Home Treatments for Eczema: Alleviate Itching and Inflammation

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 26, 2024

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Eczema isn't caused by just one thing; instead, it's a mix of medical conditions that make your skin flare up, turning it dry and flaky. No matter where it shows up, eczema is likely to itch, leaving the affected areas dry and scaly. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema often appears in families with a history of allergies. Many doctors notice symptoms in children, but it can develop at any age. Although we don't know the exact cause, eczema is common among people with asthma and hay fever. It's triggered by the body's overactive response to something irritating the immune system. Living with eczema can be frustrating, but you're not alone—millions of people deal with this skin condition every day. The good news is, you can manage it effectively with some simple home remedies.

Jojoba Oil

First on our list is jojoba oil, which comes from the extract of the Simmondsia tree. Interestingly, it's found in wax form rather than liquid. Its properties are similar to the natural oils our skin produces, called sebum. Experts believe this similarity tricks the skin into thinking it's receiving its own oil, helping to regulate excess oil production.

Therefore, jojoba oil is an excellent moisturizer that spreads easily over the skin, absorbs well, and gets rid of flakiness in the affected areas. By gently massaging it into your skin, jojoba oil can go a long way toward controlling body acne and eczema. Moreover, it's stable and doesn't lose its antioxidants, even after being stored for a long time. So, why not give jojoba oil a try? It might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.

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Gotu Kola

Another remedy to consider is gotu kola, also known as Brahmi. This herb is considered one of nature's most treasured medicines. Renowned for boosting mental function, gotu kola is highly valued. Besides improving memory and nervous system function, it's excellent for healing wounds and skin conditions. Using gotu kola topically shows better results against eczema.

Mixing it with ghee, which enhances its penetration into body tissues, makes it even more effective. You can consume it as a tea or simply with water. In India and Sri Lanka, people often use it in food by chopping it finely and sprinkling it over rice and curries or using it in salads instead of lettuce. In Thailand, it's ground into a powder to make a cold herbal tea called nam bai bua bok. However, always make sure it's fresh and potent before consuming. After all, freshness matters when it comes to herbal remedies.

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Calendula

Moving on, calendula, also known as the marigold flower, is native to Northern Mediterranean countries. It gets its name because it blooms with the calendar, usually every month or on each full moon. Calendula contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that protect body cells from damage. For centuries, people have used it for various ailments, including eczema and other skin-related issues.

Those with eczema have shown remarkable improvement in their damaged skin within about three to four days of use. When applied as a cream, calendula fights the fungi that can cause eczema to flare up and encourages healing when applied to sores and rashes. Therefore, incorporating calendula into your skincare routine could make a noticeable difference.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Let's not forget the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. What you eat is just as crucial for your skin as the treatments you apply on it. Omega-3s, found in both plants and animals (especially in fish and krill oil), are essential nutrients that help reduce inflammatory compounds in the body that lead to natural aging.

Currently, omega-3 is considered one of the most vital natural nutrients and is widely consumed around the world. It has an amazing impact on the skin due to its high levels of EPA and DHA, which can boost brain function, improve blood circulation, and influence how your skin looks and feels. So, adding omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your meals can be a game-changer for managing eczema. After all, you are what you eat!

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Natural Soaps and Shampoos

When dealing with eczema, it's important to pay close attention to the products you use on your skin. Many soaps contain irritating agents that can make eczema flare up, as they tend to dry out the skin. Therefore, you should check how gentle and moisturizing any soap is before applying it. Some soaps include active ingredients like hydroquinone, which helps reduce skin discoloration.

Others may contain soothing elements like aloe vera and chamomile oil. It's best to avoid soaps with harsh chemicals, parabens, or artificial fragrances, including bubble bath solutions, foaming soaps, or skin sanitizers. Soaps containing pine tar are a good choice for eczema sufferers, as they help restore the skin's appearance by speeding up the growth of new skin cells. Pine tar soaps can also be used as shampoos to nourish the scalp. In other words, choosing the right soap can make all the difference.

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Shorter Showers

Believe it or not, the way you shower can impact your eczema. Doctors have noted that some daily bathing habits can damage the skin. Long, hot showers irritate and dehydrate your skin, removing the "good bacteria" that help your body fight off infection. If you're dealing with eczema, this can mean a flare-up. Ideally, the water temperature should be a bit cooler than what you normally prefer—keeping it at a tolerable level rather than super hot.

Your shower should be short, about five minutes or so. Limit the time you spend under the water and apply soap only to essential areas. After the shower, gently pat your body dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it on the skin. The most vital part of your post-shower routine is applying a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer. Slather it all over your body and consider reapplying later in the day. At the end of the day, small changes in your routine can have a big impact.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another fantastic remedy that treats eczema both inside and out. While some treatments offer short-term relief from symptoms, the real solution lies in strengthening the immune system—the root cause of this condition. Aloe vera is effective because you can apply it topically and also consume it. By doing so, it tackles eczema from both angles.

You can apply aloe vera gel on affected skin areas after gently washing with a cleanser other than soap. Orally, aloe vera can be taken in pill form or as a juice. You can also supplement aloe vera with a balanced diet to help control most of your eczema problems. It's like hitting two birds with one stone, providing both internal and external benefits.

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Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil has been used since ancient times to treat dry skin conditions like eczema. Despite the emergence of many other remedies over the years, sweet almond oil remains an effective home response to eczema. In addition to its benefits for skin and hair, it also helps regulate cholesterol, reduces heart disease risk, protects against diabetes, promotes good colon health, and supports a healthy weight.

Moreover, sweet almond oil has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. It's a mild oil that's safe enough for baby skin or highly sensitive skin. However, doctors don't recommend using it on your face. Found in various skin moisturizers, sweet almond oil has a light texture and absorbs well into the skin. So, it's definitely worth considering as part of your skincare arsenal.

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Humidifiers

Since eczema is painful and itchy, changes in temperature can make it worse. While we can't control the weather outside, we can manage the environment inside our homes. One way to do this is by using a humidifier. Many people use humidifiers to relieve congestion when someone has a cold, but they also work well for dry skin caused by eczema.

Humidifiers release water into the air to increase indoor moisture levels. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and maintain humidity levels between 45% and 55%. To ensure you're not exposing your skin to any harmful bacteria, clean your humidifier regularly with distilled water. Dry air in summer or winter can create a harsh environment for your skin, but a little moisture in the air can change all that. So, investing in a humidifier might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Oatmeal

Last but not least, oatmeal's anti-inflammatory properties are great for treating eczema and the itching and irritation that come with it. Remember, a lack of oil isn't always why skin becomes dry; sometimes, your skin isn't retaining enough water to stay moist. Oatmeal can help counteract the effects of harsh soaps, frequent washing, low humidity, and cold temperatures.

The saponins in oatmeal naturally cleanse by removing dirt and dead skin from the pores. If you mix oatmeal with honey and yogurt, you'll boost its power. Both yogurt and honey have nutrients that can soothe the skin. Yogurt's lactic acid helps remove dead skin, and its bleaching properties help clear blemishes and marks you may see on your skin. So, you should focus on finding an oatmeal solution that works best for your skin. After all, a soothing oatmeal bath might be just what you need to relieve your eczema symptoms.

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