Home Remedies and Herbs for Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema, (Atopic Dermatitis), also frequently referred to as dermatitis, is a medical condition of the skin that causes patches of roughness, or scaling that may crack, or bleed as you itch them. Ranging anywhere from moderate to severe in intensity, Eczema is a chronic (long lasting) skin condition, and it has cyclical periods of increased severity followed by periods of relative dormancy¹. It affects all ages, but instances of eczema in children and babies are especially common². There is no known eczema cure and it can affect any area of the body. Most frequently it is found on the skin of body flexors like the knees or elbows. Instances of eczema on hands is also quite common.

What Causes Eczema?

Though eczema causes are unknown, what is known is that eczema is not contagious. Further research into eczema causes shows that it is likely to be borne of both genetic, environmental, and immunological influences². When researching eczema causes and potential eczema cures, scientists have also been able to observe that those with eczema, tend to have a family history of eczema, or are closely linked with instances of asthma and hayfever³. There is no known eczema cure.

Eczema Symptoms

Effective eczema treatment depends on fully understanding its symptoms. Individuals with eczema experience ‘flare up’ symptoms that persist over the long term. Symptoms include patches of roughness, scales, rashes, inflammation, crusting, or blisters that may itch, bleed or that are otherwise irritating. These disturbances can greatly affect a person’s comfort and quality of life. Many eczema cases include unbearable dry skin and endless itching that leave the skin subject to splitting and subsequent infections.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Eczema

Though there is no known eczema cure, the options that exist for successful eczema treatment are plentiful. Among these eczema home remedies are the following natural products and herbs for eczema:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple Cider Vinegar is a one of the most popular health tonics in the natural healing community, and it is a highly popular choice among eczema home remedies. For use, mix equal quantities of fresh water and Apple Cider Vinegar. Use as a soak or a bath. For sensitive skin, or for treatment of eczema in children, use an Apple Cider Vinegar to water ratio of 1 to 12.
• Olive Oil - Olive oil is made from the fat of the Olive and can reduce inflammation and soothe eczema flare-ups. It is a highly effective eczema home remedy as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, oleocanthal, squalene, and Vitamin E among other nutrients that can penetrate deeply into the epidermis to soften and heal the skin⁴. For even deeper healing, Olive Oil may be mixed with Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Marigold Flower- Also commonly known as Calendula, Marigold Flower is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and is one of the most popularly used herbs for eczema treatment. The ointment form of Marigold Flower makes eczema treatment portable and convenient and especially useful for swift treatment of eczema on hands. In any form, Marigold Flower is soothing and promotes skin healing⁵.
• Coconut Oil - The essential fatty acids found in Coconut Oil are especially soothing and moisturizing to chapped and cracked skin⁶. To use as an eczema home remedy, simply melt a few teaspoons and apply to the affected areas a few times per day. Coconut Oil is also a mild and non-reactive form of treatment that works well for healing patches of eczema on hands or for cases of eczema in children.

References

1. http://www.eczemahelp.ca/en/abouteczema.html
2. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eczema.html
3. http://www.eczema.org/what-is-eczema
4. http://homeremediesforlife.com/olive-oil-for-eczema/
5. http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/20-skincare-herbs-for-treating-eczema/
6. http://wellnessmama.com/12065/natural-eczema-remedies/