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Natural remedies for eczema

Natural remedies for eczema

Written by Anusuya Suresh |Updated : May 28, 2015 11:53 AM IST

While there is no cure for eczema, it is possible to take a few measures to relieve the discomfort it causes. Here are some of the more effective natural remedies for eczema.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains compounds such as caprylic acid and lauric acid, vitamins and other healthy nutrients. These substances work to prevent the loss of moisture from the skin, and this reduces dryness of skin. They also have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that speed up the wound healing process. Applying a thin coat of coconut oil to affected areas three to four times a day helps to soothe the irritation caused by eczema.

Castor oil

With its high viscosity, castor oil is one of the most effective oils for eczema that is resistant to other treatments. It helps to increase the flow of blood to the affected area; this tends to give it greater nutrition and drains away the toxins generated due to the inflammation. Castor oil is very thick and sticky and after applying it, you may need to cover the area with a cloth bandage to prevent it from sticking to your clothes.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a wax-like substance that penetrates deeper into the skin and is a strong moisturizer. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that help restore health to the skin. However, because it is very expensive, some people prefer to restrict its use to eczema on the face.

Honey

Honey has an anti-inflammatory and wound healing action. It sticks to the skin and helps draw in moisture to the area where it is applied. This makes it a good remedy for eczema-affected skin. Besides, honey also has anti-microbial action so if there is any infection, the intensity of that also reduces.

Calendula

Calendula has epidermis-softening properties and can help reduce the intensity of eczema. Steep a few flowers of Pot Marigold in one cup boiling water; allow to cool, strain and apply the water using a cotton ball to the affected area. Some people also soak dry petals of calendula flowers in olive oil and place the bottle, so it is exposed to the sun. After ten days, the oil is strained and used.

Epsom salt

Epsom salt is the common name for a chemical substance called magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the immune response to allergic materials. Thus, using Epsom salt in the form of a bath proves effective for eczema. Add 1-3 cups of Epsom salt into comfortably hot water in a regular-sized tub and allow it to dissolve. You could also add in essential oils or baking soda to enhance the spa-like experience. Lower yourself into the bathtub and allow your skin to soak for about 20 minutes. Soon after stepping out of the bath, make sure you apply a moisturizer to the skin to keep the moisture locked in.

Along with these natural remedies for eczema, it is also important to follow a few lifestyle tips. For example, bathing for a long time and the use of water that is piping hot tends to cause excessive drying of the skin. This can aggravate eczema. So make sure you use lukewarm water and get out of the shower within 10 minutes.

Another factor to keep in mind is to dab mildly to dry skin after the bath; harsh toweling makes skin irritation more likely. Many people also find that applying a strong moisturizer such as petroleum jelly to skin immediately after a bath also helps to lock the moisture. Most important, wear clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton that allows your skin to breathe; wool and synthetic clothing can cause severe skin irritation that causes eczema symptoms to aggravate.

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Reference:

Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2008 Nov-Dec;19(6):308-15. PubMed PMID: 19134433.