Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Eczema

Home Remedies for Eczema are varied since skin rashes in general are grouped under the term ‘eczema,’ and are usually caused by an irritant of some type. Certain skin rashes will clear up with a home remedy; other times medical help is required. After 12 years of age, rashes are usually caused by contact with something that irritates the skin (an allergen)-- it can be a chemical, a plant (even one used as a food), or one of many things with the rash normally beginning within 48 hours after contact. This is called contact dermatitis and may cause small itchy bumps, or with a more violent reaction, swelling, blisters and redness; some will weep, some will peel.

Common Causes of Contact Skin Rashes:

Common causes of rash by contact are:

Soaps, lotions, fragrances, cosmetics, powders, bleaches
Different fabrics (often wool)
Jewelry (nickel is a common problem)
Latex (natural rubber – can cause a severe reaction)
Industrial chemicals: solvents, acids and alkalis including cement
Cleaning products
Insulation materials
Poisonous plants like sumac, poison oak and poison ivy have an oil that is an allergen; it is in all parts of the plants; other plants include ranunculus, anemone, clematis, hellebore and mustards
Medications
Dust and soil
Food allergies
Inflammation

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema Home Remedies

(Atopic Dermatitis is another name for Eczema)

Home remedies for eczema include:

Good skin care as a major component
Use a mild soap or soap substitute and moisturizer--I don't use soap at all, instead I use EO brand soap substitutes and rarely break out any more. Also, do not use soap on your face, just use gentle facial cleansers. I prefer Rodan + Fields Soothe formula.
Take short, warm showers
Make a major effort to reduce stress
Regular exercise
Relaxation time
Identify and avoid things that trigger inflammation; stay away from wool, harsh soaps and detergents, dyes and perfumes, some foods and medications can also cause inflammation.
Use mild laundry detergent, a dye-free / fragrance-free variety is usually the best option
Avoid scratching
Apply cool, damp compresses to relieve itching or take cool baths
A warm bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal (made for the tub). Be cautious with oatmeal because if you're allergic to it (or gluten) like I am, it can make the itching worse.
Rinse your whole body thoroughly after a shower or bath
Moisturize your skin
Use a humidifier
Wear smooth cotton clothing
Try to dress so as to prevent excess sweating
Use non-prescription anti-itch products such as Cortisone creams
Controlled light therapy may be a useful eczema treatment in specific cases
Black Tea bags: steep them and then let them cool to room temp. Then apply to rash and let it sit there until it begins to dry a little.

Psoriasis

Cold Pressed Olive Oil

Psoriasis is a multi-faceted, recurring autoimmune disorder; the telltale sign is red, flaky patches on the skin. As of yet no cure exists for psoriasis, but we continue to have hope for the future. Meanwhile, simple treatments include:

Dietary supplements of fish oil, Vitamin D, milk thistle and evening primrose oil have been known to help some folks
Fish oil applied directly to the skin
Use a humidifier to help prevent dry skin
Sensitive skin moisturizers
Steer clear of dyes and fragrances
Some people feel better if they eliminate red meats and fatty foods. The National Psoriasis Foundation names some foods for treatment, such as:

o   Soy
o   Nuts
o   Chocolate
o   Cranberries

Apply olive oil to scales and patches of psoriasis to lock moisture and nutrients in; massage your head with the oil also before your next shower
A lukewarm bath with Epsom salts, mineral oil or milk will soothe the itching and soften the scales and plaques; moisturize immediately after the bath
Taking a good quality probiotic product to improve gut health can drastically reduce symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin disorder that usually affects the scalp. It normally does not affect your overall health but may be uncomfortable or embarrassing.

Home remedies and tips for seborrheic dermatitis are:

Shampoo using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo
Use an OTC anti-fungal cream
Use an anti-itch lotion
Stay away from harsh detergents or soaps
Get rid of a beard or mustache
Don’t scratch!

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I'm finally up to scratch now on the best ways to relieve eczema!!

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Links for Other Conditions:

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Monday, December 16, 2013

Home Remedies for Eczema

Common Causes of Contact Skin Rashes:

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema Home Remedies

Psoriasis

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Links for Other Conditions:

Rashes and Allergies:

Respiratory Conditions / Colds and Flu

Cardiovascular / Gastric Conditions

Pain

Miscellaneous

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