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Dealing with eczema can be frustrating, right? That itchy, red skin can really get you down. So, what can we do about it at home? We’re gonna dive into some ways to soothe that irritated skin without necessarily reaching for the heavy-duty stuff.
We’re gonna take a closer look at some home remedies for eczema and how they can help relieve those annoying symptoms.
Did you know around 32 million people deal with eczema? That’s a whole lot of folks experiencing that itchy, red skin we all love to hate.
Steroid creams are often used to dial down eczema flare-ups, but they can sometimes come with unwanted side effects. Plus, you don’t wanna rely on them for the long haul, especially since eczema can be such a persistent skin issue.
That said, there are some natural eczema treatments that can help soothe symptoms:
1- Probiotics
Probiotics are believed to be good for your gut health which in turn, helps your immune system. A strong immune system helps with, well, pretty much everything but it can also keep inflammation in check, boost your defenses and strengthen your skin’s health.
Studies suggest that probiotics might help women, especially pregnant women or new moms, and children avoid getting eczema.
Research on adults is still a bit limited to clearly say probiotics always help with eczema, but the good news is they seem to help with reducing the severity of it.
The thinking is that probiotics help balance the good bacteria in your gut, which in turn, can keep your immune system strong and reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions, including those skin reactions like eczema.
You can get probiotics from certain foods like yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods, or through supplements.
And don’t forget that diet plays a massive role, as does hydration and stress management, which are sometimes overlooked in the realm of skin health.
2- Coconut Oil
According to the National Eczema Association, over 90% of people with eczema are also dealing with staph bacteria. Now, this bacteria isn’t always harmful and it lives on our skin and even inside our bodies.
The connection between this bacteria and eczema isn’t totally clear. Researchers aren’t 100% sure whether the staph bacteria causes the eczema, if it’s just a symptom or if it’s exacerbating the condition, prolonging the symptoms.
A study published in the journal Dermatitis, examined eczema patients with staph bacteria on their skin who then applied either virgin coconut oil or virgin olive oil twice a day for four weeks.
The patients who were dealing with a staph infection, and using virgin coconut oil saw their symptoms improve by about 5%, while those using virgin olive oil only saw a 50% improvement and some saw no improvement at all.
3- Fish Oil
A study in the British Journal of Dermatology indicated that eczema patients who took 5.7 grams of omega-3 supplements daily for twelve weeks showed good improvement.
The study concluded that those who used the supplements showed a noticeable improvement in their eczema symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. That being said, eating fish might help in improving eczema.
Omega-3 supplements come in the form of softgels and capsules.
4- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera’s a common remedy for many skin issues, including eczema, because it can help relieve symptoms.
Aloe vera works by hydrating and soothing the skin. It reduces dryness, alleviates itching, and eases pain. You can use aloe vera straight from the plant by squeezing out the gel. Or you can buy products containing aloe vera from pharmacies.
Apply aloe vera gel to your skin after bathing and before bed for the best results.
5- Acupuncture
Acupuncture might seem like an unusual treatment, but it ties into the broader world of natural and alternative medicine and is an ancient Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years.
During acupuncture, very thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow.
In traditional Chinese medicine, eczema is often seen as a heat or dampness condition in the body. A study published in the journal Allergy, found that eczema patients getting Chinese acupuncture saw benefits like reduced itching and improved skin function.
Key takeaways
- Probiotics are believed to be good for your gut health which helps your immune system.
- Over 90% of people with eczema are also dealing with staph bacteria. Applying virgin coconut oil can help in that instance.
- Eczema patients getting Chinese acupuncture saw benefits like reduced itching and improved skin function.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can stress cause eczema?
While stress doesn’t directly cause eczema, it can definitely trigger flare-ups or make existing symptoms worse. Stress messes with your immune system, which can lead to increased inflammation and itchy skin.
Is eczema contagious?
Nope, eczema isn’t contagious. You can’t catch it from someone else. It’s usually due to a combination of genetics, immune system stuff, and environmental factors.
Will eczema go away on its own?
Sometimes eczema can improve on its own, especially in babies, but for many people, it’s a chronic condition that needs ongoing management. Regular moisturizing and avoiding triggers are super important to keep it under control.
Here are some things people said about how these tips helped them.
I’d been battling eczema on my hands for years, and nothing seemed to work. I started taking a daily probiotic supplement, and within a few weeks, the itching and redness started to subside. It’s been a game-changer for me.
My daughter’s eczema was so severe, she would scratch until she bled. We started applying aloe vera gel a few times a day, and it helped calm her skin. It was a gentle, natural way to provide her with some relief.
I was skeptical about trying acupuncture, but I was desperate for anything that could help my eczema. After a few sessions, I noticed a significant reduction in the inflammation and itchiness. It was a surprisingly effective treatment for me.
So, whether it’s tweaking your diet, slathering on some aloe vera, or exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture, there are plenty of ways to fight eczema from the comfort of your home. We know how hard it can be, but hang in there, and hopefully, these tips will help you find some much-needed relief!
