Eczema is a very unpleasant skin condition where areas of the body are covered by patches of red, raised skin that can be intensely itchy. The patches can then blister, weep and crust over causing thickened skin. Eczema commonly starts during infancy, with most cases occurring before six months of age. Although most children grow out of it, it is not uncommon to get eczema in adulthood.Obviously the best way to treat eczema is to avoid any possible trigger factors. However, if you do have a flare-up, then here are some treatment options to help relieve your eczema.
Dietary and Supplements
In his book, Essential Fatty Acids, Eric Lewis stated tht people with eczema have an essential fatty acid deficiency. Taking evening primrose oil (500 mg per day), a good source of EFA (omega 6) and other omega 3 and 6 fatty acids supplements (3 to 4 grams per day) is beneficial to help plump up cellular membranes, repair old cells and construct new cells.Also eat more of the foods rich in essential fatty acids such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and dark green leafy vegetables.
Other useful supplements are vitamins A, C and E (all antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and protect the skin), vitamin B complex (for healthy skin), quercetin (a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) and zinc (plays a role in essential fatty acid metabolism).
Herbal Treatment Options
If you are more interested in natural eczema remedies, then you can try herbal treatments.Many herbs contain ingredients that can help to stop itching and heal the skin. Here are some suggested recipes for you to try.
For weeping and crusting sores caused by eczema, or any kind of dryness, try this recipe: 1 cup sea salt; 5 drops carrot seed essential oil; 5 drops calendula essential oil; 5 drops lavender oil and almond oil. Put the salt in a wide-mouthed jar, add the essential oils and cover with almond oil. Store at the side of your bath tub and use a scoop whenever you are having a bath. Don’t stay in the bath for longer than 20 minutes so as not to dehydrate the skin.
In order to keep moisture in your skin try this lovely moisturizing eczema relief cream. Use non-petroleum jelly as a base and add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops calendula and 2 drops German chamomile or carrot seed oil. You can massage the entire body or use it as a spot treatment.
Finally, why not try this great eczema oil which will stop your itching.Mix 10 drops of yarrow oil, 10 drops German Chamomile oil and 5 drops tagetes oil. Dilute this mix into 2 tablespoons of almond oil or other cold-pressed vegetable oil. Add 10 drops to evening primrose oil and 30 drops jojoba oil. With a Q-tip, apply to the affected areas.
Conventional Treatments
As people with eczema tend to have very dry skin, it is essential to keep the skin moisturized.Having dry skin can cause eczema to flare-up and become inflamed. Keeping the skin moisturized can protect the skin and avoid any potential problems.Commonly prescribed eczema relief creams are topical steroids.These come in different strengths and formulas and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription only.Using steroid creams is only a short-term treatment as long-term use can lead to thinning of the skin.Moisturizers such as E45 and aqueous creams are often recommended to treat dry, rough and itchy skin. These types of cream contain ingredients such as paraffin and lanolin which provide a protective layer of oil on the surface of the skin.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat any bacterial infections and oral antihistamines to reduce itching.
Whatever your eczema is caused by, be it food allergies, environmental allergens or stress, it is important to identify them. By eating a diet high in essential fatty acids and keeping your skin moisturized, either with conventional or more natural treatments you can find eczema remedies that will work for you.
If you want to know more about eczema relief, please check out my Clear Skin Guide website. You’ll find information on conventional treatments and on natural eczema remedies
.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
