratching. The directions are the same as an oatmeal bath, but with chamomile flower instead of oatmeal. You may even combine the two baths if you like.
Honey
Another product in your kitchen that may help with eczema is honey. Just like coconut oil, it has been used for a variety of different things; such as reducing cough and throat irritation, blood sugar regulation, balancing the 5 elements in your body, reducing ulcers, and is especially known for being nourishing for the skin. And, just like everything mentioned above, it provides everything that you need to help relieve your symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory, draws in moisture, anti-microbial, and aids in healing damaged skin. All you need is raw honey and a bandage, if you want to cover it. Because honey is sticky and can get messy fast, just apply a thin layer over the affected area. After 20-30 minutes, rinse it off with cool water and pat dry. You may do this 3 times a day.
Organic Diet
Although the most common form of eczema is topical eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis—outside substances that may irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction, such as a nickel allergy, or an allergy to animal dander— there are a variety of different forms of eczema that could be affecting you internally from the toxins that get into our bodies. You should try and avoid caffeine, alcohol, gluten, dairy, meat, and processed foods. Try and stick to a raw and organic food diet. The documentary, Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead, followed the journey of Joe Cross towards a healthy lifestyle. He put himself through a 2-month juicing diet of fruits and vegetables, and found himself in much better shape (losing 100 pounds), and being off of his prescribed medications. He was also able to rid himself of his chronic urticaria after changing his eating habits. You don’t have to go to the extreme lengths as he did, but a detox every once in a while may be a good thing!