Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects both children and adults. There are many treatments available for eczema, both natural and in the form of prescriptions. Eczema symptoms can vary from person to person and not everyone will respond to the same treatment in the same way. There are many types of eczema (for a complete list of eczema types and symptoms, see our eczema page) and the condition is thought to be hereditary and triggered by allergens and stress.
Eczema affected skin is most likely producing lower amounts of fats and oils, which results in dryer skin. This also means that the natural skin barrier is less able to protect the skin from invading microorganisms and allergens. For this reason, harsh soaps will strip away more fats and lipids from your skin, which worsens eczema.
Natural treatments for eczema are focused on restoring the damaged skin barrier, replenish moisture and reducing itch and inflammation. The natural treatment options for eczema listed below are things you can do at home and natural ingredients that help heal eczema affected skin.
What You Can Do At Home
- Try changing your laundry detergent and fabric softener. Sometimes dyes and fragrances in these products can trigger an eczema flare-up or make symptoms worse. Removing whatever is causing the inflammation is the easiest and most cost-effective treatment
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or itchy (wool) clothing
- Take a lukewarm bath with oatmeal, which will soothe and moisturize the skin. Oatmeal contains compounds that are anti-inflammatory, which will relieve the discomfort caused by eczema. Immediately after taking the bath, moisturize the skin with a low-allergen (fragrance-free) moisturizer when the skin is still damp
Natural Eczema Remedies (you can take)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oil)
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and are critical for wound healing. Studies have shown that people with eczema have lower amounts of essential fatty acids, so taking fish oil will help the skin barrier repair itself - Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement (we recommend a probiotic drink) will provide enough good bacteria to help the gut function better and improve the immune system - Vitamin D
Vitamin D strengthens immunity and reduces inflammation. Sitting in the sun can reduce eczema symptoms by increasing the body’s natural production of vitamin D
Natural Ingredients That Can Help Eczema Affected Skin
- Red Raspberry Seed Oil contains many Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to lower oxidative stress in skin and have been reported to be effective against eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions
- Calendula Extract has been used for ages to treat a variety of skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula has amazing moisturizing properties and is thought to speed up the healing process of skin lesions
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is able to penetrate the skin deeply and to strengthen underlying skin structures. Coconut oil contains many anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant ingredients. Lightweight oil with medium sized saturated fatty acids that will repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. A recent study showed that 46 percent of patients with a chronic skin disease (including eczema) saw relief after using coconut oil on their skin - Shea Butter
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer and skin emollient and is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy film. Shea butter is an ivory-colored natural fat extracted from the fruit of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea butter has long been used as cooking oil in West Africa and it is sometimes being used as a substitute for cocoa butter
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Photo credits: https://pixabay.com/en/users/DGlodowska-388133/ (Raspberries)
https://pixabay.com/en/users/JaStra-1240004/ (Calendula).