Using Dietary, Herbal and Conventional Treatments for Eczema Relief

« « A Few Clear Skin Tips That Anyone Can Benefit From | Using Chamomile Flowers for Anti-Aging Cosmetics » »

Subscribe To Our Feed

Eczema is an unpleasant condition where the skin is covered by patches of red, raised skin that is intensely itchy. The patches can then blister, weep and crust over causing thickened skin. Eczema usually starts in infancy, with a high percentage of cases occurring before the age of six months. 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.

Diet and Supplements
According to Eric Lewis who wrote the book, Essential Fatty Acids, people who have eczema tend to 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. You could also eat foods that are rich in essential fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, nuts and seeds.

Other supplements that are good for the skin are Vitamins A, C and E which are all powerful antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and protect the skin. Vitamin B complex to aid healthy skin. Quercetin, an antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Finally, zinc is an important supplement because it not only plays a role in essential fatty acid metabolism but also because of its antioxidants properties.

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 heal the skin and stop itching.Why not try some of these suggested recipes.

If you have weeping and crusting sores or very dry skin try this great recipe: 1 cup sea salt, 5 drops calendula, 5 drops carrot seed oil, 5 drops lavender oil mixed in almond oil.Put the salt in a jar, add the essential oils and cover with the almond oil. Store at the side of your bath tub and use a scoop whenever you are having a bath. Make sure that you don’t stay in the bath more more than 20 minutes as the skin will start dehydrating.

You must keep moisture in your skin: so, try this lovely moisturizing eczema relief cream. Use 2 drops lavender, 2 drops calendula and 2 drops German chamomile or carrot seed oil in a non-petroleum jelly base. You can massage the entire body or use it as a spot treatment.

Finally, try out this fabulous 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 30 drops jojoba oil and 10 drops evening primrose oil. With a cotton bud, apply to the affected area.

Conventional Treatment Options
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. Steroid creams are only a short-term solution since long-term use can lead to thinning of the skin. Other creams such as E45 and aqueous creams are recommended for treating 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.

Oral antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to reduce itching and antibiotics for any bacterial infections.

Whatever your eczema is caused by, be it food allergies, environmental allergens or stress, it is important to identify them.If you eat a diet rich in essential fatty acids and keep your skin moisturized you will find eczema relief.

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

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.