Eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis. While the cause of this inflammatory skin condition is unclear, medical experts believe a malfunctioning immune system plays a role. Common symptoms for eczema include itchy, inflamed, cracked, and rough patches of skin. It affects around 10-20% of infants as well as around 3% of children and adults in the U.S.
While there is no cure for eczema, the symptoms are manageable with several over the counter topical creams (i.e., Gold Gond) prescription oral medications, and natural home remedies using topical and bathing treatments. The following are several effective natural treatments for eczema relief:
1. Aloe vera gel
It is made of the leaves of the plant, and it could soothe the symptoms of eczema. Several studies have shown that the aloe vera gel is antibacterial and antimicrobial, which means it both quickens natural wound-healing and boosts the immune system. Aloe’s antibacterial and antimicrobial effects could prevent the skin infection, which is more likely to happen with dry and cracked skins, and its wound-healing effect could soothe the broken skin and help healing.
2. Apple cider vinegar
ACV is a very popular home remedy for skin disorders. Studies note that apple cider vinegar helps heal a variety of skin conditions, including acne, burns, bug bites, and eczema for the following reasons:
- It balances the acidity levels of skin; however when diluted and used topically.
- ACV fights bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli.
3. Colloidal oatmeal baths
Colloidal oatmeal, also called Avena sativa, is made of oats. The study has shown that colloidal oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could improve skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itching. According to a randomized controlled trial, colloidal oatmeal moisturiser worked much better than a control. The common usage is to add the powdered colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath and then soak inside.
4. Coconut oil
This natural oil contains the healthful fatty acids that could add moisture to help relieve the dry skin of eczema. In addition, virgin coconut oil could help combat the inflammation and improve the healthy skin barrier to protect the skin. A randomized clinical trial has shown that using coconut oil for 8 weeks could improve symptoms of eczema much better than using mineral oil.
5. Honey
Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. Some studies have shown that honey could help heal wounds as well as boost immune system function, and as such could help fight off infections. Also, honey is helpful for treating various skin ailments such as burns and wounds due to its antibacterial capability. Besides, honey could moisturize the skin to speed up the healing.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is made of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It is often used to help treat skin problems, including eczema. Some studies have indicated that tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects, and It could also help relieve the skin dryness as well as itching to help prevent infections.
