Home remedies for eczema

If you are dealing with eczema or dermatitis then you know just how frustrating it can be to find a cure for the condition. Having eczema is a serious condition for those that are suffering through it, especially for those that have a severe case. People with eczema experience symptoms consisting of red, scaly patches that can often be in the form of blisters and is usually extremely itchy. The rash can appear on any part of the body and in infants the rash is very common in the scalp as well as other parts of the body. There are many things that can cause a dermatitis reaction to occur, however they are different for everyone. Trying to determine the cause of your dermatitis is a very important part of preventing the problem from occurring. For this you may need to see your doctor for a list of things that can cause eczema or to have an allergy test performed.

Once an eczema breakout has occurred, there are a few home remedies that you can try in order to soothe the rash and the symptoms that are associated with the dermatitis. First, try to avoid bathing in hot water. The heat from the water will cause the rash to worsen. Try to soak in a lukewarm bath since cooler water may be more soothing. You can also try adding dry oats to the bath water. Oatmeal has been known to help the skin. Avoid using soaps that are drying to the skin or have heavy fragrance. Use body washes that are mild, moisturizing and fragrance free or hypo-allergenic. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes daily in order to moisten the skin, but do not use the soap products until the end of bathing to prevent soaking in any soap residue. Once you are finished with the bath, pat the skin dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin. Within the first 3 minutes of leaving the bath, you should apply a moisturizing cream to the skin to lock in the moisture your skin has just soaked up.

Try avoiding foods high in sugars, dairy or gluten to see if they may be the cause of your allergy. Other foods that are known to cause a reaction are oranges, orange juice, tomatoes and eggs. Limiting certain foods can often help the rash fade. Also, get plenty of sunlight. Although too much sunlight can cause skin cancer, making sure you expose your eczema to the sun for a few minutes each day has been shown to help the eczema clear up. For those that do not live in an area that this is possible, try to use a tanning bed for a few minutes a few times a week. Do not overdo it though. Do not allow the skin to get burned. It is important to limit the exposure of UV rays to just a few minutes each session to avoid damaging the skin further.

Other ingredients that are good for eczema include olive oil, turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera, and evening primrose. All of these can be applied to the area topically. Mixing turmeric and olive oil or coconut oil and massaging into the skin can really moisturize the skin while soothing and healing the rash. Be sure to drink plenty of water, since water is very good for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. Also taking probiotics for the digestive tract and taking a daily multi-vitamin can ensure you are staying healthy from the inside. Treating your body from the inside can improve the outside results drastically.

Make sure you only wear loose fitting cotton clothing. Allowing air circulation is the key to avoiding overheating. Overheating and sweating can cause an eczema flare-up. Cotton is the best material you can wear to avoid rubbing of fibers on the skin.

Try following some of these simple steps in order to control your eczema. Pay close attention to what triggers your eczema and you may be able to prevent flare-ups from occurring.

Last updated on Oct 1st, 2009 and filed under Alternative Medicine. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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