Eczema Treatment
Eczema treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. The problem is also known as atopic dermatitis. This chronic skin disorder can affect the face, ears, arms, hands, wrists, neck, upper chest, feet, elbows and knees. Occasionally it occurs in other areas of the body as well. People with eczema frequently have members of their family who suffer from hay fever, asthma or eczema. This problem may occur in infancy or adulthood. It is not contagious.
Symptoms
Symptoms of eczema may include inflammation and red rashes which may be itchy, scaly, leathery or dry. They may also sting or have a burning sensation. Sometimes they are accompanied by skin blisters that crust over and ooze a clear fluid. Persistent scratching may cause the skin to thicken.
Causes
Eczema tends to run in families and is thought to be caused by allergies. other causes include the body's inability to excrete toxins, a faulty body metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and extremes in weather like cold and dry, or hot.
Cautions
Extreme cases may need medical attention and a different approach to eczema treatment. Cracking and oozing of the rash opens up the body to the risk of infection, which needs appropriate medical care.
Herbal Eczema Treatments
Internal Applications
- Albizia - traditionally used in Ayurvedic remedy for allergies and often prescribed by herbalists. Take as instructed by herbalist.
- Baical skullcap - may inhibit the release of histamine. Take as liquid extract or decoction. To make a decoction, boil 500mg dried root in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 cups a day.
External Applications
- Aloe vera - apply gel topically to affected area.
- Chamomile – this is a good and safe herbal eczema treatment. It can be applied to eczema as a cream or gel to soothe the skin. Studies have shown the chamomile remedy to be more effective than the 0.5% hydrocortisone cream that is commonly prescribed for this problem.
- Licorice – apply a cream or gel that contains licorice to affected areas. Studies have proven licorice gel to be effective at reducing redness, swelling and itching.
- Witch hazel – reputed anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a cream containing witch hazel to the affected regions.
- Turmeric – make a paste from 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of neem leaves. Apply this mixture to any affected areas.
- Nutmeg – mix grated nutmeg with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply directly on eczema patches.
- Papaya – mash papaya seeds and apply it to affected areas to relieve itching.
- Kelp – this herb is useful in healing tissues.
- Borage – the oil made from borage helps the skin maintain suppleness and retain moisture.
- Flax – the oil from flax seed can help retain moisture in the skin.
- Oregon grape – the root of this herb helps detoxify the body and reduce inflammation caused by eczema.
- Burdock – the root of this herb helps to minimize the destruction of skin cells that are affected by eczema.
- Calendula – apply a cream containing calendula to soothe inflamed, red skin caused by eczema.
- Chickweed – apply this herb as a poultice to help soothe the skin and stop itching. To make poultice, chop 200 grams fresh leaves and stems, mix with boiled water to make paste. Chickweed can also be applied as cream or ointment.
- Marshmallow root – the cream made from marshmallow root can help protect the skin and prevent infection from eczema rashes.
- Oatstraw – add oatstraw or powdered oatmeal to the bath or use it to bathe the affected areas. Oats nourish the skin and ease itching.
- Walnut – use the extract made from the leaf to protect from infection.
- Evening primrose – the oil can be used to relieve itching of the skin.
- Lavender – this herb may help relieve stress and help you relax.
- Red clover – this herb is anti-inflammatory and can be used as an ointment for eczema.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be used in individually or in a blend mixed in a carrier oil in the bath or in a massage. Oils that may be used in treatment of eczema include chamomile, frankincense, geranium and lavender.