Eczema is an irritating but common skin condition that affects close to 15 percent of the population. Eczema can cause inflamed red, itchy, and dry skin in its acute form. In some people the patches may blister and weep, which could eventually lead to these areas crusting over. People with chronic eczema will continue to experience itching but their skin may thicken and take on leather like consistency. In most cases, the skin’s color may change or dry scales may develop.
Allergic responses are mainly the cause for most acute cases of eczema. For instance, eczema sufferers are usually allergic to certain foods or other substances, which makes it quite possible to have a reaction due to the ingestion or the touching of an allergen. Therefore, if you find out what the allergen is and take the necessary steps to get rid of it, the eczema usually goes away. However, if the problem is not found and it’s allowed to continue, the rash can spread and develop into a chronic condition. Stress is also a common contributor to eczema and can prevent it from getting better.
Eczema can usually be found during infancy or childhood and is most common on the face, head, or the folds of the groin, knees, or the elbows. In most cases, it goes away when a child gets older and may stay away or come back during adolescence or adulthood. People with chronic eczema tend to have a family history of hay fever, asthma, difficulty handling stress, and food sensitivities. In addition, it has also been linked to abnormalities of the immune system, candidiasis, and a deficiency in essential fatty acids that are influential in keeping inflammation under wraps in the body. Other root causes could be poor digestion as well as poor detoxification. Just like many of the other illnesses that affect the entire body as well as lifestyle, natural treatments or remedies will be the best course of action to calm the situation. Many of the conventional treatments for chronic cases can be very frustrating to patients, because they usually suppress the skin problem, which usually causes more spreading or exacerbates the symptoms. Using natural remedies for eczema is the best way to go.
Acute eczema symptoms
Swollen, red, dry, and burning skin; overwhelming and strong to desire to scratch; skin that blisters, oozes, and crusts over
Chronic eczema symptoms
Eczema that continues to return; continuous itching; color changes; dry, thick skin with scaly patches
Acute eczema root causes
Allergic reactions to certain foods; direct contact with irritants
Chronic eczema root causes
Heredity; food allergies or sensitivities; impaired immune system; fatty acids deficiency; candidiasis; poor digestion with low levels of stomach acid; poor detoxification
Natural treatments for eczema
Licorice is an herb that has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This is an herb that you want around if you’re about to do battle with eczema. It is believed to mimic the effects of corticosteroids, but without the side effects of those drugs. In addition, licorice prevents the breakdown of cortisol, which is the body’s own corticosteroid.
Burdock is a root that when taken internally decreases inflammation. Many herbalists consider burdock to be a natural remedy for skin disorders, which also includes eczema. Burdock is also very rich in a mineral called inulin, which helps to stimulate an immune reaction that destroys certain skin bacteria that can make eczema worse.
Dandelion like burdock contains inulin, which helps the body get rid of unwanted bacteria. Dandelion is also helpful in stimulating digestion as well as liver function. It is also loaded with crucial vitamins and minerals that help to maintain healthy, vibrant skin.
Gotu kola is an herb that can be used both internally and externally to help with the healing of wounds and to reduce skin inflammation, it is a very versatile herb.
Echinacea is an American wild flower that contains infection fighting substances and it can decrease inflammation as well. In addition, it can stimulate the formation and repair of connective tissue. According to one German study, echinacea was highly effective in treating multiple skin conditions including eczema.
Comfrey is a traditional herb that contains allantoin, which is an ingredient in many of the skin lotions that’s purchased in stores. This ingredient helps to soothe the skin and it speeds up healing by promoting the growth of skin cells.
The Indian variety of coleus should not be mistaken for the common plant that many people have in their homes. Medicinal coleus can limit the release of histamine as well as other chemicals that cause inflammation by raising the amount of a substance known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inside the cells.
Oregon graperoot and Goldenseal both have a place in the conversation about treating eczema. They promote healthy digestion and heightened liver function, which in turn helps the body to rid itself of dangerous toxins that have the propensity to promote inflammation. Additionally, both herbs also contain a potent antimicrobial substance, which helps to fight off bad bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus that can complicate eczema.
Avocado is a great natural treatment for eczema because it contains vitamin A, D, and E. These vitamins are great for the skin as well. To relieve the itching, dryness and inflammation, apply the mashed fruit directly to the patches of eczema.
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