Sure, some eczema medications work and are a god-send to many sufferers.  But the ultimate question is: are they sustainable?  In most instances, the answer is a resounding “no”, and that is why so many people are turning to eczema remedies.  In many cases, consistently using natural remedies not only help to alleviate symptoms, but can also get rid of them altogether.  And since natural remedies are inexpensive and have no undesirable side effects, there is no harm in giving them a try.  Now you don’t have to give up your medications cold turkey; natural eczema remedies can be used to complement medical treatment,  helping to reduce the amount of medication you need.

So what are some good remedies that you can do at home?  Listed below are three cheap and effective eczema treatments that work well with quick results.

Oatmeal. Who would have ever guessed that the Quaker oats man would have so much healing power inside of that red canister?  Oatmeal is actually one of the most common natural treatments for eczema, known for soothing and protecting the skin.  It is also an excellent bath additive for those with eczema.

Usually, colloidal oatmeal is used for adding to baths because of its solubility, and you can find this powder in the bath sections of your favorite store.  But colloidal oatmeal can also be made easily (and cheaply) at home. All you need is a grinder and unsweetened, uncooked oatmeal.

1. With a blender, food-processor, or coffee grinder, grind 1-2 cups of oatmeal into a fine powder.
2. Draw a warm (avoid hot) bath and add the powdered oatmeal.  The bathwater should turn milky from the oatmeal dissolving.
3. Soak in the oatmeal bath for a maximum of 20 minutes.  Be careful of getting out of the tub since the oatmeal can make it slippery.

After an oatmeal bath, the skin should feel silky, soft, and moisturized.  Any itchiness should subside.

Oatmeal can also be used for fast relief of itching and pain caused by an eczema outbreak.  All you have to do is make a paste with whole oatmeal and water and directly apply it to the rash(es).

Wet wraps.  Wet wrap therapy is an easy home remedy for eczema, good for hydrating and calming irritated skin.  If done regularly, wet wrap therapy can reduce dryness, inflammation, redness, and the frequency of intense itching. Wet wrapping can be a little time consuming, but it can be done easily in a few steps.

• Soak in a lukewarm bath- with a fragrance-free bath oil added to the water- for 5-10 minutes.
• After bathing gently pat the skin until it is partially dry.
• Apply any medication and moisturize with an emollient-rich moisturizer.
• Moisten fabric bandages with warm water and wrap around the skin.
• Cover the wet bandages with dry ones to seal in the moisture.

You can do wet wraps at any time you like, but they are especially beneficial prior to going to bed at night, as they can help you achieve a more restful sleep.

Vitamin E. While vitamin E has been proven to relieve eczema symptoms when taken internally (International Journal of Dermatology (2002;41:146–50)) as a supplement, it can also be used directly on the skin.  Vitamin E cream is an effective eczema remedy that has long been used for a variety of skin problems, including scars and acne.  But what makes vitamin E cream so great for those with eczema is its amazing ability to protect and enhance the skin.  Vitamin E cream helps to eliminate and reduce irritation and inflammation and also helps to protect you from harmful sun rays.

When purchasing a good cream, opt for a natural vitamin E cream instead of a synthetic version.  Like any other treatment, you have to be patient with vitamin E cream. Some individuals have quick results, while it may take others several weeks to notice any positive changes. If you are consistent,  you skin will eventually improve.

Of course, these three natural remedies for eczema are only a few of the countless natural treatments available.  But if you implement these remedies today, you and your skin will be off to a great start.

In India, the neem tree is known as the “divine tree” and as the “village pharmacy”.  This ayurvedic leaf has powerful medicinal properties, including being an antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and an analgesic.   These properties make neem a very effective natural eczema remedy treatment.

Neem works by preventing bacteria from entering broken skin; it  also strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, neem is  an emollient that keeps dry skin moisturized.

In traditional Ayurveda, a paste from the neem leaves is rubbed directly over the affected areas. However, there are several ways to use this wonderful plant.

• Add neem oil to your bath and soak for 30 minutes.  You can also use a neem leaf extract made from a cup of tea of fresh or dried neem leaves.

• Rub neem lotion or cream on moist skin to lock in the moisture.

• Neem can also be ingested to boost immune system. Fresh neem leaves work best, but if you have yet to acquire the taste, there are neem supplements available.

If you opt to use neem oil, make sure you use cold-pressed oil that is not a refined extract.  You should also stay away from neem soap, as the other ingredients in the soap may be drying to the skin.

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