Natural Treatment Options for Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition making the skin red, inflamed and extremely itchy. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema, and affects 10-20% of the people worldwide. It affects people of all age groups, but is quite common in infants and small kids. Fortunately, the disease disappears with age. But if eczema flares up, giving a bath and then applying lotions can be an effective treatment for babies.

Atopic dermatitis is mainly based on external factors, but and abnormal response of the body's immune system may also cause it. Eczema is often characterized by red, dry and extremely itchy patches on the skin. Eczema can affect just about any part of the body, but infants usually get it on their cheeks, forehead, legs, forearms, neck and scalp. For bigger children and adults, it usually occurs on neck, face, knees, ankles and in the folds of the elbows.

Since eczema is usually itchy and dry, the most commonly used treatment is to apply lotions or creams so that the skin remains moist. These ointments are applied after the bath so that moisture can penetrate the upper layer of skin.

Natural treatments for eczema make use of combinations of natural therapies, and can also be used to complement other conventional treatments. When eczema flares up, most people turn to the use of steroids that can provide instant relief but can have many serious side effects in the long run.

Eczema’s presence on the skin is usually the indication of some problem with the internal state of health, energy balance, lifestyle and psychological stability of a person. Eczema can also be triggered by substances that are allergy-provoking. An eczema treatment needs to be selected appropriately so that it is able to address the psychological and physical problems of an individual. It should be able to take care of stress and trauma, align the body’s natural healing process, eliminate toxins from the body and balance the energy in the body.

The first step in the natural treatment of eczema is to pay attention what goes into the mouth, and stick to a diet that does not provoke allergic reactions. Avoid eggs, chocolates, citrus fruits, shell fish and cow’s milk, and consume more whole foods. Your diet should also be rich in beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin A, and minimal amounts of sugar, alcohol, animal fat, caffeine and junk food should be consumed. As well, drink at least 2 liters of pure water every day. Adding supplements to your daily diet may also help, such as virgin coconut oil, primrose oil, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Soaking in an oatmeal bath is another effective eczema treatment, as it soothes dry skin. Just add porridge oats to the lukewarm bath, and it can calm the inflamed skin, giving relief from scratching. If the itching intensifies during the night, wet wrap therapy is an excellent natural treatment.