Natural treatments and home remedies can soothe the itching dry skin that is associated with eczema. People can use lifestyle changes, dietary, natural products, and over the counter creams to prevent or manage eczema flares, especially during the winter, which is when the symptoms are worse. Natural substances like coconut oil and aloe vera gel can moisturize broken dry skin.
They could also fight harmful bacteria and inflammation to prevent infection and reduce swelling. Rather than curing eczema, the following natural remedies help prevent flares and manage symptoms:
1. Aloe vera gel
This gel comes from the aloe plant’s leaves. Aloe vera gel has been used to treat various ailments for centuries. Soothing eczema is one of its common uses. A study from 2015 shows that the gel has properties such as wound-healing, immune system-boosting, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. The antimicrobial and antibacterial effects prevent skin infections which tend to occur when one has cracked dry skin. Aloe vera’s wound-healing properties might promote healing and broken skin. Skin sensitivity can be checked by first using a small amount of aloe vera gel. The gel can at times cause stinging or burning. It is however generally effective and safe for children and adults.
2. Apple cider vinegar
This is a common home remedy for various conditions such as skin disorders. The National Eczema Association claims that the condition may be helped by apple cider vinegar. Caution is however recommended as the acids in the vinegar could damage soft tissue. No studies have confirmed that it reduces symptoms of eczema, though it balances acidity levels and fights bacteria.
3. Bleach baths
It might sound dangerous but research shows that a bath with bleach could improve symptoms of eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Bleach has the ability of killing bacteria found on the skin’s surface, such as S. aureus, which leads to staph infections. A 2015 review claims the bleach baths could possibly reduce the necessity for antibiotic treatments or topical corticosteroid.
4. Colloidal oatmeal lotion
Avena sativa or colloidal oatmeal is made from boiled and ground oats to activate their properties for healing skin. A study in 2015 claims that colloidal oatmeal lotion contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This results in improved itch intensity, roughness, scaling, and skin dryness.
These creams and lotions are safe for people of all ages, though those with oat allergies should avoid it. Oats are processed with wheat and therefore those allergic to gluten should also use caution.
5. Lukewarm baths
Bathing is important in the treatment of eczema. Skin needs extra moisture when experiencing a condition like eczema. A washing could at times make eczema worse by making the skin dry when not moisturizing afterward, using bad soap and using excessively cold or hot water. Avoid excess bathing. Most children and babies need bathing around twice a week. Moisturize within a few minutes after showering. Using a towel, pat the skin to dry it and apply a moisturizer. This helps seal in water before it evaporates.
