Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema as it is commonly called, is a common but recurring skin condition. The symptoms include a dry, flaky, itchy rash and may appear on different parts of your body contingent upon your age. Eczema is a broad term that refers to dermatitis, or skin swelling, in response to several different causes.

Eczema can be present in many different ways but the most common presentation is a dry, itchy (pruritic) rash found on the skin in different areas of the body. Its appearance can also fluctuate depending upon how severe it is and where it is located on the body. Flare-ups of the condition can include one or a combination of any of the symptoms. If the affected skin becomes too inflamed, open sores may result, and a clear, sticky fluid may seep from the affected skin making it difficult to determine if the skin is affected by the eczema or a skin infection, both of which can occur at the same time. The skin may become thick and leathery if it has been affected by eczema for a long time.

Eczema usually appears on the hands, neck, inner elbows, backs of the knees and ankles in older children and adults, but in younger children it usually appears on the face, elbows, knees, and possibly other areas as well.

The lifetime prevalence has been found to be highest in infancy and with female predominance during the reproductive years. Most eczemas are allergic in origin and its continued increase in prevalence may have something to do with the increasing incidence of allergy-related diseases like hay fever and asthma. This may also be affected by the increasing number of allergy-causing compounds in the environment.

Knowing this, avoiding the irritants or allergens (if at all possible) is a natural home remedy for eczema.

Natural Home Remedy Cures for Eczema

Lotions

To help get rid of eczema during the cold months, use a moisturizing lotion. Lather a generous amount of lotion to your whole body especially the back and limbs which are easily dried by exposure to cold weather. A moisturizing lotion is also the most common home remedy for dry skin. Vaseline itself is an inexpensive but very effective barrier between the skin and the outside elements.

Steroid Creams

Over the counter topical creams for itching and redness may help the current outbreaks but they will not prevent future outbreaks. Be careful of long-term use of steroids. Follow manufacturers instructions on usage.

Topical Applications

Zinc oxide applied to unbroken skin can help relieve the itching that eczema causes. Evening primrose oil applied to cracked and sore skin can be instrumental in promoting the skin’s healing. There is some belief that eczema occurs more often in people who have a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Topical applications of chickweed, chamomile, calendula, St. John’s Wort, and goldenseal can help promote healing of cracked, painful, or dry skin. These herbs can often be found in topical ointments formulated for eczema.

Diet

There is some indication that avoiding foods an eczema sufferer is sensitive to such as wheat, cow’s milk, shellfish, oranges, peanuts, food preservatives, and corn improves the condition. One tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil may also help because it is a good source of essential fats that are instrumental in reducing inflammation.

Nutritional Supplements, Herbs, and Vitamins

Gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is found in high quantities of evening primrose oil has to found to improve the symptoms of eczema. This dietary supplement is used a great deal in Europe for treating eczema. The typical daily dose is two to four grams per day, taken with food. It can take up to six months for results to develop.

Zinc is another dietary supplement that has the ability to assist with the treatment of eczema. Do not exceed 30 mg per day in order to prevent a copper deficiency from ingesting too much zinc.

Skin and lymph cleansing herbs such as yellow dock, burdock, cleavers, nettle, and red clover can help to clear skin rashes. Yellow dock is an excellent herb to use in the treatment of eczema. To make a tea using some dry herbs from a health food store, mix one part burdock root, one part red clover, and one part yellow dock. Add one teaspoon of this mixture to one cup of hot water.

Organic Products

Sometimes switching to organic cleaning and personal care products can relieve the symptoms of eczema. Depending on your sensitivity on the chemicals in the products you were using, you may find that this will great reduce your flare-ups.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Since the causative agent is a fungus, exposure to selenium containing compounds helps get rid of the eczema. This home remedy is indicated for seborrheic dermatitis, as well as dandruff. This is one of the most effective means on how to remove eczematous lesions.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines will take care of the itching and prevent further progression while the topical steroid creams will help get rid of the swelling. Make sure to use low potency steroids for just a limited amount of time (like a week) to avoid unwanted side-effects.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a fruit found in East Asia and has many medicinal properties. The mangosteen rind is a natural cure for eczema. Dry and pulverize the rind to form a powder which you can make into a cream to apply on areas with eczema. The active component here is called xanthone, which has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides being one of the natural cures for eczema and other conditions, the fruit itself is a prized delicacy in the region.

Aloe Vera

This is one of the many natural cures for eczema and one that needs less preparation.

• Get a leaf of aloe vera and peel the skin off it.
• Rub the juice on the affected area/s and leave for approximately 30 minutes.

Aloe vera extract is a very good moisturizer and also contains a lot of vitamins.