DIY Remedies for Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder which affects epidermis and results in rashes and skin scaling on different body parts. It exhibits symptoms like dryness, itching, swelling, flaking, rough, blistering, redness, crusted sores, etc.

It can be acute or chronic and most common in children and people living in dry areas. It is caused due to weak immune system or inheritance which makes the skin to produce less oil and reduces the skin’s ability to lock the moisture. This widens the skin cells and that space is filled with bacteria or irritants causing eczema.

Allergies, stress, sweating, environmental irritants, hormonal imbalance, etc. are some reasons that trigger eczema. However, there is no complete cure for eczema but you can reduce the symptoms to a great extent with some natural home remedies along with your doctor advice.

Home Remedies for Eczema:

Listed below are some effective natural remedies for eczema that gives safe and long lasting results. Let’s get started.

Remedy – 1: (Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that remove bacteria and reduces inflammation. It penetrates deep into the skin to prevent dryness.

It has essential medium chain fatty acids and vitamins (E & K) that boost your immune system, soothes the skin by reducing the itching and irritation.

Steps to be followed…

• Clean your hands and eczema affected area with lukewarm water.
• Dry the area and apply some virgin coconut oil on eczema affected areas.
• Massage it gently to get well absorbed into the skin and leave it on.
• Repeat the application throughout the day on daily basis to get rid of eczema.

Note:

• Or consume 2 – 4 tablespoons of coconut oil regularly to reduce eczema outbreaks.
• Alternatively, pour 1 cup of melted coconut oil in your bathtub, which is filled with lukewarm water. Stir it and soak yourself for 30 – 45 minutes to reduce eczema.
• Or use other natural oils like olive oil or jojoba oil or Shea butter or a combination of these oils instead of coconut oil for treating eczema.

Remedy – 2: (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent skin infections and soothes the itching and irritated skin. It acts as a humectant that holds the moisture and prevents dryness and burning sensation. Also, it boosts up your immune system.

Steps to be followed…

• Mix few drops of vitamin E oil in fresh aloe vera gel.
• Apply it on eczema affected skin areas and massage gently.
• Let it sit for few minutes and rinse off with water.
• Dry the skin and continue applying this combination regularly for few days to get relief from eczema.

Note: Or simply apply fresh aloe vera gel (or) consume aloe vera juice by mixing in your favorite fruit or vegetable juices.

Remedy – 3: (Oatmeal)

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that relieve itching, pain, and irritation caused by eczema. It also moisturizes the skin to reduce dryness, flaking and other discomforts associated with eczema.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 – 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal to your bath tub (either tie it or pour it).
• Fill the bath tub with lukewarm water and stir well.
• Soak in this water for at least of 15 – 20 minutes and pat your skin dry gently using a soft towel.
• Finally, apply some mild moisturizer on the eczema area and do the same regularly.

Note: Or simply mix 1 tablespoon of cold milk to 2 tablespoons of oatmeal to make a fine thick paste. Rub it on the affected areas and rinse off with cold water after 15 – 20 minutes.

Remedy – 4: (Chamomile Tea)

Chamomile has effective skin soothing and antioxidant properties that reduce the irritation, itching and inflammation caused due to eczema. It enhances your weak immune system and fights against the germs causing eczema.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (or 1 teabag) in 1 cup of boiling water.
• Allow it to steep for 15 – 20 minutes and strain the tea.
• Then soak a clean piece of cloth or cotton ball in this tea and dab it on eczema affected areas.
• Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the same process for 2 – 3 times a day until your eczema symptoms have reduced greatly.

Note:

• Or drink 2 – 3 cups of chamomile tea regularly to reduce swelling and irritation.
• Alternatively, mix few drops of chamomile oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and apply it on the affected areas of the skin. Massage gently and repeat it twice daily.
• Or have chamomile bath by placing a tie off some chamomile herb in muslin over the bath tub. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and soak yourself for 10 – 15 minutes. Dry your skin and apply some natural moisturizer.

Remedy – 5: (Turmeric)

Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin by neutralizing the free radicals and prevents pain and irritation.

Steps to be followed…

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in enough of milk to make it a fine paste.
• Apply it on the affected areas and wait for few minutes to dry completely.
• Rinse off with water and do the same process for twice daily till the itching and redness has cleared completely from the skin.

Note:

• Or mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer it for 10 minutes and let it cool for few minutes. Drink this mix or use it to wash the affected areas.
• Or internal intake of turmeric will provide best results against eczema. So, include turmeric in your daily diet.

Remedy – 6: (Epsom Salt Bath)

Epsom salt has magnesium that soothes the skin and makes the eczema patients to get more relaxed. It reduces itching and irritation along with the removal of toxins from the body. Bathing allows the moisture into the skin and applying moisturizer after bathing will seal the moisture properly.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 – 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bathtub, filled with warm water.
• Then add 10 – 15 drops of lavender oil in it and stir well.
• Soak yourself in this water for about 15 – 20 minutes.
• Dry your skin and apply some natural moisturizer.
• Continue doing this same process for 3 times a week till your symptoms has reduced greatly.

Note: Or mix 1 – 2 cups of Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes), 1/2 cup of sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 10 – 15 drops of essential oil in your bathtub filled with warm water. soak in it for few minutes to get rid of the problem.

Remedy – 7: (Indian Lilac)

Indian lilac (or neem) has antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve you from redness, swelling, itching and irritation. It has vitamin E that moistures your dry skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 tablespoon each of turmeric root, sesame oil and neem leaves in a blender.
• Make it a fine paste and apply it on eczema affected areas.
• Wait for few minutes till it gets dried and rinse off with warm water.
• Repeat it once daily for few days to get relief from eczema symptoms.

Note: Use neem oil by pouring few drops in your bath tub, filled with warm water. Soak in it for few minutes and pat your skin dry. Apply moisturizer and repeat regularly.

Remedy – 8: (Diet Plan)

• Fish oil has some essential fatty acids like omega – 3 fatty acids, which break down into their metabolites and thus close the skin surface. So, consume fish oil (with orange juice) or take capsules to get rid of eczema.
• Regularly consume omega – 3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, nuts, fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel or tuna) as a part of your diet but avoid taking omega – 6 fatty acids.
• Fermented cheese, alcohol, saturated fats, dairy products, wheat, sea foods, refined carbohydrates and sugars, strawberries, spicy & oily foods, animal protein, caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks should be avoided or consume less to get rid of eczema.
• Apples, brown rice, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, celery, complex carbohydrates, grapes, goat milk, kale, mushrooms, nuts, potatoes, pears, oolong tea, probiotics, parsley, raw fruits & vegetables, seeds (pumpkin, sunflower or sesame), spinach, garlic family, vitamins (A, C, D & E), zinc rich foods should be taken to prevent eczema.
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids which hydrate your body and avoid any artificial foods or sweets.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Apply some thick and greasy vegetable shortening / corn starch + olive oil mix topically on eczema and cover it with a plastic wrap. Leave for 2 – 4 hours and repeat daily till the rashes calm down on the skin.
2. Vitamin E oil plays an important role in protecting the body from free radicals and other damages. So, apply it regularly on eczema affected skin areas.
3. Avoid hot baths or showers while suffering from eczema, as it worsens the skin and dries out the moisture levels. So, always opt for lukewarm water baths with mild cleansers or soaps.
4. Spend some time under direct sunlight at the time of sunrise and sunset to grab vitamin D into the skin which improves immunity and to reduce eczema breakouts.
5. Topical application of some combinational natural remedies like baking soda + water, honey, apple cider vinegar + water, warm carrier oils, lavender oil + olive oil, calendula herb, evening primrose oil, sandalwood, etc. will give relief from eczema and its symptoms.
6. Always use organic and raw natural ingredients rather than its supplements or over the counter steroidal creams for treating your eczema.
7. Make sure to keep a track record on all your daily activities like food, usage of any new products, etc. to know what causes any allergic reaction to your skin and then avoid eating or using those products.
8. Regular application of moisturizing skin lotions which are free from fragrance or other irritating ingredients will help to hold the moisture and hydrate you.
9. Avoid wearing tight – fitted, rough or scratchy clothes which are made of wool and other irritating fibers. Always choose loose fitted cotton or soft cloths.
10. Try not to scratch your rashes especially at night time (being unconscious in sleep) to minimize the skin damage.
11. Anything causing sweat will irritate the rash. So, always be in fresh without any excessive sweat on the body to get relief from eczema flare ups.
12. Stress might worsen your eczema problem. So, always be in a relaxed mood and reduce your stress levels by doing yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
13. Consult your doctor for regular checkups to get rid of eczema along with its symptoms. Also, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside the room.
14. Apply cold milk using a cotton ball to reduce the itching sensation and also prevents dryness.

Soothe your eczema and calm down your angry skin by using these natural remedies at home. Let me know which one worked well in reducing your eczema by sharing your experience.