Eczema: Natural Remedies for the Cure

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition where dry, itchy, and rough patches of skin are caused. It is common and not contagious. The symptoms of eczema show up when the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Eczema can be treated and can be managed with some home remedies. It is a type of skin inflammation called dermatitis. There are different types of eczema, and a person can get more than one type at a time.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?

The signs of eczema show up when triggered by the substances, causing an allergic reaction. The symptoms of eczema commonly appear on hands, elbows, necks, ankles, knees, face, ears, lips, and feet. It is less common in the breasts, penis, and nipples. The main symptoms of eczema are:

• Skin rash.

• Dry skin.

• Itchy skin.

• Bumps on the skin.

• Swelling.

• Thick and leathery patches of skin.

• Flaky, crusty, or scaly skin.

What Are the Causes of Eczema?

Eczema may be due to one or more of the following causes:

• Immunity: Eczema may be due to the immune system's overreaction to the allergens or irritants present in the environment. When the skin comes in contact with such allergens, the immune system may consider it a foreign material and start fighting against it by building up inflammations.

• Genes: A person can get eczema if there is a family history of dermatitis, asthma (inflammation of the respiratory tubules), allergies, or hay fever (an allergic condition causing sneezing and itchy or watery eyes and other similar symptoms).

• Environment: Irritating substances in the environment, like smoke, pollutants, chemicals in soap, and other products, can cause eczema.

• Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression are some emotional or mental factors that cause eczema.

What Are the Natural Remedies for Eczema?

Eczema may not be fully treated by a single type of medication. But some natural remedies can help manage the condition in babies, kids, and adults.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is an ingredient in many body lotions and bath soaks. It helps to soothe the skin affected by dermatitis. Adding colloidal oatmeal to the child's bath can help to prevent itchy and dry skin.

• Bleach Bath: Adding bleach to the bath may help manage eczema by killing the bacteria that worsens the skin infection. However, it is necessary to take a medical opinion before doing this.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Similar to bleach, apple cider vinegar may also have antibacterial properties and kill infection-causing agents. Apple cider vinegar can also be added to the water used to take a bath. However, taking a dermatologist's advice before usage is essential.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. Raw coconut oil will be free of other ingredients and may have antibacterial properties. It also offers an efficient moisturization for dry and flaky skin.

• Petroleum Jelly: A thin coat of petroleum jelly effectively provides moisturization. It is also convenient to use as it is odorless.

How to Manage Eczema in Kids at Home?

In children and babies with eczema, it can be managed at home in the following ways:

• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress on itchy skin can relieve the symptoms. For this, a clean towel should be soaked in clean, cold water, and the towel should be wrung until damp and applied on the itchy skin. After using the cold compress, the skin should be moisturized by applying a suitable moisturizer.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: The parent can add colloidal oatmeal to the child's bath. The kid can be encouraged to soak in the lukewarm water containing colloidal oatmeal. In addition, a good moisturizer or petroleum jelly should be used after the bath.

• Lukewarm Water Bath and Moisturization: Taking a lukewarm water bath and applying an adequate amount of moisturizer afterward can help in some cases. This technique can be done daily for better relief.

• Distracting the Child: Distracting the child by doing activities or playing games is an effective way to make them forget about the itchiness. For example, the parent can try playing games like peek-a-boo, feeding the child their favorite snacks, or telling a story.

• Calming the Child: Stress can aggravate skin inflammations. Therefore, it is necessary to do techniques to calm the child to prevent the worsening of the symptoms.

What Should Not Be Done to Treat Eczema at Home?

• Anti-itch Products: Anti-itch sprays and ointments are not always harmful but can cause allergies in some people. So it is better to avoid the usage of such products.

• Essential Oils: Essential oils are considered products that can relieve skin inflammations. However, these oils can aggravate allergic reactions in some people.

• Evening Primrose Oil: There is a belief that this oil can heal skin infections. But no firm evidence is there supporting this belief. In addition, the oil can also cause allergies in some people.

• Telling the Child to Stop Scratching: Constantly telling the child to stop scratching can irritate them and make them stressed. It is usually done by parents but may not bring the required action. Stress and emotional problems can aggravate the symptoms of eczema. Therefore, it is necessary not to tell them to stop scratching.

• Bubble Baths for Children: Bubble baths may contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. So, it is necessary to pause taking bubble baths when the child has eczema or a skin rash.

• Demonizing Food for the Kids: Some parents stop giving certain foods to their children if they get skin infections. But in such cases, there are chances that the child develops an allergy to that particular food and may show symptoms while consuming the same in the future. Therefore, the kids can be encouraged to enjoy the foods suitable for them.

• Leaving the Nails Uncared: Care must be taken to cut the child's nails short to prevent scratching.

When Not to Do Home Treatments?

If eczema gets infected, it should be treated immediately by a medical professional. Following are some signs of infection:

• Fever or chills.

• Swelling or pain.

• Straw-colored crust.

• White discharge or pus.

• Worsening redness.

Conclusion

Eczema can be managed to an extent using natural or home remedies. But if infected, it is necessary to consult the doctor and get the required medications or procedures done. It is important not to believe the myths about undesirable natural remedies, which may worsen the problem.