Are you looking for nature’s answer to the itchy irritation that is eczema? Well, you are not alone. Believe it or not, millions of eczema sufferers are fed up with using steroid-based treatments that pose multiple health risks. Instead, they seek more natural, gentle, yet effective alternatives. Let’s take a look at what mother nature herself would prescribe to stop eczema in its tracks and bring much-needed relief.
Eczema – causes and symptoms
First off, let’s be clear on exactly what eczema is amongst the myriad of common dry skin conditions. In a nutshell, eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is inflammation of the skin, which manifests as dry, scaly, patchy and rough skin. These symptoms and the associated eczema rashes can become extreme where the skin turns red, sore and forms cracks with discharge.
Surprisingly, as common as it is, the precise cause of eczema still remains unknown. But what is known is that eczema is highly likely to occur where there is family history with the condition. What is also known is that certain foods and environmental conditional triggers such as pollen allergens, stress, and colder temperatures can trigger an eczema flare-up. It is advisable to put limits on food such as dairy, gluten/wheat, peanuts, tomatoes and eggs. Other non-dietary triggers include harsh detergents, bubble baths and body lotions.
4 best all-natural eczema treatments
Now let’s take a closer look at four of nature’s answers to eczema.
1. Natural oils
Thankfully, there is a host of natural oils that provide effective relief from the eczema itch and dryness. These oils include coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, evening primrose oil, tea tree oil, sunflower oil to name a few. These oils penetrate the skin to provide deep hydration to scaly skin. The omega-6 fatty acids reduce inflammation, and the triple strength anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents within these oils act as a skin barrier to prevent further infection. Just add some drops into your warm (not hot) bath water and enjoy a long restorative soak.
2. Aloe Vera
This is one of nature’s greatest gifts for skin repair, healing, and moisturization. It is also another powerful antimicrobial. Aloe Vera wins hands down when it comes to healing the broken skin wounds caused by eczema. Aloe Vera can be used just like any other skin cream and applied directly to the skin after bathing.
3. Natural skin creams
If scooping out the sticky goo from a stick of aloe vera isn’t quite your thing, then you can look into purchasing all natural eczema relief creams. The best of these creams are ethically produced with naturally balanced extracts that provide effective relief of eczema symptoms. For example, Grahams Natural uses extracts of Manuka honey, jojoba seed oil, and calendula to provide rapid relief from itching.
4. Oatmeal
And finally oatmeal, truly an age-old remedy! With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, oatmeal unblocks skin pores and absorbs abundant oils in the skin. It also acts as a skin-cleanser of dead skin cells and restores healthy skin. Colloidal oatmeal made from finely ground oats acts as a moisturizing skin barrier, which not only protects but also relieves the itch. Simply add two cups of this oatmeal into lukewarm running bath water to allow for easy mixing and distribution, then relax and let the oatmeal work its magic.
So to round things up, in the light of self-care and self kindness, why not give your precious skin a ‘chemical-free’ break by trying these alternative treatments straight from the hands of mother nature herself.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
