Methods for managing and soothing eczema symptoms at home
In the quest to alleviate the discomfort of eczema, many people turn to home remedies. These remedies focus on moisturising the skin, reducing inflammation, and soothing itchiness. Here are some natural treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness in easing eczema symptoms for both adults and children.
One such remedy is an oatmeal bath. Adding finely ground or colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm bath water and soaking for 10–20 minutes can help reduce inflammation and itching while moisturising dry skin. Oatmeal forms a protective barrier and has anti-inflammatory benefits that provide symptom relief.
Aloe vera gel is another effective soothing agent. Its cooling properties and ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines make it ideal for calming redness and itchiness. Aloe vera’s acemannan compound reduces redness and itching by interrupting immune responses contributing to eczema.
Virgin coconut oil, rich in lauric acid, offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying it to affected areas helps hydrate and soothe irritated skin, potentially reducing eczema symptoms and preventing infections.
Raw honey acts as a natural humectant and has antibacterial properties. When applied topically to eczema patches, it can help retain moisture, prevent infection, and promote healing.
Chamomile preparations, such as cooled chamomile tea bags as compresses or diluted chamomile essential oil, can help reduce inflammation and itching due to their soothing effect.
Turmeric, containing curcumin, may help as it inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing redness and itchiness. It supports tissue healing through promoting new blood vessel growth and epithelial repair.
Other remedies include baking soda baths, which may relieve itchiness when added to bath water or applied as a paste, though care should be taken to avoid skin irritation. Diluted bleach baths can reduce skin bacteria, lowering infection risk and inflammation in some cases, but must be used with caution and under medical advice to avoid skin damage.
These natural treatments are generally effective in managing mild to moderate eczema symptoms by soothing skin irritation and restoring moisture balance. However, the effectiveness may vary from person to person, and some remedies (such as tea tree oil or bleach baths) can cause irritation in sensitive skin. Therefore, it is important to perform patch tests or consult healthcare professionals, especially for children or severe eczema.
In summary, these remedies serve as valuable complements to conventional eczema care and can be incorporated into daily routines to alleviate symptoms naturally. For persistent or severe cases, medical treatment should be sought.
- Aq (oatmeal) added to lukewarm bath water can help reduce eczema symptoms in adults and children, establishing oatmeal baths as a popular home remedy.
- Bleach, when used in diluted form in baths, can lower inflammation and infection risk, but it should be used with caution and under medical advice to prevent skin damage.
- Type of soothing agent, aloe vera gel, has cooling properties and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it effective for calming redness and itchiness associated with eczema.
- Turmeric, a common spice, is another natural treatment for eczema, as it contains curcumin, which inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and supports tissue healing.
- Vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, can potentially help manage eczema due to its antiseptic properties and ability to restore the skin's pH balance, making it a useful addition to a health-and-wellness routine.
- Diabetes medication Pfizer's Januvia has shown predictive benefits for treating eczema, with a study suggesting it can reduce the risk of new eczema flare-ups in patients with the condition.
- Skin-care persona may find relief from eczema by incorporating chamomile preparations (such as cooled tea bags or diluted essential oil) into their routine, as they help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Infantile eczema can be managed with home remedies like coconut oil, which offers both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, helping hydrate and soothe irritated skin.
- COPD patients with coexisting eczema may benefit from integrating natural treatments, such as virgin coconut oil or raw honey, into their health-and-wellness routine, as they can help manage eczema symptoms and promote overall skin health.
