Soothing Eczema Naturally – Prevention and Healing Tips

If you suffer from eczema, you understand what it’s like to search for relief from red, itchy skin. But unfortunately, sometimes, it’s not so simple to find an effective treatment for eczema.

You’ve probably already experimented with a plethora of products. Unfortunately, some items leave your skin feeling even drier and more irritated.

But you don’t need to give up hope yet! There are many options and natural eczema treatments that really work to ease your symptoms.

What is Eczema?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

People of all races and ethnicities can be affected by eczema. Currently, around 10% of African American people, 11% of Caucasians, 13% of Asian American and Pacific Islander people, and about 13% of Native American people have the condition.

The skin barrier is affected by eczema, which causes inflammation and irritation. The most common eczema type is atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. “Atopic” alludes to a person’s tendency to experience other allergic conditions, like asthma or hay fever (Rhinitis Allergic).

Eczema affects about 11% to 21% of infants and about 3.7% of adults and children. Most children outgrow it in their teens, but some people might continue to show symptoms on and off for life.

Eczema is non-contagious, so it does not spread from person to person.  In other words, atopic individuals are hypersensitive to certain allergens due to hereditary factors.

What’s The Difference Between Dermatitis and Psoriasis?

Psoriasis and dermatitis usually appear similar to an unsuspecting eye. Both manifest as patches of red skin. However, in psoriasis, the scales are thick with well-defined edges.

Consult your dermatologist to determine what type of skin condition you have. You might have more than one skin condition at a time and might require a different approach to treat other skin conditions.

What Are the Causes of Eczema?

A combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental aggressors, and stress can cause eczema.

Immune system: If you suffer from eczema, your immune system overreacts to minor irritants or allergens. This overreaction can further inflame your skin.

Genetics: If there is a history of dermatitis in your family, you are more likely to develop this condition. You might also be at a higher risk if there is a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergens.

Environment: There are a lot of environmental factors that might irritate your skin. Exposure to substances like tobacco smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, certain fabrics, and some skin products might lead to an eczema episode.

A low humidity level can make your skin itchy and dry, but also heat and high humidity can lead to sweating, contributing to the itchiness and making it worse.

Stress: Your stress levels can flare up eczema and worsen the symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?

In the majority of cases, general eczema symptoms appear to be mild. Some of the most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

• Dry, scaly and flushed skin
• Itching
• Crusted, open, or weeping sores

Eczema symptoms in Dark-skin  

People with darker-toned skin may also experience dark or light patches on the skin even after eczema symptoms go away. These hyper- or hypopigmentation patches can last a long time.

How Does Eczema Present in Infants?

Atopic dermatitis symptoms commonly seen in babies under the age of 2 include:

• Rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• Itchiness interfering with the infant’s sleep 
• Rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid

Eczema symptoms commonly found in children aged 2 and above:

• Rashes affecting the creases of the elbows or knees
• Rashes appearing on the neck, ankles, wrists, and between the buttocks and legs
• Bumpy rashes
• Rashes that change color to become lighter or darker
• Skin thickening, also known as lichenification, then develops into a permanent itch

Most people with this skin condition develop it before they turn 5. An estimated 60% of children no longer show symptoms by the time they reach adolescence.

What Are the Symptoms in Adults?

Atopic dermatitis symptoms commonly observed in adults include:

• Rashes that are scalier than those in children
• Rashes typically appearing in the creases of the knees or elbows. The nape of the neck is also commonly affected.
• Rashes covering more than half of the body
• Dry skin on the affected areas
• Permanently itchy rashes (itchiness can be the most uncomfortable and difficult symptom to treat)
• Skin infections

The appearance of skin affected by atopic dermatitis depends on how much a person scratches and whether the skin is infected. Scratching and rubbing further irritates the skin, increases inflammation, and worsens the itching.

Whenever possible, try to avoid scratching any skin affected by atopic dermatitis.  Scratching or itching the skin can further inflame irritated areas, exacerbating itching and resulting in lichenification and skin infections.

When To Consult a Doctor?

Call your doctor if you notice:

• Cardinal signs of an infection
• Your eczema suddenly gets worse

After a few weeks the treatments are still not working  –  schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss different treatments for your skin; additionally dermatologists are more qualified to provide insights into your skin than general practitioners.

Different Types of Eczema

There are several different kinds of eczema, including:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

What Are the Factors That Play a Role In Triggering Eczema?

Some people might experience flare-ups of the itchy rash in response to factors like:

• Hot or cold weather
• Wearing coarsely-woven fabric
• Household products like soap or detergent
• Animal dander
• Respiratory infections
• Stress
• Sweat
• Certain medications

How Can Eczema Be Diagnosed? What Tests Are Done?

Your healthcare provider will diagnose eczema by taking your medical history and examining the skin closely so that he can observe classic signs of eczema, such as redness and dryness.

If there is any doubt regarding the diagnosis, your doctor may order some additional tests, such as:

• An allergy skin test
• Blood tests to determine causes of the rash unrelated to dermatitis
• Biopsy to differentiate different types of dermatitis from one another

Is There a Treatment for Eczema?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, only remedies that help manage the symptoms..

It is often best to try ascertain what triggers or worsens your eczema and then work to avoid those triggers!

I understand that this “detective game” is not so simple, but it helps when we identify possible causes of worsening symptoms.

Our main goal is to eliminate itching and discomfort while preventing infection and additional flare-ups.

Doctors might prescribe several medications to treat the symptoms of eczema, including:

Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments: These anti-inflammatory medications relieve the symptoms of eczema, such as inflammation and itchiness.

If topical treatments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe oral medications, like systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Antibiotics: If eczema occurs in conjunction with a bacterial skin infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors: This drug helps suppress the immune system, thus   decreasing inflammation and flare-ups.

Barrier repair moisturizers: These restore the skin barrier integrity, reducing water loss and repairing the skin.

Phototherapy: This involves exposing skin to UVA or UVB rays. This method has been found to be quite effective at managing moderate dermatitis.

Even though a complete cure is not achievable, a tailored management plan can help patients cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of eczema. 

Most eczema symptoms come and go over time. 

Atopic dermatitis usually presents itself more aggressively in childhood and gradually improves with age (we hope so!)

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Worsening Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

There are certain steps you might take that may prevent eczema outbreaks, such as:

Establish a proper skincare routine, find products that work well for you, soothe your skin, and follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep your skin healthy.

Wear gloves when using cleaning products during any chore.

Use a mild soap for your skin and pat your skin dry after showering instead of rubbing it. Immediately after you shower, seal in moisture by applying a good moisturizing cream or ointment.

Opt for tepid water for baths rather than hot.

Hydrate your skin from the inside out (your individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, your eating habits, how active you are, and where you live. No single formula suits everyone).

Try to avoid getting sweaty.

Wear loose, airy, and comfortable clothes, ideally made from cotton and other natural materials. Remember to wash new clothing before wearing it.

Learn to manage stress and control the stress-inducing factors in your life. Easy peasy, right? 😊 I don’t think so!

But we can try to do our best to reduce our stress by committing to a regular, aerobic exercise routine and using stress-management techniques, such as meditation, music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, tai chi, or yoga.

Limit your exposure to irritants and allergens which you know might irritate your skin condition.

Scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin will make skin lesions worse. And remember, try not to say ‘Don’t scratch’ to people. Reminding them not to scratch will add stress without any benefit.

Here are some simple tips to help cope with itchiness:

Remember to keep your skin well moisturized.

Avoid roughly rubbing lotion and other products on your skin. Try to apply them in a smooth, downward motion instead.

If you have a child experiencing eczema, try to turn the application of creams and lotions into something fun. For instance, use the product on dolls, decorate their emollient bottles, tell stories about the “magical powers” of the product, or play games such as who can pass the emollient slower. Use your imagination as much as you can! 

Keep your nails short. The edges should not be jagged to discourage itching.

For babies and children, use cotton mittens or gloves to prevent scratching.

Ice packs can help to reduce the urge to scratch the skin. You can also put the emollient creams in the fridge. 

Can Foods Contribute to My Eczema Condition?

A clear connection between food allergies and eczema has not established yet. However, common food allergies are associated with eczema, such as nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy.

Certain foods don’t seem to cause eczema, although they can trigger flare-ups in those who already suffer from it (for example, foods high in sugar).

So please pay close attention to what you eat and keep in mind the foods that flare up your eczema so you can better avoid them in the future.

P.S – Studies suggest that a pregnant woman who does not drink cow’s milk and takes probiotics may be less likely to have an infant with eczema!

Certain foods also may help reduce eczema symptoms. They are generally anti-inflammatory foods, such as:

Fatty fish – rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (Example: herring and salmon). 

• Foods high in quercetin (Example: capers, red onions, apples, berries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and organic tomatoes). Quercetin belongs to a class of compounds in plants called flavonoids, linked to several health benefits due to their antioxidant and antihistamine actions.

•Fiber-rich foods

•Probiotics

P.S: The genetic link that both celiac disease and eczema have may explain why some people notice a real improvement in their skin when they eliminate gluten.

In summary, many factors can trigger eczema symptoms, including what you eat!

Eczema in Children

I’m a mom of two boys with eczema! So, I was forced to learn more about natural treatments, as my boys are premature, and I could not use any medication or product on their “premature skin.” 

Nowadays, I prepare all the creams that we use, and their eczema is finally under control.

Good Lord, it was so hard to see my kids with their skin inflammation, itching and bleeding during the winter, but now everything is so much better. I will be more than happy to help as much as possible to any mother or patient who is going through the same situation.  

So let’s learn more about how to help manage the irritation and discomfort if you or someone that you love has eczema.

• Avoid giving long, hot baths, as they can dry the skin. Always make sure you choose lukewarm water.
• Apply a good lotion immediately after bathing while the skin is still moist to help trap moisture.
• Keep their room temperature and humidity as regular as possible as changes in temperature and humidity can dry out the skin (especially dry air.)
• Wool, silk, and fabrics such as polyester can irritate sensitive skin, so try to avoid clothes made with these fabrics.
• Use a natural/green/homemade soap for laundry and adequately rinse the clothes.
• Teach your children to avoid rubbing or scratching the rash (I know, this is a big challenge!)
• Apply moisturizers several times daily. In infants with eczema, moisturizing regularly, especially with each diaper change, is extremely helpful.

Natural Treatments for Eczema

Finally, we come to my favorite part, natural and efficient treatments!

Natural treatments for eczema can definitely bring some relief, so here are some home remedies that have proven effective against eczema and can help soothe the skin of patients suffering from this skin condition.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is extracted from the aloe plant’s leaves and has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including eczema.

A 2017 study found that aloe vera gel has various benefits for human health due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, immune system boosting and wound healing properties.

The antibacterial and antimicrobial effects of aloe help prevent skin infections, which are more likely to occur in a person with dry, cracked skin.

Aloe’s wound-healing properties soothe broken skin and promote healing among people suffering from eczema.

You can learn more about ALOE VERA Benefits For Face And Body Skin here.

You can learn more about Aloe Vera here.

How to use it for eczema

Aloe gel obtained from the plant in its natural form  is the best option as synthetic gel can contain preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colors, which might irritate sensitive skin. 

Start by applying a conservative amount of gel to affected areas, so it can promote soothing and restoration of skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a popular home remedy for many skin disorders, and it has been found to help with eczema too. Here are two main reasons why it could help.

It balances the skin’s acidity levels.

People with eczema might have less acidic skin than others, which weakens the skin’s defenses.  Applying diluted apple cider vinegar can help balance the skin’s acidity levels.

It helps fight bacteria.

Some researchers have found that apple cider vinegar fights bacteria, especially Staph aureus and Escherichia coli.

How to use it for eczema

Before applying it, dilute apple cider vinegar, as undiluted vinegar might be too harsh for the skin. 

You can use vinegar in wet wraps or baths in the following way:

1. Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water.
2. Soak a cotton ball or some gauze in the solution.
3. Cover the soaked gauze in clean cotton fabric.
4. Allow the gauze to sit on the affected area for about 3 hours ( This works better for adults — I can’t imagine a kid with patience for something like this! )

You can also use it as a bath soak to manage eczema:

1. Add apple cider vinegar to a warm bath
2. Soak in the water for 15–20 minutes
3. Afterward, rinse the body thoroughly
4. Moisturize as soon as you leave the bath

Colloidal Oatmeal

Avena sativa, also known as colloidal oatmeal, comes from oats that have been ground and boiled to extract their skin-healing properties.

A 2012 study found that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of colloidal oatmeal, can help assist with:

• Skin dryness
• Scaling
• Roughness
• Itchiness

How to use it for eczema

You can add the colloidal oatmeal powder to a warm bath and soak in it.  This works well for babies too. 

It is best to dissolve the oatmeal into the water, but larger pieces will not harm you.

You can also add natural lotions and creams containing colloidal oatmeal to your daily care routine.

Colloidal oatmeal is well-tolerated by all ages and is great for kids; however, anyone allergic to gluten or oats should avoid using it.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is brimful of beneficial fatty acids that add moisture to the skin, which can help people suffering from dry skin and eczema. Additionally, coconut oil also protects the skin by helping combat inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.

A study explored the effects of applying coconut oil to the skin in children and found that using the oil for 8 weeks effectively improved the symptoms of eczema.

How to use it for eczema

First, ensure that the organic coconut oil you choose is either cold-pressed or virgin.  This will ensure that the coconut oil that you are using is extracted without chemicals that could irritate your skin.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but it will liquefy when you rub it between your warm hands, making it easier to spread onto your skin.  Alternatively, you can use liquid organic fractionated coconut oil.

Apply the coconut oil directly to the affected skin after bathing. Additionally, you can use it before bed to keep the skin optimally moisturized overnight.

Note: Some people who are allergic to walnuts or hazelnuts are also allergic to coconuts, so be careful if you are allergic!

Honey

Honey boasts natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to heal wounds for centuries.

A study confirmed that honey helps heal wounds and can treat various skin ailments, including eczema. Direct application on eczema-affected skin could help prevent skin infections while providing moisture and speeding up skin healing.

How to use it for eczema

Dab a little honey (ideally Manuka honey due to its high quality) onto the affected area before bed, wrap the area carefully in gauze or a bandage, and rinse it in the morning to see optimal results.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil can help protect the skin’s outer layer, by working to lock in moisture and keep bacteria out. It can also hydrate the skin and relieve inflammation and itching.

How to use it for eczema

You can apply sunflower oil directly to the skin in its undiluted form. The best time to use it is after a bath while the skin is still damp and ready to absorb all the sunflower oil benefits.

Some Tips for Relief from Eczema in Babies and Children

From the bottom of my heart, I hope that the following information will bring some relief to your loved child.

• Avoid overdressing the baby as sweating aggravates eczema and can cause heat rash, which makes itching worse.
• Try using mittens to prevent infants from scratching the affected skin.
• Apply coconut oil frequently to the affected areas, avoiding the eyes or nose.
• Consult a doctor before using homemade products to manage eczema when bathing a baby or child.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths have shown positive results among children suffering from eczema but be sure to keep the bathwater out of their eyes.
• Avoid frequent baths with infants as this can increase dry skin.
• Use fragrance- and alcohol-free baby products and wipes, as they might contain irritating ingredients. Look for products with soothing elements, such as aloe vera.
• The home remedies for adults are also safe for children and well-tolerated by their skin. However, consult your doctor before applying any product to the affected area.

Conclusion

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common and highly uncomfortable skin condition that might affect your quality of life. At its worst, it can keep you up at night and make you feel self-conscious in public.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of eczema, contract your dermatologist to explore treatment options but also don’t be afraid to explore the at-home remedies and management tips listed above to help you manage your symptoms. 

While there is no cure for eczema, a thorough treatment plan can help prevent flareups and improve your skin health dramatically.

See your dermatologist as soon as you start to see signs of it. Explore at-home remedies and the management tips mentioned above to make your life easier and cope with the symptoms and effects of eczema. However, properly managing eczema can minimize its symptoms and impact your life. 

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P.S – Neither the information in this article nor its interpretation should be regarded as medical advice. Make your doctor aware of your desire to add some natural treatments to your protocol and ask for their opinion.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733863518310945?via%3Dihub

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29117431/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30152555/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545739/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32568024/