How to Naturally Treat Eczema at Home

There are numerous skin conditions that can affect anyone regardless of age, with eczema being one of them. Recurring itches, inflammation, dry, and sometimes oozing skin are the signs of an eczema flare up. Fortunately there are a lot of ways to contain it, and a lot more that you can do to ensure that it doesn’t get a lot worse:

Treatments

1. Chamomile Tea / Bath / Compress

• Chamomile is a versatile herb with a great many number of medicinal uses. For eczema, there are three possible options that you can choose from, or all of them if preferred:
  • Brew the dried herbs into a strong cup of tea and pour it on the affected areas then cover it with gauze. Best done twice a day for optimum results.
  • Same with the oatmeal bath. Put dried chamomile flowers in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and place it beneath the faucet.  Squeeze the bag intermittently to get more liquid out of it.
  • The compress is similar to the chamomile tea, however instead of pouring it directly and adding gauze, you’ll have to soak a piece of cloth with the brew and press it against your affected spots.
• It is reported that some people are allergic to chamomile, so it is best that a small amount of the chosen treatment be tested first on skin to check.

1. Coconut Oil

• Organic coconut oil, when applied on patches of eczema, prevents the skin from losing moisture and becoming more irritated. It also has anti-fungal and antioxidant capabilities which allows coconut oil to relieve the skin and diminish inflammation. Itching is also relieved in five minutes or less. If a person is allergic to oils, coconut oil lotion bars are available as substitute.

1. Epsom  Bath

• Epsom salt is made from the combination of magnesium and sulfate. It is so immensely beneficial that the World Health Organization has given it a spot in their list of essential medicines. The magnesium content prevents the spread of bacteria on the skin’s surface, and the sulfate flushes toxins and helps promote development of healthy skin. Preparing the bath is as simple as dissolving a cup of Epsom salt into warm water and it’s good to go.

1. Fermented Cod Liver Oil

• Available in capsule and oil blend form, it is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids that provide a great amount of health benefits, not to mention the vitamins A, D, E, and K. A daily dose, along with other eczema treatments, can ensure eventual healing of skin.

1. Jojoba Oil

• The Native Americans heated the seeds of the jojoba plant then crushed it with a mortar and pestle to make a healing salve. Today, the jojoba oil (by name, but in reality it is a liquid wax) heals skin conditions with its rich and moisturizing fatty acids. The oil is also a working alternative to those who find coconut oil ineffective.

1. Lemon

• It may leave a burning sensation, but lemon does wonders in taking care of the inflammation. Cut a whole lemon in half and rub it on affected spots. Avoid scratching or touching it as it stings, the pain is an indicator that it is working and touching it will just exacerbate the condition.

1. Oatmeal Bath

• Proven to be very soothing, an oatmeal bath is a must for eczema as it moisturizes the skin and relieves inflammation. It also helps relax your skin when it starts to become very itchy. To do this, put a cup of oatmeal into a muslin bag or cheesecloth and place it below the faucet.  Gently squeeze the bag to release more liquid. The bath can be incredibly relaxing that you might be tempted to stay for a long period of time, but avoid doing so as you are not allowed to be in water for more than 10 minutes. Once done, gently pat skin with towel and apply moisturizer.

1. Sea Spray

• A spray bottle filled with sea water can be sprayed on affected areas that are oozing and wet. The magnesium and salt contents of the spray provides relief. If sea water is not available, a homemade spray can be made using the following:
  • Sea Salt (one tablespoon)
  • A pinch of magnesium flakes or Epsom salt
  • A cup of distilled / boiled water
  • Add the salt and the flakes to the water and stir until dissolved. Transfer the mix into a spray bottle for use.

1. Soothing Butter

• With the combination of coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter, this salve is packed with beneficial fatty acids that are crucial in healing and repairing damaged skin, and also greatly reduces inflammation. It can also be made at home by simply melting the beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter (in order) and then stirring the coconut oil into the mix before transferring to a jar.

Along with the treatments mentioned above, the following must also be done in conjunction to ensure complete recovery of skin:

1. If itching occurs during a weeping eczema (oozing), place a cloth soaked with cold milk on the affected area. As much as possible avoid scratching the itchy spots.
2. Don’t take a bath for more than 10 minutes and do not shower multiple times in a day, as this strips off oils that keep skin moist.
3. After bathing, use petroleum jelly or other heavy cream moisturizers to help protect your skin from irritants. Don’t use water-based and fragrant lotions.
4. Always clip fingernails, especially for children with eczema, to avoid potentially damaging the skin further if scratching cannot be stopped.
5. Make dietary changes:
   1. Always choose organic over processed food. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, minimize red meat, and if possible grow your own food to ensure quality.
   2. Avoid dairy products, especially cow’s milk as it is a known eczema trigger. Same goes for gluten-rich food such as bread, cereals, pasta, and wheat.
   3. Other people claim that eggs, seeds, and soy are also eczema triggers.
   4. Do take note that eczema-triggering foods are a case to case basis. If you want to determine if a certain food is aggravating your condition, try to avoid eating it for two weeks and see if there are changes. Keep a journal and take note everyday if there are effects due to your dietary changes.
6. Dry air can make eczema a lot worse. Alleviate this by installing a humidifier in your home. House plants can also work as a substitute.
7. Keep your house clean and free from allergens. A vacuum cleaner can easily get rid of dust mites, molds, and other potential eczema triggers.
8. Physical and mental stresses are attributed to the development of diseases and health conditions, with eczema being one of them. Make time to unwind to free yourself from the burdens you are carrying. Meditate, pray, or take a walk in nature to calm your spirits. Free yourself from toxic people with negative intentions.