Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries for a variety of skin conditions including burns and dryness.  In fact, you will most likely find it as an ingredient in your favorite skin care product.  So why is aloe vera an effective eczema herbal treatment?  For one, aloe vera contains complex sugars, called polysaccharides, that naturally moisturize and hydrate the skin.  Aloe also helps to kill bacteria, as well as increase oxygen availability to the skin cells.  Aloe vera is also great for soothing irritated skin and prevent future infections.

You can find many topical products that contain aloe vera, but the best source is from the plant itself.  To use, simply cut a leaf from the plant, and directly apply the gel to the skin.  With time, Aloe vera will help to reduce eczema symptoms and improve the skin’s overall quality.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful Indian herb that is used for both cooking and medicine.  Curcumin, The active ingredient in turmeric, is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help to lower histamine production in the body.  Turmeric also contains anti-oxidant properties that will help the skin maintain a youthful appearance.

Turmeric as an herbal remedy for eczema can be used internally and externally.  Turmeric spice is readily available at almost any grocery store, and adding it to your meals may prove to be beneficial.  Alternatively, you can find turmeric as a supplement at natural food stores.  Create a topical treatment by making a paste mixing turmeric powder.  Apply the paste to the affected areas and rinse with warm water.

Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular eczema herbal treatments.  The German and Roman chamomile varieties are the most commonly known plants; Germain chamomile is the most commonly used plant used a an eczema herbal remedy.  Chamomile contains a compound called alpha bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching ingredient.

Chamomile is a topical treatment and can be found in essential oil and herb form.  Chamomile oil, diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, can be directly applied to the skin.  Adding chamomile herbs or flowers can be added to a warm bath to soothe itching and inflammation.

Witch Hazel

Originating from North America, witch hazel is a potent herb that has been used for conditions such as hemorrhoids and cold sores.  Witch hazel is also a good eczema natural remedy, due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tea is a very popular way for administering witch hazel. To create a witch hazel tea, add 2 to 3 grams of witch hazel leaves to boiling water for about 15 minutes. Witch hazel tea can be taken two to three times a day. You can also find witch hazel in liquid form at any drug store.  Bottled witch hazel can be applied to eczema problem areas as well.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the best eczema natural remedies because of its antiseptic and antioxidant properties.  Rosemary is known for reducing skin inflammation and stimulating blood circulation.  Rosemary also has a powerful aroma that helps to relieve stress.

Rosemary is available as an essential oil, oil capsules, and teas.  The best way to use rosemary for eczema is by adding a few drops of oil to bathwater and soak.  You can also opt to use topical creams and/or cleansers that has rosemary as an ingredient.  Rosemary is also a uterine stimulant, so it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Before using any of the herbal remedies for eczema, perform a skin patch test to check for any allergic reactions.  You should consult with your physician first before trying any eczema herbal remedy method.

Topical Steroid Creams

Cortisone or steroid creams are typically prescribed by physicians, though there are some available over the counter.  Steroid creams are especially effective for easing itchy skin, inflammation, and redness.  Steroid eczema creams vary in strength, ranging from mild, moderate, potent and very potent.  Factors including age, severity of eczema, and the size of the area and part of body determines the strength of a steroid cream a doctor prescribes. Below is a table of steroid creams and their corresponding strength:

*Based on chart found on http://www.eczemaallergy.net/steroids1.htm

Using steroid creams may cause various side effects including thinning of the skin, skin discoloration, stretch marks, and immune system suppression.  Prolonged use may also lead to an intolerance to steroids.  Because of this, steroid creams should only be used for short term use as directed by a physician.   If the eczema condition worsens or is unresponsive to steroids, treatment needs to be re-evaluated.

Non-Steroidal Prescription Creams for Eczema

Of course, steroid creams are not the only creams for eczema available for prescription.  Elidel® (pimecrolimus)is such a cream for those with mild to moderate eczema.  It may also be prescribed for those who are unresponsive to steroid creams.  This cream works by changing the skin’s defense (immune) system, decreasing allergic reactions that cause eczema.

Like steroid creams Elidel® may cause side effects, especially after prolonged use.  Some side effects may include:  headaches, infections, sore throat, fever, rash, dizziness, and trouble breathing.  Elidel may also cause skin sensitivity to the sun.  The FDA has also found other severe side effects caused by Elidel® including various types of skin cancers and vitiligo.

If you decide to use Elidel® due to a doctor’s recommendation, it should only be used for a very short period of time.  Elidel® should not be used by those with a weakened immune system and never be used on babies under two years old.

Protopic is a non-steroidal prescription eczema cream for those with severe cases of eczema.  Protopic works as an immunosuppressant that works by decreasing cell activity in the body’s immune system to help slow down the growth of eczema on the skin.    Like Elidel, Protopic has a number of serious potential side effects and should be used only as a last resort if no other treatment has proven to be effective.  Protopic also increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and is also linked to cancer.

Neosalus cream is a new non-steroidal cream introduced cleared by the FDA in April of 2009.  Neosalus works by providing a skin barrier while reducing inflammation.  Very little information such as indications and side effects is known about the cream at this time.

Over the Counter Creams

There are a number of eczema creams and lotions available over the counter.  A good eczema lotion or cream should be fairly thick and unscented.  Below are the most effective and commonly used creams and lotions:

Antihistamines
Antihistamines are applied to the skin to help alleviate itching, reducing the risk of infection and helping eczema rashes to heal faster.  The most common antihistamine cream is Benadryl.

Moisturizing and Softening Creams
Unscented moisturizing creams help to maintain moisture in the skin while help avoiding rashes.  The best creams are unscented and are non-irritants. Vaseline petroleum jelly is effective for maintaining rash-free skin.  Creams such as Aquaphor and Eucerin are popular thick ointments that are known to be very useful as well.  Aveeno Eczema Care moisturizing cream is another unscented and gentle cream that is popular among eczema sufferers, especially those with sensitive skin.

Eczema Lotion
In addition to creams, there are a variety of lotions that are help maintain the skin’s moisture.  Like creams, it is important to use emollient lotions that are unscented and non-irritating.  Eczema lotions such as Lubriderm and Moisturel Therpeutic, lotion are very useful for skin that has open and weepy rashes.  Other good eczema lotions include Cetaphil, Aveeno, Dermarest, and Eucerin.

Natural Creams For Eczema

There are also a number of natural eczema creams on the market that provide relief without negative side effects.  Natural/organic creams for usually contain herbal elements that treat eczema holistically.  However, not all “natural” eczema creams are created equal, so it is especially important to read the ingredients to make sure there is truly no synthetic or irritating ingredients.  You can read more about natural eczema creams here.

So what is the best cream for you?  Well that depends on the type of eczema and the severity of the condition.  There is no “magic bullet” cream that will work for everyone.  Since every case of eczema is unique, you may need to try more than one cream/lotion to find the one that will work best for you.

Using ACV as a “medicine” is certainly not a new phenomenon.  In fact, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used ACV in 400 BC as a natural remedy for detox cleansing, energizing, and overall healing.  Later in 1958, Dr. D.C. Jarvis touted apple cider vinegar’s amazing curative abilities in his published book, Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health. So what makes this golden vinegar so potent, especially for eczema?

Properties of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermentation of fresh ripe apples, in which sugar in apple cider broken down by bacteria and yeast.  ACV contains a myriad of essential vitamins and minerals including, pectin, beta-carotene, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, sulphur, and iron.  ACV also contains lactic, acetic, and malic acids, giving it powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Why apple cider vinegar is a good treatment for eczema

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for eczema because of its immune boosting abilities due to the host of vitamins and minerals it contains.   Strengthening the immune system is one of the cornerstones to healing eczema.  Beta-carotene is a particularly important antioxidant which helps to improve the skin’s cell renewal process, firmness and overall skin health.  Potassium is important for alleviating the effects of allergies

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are especially beneficial for combating dry skin and skin infections, relieving the skin from inflammation, itchiness, and dryness.

Apple cider vinegar may also provide indirect benefits by promoting regularity and improving digestion and elimination.  Pectin, the fiber in the vinegar helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.  It also helps the body maintain a healthy natural weight by breaking down fats.

Alternative medicine suggests that apple cider vinegar helps to restore a healthy alkaline/acid balance.  The theory behind alkaline/acid balance is our blood is slightly alkaline, with a normal pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45. Our diet should reflect this pH level and be slightly alkaline.  A body too acidic may manifest illness and disorders, including eczema.

Using apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for eczema

You can receive the benefits of apple cider vinegar internally and externally.  To use ACV to treat eczema, do the following:

• Three times a day, 30 minutes before meals, Dilute 1 Tbsp of ACV in 16 oz. of tepid water.  You can add a little honey, maple syrup, or blackstrap molasses for taste.  If you absolutely can’t stand the taste of three large doses a day, you can add a tsp of ACV to your drinking water throughout the day.  Drinking with water is best, but another option is to add ACV to a fresh fruit or veggie juice.
• Add 2 cups of ACV to warm (not hot) bathwater and soak for 15-30 minutes, following up with a cold rinse in the shower for one minute.  You can take these baths 3-4 times a week for best results.
• For immediate relief from itching and dryness, make a well diluted mixture of ACV and water, mixing 1 Tbsp to a half cup of water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas several times daily.
• If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, create a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse and apply it on the scalp.  Leave the solution on the scalp for at least 30 minutes before rinsing from your hair.

Other tips…

• If you are using an apple cider vinegar solution on a child, make the mixture more diluted to prevent a burning or stinging sensation.
• Always use unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV.  This vinegar will appear to be dark and cloudy, with sediment at the bottom of the bottle.  You can easily found this type of ACV at health food stores, online, and some grocery stores.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is especially beneficial for inflammation of an eczema skin rash.  This powerful oil contains high amounts of both vitamin A and Gamma Linoleic Acid, an essential omega-6 essential fatty acid.  These properties in the oil helps to alleviate symptoms, reducing the need for medicated creams including topical corticosteroids.  Evening Primrose oil can be taken orally via capsules or liquid, and it can also be applied externally to the cracked and sore areas of the skin.

Echinacea

One of the most effective eczema rash treatment is strengthening the immune system.  Echinacea counters eczema rashes by stimulating the immune system by stimulating white blood cells.  Echinacea  can also help to soothe eczema irritation externally. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals containing iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin B.  Echinacea can be taken internally via capsules or tea, and applied externally using a tincture.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil that can help control eczema flare-ups.  Eucalyptus oil works by stimulating blood circulation and has a calming and cooling effect on irritated skin.  And like echinacea, eucalyptus also stimulates your immune function.  Before applying eucalyptus oil (or any essential oil) to the skin, the oil should be diluted in a carrier oil (i.e. sweet almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.) to avoid further irritation and burning.  Eucalyptus can be applied throughout the day as needed for itch relief.  Eucalyptus is also great for treating a baby eczema rash.

Evening Primrose oil, echinacea, and eucalyptus are all potent herbals that you can add to your eczema-fighting arsenal.  As with any herb, you must be careful of possible allergies and any other adverse reactions.  When applying any of the herbs, do a small skin patch test to assess any reactions.

Adjust Your Thermostat…

One of the most important eczema home treatments is maintaining the right temperature.  Believe it or not, the temperature in your home may be the cause of some of those annoying flare-ups.  If your home is too hot, you may find yourself sweating too much, which may lead to a break out. Air that is too cold coupled with low humidity can dry out your skin. So your goal is to achieve the perfect temperature.  Observe how the temperatures may be affecting your skin.  If you find that warm temperatures contribute to outbreaks, keep your home moist and cool.  If cold air is the culprit, keep the temperature at a warm, comfortable level.  Finding the perfect balance of your home’s temperature may take some trial and error, but mastering it can ultimately bring you much needed relief.
Keep The Air Moist…

You probably already know the importance of keeping the body hydrated from the inside out by drinking water and moisturizing throughout the day. But if the air in your house is too dry, it may be sucking all of that moisture right out of your skin. You can easily remedy this by investing in a humidifier.  A humidifier will combat the effects of dry air.  But beware, too much of a good thing can be bad if you’re not careful. Humidity levels should remain with 30%-50% range; high humidity levels can create allergen problems in the home by providing the perfect humid environment for dust mites.  Mold and mildew can also grow easily in a high humidity, unventilated home.  You should also make sure to keep your unit cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clear The Air…

In addition to keeping the air moist with a humidifier, you may also want to invest in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter.  Purifiers are designed to filter allergens such as dust, pollen mold, bacteria, and pet dander.  Coupling an air purifier with a humidifier is helpful at keeping your skin moist as it filters allergens out of the air.  Keeping your air moist and allergen free is an easy and effective eczema remedy.

Install a Shower Filter

Did you know that filtering your shower water is just as, if not more important than filtering your drinking water?  Having a shower water filter is an absolutely essential treatment for eczema.  The nasty contaminants and chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines may prove to be too much for your skin to bear.  During warm showers the pores in the skin opens up and becomes absorbent like a sponge.  Chlorine is also to be unstable hot water, evaporating out of the water and being inhaled into the lungs. So these chemicals are not only drying out your skin, but also causes an imbalance inside of the body that can be irritating to your condition.

Not all shower filters are created equal. KDF filters are the most common filtration medium, but some models are not very effective in removing chlormine.  Some filters are only good at removing chemicals in cold water. In fact, the best shower filters for removing both chlorine and chloramine are Vitamin C shower filters. These are available as shower heads with replacement filters or multi-use shower filters.

So, there you have it: the best home treatment for eczema is actually treating the home.  Making sure your home has the right temperature, clean and moist air, and filtered water can make a world of a difference in your skin.

There are actually two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant.  Allergic contact dermatitis is a result from a reaction of the immune system.  In this case, the immune system overreacts to a substance, the immediately produces antibodies against the substance.  When these antibodies come in contact with the allergen, hormones and chemicals known as mediators are released.  Histamine is a common mediator that causes itchiness and rashes.  Typically, the initial exposure to the substance does not cause a reaction, but your skin will react to the next exposure.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin immediately reacts to a substance that damages skin.  The longer the irritating substance stays on the skin, the more severe the reaction.

The most common contact dermatitis allergens include:

• Plant allergens such as poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac,
• Chemicals found in hair dyes, perms, and relaxers
• Chemicals found in household cleaners
• Nickel, a metal found in jewelry
• Latex rubber
• Peeling of citrus fruits
• Tanning agents in leather
• Detergents
• Some medications
• Perfumes/fragrances in soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorants and other cosmetic products.

Contact Dermatitis Treatments

Allergic contact dermatitis treatment

For immediate relief of contact dermatitis:

• Avoid scratching the areas of your skin that itch
• Apply damp, cool compresses to the affected areas
• Thoroughly wash the affected areas with tepid water to remove all traces of irritants on the skin
• Avoid any soaps that irritate your skin
• Treat dry and chapped irritated areas with an emollient such as Vaseline
• Avoid using alcohol or medicated lotion on the skin.

Irritant contact dermatitis treatment

Some cases of eczema (atopic dermatitis) are caused by a skin disorder that is a result of abnormal skin cell growth and turnover.  The epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin is made up of moist, living cells and dry dead cells known as the stratum corneum.  The stratum corneum functions as a barrier, protecting the deeper layers of the skin from damage caused by infections and irritants and help to keep the skin from drying out.  When this barrier is broken down or damaged, the skin is no longer protected from irritants and may also lose moisture and become infected by bacteria.

Antioxidants are powerful treatments for eczema since they act as chemical scavengers, intercepting reactive molecules called free radicals before they have a chance to damage cells.   Free radicals are so dangerous because they not only kill cells, but also injures the cell and damage the cell’s DNA. When the DNA is changed, the cell mutates, growing and reproducing abnormally quickly.

Treating eczema with antioxidants may help prevent or regulate abnormal skin cell growth and turnover.

How to treat eczema with antioxidants

The most important antioxidants that are beneficial to helping eczema is vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.  Vitamin A is important for regulation of rapid turnover in skin cells, vitamin C helps to strengthen the skin, vitamin E helps to heal the skin, and selenium helps to detoxify heavy metals in the body.  The best way to get these antioxidants is by making sure that your diet is rich with this vital vitamins.

Foods rich in vitamin A:

• Carrots
• Yams
• Red bell peppers
• Liver
• Cantaloupe

Foods rich in vitamin C:

• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Mango
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Green leafy vegetables

Foods rich in vitamin E:

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Hazelnuts

Foods rich in Selenium

• Brazil Nuts
• Wheat germ
• Tuna and other oily fish
• Brewers yeast
• Sunflower seeds
• Cashews
• Lentils
• Shellfish

You can also take supplements for these particular antioxidants.  The suggested doses are as follows:  vitamin C, 1000 mg twice daily; vitamin E, 400 IU/day; vitamin A, 5000-10,000 IU/day; selenium, 50-200 mcg/day.  The best supplements are natural whole food supplements rather than synthetic man made.

Other Antioxidants for healing eczema

Grape seed and grape skin.  The antioxidant components of grapes are great for preventing formation of free radicals, which can be an effective treatment for eczema.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).  CoQ10 helps the cells convert nutrients into energy, increasing oxygen when necessary, and reducing oxygen before it reaches toxic levels.

Green tea extract.  Green tea extract helps to boost the immune system and supports the kidneys.

Milk Thistle extract.  Helps to detoxify the liver.

Making sure that you intake an adequate amount of antioxidants daily may prove to be one of the most practical and sufficient eczema treatments.

Aloe Vera Gel

The Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries for treating many types of skin ailments including eczema.  Aloe Vera provides an immediate soothing effect, and helps to clear up redness and irritation. The best way to benefit from Aloe Vera is by purchasing an Aloe Vera plant. When using a plant, you can simply pluck a leaf and directly apply the gel to your skin. You can also buy Aloe Vera gel from the store, but be careful of other ingredients and additives that can worsen your condition. The best type of Aloe Vera gel is food grade gel. You can also ingest Aloe Vera juice for long-term effects on the skin.

Coconut Oil

The most important aspect of treating eczema is keeping the skin moisturized. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that reduces swelling and redness caused by eczema. Use coconut oil immediately after bathing everyday, and you will notice improvement within a few weeks.

Oatmeal

Another excellent eczema natural remedy is oatmeal. Oatmeal has a calming effect on the skin and provides immediate relief from persistent itching. Colloidal oatmeal, a powdered oatmeal that dissolves in water, is the best type of oatmeal to use while bathing. However, any oatmeal sold at supermarkets can be beneficial. To use, add two to three cups of oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water and soak for 20-30 minutes. You can also create a simple paste by combing oatmeal and water and apply the paste to affected areas.

Herbs

Some eczema herbal remedies have been found to be helpful for reducing eczema symptoms. Herbs such as burdock, red clover, nettle, and chamomile work by cleansing and removing toxins from the body. To ingest the herbs, you can create a tea by mixing equal quantities of these herbs along with water, and brew for some time. Drink the herbal tea to detoxify the body and get relief. You can also take advantage of these herbs externally by adding them to a warm bath and soaking in the bath for roughly fifteen minutes.

Along with these natural remedies for eczema, you will also need to eat a balanced diet rich with vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates that are essential for good skin. A diet comprising of fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grain items, sprouts, and omega fatty acid will help these eczema remedies work better to provide the much needed fast relief.
One more natural remedy for eczema cure is witch hazel. This has excellent astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply the liquid to the skin rashes twice a day. Use it consistently and you will see the rashes disappearing from your skin soon.

2) Pamper your skin while bathing
One of the most effective dermatitis treatments is bathing in short durations a few times a day.  To further to make your daily bath of great benefit and to help soothe the skin and replace lost moisture, try the following:

• Keep a warm temperature of the water.  Be sure that it is not too hot.
• Avoid soaps and bubble baths as it will dry out the skin.
• Add an unscented and chemical bath oil to the water, which will help seal the moisture into your skin.
• Another bath additive option is dead sea salts, which contain minerals that help to soothe the skin and relieve itching.
• After a bath or shower, always pat (not rub) the skin dry gently with a soft towel, leaving your skin slightly moist.

3) Moisturize daily

Moisturization is the most important atopic and allergic dermatitis treatment.  Regularly moisturizing, especially after bathing, will help the skin stay hydrated and prevent dry skin.  Choose a lotion or cream that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

4) Continue skin care even after your skin has healed

Atopic dermatitis treatments are an on-going, continuous effort.  Even if you think your skin is looking better or is healed, it is important to carry on with treatment.  Skin that is prone to eczema can easily get irritated again. So, always follow the recommended tips.

Reason #1 – Affordability

When you use home remedies to treat eczema, you may need to purchase a few supplies, but they are relatively affordable when compared to prescription medications.  Moreover, you may already have what you need inside your home.  In that case, no additional money is needed to seek relief.

Reason #2 – Many Choices

There are a plethora of treatment options you can try at home.  Something as simple as locking in moisture with lotion after a bath is considered a home remedy, as is drinking plenty of water.  Other home remedies include wet wraps, oatmeal baths, oatmeal pastes, and diet changes.  With many home remedies to choose from, you are sure to find one that works for you.

Reason #3– Fewer Risks

Home remedies for eczema are used as alternatives for prescription medications and some over-the-counter products.  Many sufferers opt for home remedies because they have fewer risks and side effects. Your goal is to seek relief from eczema, not to have other medical issues and complications that may arise from medications.

Reason #4 – Fewer Doctor’s Visits

Not only does less trips to the doctor save you money, but it also eliminates a major hassle.  If you work full-time outside of the home or are a parent, you must arrange time off from work or childcare.  When you use remedies for natural eczema relief, you lose less money or time with your kids.  Home remedies enable you to treat your eczema from home and with ease.

Reason #5 – You Have Nothing to Lose

As previously stated, most home remedies for eczema are affordable, safe, and you have many choices.  Most importantly, you are able to avoid the hassle of regular doctor’s appointments.  With these benefits and a high rate of success in many eczema patients, what do you have to lose?  Absolutely nothing.  If you haven’t already tried home remedies to manage and treat your eczema, why not give one a try today?  Chances are, you will most likely be pleasantly surprised by the end result.