Eczema Home Remedies
Eczema is red, itchy, and sometimes-sensitive patches of skin that show up on about ten percent of Americans. IF you scratch them, they get worse and become scaly, thickened, and at times infected. If you are experiencing what was just described then chances are you have eczema.
Atopic dermatitis is the medical name for eczema, which means allergic skin inflammation. However, researchers have not yet tied together the relationship between allergies and eczema. What they do know is that eczema seems to be in correlation with other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Other names: Adult eczema, infantile eczema, weeping eczema
Cause Of Eczema
Causes of eczema can be traced to allergies to certain foods, dairy products and foods with saturated fats, bottle-feeding babies (infantile eczema seems to be almost non-existent in babies who are primarily breast-fed), stress and nervous tension, and other potential toxic environmental factors can all cause eczema.
Fish Oil Cures For Eczema
If you were suffering with eczema, then it would be wise to stay away from applying powders or pastes. The most recommended eczema treatement is to apply a moist compress until the weeping and acute period has passed. After applying the compress, certain oils and ointments can then be incorporated to add to the treatment.
Because eczema is a dry skin condition, it is in your best interest to keep your skin moist. There are people with eczema that have fatty acid imbalances. This is because they are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids (which is plentifully available in cold-water fish and flaxseeds), and omega-6 fatty acids called gamma-linolenic acid (found in borage, black currant, and evening primrose seeds).
There are studies that show great benefits from the use of fish-oil on eczema. If you really want to enhance your overall health along with your skins health, introduce omega-3 rich foods into your diet.
Natural Remedy For Eczema
Stay away from dry air. Dry air aggravates eczema especially during the times of winter; when the heat is turned on to warm the house. This heat is dehumidified air due the forced-air heat that circulates the home.
Bathe in lukewarm water. Lukewarm baths help cleanse and adds moisture to your skin without over drying. Try to abstain from baths that are steamy and above ten minutes long; this will aggravate your eczema.
Use a moisturizer. Regular soap is ok to use just as long as you remember to moisturize after your bath. This will keep your skin from drying out; you may want to purchase a moisturizer by the name of Lubriderm.
Bathe in oatmeal. I know it sounds sticky and disgusting, but you can use oatmeal bath products by colloidal. Colloidal oatmeal products that are good include Aveeno, and colloidal oatmeal. Adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath does wonders to your skin.
Stay away from antiperspirants. The active ingredients in many antiperspirants are aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, and zirconium chlorohydrate. These ingredients cause irritations in people with sensitive skin.
Try topical over the counter creams. Lotions and ointments that contain cortisone will help alleviate the itching and inflammation of eczema.
The sun is a good friend of the skin. Sunlight can be very effective in treating eczema. Try to reduce the chances of getting sunburn by keeping the exposure short or by wearing a hypoallergenic sunblock. If you start to get hot and sweaty head back inside because it can aggravate itching.
Eat plenty of avocados. Avocado is great to eat because it contains vitamin A, D, and E. These vitamins are what make the avocado good for the skin. The fruit can also be mashed and placed directly on to the patches of eczema therefore, reducing the itching, dryness, and inflammation. The Avocado oil is also available in most health stores.
Foods To Avoid With Eczema
Milk, fish, shellfish, egg, meat, cured cheese, additives, alcoholic beverages, spices, chocolate, honey, excess salt
When to see a doctor for eczema
When eczema is severe or widespread, and lotions, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications do not relieve the itching, then I would suggest you see a dermatologist. A physician can also rule out other conditions that can be causing you eczema such as lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, which leaves a patchy, red skin rash, somewhat resembling a butterfly, on the cheeks or the bridge of the nose. It will also be wise to see a physician if your eczema starts to ooze, this is usually called weeping eczema. Weeping eczema is effectively controlled by applying cold compresses several times a day. However, if this does not make it better go see a physician.
