What are Home Remedies for Eczema?
Dry, scaly, or red rashes that cause a lot of itching. Well, that’s eczema! It’s a chronic condition of the skin, much like skin blisters but with crusting and oozing. More often than not, the first appearance or symptoms are spotted in infants. But that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to deal with it. Either way, what is a home remedy for eczema?
If you’re allergic or exposed to chemical irritants, the condition persists into adulthood too. Areas most likely to be a victim to eczema in grownups are the back of the knee and inner elbow. It’s also highly likely that the one with frequent flare-ups of eczema has a family member or members coping with hay fever, asthma, or even eczema.
It’s no surprise to find out that remedies for treating the condition are fairly lacking. But there are many effective remedies that veritably relieve the symptoms of and prevent eczema. And these you can try right at home!
Three At Home Treatment Methods That Actually Work
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Apple Cider Vinegar
I would be lying to you if I said that using apple cider vinegar is not a very popular home cure for many skin and body conditions. When it comes to skin disorders, this relief-providing liquid works the best.
The National Association for Eczema itself encourages the use of apple cider vinegar to help deal with the problem. But they also stress on maintaining caution. That’s because apple cider vinegar contains acids, which tend to damage your soft tissue.
To be honest, there aren’t any scientific or medical-backed studies to confirm the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating skin disorders such as eczema. Nevertheless, many people still use it because of the following reasons.
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Apple cider vinegar balances the acidity levels of your skin
You probably know that vinegar is a highly acidic substance, so is the skin. But when eczema strikes, this natural acid level of your skin reduces. And that, in turn, weakens the defenses of the skin.
The chances of apple cider vinegar causing burns when not diluted are quite high. But not so much when the golden solution is properly diluted to neutralize the acidity level.
Keeping that in mind, you should be aware of the fact that there are many alkaline cleansers, soaps, and detergents out there. What they do is disrupt your skin acidity, thus leaving it susceptible to damage. No wonder certain soaps only trigger eczema flare-ups!
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Apple cider vinegar fights bacteria
It’s not an unknown scientific fact that apple cider vinegar fights bacteria. This includes staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli. When you use apple cider vinegar on your inflamed or broken skin, what you’re actually doing is keeping that area away from getting infected.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar:
Once again, dilute the solution before application. You don’t want undiluted cider vinegar to give rise to chemical burns and other such mishaps. And there are 2 ways of using apple cider vinegar.
The first method takes the form of a wet wrap. Mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply this prepared blend to gauze or cotton. Then, using a clean cotton cloth, cover that dressing. And leave it covered for at least 3 hours.
The second method involves a warm bath. Soak in a tub of water with two cups of vinegar for around 15 to 20 minutes. Following which a thorough rinse is necessary. And post-bath, don’t forget to moisturize immediately.
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Mild Body Soaps/Washes and Detergents
I don’t need to tell you because you already probably know that there are many body washes out there that aren’t good for eczema. These are the ones that offer the rich, soapy lather you associate your showers with.
The thing about detergents and similar lathering agents is that they tend to dry out your skin. And you don’t want your already dry or broken skin caused by eczema to get aggravated any further. Also, more often than not, bar soaps are harsh and harmful on the skin. It’s because of their high alkaline level.
So what’s the most effective solution to all of this? The only way you can protect or prevent your skin from getting infected is by opting for fragrance-free, no-lather, gentle cleansers for your body. The best body wash for eczema is proof that a skincare product like this exists. It doesn’t contain rough particles that scrub or exfoliate the skin. Meaning no further irritation is triggered.
The same applies to the detergent you use for laundry. So it’s time to switch to a color-free, fragrance-free, much gentler laundry detergent. This goes a long way when it comes to improving eczema symptoms.
Along the same lines, why don’t you try skipping your fabric softener as well! This particular product, loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrances, lingers on your clothes. The result of which is more skin irritation.
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Aloe Vera Gel
At Skincare Skills, the use of aloe vera gel is encouraged not just for dealing with eczema but many other skin conditions. And you know what; you can apply aloe vera straight away from the plant itself.
Aloe vera gel is a very effective remedy for all kinds of skin ailments. But it is quite commonly used for treating and soothing eczema symptoms. So what makes aloe vera such a potent skincare ingredient? Here’s why!
- Antimicrobial properties.
- Antibacterial properties.
- Wound-dealing properties.
- Immune-boosting properties.
The antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, in particular, are what keep skin infections at bay. Especially when you’re already dealing with cracked, dry skin. As for wound-healing properties, you can expect aloe vera gel to soothe your broken skin while also promoting healing.
How to Use Aloe Vera Gel:
The gel form is available in almost every health store. And like I said, feel free to use the gel directly from the plant’s leaves too.
But when choosing gel products, make sure the list of ingredients is small. You don’t want it to contain stuff like alcohol, colors, preservatives, and fragrances. These are known to cause irritation to sensitive skin. In fact, alcohol in skincare has the ability to worsen your eczema since it dries out your skin.
Always do a patch test to check for any potential skin sensitivities. If the aloe vera gel is giving rise to stinging or burning, avoid it completely. But for the most part, it’s very effective and safe for both children and adults.
The End
The bad news is that eczema has no cure. But the good news here is that you can manage the symptoms using effective natural remedies. I have discussed apple cider vinegar and aloe vera gel because they, in my opinion, provide instant relief. Other natural, at-home solutions include coconut oil, tea tree oil, honey, colloidal oatmeal, and more.
The quality of your home’s air is a not so obvious irritant with pollutants that can bind to your skin. FurnaceCompare.com has created a guide detailing the impact that indoor air quality has and how to make sure that your home isn’t standing between you and healthy skin. Air Quality and Your Skin: What You Need to Know
Even dietary changes help in diminishing the flare-ups caused by eczema. Keep away from foods that give rise to inflammation. Some anti-inflammatory items are leafy greens, fish, lentils, beans, colorful fruits, and veggies.
Now you know the answer to the question, what is a home remedy for eczema? However, if your skin condition doesn’t improve, instead if it becomes severe; please pay a visit to your doctor. It means you might need to use prescription medicines or steroid creams for treating the inflammation.
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