5 Natural Remedies for Eczema | What Causes Eczema?


5 Natural Remedies for Eczema | What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition where patches of skin are irritated, inflamed, red, itchy, cracked, and rough. Eczema usually refers to the most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis. Some people outgrow eczema, while others have it through adulthood.

What Causes Eczema?

Unfortunately, the causes of eczema aren’t clear cut. However, researchers believe that the skin condition is due to a combination of genes and triggers. People who have eczema typically have over-reactive immune systems that produces inflammation when triggered. Inflammation is what causes the skin to become red, itchy, and cracked. Keep in mind that what triggers eczema will be different from person-to-person – from food allergies to stress to weather – and that symptoms may vary depending on the time of year. Some people also experience eczema on their hands, while others get it on their face, and so on.

5 Natural Remedies for Eczema | Eczema Treatment

Finding out what your triggers are can be a long process and sometimes the itch from eczema is unbearable, which is why it’s nice to have some natural remedies to manage your symptoms.

1.      Oatmeal Soap for Body, Hands, and Face

Unfortunately, soaps that contain chemicals can dry out your skin and cause chemical reactions. This can have a particularly significant impact on eczema on the hands, considering how many times a day they get washed! According to study done in 2012, oatmeal protects the skin and soothes any itching and irritation from eczema. If your skin is red and irritated, try switching to a soap that contains oatmeal and has less harmful chemicals.
     Eczema Diet

Certain foods can be triggers that cause inflammation and, in-turn, eczema flare-ups. The good news is, you have control over what you eat and can experiment with foods to create an anti-inflammatory eczema diet that works for you.

The first thing you should add to your diet are foods high in probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that promote gut health. Fermented foods and drinks, like kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi tend to be high in probiotics. Other foods include tempeh, miso, and yogurt. In addition to foods high in probiotics, foods high in inflammation-fighting flavonoids – like apples, broccoli, spinach, cherries, and kale – are important for an eczema diet.

While adding foods that are high in probiotics should help your eczema, eliminating foods that promote inflammation may also reduce eczema symptoms. Some foods that commonly trigger an eczema flare-up include:

  •       dairy
  •       eggs
  •       gluten or wheat
  •       soy
  •       citrus fruits
  •       spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon
  •       tomatoes
  •       some types of nuts

3.      Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is full of omega-6 fatty acids and gamma linolenic acid, which prevents inflammation in the body. Taking it orally treats systemic inflammatory conditions, including eczema. You can also apply primrose oil topically to alleviate painful or itchy eczema rashes.

4.      Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a product that can be used in so many ways, least of which is to soothe eczema symptoms. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that has antibacterial properties, which can reduce staph bacteria on skin and prevent infection. Patches of eczema may become cracked, allowing bacteria to enter. Applying coconut oil can help the eczema heal and protect it from harmful bacteria.

5.      Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting fine needles to alter the flow of energy in the body. Based in Chinese medicine, acupuncture takes a holistic approach by taking into account the entire body. It affects the nervous system and can reduce the itch cased by eczema. Acupuncture can also improve sleep and help decrease emotional stress, both of which may be factors in your eczema. In addition, acupuncture helps your body detox and regulate cortisol levels, which prevents future flare-ups.



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