Eczema is a mysterious condition. Although not particularly difficult to diagnose, there is no known cure for eczema. It is thought to be hereditarily, but stress can bring on outbreaks and food and seasonal allergies are known to exacerbate the symptoms. With so many unanswered questions it is perhaps surprising that most doctors turn to the same treatment: Steroid or cortisone cream of various potency.
This essay will discuss some of the homeopathic, herbal and folk remedies for eczema. Always avoid treatments that may conflict with medicines you are currently talking and when in doubt consult your physician. You should also be aware that outbursts can be brought on by allergic reactions to food or seasonal allergies and reducing or managing your stress level may help keep the condition at bay.
Many remedies attempt to alleviate the symptoms of eczema, but don’t profess to actually cure the problem. You may want to approach the condition holistically, which would entail changing your lifestyle, dietary habits, and incorporating stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga into your life.
There’s no lack of opinions for those wanting temporary relief from the itchy, scratchy, flaky skin associated with eczema. These symptoms have persisted throughout the ages and nearly every folk tradition offers some form of treatment. It’s important to use common sense whether you choose to rub a nutmeg paste onto your arm, employ ultraviolet light or modern urine therapy, or simply use steroid creams. Be careful around your eyes and always research the side effects of whatever treatment you wish to use. Cortisone creams, for example, often thin skin tissues and may bleach the affected area white as well as having other side effects.
Witch Hazel has been used to treat inflamed skin conditions in the past, though it may be too harsh for many cases of eczema. Some people report success in keeping symptoms at bay by applying Crisco or even animal fat on the afflicted area. Many non-steroid topical creams such as Noxema and Suave skin conditioners have been used to treat the dry skin associated with the condition, but lotions that use urea are said to work much better. The most-popular over-the-counter lotions are Eucerin and Nutradern Therapeutic Lotion.
It is often preferable to try to address eczema from the inside out, examining nutritional deficiencies, poor lifestyle choices or other possible causes. Although it may be possible to treat your skin condition directly, unless you can find the root of your problem topical treatments will mostly be effective only for flare-ups.
There is some evidence to suggest Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in a variety of sources including certain fish oils, flaxseed oil and borage oil, can help clear up eczema. These oils can be digested directly in the foods in which they naturally occur salmon, flax seed, etc or ingested as a dietary supplement, in pill or gel form.
Codfish liver oil is particularly high in the Omega-3 amino acids, and Carlson’s Norwegian Cod Liver Oil is perhaps the most popular version available. Flaxseeds can be purchased at most health food stores and ground down for easier digestion. Evening primrose oil likewise has been successful in treating eczema in some patients.
Other herbs regularly taken by eczema suffers include chaparral, dandelion, kelp, red clover and yellow dock. Sulfur, found in keratin, is said to strengthen skin and sulfur baths have been used through the ages as a treatment in controlling blighted skin. Oolong tea has also been used successfully, and detoxicants and antioxidants such as green tea or kombucha tea are suggested for those who fear that they may be suffering allergies to persistent toxins in their environment.
There is some research to support that probiotic bacteria promotes a healthy immune system and may help quell symptoms of eczema. Probiotic bacteria are helpful bacteria found in some yogurts. Other remedies that enhance the immune system may also reduce the effects of eczema, and daily vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Biotin and Zinc should help promote healthy skin and enhance your immune system.
Topically applied herbal remedies for eczema include burdock root, German chamomile and goldenrod for inflammation of the area and Roman chamomile to alleviate discomfort. Other topical solutions including using a small amount of Vitamin E on the area or soothing the irritated skin with Jojoba oil. As mentioned earlier, always be careful around your eyes and never try to moisturize your eyelids.
Use common sense when dealing with your eczema. If you find wool irritates your skin, stop wearing it. If you have an outbreak every time you eat dairy products, consider removing that food from your diet. Use mild soap and avoid scalding water, harsh chemicals or other abrasives. Hot air and harsh sun will damage your skin and may lead to flare-ups, so take precautions during seasonal changes.
Be aware of your body and enviroment. Learn techniques for dealing with your stress eat well; avoid conditions that may result in flare-ups, and above all try to understand your eczema not as a curse, but as a challenge to live better.
By Randy Moser
