Eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis and a skin condition that causes dryness, scales, and itchiness in specific areas of the body (i.e., scalp, hands, behind the knees, etc.). The actual cause for eczema is unknown, but there are quite a few things that can trigger eczema. Some of the most common would be allergens such as dandruff, mold, pollen, pets, and dust mites. While it should always be treated by a medical professional, there are also a lot of natural remedies for eczema that may help:
1. Honey
People have been using honey to aid different health issues for many, many years and they will continue to do so. This is because honey has natural elements that make it anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. All you have to do is apply it to this skin to help treat the inflammation. Manuka honey is the best for this since it has been made specifically to use on the skin.
2. Tea tree oil
Melaleuca alternifolia are the leaves that create tea tree oil. It has wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. With all of these properties, it can help ease the pain and discomfort that eczema can cause. When it comes to using this oil, you will want to make sure you have diluted it with a carrier oil such as olive oil. Although, there are some products that already come diluted which may make things easier and less messy.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is great at soothing sore sunburns, so why wouldn’t it have to relieve the inflammation that is caused by eczema? Aloe has four different properties that help with nearly every aspect of eczema. It has antimicrobial, wound-healing, antibacterial, and immune-system boosting properties. You can get aloe at your local drug store or you can order it online. When you purchase it, you will want to look at the ingredients. You should avoid any gels that contain alcohol or other ingredients that could dry out your skin and make your eczema worse. To use it, all you have to do is apply a small amount on your skin to test and make sure it won’t react poorly. After you are sure it won’t make your condition worse, you can apply it to all of your eczema patches.
4. Oatmeal baths
Oatmeal is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching, dryness, roughness, and scaling. There is a lotion where oatmeal has been ground up and it can be applied to the skin. Some people even take oatmeal baths since baths are also a great way to ease eczema. Just pour some powdered colloidal oatmeal into your bathtub and soak for as long as you like.
5. Coconut oil
People will use coconut oil for nearly anything and eczema is not any different. Coconut oil is full of healthy fatty acids that can be used to moisturize and ease the dry, itchiness of eczema. All you have to do is apply it to clean, dry skin after you get out of the bathtub. Do not use it if you are allergic to coconuts.
