Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a medical condition where the skin becomes red, flaky, and itchy. The symptoms of eczema are more common among children, but the condition can occur at any age, particularly in people living in cold climates. The symptoms of this skin disease tend to last long and are observed to flare-up periodically. In certain cases, eczema can also be accompanied by hay fever or asthma.
Natural treatment tips for eczema can be beneficial in providing relief from symptoms.
1. Causes
Healthy skin retains moisture, thus protecting you from infections caused by bacteria, irritants, and allergens. It has been found that eczema is related to a gene variation which decreases the skin’s ability to protect you against infections. Hence, in eczema, your skin gets affected by external allergens and irritants. It can also be caused by external factors such as contact allergy and stress.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of eczema vary among people. Some of the commonly known signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Dry skin
- Itching that may worsen at night
- Red or brownish-grey patches. Such patches can be found on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest and eyelids. The symptoms can also be found inside the bend of the elbows, face, scalp, and knees
- Small raised bumps that can also leak fluid
3. Natural treatment tips for eczema
A permanent cure is yet to be established for eczema. However, adherence to timely treatment and preventive measures usually helps to avoid any outbreaks. It has been observed that various natural treatment tips for eczema help in soothing its symptoms. If you have the condition then the following methods listed below will certainly help you.
- Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is primarily made from finely ground oats and has been found to help calm and soften inflamed skin. It features on most natural treatment tips for eczema recommendations. It is available in powder and cream form. - Evening primrose oil
The oil extracted from the evening primrose plant is known as evening primrose oil. You can apply this oil to soothe irritated skin and inflamed skin caused by eczema. The presence of gamma-linolenic acid and the oil helps in the prevention of inflammation caused by eczema making it one of the best natural treatment tips for eczema. - Coconut oil
Coconut is known as one of the best natural moisturizers. As per reports of the National Eczema Association, coconut oil has antibacterial properties. This antibacterial ability of coconut oil helps in reducing staph bacteria on the skin, thus preventing any kind of infection. - Sunflower oil
According to various research reports, the application of sunflower oil protects the outer layer of the skin from any kind of allergic and bacterial infection. This is because of the nutrient and mineral properties of sunflower oil. It also hydrates the skin, thereby helping in relieving itching and inflammation. - Witch hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent made from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub. It is typically used for the treatment of various skin inflammations. It also found to be a good remedy for the symptoms of eczema.
