Let’s get started with the 7 Natural Remedies to treat Eczema
If you or a loved one is living with a sensitive skin condition, you have no doubt been looking for ways to treat eczema that work and for answers to manage this condition. A lot of research in herbal preparations as allowed me to come up with a list of my best ways to treat Eczema naturally.
On a quest to find relief for itchy, dry, broken skin may have resulted in you trying a variety of products. When I was attempting to treat my children’s eczema we attempted so many. A lot of them caused a further reaction, irritating the skin and made the problem even worse.
Some were pharmaceutical products prescribed by doctors, some help for a while but I didn’t feel like they were ever a solution. So, I’ve compiled a list to share with you. Try some, try them all, and hopefully you will find some relief.
What is it? What causes Eczema?
Before we continue, I think it’s important to clarify what it is and what causes Eczema, so that you have the information you need to establish which treatment may be right for you or your family, and which of the natural remedies to treat eczema that I mention below are appropriate for you.
“Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition marked by itchy and inflamed patches of skin” – Healthline.com
Eczema is a non-contagious condition that can be reduced with treatment, however, the skin will continue to be sensitive and require special care and attention, and may often be prone to flare-ups
Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it’s thought to be a sequence of inflammatory changes, triggered by an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritant or sensitizer. This is what causes the symptoms of eczema.
Typical symptoms that eczema sufferers experience may include, but are not limited to a red rash, almost unbearable itchiness and even cracked or broken skin. Blisters or “weeping” of the cracked skin can result, depending on the severity of the condition.
“Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.” – WebMD.com
There are two types of Eczema
- endogenous – which is caused by an internal stimulus through the bloodstream.
- exogenous – this type is caused by external contact with an irritant to which the skin is intolerant or allergic. You might have heard of this condition being referred to as contact dermatitis.
Exogenous eczema or contact dermatitis can often be caused by a variety of products, including detergents, dyes or rubber, nickel, soap and cosmetics.
If you are aware of a newly introduced contact material, for example if you changed the laundry detergent you were previously using, it can be easily eliminated or avoided, and this will effect a cure.
Using hot water while having a shower is bad news to your skin if you suffer from eczema as this will dry out and strip your skin of its natural oils. This can cause a severe inflammatory reaction that can lead to blisters and weeping.
Harsh soaps and body scrubs are not recommendable to be used if you are currently going through an eczema flare-up. Use gentler natural cleansers or body wash instead of drying soaps.
While scrubbing the skin is generally recommended in order to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, try avoiding the inflamed areas as much as you can.
Synthetic or man-made fibres include nylon, polyester, rubber, fibreglass are known irritants that can aggravate the symptoms of eczema so it is best to avoid them.
Atopic Eczema can affect anyone. Commonly occurring in childhood, it is often associated with a family of hay fever and asthma or it can be a purely congenital condition.
Adults can also be affected, often the eczema presents on the chest, face, ears, the nape of the neck or other areas with less underlying flesh such as the elbows, back and knees
How to treat Eczema symptoms
1. Avoid Known Irritants Linked to Eczema Flare-Ups
The pain, discomfort and suffering of this condition is easily underestimated by someone not affected.
Food allergens and dietary changes are some of the commons causes of eczema. An Eczema elimination diet, practising the eliminination of certain foods that are known to aggravate eczema symptoms may be the first step to alleviate your discomfort. Consider foods such as:
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Gluten or wheat
- Tomatoes
- High sugar items, eg. fast food, cakes, biscuits and candy
It’s worth considering that you may have an undiagnosed food intolerance, which could be worth exploring with your health care provider. You should also be on the lookout for reactions to certain spices such as vanilla and cinnamon.
It may also be worth introducing helpful foods into your diet if you don’t already. Salmon and fish oil contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and recommended to be taken daily. You may also consider taking on omega-3 supplements.
Gluten-free foods, soft cheeses, kefir, and yogurt are some of the foods considered to be rich in probiotics can help you to support a strong and healthy immune system. Foods rich in vitamin C such as lemon, oranges, strawberries, and pineapples will also boost your immune system, which in turn can reduce the frequency of flare-ups and allergic reactions
2. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is well known to be loaded with anti-oxidants, these will help to heal dry, inflamed skin associated with eczema.
Avocado oil can easily be added in the diet, or can also be regularly applied topically to the skin. This will improve the levels of fatty acids in the skin.
Cold pressed and unrefined avocado oil is the best possible option for irritated and inflamed skin.
Be careful when introducing a new product to your skin, and approach with adequate care. It is recommended to take the time to do a patch test on a small area of the skin first to ensure that the avocado oil does not aggravate the already inflamed skin, or trigger a reaction.
“I have to carry moisturizer with me all time and keep it in different parts of the house. The minute I start scratching I should be attending to it”
Lisa choiy, 63
3. Protect your skin from harsh weather conditions
Harsh weather conditions, either cold winter weather or strong dry heat can all exacerbate and intensify the symptoms of eczema by drying out and dehydrating your skin.
to protect your skin from cracking it is recommended to keep your skin covered when the temperatures are low, and well moisturised when the temperature is high
The discomfort of itchiness and inflammation that comes with this condition can be reduced by using a humidifier during dry winter months and avoiding getting too close to heaters
4. Stinging Nettle to treat eczema
The benefits and healing properties of Stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica) are widely acknowledged, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being a remedy for allergies, this wonder herb is perfectly positioned to help relieve the symptoms of eczema.
Make tea with dried nettle leaf, 1tsp to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink warm or chilled. (Tip: use fresh herbs when in season). Drinking the nettle tea to reduce the symptoms of allergens.
Try a nettle infused oil, applied directly for a punchy powerful concentration of this herb’s goodness. Infuse dried nettle leaves in a carrier oil like Avocado, Olive, or Sweet Almond. The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the nettle will work directly on the affected area, while the oil will work to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Use a balm or an eczema treatment cream blended with Nettle oil and beeswax to apply topically to the affected area to soothe itchiness and nourish dry skin.
It is always advisable to patch test a small area of the skin when trying something topical for the first time, wait 20-30 minutes to ensure the balm or oil does not trigger a reaction or aggravate the skin further.
Shop our full range of Stinging Nettle natural remedies including the best cream for eczema itching here
5. Tea Tree Oil
The benefits of using Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) in skincare are nearly endless.
Tea Tree oil is reported as having antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties which make it extremely useful in treating eczema. It is regularly recommended for treatment in other skin conditions like acne, and toenail fungus.
Tea tree oil has been shown to be effective in relieving and improving the symptoms of the initial inflammation, while showing absence of other adverse side effects that chemical alternatives might trigger.
Initial flare ups can be relieved with the anti-inflammatory properties of Tea Tree oil, eliminating the cause of itching and discomfort.
Its powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties can work to clean the cracked and damaged protective layer of the skin, prevent vulnerability of microbial agents and bacteria that can potentially cause further infections. Tea Tree oil is well known to be used in other natural remedies for allergies.
It is always recommended to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil eg, almond or olive, before applying them directly on the skin. Tea Tree is a powerful antiseptic therefore it is advisable to test it on a small area of the skin to avoid aggravating any existing irritation.
6. Honey
Honey is a well know natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that has been widely used to heal wounds for centuries. In particular, Manuka honey has been specially identified for wound care and skin application.
Originating in New Zealand, it is made by bees pollinating the native manuka bush found in this region.
To relieve the unbearably itchy symptoms of Eczema and prevent further infections, a honey ointment made from a mixture of honey and olive oil can be applied to the skin.
This particular treatment although effective for adults, it may not be the most suitable option for infants and children. It is recommended to always test patch a small area of the skin as honey is known as a potential allergen because it contains bee pollen.
7. Strive to live a Stress-Free Life
Commonly known as eczema triggers are worry, chronic lack of sleep, emotional stress and depression. Increased levels of stress hormones known as adrenaline and cortisol are produced by our bodies in response to stress.
When our body produces too much cortisol, the immune system can be suppressed, which will react by causing an inflammatory reaction in the skin.
While stress can not only aggravate the already existing symptoms of eczema, it can be the sole cause for development of eczema in adults that may have never suffered from eczema before.
Allowing yourself to cope with stressful situations by using relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and mindfulness can help to reduce eczema flare-ups and improve overall health and wellbeing.
So, now you know some natural remedies to treat eczema
If you suffer from eczema, you may find the struggle to keep it under control quite difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Severe cases of eczema may require a doctor’s attention and a prescription of topical steroids, for a short time.
A combination of self-care and the natural remedies I listed above can work together to greatly improve the symptoms of the condition.
I hope you have found my favourite natural remedies to treat eczema I have listed above helpful, and hopefully you can successfully treat eczema using these natural suggestions.
You can find further reading and All Natural herbal Nettle products available in the shop here.
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