Home Remedies for Eczema

Effective Home Remedies for Eczema

Many who suffer from eczema are looking for effective home remedies for eczema. It is common for eczema sufferers to look for alternative treatment for their illness instead of taking medications that may have harmful side effects or may not even work at all.

Signs and symptoms of eczema are red patches on the inside of the arms and back of the knees, severe itching, scaling of the affected areas, swelling and blister formation and some may even have oozing or bleeding of the blisters while other areas become cracked and dry. It is very important not to confuse eczema symptoms and signs from psoriasis so visit a dermatologist for a diagnosis before it is too late.

Eczema treatment basically is moisturizing and hydrating the skin plus avoiding eczema causing irritants in the home. Experts agree than the cause of eczema is unknown but there have been several factors that “trigger” an eczema attack. Temperature changes like sudden heat or a sudden drop in temperature is a factor; there are also laundry products that causes allergic skin reactions; cosmetics that contain formaldehyde can be a cause for an eczema attack as well. Some people who have eczema observe that they have attacks whenever they feel stressed, anxious, when their immune system is compensated or when they perspire a lot. There have been several effective home remedies for eczema; here are some of the well known treatments:

  • Calamine lotion – since eczema is characterized by severe itching and blisters, you can temporarily relieve the itching and redness by applying cool and soothing Calamine lotion on the affected area. Although very effective, do not apply on open and bleeding areas of the skin.
  • Virgin coconut oil – is a highly effective remedy for eczema and it works by moisturizing skin making it soft, smooth and less likely to break out in to eczema blisters when exposed to eczema causing factors.
  • Turmeric powder – can be used directly on eczema blisters or rashes or it could be made as a paste to be applied on the affected areas.
  • Ice or cold compress – you can apply cold compress or ice directly on the blistered area to relieve skin eruptions, blisters and itching.

These home remedies for eczema may be used to effectively relieve eczema symptoms but it is best to get rid of eczema causing factors in your home and to live a healthy lifestyle. If you suffer from eczema or you may have someone else in the home suffering from this debilitating illness then these simple tips are for you:

  • Keep your home clean and remove allergens like dust. If possible, use a humidifier to clean and add moisture to the air in your home. An economical alternative is to place a pan of water near your radiator to work as a humidifier.
  • Get rid of eczema causing perfumes and cosmetics. Change your laundry detergent and fabric softener accordingly.
  • Follow a diet that is prescribed by your dermatologist to avoid eczema attacks. Dairy products, eggs, food preservatives and nuts may trigger an attack and they must be avoided.