Eczema is a very common cause of itchy and dry skin. Many people in the UK will get eczema at some point in their life. Sometimes this goes away on its own, and other times it may be best to seek medical advice from your GP. Even if you take medicated treatment, there are things you can do at home to treat your eczema and improve your symptoms. Below we look at some of the best natural ways to treat eczema.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great natural moisturiser that can really help if you have dry, flaky skin due to atopic eczema. It also contains fatty acids which are very beneficial for those with eczema. You should use virgin coconut oil if you can, as this can protect the skin by improving skin health and reducing inflammation. As coconut oil is natural, it can be used as often as you need it. Regular daily use can improve your eczema.
To use coconut oil for eczema, apply it after a shower and before you go to bed. Apply it when you need it throughout the day and carry some with you wherever you go. This way, you can ease itching and re-moisturise as and when you need. Coconut oil tends to be solid, but you can warm it up between your hands, and it will melt when it comes into contact with your skin. You should never use coconut oil if you have an allergy to coconuts.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that has been used in home remedies for years. Although there is not a lot of official research into the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar as an eczema treatment, many people have found it has helped with their symptoms. When you have eczema, it can affect the PH level of your skin, causing it to become less acidic. As vinegar is acidic, it can strengthen your skin’s natural defences.
Many shower gels and soaps are alkaline, which can make your eczema worse. If you do decide to try out apple cider vinegar as an eczema treatment, you must make sure it is diluted. Applying to your skin without diluting could worsen your eczema and cause burns. You can add apple cider vinegar to your baths. Some people with eczema make wet wraps with apple cider vinegar. Whichever way you use it, make sure to moisturise well afterwards.
Aloe Vera
You may have already heard of the natural benefits of using aloe vera on your skin, but did you know it can also help with eczema? Aloe vera often comes in a gel and is derived from the aloe vera plant. You can also grow the plant yourself and take the gel straight from the source. This means you need to know how to care for an aloe vera plant to make sure that you do not kill it when you harvest the gel.
Aloe vera helps eczema as it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. This means it can help prevent skin infections that are much more likely if you have cracks in your skin due to eczema. Aloe vera has been found to assist in the wound healing process and even boost the immune system.
If you do use an aloe vera gel, check the ingredients as they may contain some things that make eczema worse, such as perfumes. Use a little bit of aloe vera at a time so you check for any skin sensitivity. Sometimes aloe vera causes stinging or burning. If this happens, it might be worth giving this natural remedy a miss.
Tea Tree
Tea tree is an oil found in the leaves of a tree called melaleuca alternifolia. For thousands of years, tee tree oil has been used in natural remedies to help with everything from head lice to skin conditions. Tea tree oil could benefit your eczema as it is thought to have similar properties to aloe vera, such as reducing inflammation and wound-healing. It can also help with the common symptoms of eczema, like itching and dryness.
If you use tea tree oil, make sure to dilute it before it comes into contact with your skin. Undiluted oil could cause your eczema to get worse. You can add tea tree into a moisturiser or mix it with another oil such as coconut oil. Not only can this benefit your eczema, but tea tree oil also has a lovely natural smell.
The above are just a few natural ways to treat eczema and reduce unwanted symptoms. Whenever you try a new natural remedy, make sure to test it out on the part of your skin that is not affected by your eczema first. You can use as many natural remedies as you want, and these can be used in conjunction with any treatments prescribed by your doctor.