Eczema

See also : Dermatitis

Causes and Symptoms

Eczema is actually a symptom of an ailing immune system. When sufferers are brought up to top physical condition and treated for any other health problems, they find that their eczema fades away as a result. So basically, eczema is a side effect of generally low health and often an allergic reaction.

• A trip to your doctor or skin specialist may reveal the allergen or other health issues you need to address to clear up your affected skin.
• Improve immunity (See Immunological Disorders)
• There have been a couple of recent studies showing the link of Candida overgrowth with eczema
• Hydratation : Good hydration begins on the inside and works its way out.
• Avoid eating processed foods high in salt, sugars and hydrogenated fats and avoid pasteurised milk. In stead go for whole grain breads, lentils, barley, brown and wild rice, leafy green vegetables, carrots, broccoli, pears, apples, pomegranates, jogurt,... as long as it is fresh, it is a good option for you!The more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains you get inside you, the better for your skin and overall health.
• Consider What’s Going On the Skin : It is a very worthwhile activity to examine the ingredients in your soaps, shampoos and conditioners, lotions and creams. Look for natural ingredients.

Home remedies

• Coconut oil may be applied to the portions with eczema. Carrot juice and spinach juice in combination is highly beneficial for eczema. Drink plenty of water and take fruit juices like orange.
• Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria often used for the treatment of eczema. There are more than 400 different strains of probiotics, but Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria are two of the probiotic strains most commonly used for eczema treatment.
• Common Fumitory : The traditional medical uses of fumitory are as a skin treatment for eczema and other eruptions of the skin.
• Add 1 teaspoon camphor to 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste and apply on the affected areas.
• Rub a Nutmeg (hard aromatic seed of an East Indian tree) against a smooth stone slab with a little water and make a paste. Apply to affected area.
• Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Eczema can be treated by rubbing a teaspoon of olive oil on the affected skin. The oil helps in keeping moisture in and avoids it from drying out. You can also use a plastic cling wrap to cover the oiled skin overnight. This gives more time for the olive oil to reach deeper into the skin.
• Evening Primrose oil (EPO) contains high amounts of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid. When taken orally, EPO has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is desirable in the treatment of eczema.
• Its been reported that drinking tomato juice (not the cocktail) clears up the eczema in a matter of days. If you need to, add some pepper or your favorite spice to give the juice flavor.
• A decoction of 2 OZ. of the Dandelion herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled down to a pint, is taken in doses of one wineglassful every three hours for scurvy, scrofula, eczema and all eruptions on the surface of the body.
• Oolong Tea : A study more than a decade ago in Japan found that oolong tea was effective in easing treatment-resistant eczema
• Oat flour and slippery elm powder - Used in warm baths to coat and calm the skin.
• Magnesium chloride spray - Applied topically to diminish inflammation.
• Sunflower seed oil works Anti-inflammatory. Also serves as an excellent moisture barrier.
• Calendula has been used for many years to treat conditions such as eczema, boils, abscesses and Stomach Ulcers.
• Omega-3 can be helpfull to treat and prevent eczema and psoriasis.
• Light Therapy : Phototherapy can be effective in the treatment of Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, Polymorphous light eruption, Vitiligo, Lichen Planus and Mycosis Fungoides.
• Greater Celandine may help treat atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema).
• Apply Vitamin E oil, especially natural D-alpha tocopherol with mixed natural tocopherols. You can break open gel capsules for the oils. Avoiding synthetic vitamin E oil is tricky. So read labels closely, research, or ask a reliable sales person. Avoid vitamin E acetate.
• Chamomile : Make a strong brew of chamomile tea from fresh dried herbs by steeping for 15 minutes minimally. Apply to the eczema area with gauze for 20 minutes. This can be done more than once daily to relieve acute symptoms.
• Aloe Vera gel, especially when mixed with vitamin E oil, is a useful symptom remedy. Gels from freshly cut aloe vera leaves are optimum.
• Oregon Grape : An ointment containing a combination of Oregon grape and the herbs gotu kola and Viola tricolor may help treat some cases of eczema, according to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2007.
• Ten drops of gentian tincture before each meal helps the digestive system eliminate toxins that can irritate the skin. Take as often as needed.
• Cucumber : Cut thin slices of a whole organic cucumber and allow the slices to soak for at least two hours. Filter the liquid and apply it with a clean cloth or gauze where needed.
• Place 50 grams of ground horsetail plant or herbs in a quart or liter of water and boil for 10 minutes, allow some cooling, then filter the liquid into your bath water for a 10 minute bath.
• Flower power: Make a tea of calendula, a marigold flower, with five drops of lavender essential oil added, then apply to the affected area twice a day until the irritation is relieved.
• Carrots : Skin three organic carrots and boil them till they're soft. Mash until you get a smooth paste, and then apply to affected areas for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water when finished.
• Mix a tablespoon of medical or food grade ground juniper berry, with a tablespoon of sage and a tablespoon of thyme into a cup of boiling water, cover and let stand for five or more minutes. Drink the whole cup after your main meal.
• Bentonite clay - Detoxifies and comforts the skin when dissolved in a lukewarm bath.
• Rubbing black licorice on the skin can relieve eczema
• Mezereum (Homeopathy) : eczema when the skin is bright red and burning, with almost intolerable itching.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.