What is Eczema?
Eczema is a long-lasting (chronic) condition where skin patches become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. Blisters may sometimes occur. It can occur at any age but is more common in children. The commonest type is known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases that have an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
What are the causes of Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is not known, but it may be linked to an overactive response by the immune system of the body to an irritant. In addition, eczema is also related to genes variation and hereditary with a history of other allergies or asthma.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema?
The symptoms of eczema may vary from person to person depending upon the age of the condition.
Symptoms include:
- Dry skin
- Itching, that may become severe especially at night
- Reddish or brownish-graycolored patches, especially on the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, etc
- Appearance of small and raised bumps on the skin which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
- Thickened, cracked, and scaly skin
- Raw, sensitive, and swollen skin from scratching which increases inflammation, and makes the itchiness worse.
What are the Home Remedies for Eczema?
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre is recommending you the best home remedies that will ease the eczema associated symptoms naturally. These home remedies have no side effects and are easily available in the kitchen. Some of the best home remedies are given below.
1. Olive Oil:
Olive oil is one of the most popular and best home remedies for skin infection. It is packed with natural omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and swelling.
How to use: Apply some warm quantity of olive oil into affected areas of the skin for softening the scaly patches.
Also, include olive oil to your diet that will help in healing the skin from the inside out.
These home remedies are very safe to use and can be used by any individual. These remedies are useful in the initial stage of eczema as it is very beneficial to prevent yourself.
2. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is considered as the best home remedy as it includes many medicinal functions. The oil contains healthy fatty acids that can add moisture to the skin, which can be beneficial for people with dry skin and eczema. Also, it protects the skin by helping combat inflammation and by improving the health of the skin barrier.
How to use : Apply coconut oil directly to the skin after bathing and also several times in a day. To maintain the skin moisturization for overnight, use this oil before going to bed.
3. Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe Vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and contains various healing compounds. It possesses a coolant property that provides a coolant sensation for itchy, dry skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and is very effective in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
How to use : Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected parts before going to bed and rinse it with normal water in the early morning. With the daily use for about 3 to 4 weeks, it will ease the symptoms of eczema.
4. Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar possesses disinfectant property and it keeps the skin smooth. It also reduces the burns and inflammation caused due to eczema.
How to use: First method- Mix 1 or 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with a warm bath, soak you affected part in it for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse in cool water.
Second method- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a 1 cup of warm water. Dip paper towel or cotton fabric gauze in it and wrap this around the area affected by eczema.
Third method- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 1/4 cup of sunflower oil. Apply it to the affected areas just after a shower. This will act as a protective barrier for the skin and keeps the skin smooth.
5. Flaxseeds:
Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that block the chemical in the body called arachidonic acid which causes inflammation.
How to use: Grind a tablespoon of flaxseeds and add to smoothies, oatmeal, or salads. Flaxseed oil is also used as a dressing for salads and veggies.
6. Turmeric:
Turmeric is the most wonderful home remedy which is used in many medicinal purposes. It contains an antioxidant compound known as curcumin which is used to protect skin by its antioxidant property with neutralizing free radicals. It also has a wound healing property.
How to use : For effective benefits, take in about a teaspoon of turmeric every day.
Here are some preventive measures that people with eczema should do to support skin health and alleviate symptoms, such as:
- Take a lukewarm bath and apply moisturizer or coconut oil within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock-in” moisture
- Wear cotton and soft fabrics, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes
- Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing clothes
- Clean the skin gently with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing
- Avoiding those exercises or activities that make you sweat
- Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather
- Keep your fingernails short to prevent scratching of the skin
