Natural Treatments for Eczema

Easing the suffering of eczema must go beyond just relieving its painful skin outbreaks. Medicines and ointments bring immediate relief but do not correct the problem. Applying natural solutions not only relieves the outbreaks, but also works to correct and eliminate the precursors to eczema. A home remedy for eczema is always a viable option.

Eczema is a very annoying skin problem that presents with itching and inflammation of the skin. Due to the severe itching sensations, many people scratch their skin raw and make room for infection to set in. The skin is also very dry and this too causes cracking and pain. There are several things that aggravate eczema and cause it to flair up or worsen. Things such as the chemicals in soaps and detergents, any fabrics or surfaces that are rough to the touch, food allergens and even extreme weather conditions.

Many eczema sufferers want and need relief from the itching and inflammation. The most popular eczema treatment is cortisone, a steroid. Special lotions help to moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated, which keeps the skin from hurting and cracking. Antibiotics fight off skin infections that develop. These are only temporary solutions that must be repeated endlessly. Natural solutions seek to address the root of the problem and correct it, as to eliminate the eczema, and end this vicious cycle.

The manner in which eczema presents onto the skin is a reflection of the internal condition of the body, as it is with most skin ailments. Cleansing the digestive tract and purifying the blood are two basics for the health of the skin. The impurities in the body often cause skin problems as they search for an outlet. Keeping our systems clean and getting adequate exercise and sweating, provide outlets for impurities and help to eliminate skin outbreaks. Proper food combining helps to keep the digestive tract clear of harmful bacteria and putrefied waste, and this helps also with preventing food allergies, a problem and trigger for many eczema sufferers.

Although medical doctors say they do not know the actual cause of eczema, it is attributed to the immune function. Webmd says that eczema is an “overactive response by the body’s immune system to unknown triggers.” Strengthening the body’s immune system then, can help tremendously. Along with this, natural anti-inflammatory aids work more in harmony with the body, without causing the side effects of steroid use.

Essential fatty acids are a key nutrient for skin health. In the case of eczema, the anti-inflammatory properties are very healing acting as a natural remedy for eczema, and EFAs also strengthen the immune system. “Fats act as barriers to keep out harmful microbes.” (1) Many people suffer a deficiency and/or an imbalance of essential fatty acids, which weakens their immune systems and makes them vulnerable to attack. Inadequate fat metabolism seems to be a common weakness among eczema sufferers. Fresh, unrefined oils of flax seed, borage, chia seed, evening primrose, sesame and olive will help to boost your EFAs, along with nuts and avocadoes.

Various foods can be helpful in the treatment of eczema. Live foods and sprouts offer superior nutrition and are very helpful due to their high enzyme content. Enzymes help improve digestion and elevate nutrient levels.

“Enzymes in general deliver nutrients, carry away toxic wastes, digest food, purify the blood, deliver hormones by feeding and fortifying the endocrine system, balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels, feed the brain and cause no harm to the body. All of these factors contribute to the strengthening of the immune system.”

Cucumbers work well to hydrate the body and cleanse the body of toxic waste. Externally, they are very soothing to the skin and provide healing vitamin E for skin health and repair. Papayas are rich in provitamin A, another helpful nutrient. They also provide digestive enzymes, and externally provide soothing and antibacterial benefits.

Herbal Treatments for Eczema

Herb teas can help to cleanse the blood and to induce sweating. Burdock root is one tea that performs both these functions. Sassafras and Sarsaparilla help induce sweating and Red Clover is a gentle and delicious blood purifier.

It is helpful to replace commercial lotions and creams with natural oils such as extra virgin olive oil, unrefined sesame oil and extra virgin coconut oil. They soothe and nourish the skin without added chemicals and dyes. They also have cleansing, anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties.

Invest the time and effort to apply natural remedies for eczema. Strengthen the immune system, improve nutrition and use nature’s natural oils as a good home remedy for eczema and to achieve immediate and long term relief.