A simple definition of eczema (dermatitis) is a chronic inflammation of the skin. It is estimated that three to seven percent of the population has some kind of eczema, and in more than 70 percent of those affected, it is a hereditary disease.
There are different types of eczema (dermatitis) that differ in causes and symptoms. Eczema is very individual, and symptoms can vary depending on age and the specific type you have. It is a condition that can affect anyone at some point in life.
However, some people are more prone to eczema than others. Although it is not life-threatening, it causes great discomfort and pain. Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema and can occur anywhere on the body.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
ECZEMA IS AN INFLAMMATORY CONDITION, BUT IT IS NOT CONTAGIOUS AND CAN NOT BE PASSED FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER.
Despite extensive research on the problem of eczema, the disease is still not well understood, and there is no cure.
Conventional treatments are very useful for a large number of patients, but despite the best drugs, there is still suffering in several patients, while others suffer from side effects from therapy, which are far from completely safe to use.
Therefore, it is not surprising that a large number of people with this condition are looking for new and better treatment options.
Although there are no tests to determine eczema, most often the doctor gives you a diagnosis by examining the skin.
Since many people with eczema also have allergies, your doctor may ask you to perform allergy tests to determine possible irritants. Children with eczema are especially likely to be tested for allergies.
Although no one is quite sure what causes this disorder, it is thought to be an overactive immune response to irritants that come into contact with the skin.
Treatments for eczema generally include steroid creams or oral steroids, antihistamines, UV light therapy, drugs that affect the immune system, and antibiotics.
There are types of eczema that have no specific causes and can develop for no apparent reason.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ECZEMA (DERMATITIS)
Studies show that possible causes of eczema may include:
Allergies to certain foods, such as seafood, dairy products, or wheat
Allergies to certain drugs
Allergies to irritants such as cosmetics, soaps, antiperspirants, and cleaning products
Excessive sweating
Wool or silk clothing
Contact with plants such as poison oak or poison ivy
Skin contact with items made of nickel such as jewelry or glasses
Leather and commercial colors
Swimming in chlorinated pools
Sitting directly on carpets or grass
Viral or bacterial infections
Stress
Abnormalities of the immune system
Genetics
Changes in the weather – humidity usually triggers eczema flare-ups in individuals
SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA (DERMATITIS)
Symptoms of eczema (dermatitis) may come and go. For some people, eczema goes away with time, while for others it remains a lifelong condition. Regardless of which part of the skin it affects, eczema almost always itches.
Most of the characteristic signs appear in patients in early childhood, usually before the age of five.
Sometimes the itching starts before the rash appears, but when it does appear, the rash usually appears on the face, back, knees, wrists, hands, or feet.
It can also affect other parts of the body. Affected areas are usually very dry, thickened, or scaly.
Newborns may have red, rough marks on their cheeks and scalp or their arms and legs.
Older children and adults have bright red patches of skin that itch and the most critical areas are usually the back of the neck and the folds behind the knees.
Symptoms of eczema (dermatitis) include:
Dry, sensitive skin
Intense itching
Red, inflamed skin
Recurrent rash
Great areas
Rough skin
Areas of runoff
Dark areas of the skin
If you scratch irritated and dry skin, it will become thickened, dark and scars will form.
The itching is mostly worse at night. Scratching can also lead to infection.
PREVENTION OF ECZEMA (DERMATITIS)
There are several things people with eczema can do to support skin health and relieve symptoms, such as:
Taking a regular warm bath can help relieve eczema symptoms.
Apply a moisturizing cream 3 minutes after bathing to "lock in" the moisture
Moisturize your skin every day
Wear cotton and soft fabrics, avoid rough irritating clothes
Use mild soap when washing
Air drying or gently patting the skin with a towel, not rubbing the skin after bathing
Avoiding sudden changes in temperature and activities that make you sweaty (when possible)
Study the triggers of individual eczema and avoid them
Using a humidifier in dry or cold weather
Keep your nails short to prevent scratches on the skin after scratching
FOOD AND ECZEMA
TODAY, MORE AND MORE ATTENTION IS PAID TO THE KIND OF FOOD WE EAT, BECAUSE IT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECZEMA.
FOODS THAT CAN CAUSE ECZEMA:
1. Additives – Eliminate additives and processed foods that can make eczema worse.
2. Food Intolerance – Avoid foods that include gluten, dairy, shellfish, or peanuts.
3. Margarine and trans fats – Margarine consists of vegetable oils in which omega-6 predominates, which contributes to excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3. fatty acids. This imbalance causes inflammatory processes in the body, so it is the cause of many chronic diseases.
These fats can interfere with the absorption of essential fats critical for healing.
4. Sugar – Increases inflammation and decreases immune function.
5. Salty food – Can increase inflammation.
6. Certain foods that can cause skin irritation - the most common are citrus fruits, soy, cinnamon, vanilla, tomatoes, and dairy products.
FOOD THAT CAN HELP FIGHT ECZEMA
Certain foods are known to help heal eczema, which means you should add more of these foods to your diet regularly:
1. Sea fish / can reduce the symptoms of eczema
Marine fish, such as wild salmon and cod, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce eczema symptoms.
2. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds, especially flax seeds, also contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Banana
Bananas are rich in magnesium, which lowers histamine, as well as vitamin C and potassium. Magnesium is necessary for the normal function of vitamin C, as well as calcium.
4. Buckwheat for the fight against eczema
Buckwheat is rich in quercetin, which is considered a key ingredient in the fight against eczema, as it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antihistamine agent. Other foods rich in quercetin include citrus fruits, apples, broccoli, and berries.
5. Eggs and oatmeal
Eggs and oatmeal have high levels of zinc, a mineral known to fight eczema.
6. Green onions
Green onions also contain anti-inflammatory quercetin, which reduces histamine, along with plenty of vitamin K, which is important for healthy skin.
It's also important to eliminate foods that could be triggering your eczema, which primarily include fast food, processed foods, alcohol, sugary foods, and soda. The further away you can be from that, the better.
Remember that healing eczema takes time. Even if you don't see results right away, stick to your natural regimen because you should eventually achieve healthy, clear skin.
Of course, as always, consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
TREATMENT OF ECZEMA (DERMATITIS) THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Follow your lifestyle triggers, they are different for everyone.
1. Sensitivity to materials or some ingredients
One person can be sensitive to wool, while another is sensitive, e.g. to some chemical in the perfume. Since it is not known what causes an individual to have subdued eczema, you will have to try to figure it out for yourself.
2. The foods you consume
You can write down the foods you consume in your diet so that you can keep a food diary by writing down the products you use and see what happens when you eliminate them individually from your menu.
It may take a bit of effort to find out what is adversely affecting you, but it is a good way to find out if something on your menu is bothering your body. Add products slowly to determine whether or not they affect eczema.
3. Comfortable clothes
Wear non-irritating clothing. Wear comfortable clothing wherever possible and avoid clothing that encourages itching, such as wool. Cotton clothes are the least irritating to your skin.
4. Use of detergents
Also, be careful about the laundry detergent you use. It can leave a light mark on clothing that contributes to eczema. Try using a natural washing powder or simply switch to another brand.
When washing clothes, use less detergent than recommended on the label. Most laundry detergents are concentrates, which means they are stronger. Of course, it can irritate your skin. Try to use a quarter of what is recommended.
Try double rinsing your laundry. Everything that comes into contact with the skin should be double rinsed (eg clothes, bedding, towels).
New washing machines may have an option called double / extra rinse. This provides an additional rinse to remove detergent residue that can irritate.
If of course, you don't have that additional program, simply repeat the rinse cycle. Note that you need more water for this, but a cold rinse is just fine.
5. Exercise
When exercising, wear appropriate sports clothing designed to keep the skin cool. This will prevent you from sweating excessively, which can make eczema worse.
Choose non-irritating soaps and shampoos. Irritants such as soaps and detergents, shampoos, dishwashing liquid, and any products with added perfumes can irritate your skin. Try using natural vegetable-based soaps and cleansers instead.
Use a humidifier. Dry air in your bedroom and home can make eczema worse. You can eliminate this situation with a humidifier that will add moisture to your air and your skin.
It is also possible to humidify the air in the room without buying an appliance. Native plants naturally increase the amount of moisture in the air through a process known as transpiration. House fern is a plant popular as a natural humidifier.
6. Home maintenance
Keep your house clean and avoid allergens. Try to avoid bacteria, fungi, and viruses. You should also avoid people who are sick, as this can have a bad effect on your eczema.
7. Stress Control
Reduce stress. Eczema is strongly linked to stress, both psychological and physical, so taking the time to work on stress relaxation can be very beneficial.
Try doing anything that relaxes you: visualization techniques, hypnotherapy, meditation, yoga, listening to music, or painting. Take time for yourself every day to relax.
Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, stress has been shown to make eczema worse.
8. Bathing or showering with warm water
When bathing or showering, use warm water (not too cold or too hot). Also, too much bathing can strip moisture from the skin and make eczema worse.
Try to limit your baths and showers to once a day, to once every two days if possible. Avoid steam or cold showers and limit them to 15 to 20 minutes.
Use a clean and dry towel to gently wipe your body. Use products to hydrate your skin, without additives, based on coconut oil, olive oil, etc.
Be aware that while these oils are better tolerated by people with eczema, everyone is different and you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.
Do not stay in the bath for a long time. Sometimes water can irritate your skin. You don't want your eczema to be upset, as disturbed skin makes eczema more likely to itch.
9. Avoid sudden changes in weather and temperature
When the skin feels a sudden drop or jumps in temperature, as well as changes brought by snow, wind, and rain, a sudden worsening of eczema symptoms occurs.
If you have to go outside during the big winter minuses, be sure to dress warmly and wear a scarf, hat, and gloves.
Your skin must not freeze, but it is important to maintain normal body heat as much as possible.
Also, protect critical parts in the summer in strong sunlight by wearing comfortable cotton clothing with long sleeves and pants, as well as a hat or cap.
SOME OF THE BEST NATURAL REMEDIES FOR TREATING ECZEMA (DERMATITIS):
1. Coconut oil is great for treating eczema
Virgin coconut oil is a soothing natural home remedy for the prevention and treatment of eczema. Coconut oil provides deep hydration to the skin, protecting it from drying out and from flaking.
It is effective in the natural treatment of eczema because it contains antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory substances. Research on the medicinal properties of coconut oil for eczema shows that its antibacterial activity is effective against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Research shows that coconut oil also acts as an emollient to moisturize dry skin and kill bacteria that cause skin infections. Coconut oil has been described as "useful in the proactive treatment of colonization of atopic dermatitis."
Coconut oil is also gentle enough to help treat mild to moderate eczema in babies. Many eczema sufferers claim that organic unrefined virgin coconut oil helps keep their eczema under control and gives them better results than much more expensive products.
To use coconut oil to heal skin damaged by eczema, all you need to do is apply coconut oil directly to the affected area several times a day and before going to bed. Apply coconut oil daily until the red itchy spots on the skin disappear completely.
Coconut oil
COCONUT OIL CONTAINS LAURIC ACID, WHICH CAN PENETRATE THE SKIN AND ENSURE DEEP HYDRATION OF THE SKIN WHILE MAINTAINING A PROTECTIVE LAYER ON THE SKIN.
For the skin to be healthy, it should be properly nourished. For patients suffering from eczema, the challenge is to find a local remedy that will alleviate the symptoms themselves, but also nourish the skin. Coconut oil is a great source of fatty acids that have proven health benefits.
All fats contain fatty acids, but the type of fatty acids in coconut oil make it ideal for treating eczema. This is because the fatty acids in coconut oil easily penetrate the skin and nourish it from within.
Research has shown that virgin coconut oil contains antioxidant properties. Free radicals attack collagen strands and other skin cells. Coconut oil will help you get and keep healthy skin.
The content of fatty acids in coconut oil means that it has natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. One of the complications with eczema is that when the skin is broken, it is more prone to bacterial and viral infections.
Research into the antibacterial and moisturizing effects of coconut oil showed that coconut oil was very useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and was able to kill Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Other studies have shown that coconut oil is very effective as an antibacterial agent and helps heal wounds.
Several agents can cause inflammation on the skin of people who are prone to eczema. These can be extremes in temperature, soaps, detergents, and other harsh chemicals.
You can use coconut oil for eczema, as the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can soothe already inflamed skin and make it less painful.
Coconut oil
COCONUT OIL HAS THE PERFECT PROPERTY OF SOOTHING INFLAMED AND ITCHY SKIN.
One of the biggest problems with eczema is itchy skin and it can be very difficult not to scratch it. Scratching may provide temporary relief, but it will not cure the itch, it will only make it worse.
Scratching can lead to cracked skin and cause bleeding, and then there is a high risk of skin infection.
One of the complications of long-term treatment with steroid creams is that the body can develop allergic reactions to them. However, coconut oil is known to have properties that boost the immune system and help modulate it.
Lauric acid helps to improve the immune response in the body and does not cause side effects.
Coconut oil is so gentle on the skin that it can also be used on babies.
Studies on the use of coconut oil on babies also show that it is safe to use and effectively hydrates atopic dermatitis. One of the best reasons to use coconut oil for eczema is that it is completely natural and non-toxic.
2. Apple cider vinegar helps with eczema (ACV)
Raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar can reduce inflammation and relieve itching caused by eczema. The basis of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, which can help with bacterial skin infections and reduce itching.
Skin affected by atopic eczema (dermatitis) usually has a higher pH level than healthy skin and this is one of the reasons for itching and inflammation. The acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar helps to lower the skin's pH level, thus reducing the need to scratch red spots on the skin.
For example, research on acetic acid shows that it can help kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in wounds. Other studies on the use of natural remedies to treat eczema have shown that bathing the affected skin in acidic water can help reduce the inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis.
Apple vinegar
CLINICAL RESEARCH CONFIRMS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ACIDIC CONTENT OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ON DAMAGED AND INFLAMED SKIN.
There are several ways to use apple cider vinegar to naturally relieve eczema symptoms.
1. Use the product by mixing equal amounts of raw ACV and water. Using a cotton swab or a spray bottle, apply the ACV directly to the area of skin affected by eczema.
Repeat the ACV treatment twice a day – once in the morning and once in the afternoon, before going to bed to speed up the healing process of itchy, inflamed skin. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the ACV more.
2. Another natural treatment for eczema is to add 2 cups of ACV to warm bath water. Be immersed in this bath for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this treatment at least 3 times a week to soothe irritated skin. The acidic content of ACV will help relieve itching all over your body.
3. The third method is to take 1-2 spoons of ACV and mix it in a cup of water, you can add honey for better taste. Drink once or twice a day to get rid of the signs of eczema. You will also enjoy many other health benefits of apple cider vinegar and honey.
3. Chamomile is a natural remedy for eczema
Chamomile is one of the oldest medicines in folk medicine. The main ingredient of chamomile is the essential oil azulene. Chamomile contains soothing properties for any type of inflamed skin and is an excellent therapeutic agent for the faster elimination of eczema.
Chamomile
CHAMOMILE IS A COMMON HERB FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES.
Chamomile is an excellent natural remedy for eczema, as it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds that relieve infected red spots on the skin. Research into the healing effects of chamomile on eczema has shown that flower extracts can help reduce skin inflammation.
Interestingly, chamomile extracts show a similar anti-eczema effect to hydrocortisone ointments and other anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical ointments. There are many ways to use chamomile to relieve all types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, minor burns, and sunburn.
You can simply make a cup of soothing chamomile tea and use a chamomile tea bag to soothe itchy skin. Drinking refreshing tea will help you relax and help with skin irritation.
You can make an anti-inflammatory chamomile mixture to relieve itchy skin and clear up bacterial infections on cracked, dry skin. Add 2-3 drops of chamomile to a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil and gently massage the scaly, red skin.
Apply natural ointment 2-3 times a day every day to speed up healing and prevent bacterial infections.
4. Colloidal oats relieve eczema symptoms
To get quick relief from dry, itchy skin caused by eczema, you can use the healing properties of oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal moisturizes the skin and contains antioxidants that are effective in eliminating eczema symptoms such as itching, and dry and inflamed skin.
Oatmeal is so gentle and effective that it can be used on babies with eczema. These facts were confirmed in extensive research on the use of colloidal oatmeal for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The report states that colloidal oatmeal improves symptoms of atopic dermatitis and is well tolerated in infants, children, and adults with eczema.
High concentrations of polysaccharides and beta-glucan are responsible for the effect on the skin and the prevention of transepidermal water loss. The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are attributed to the presence of various phenolic compounds in colloidal oats, which are also excellent UV absorbers.
Colloid tooth
TODAY, COLLOIDAL OATS ARE FOUND IN MANY CREAMS, LOTIONS, SHAMPOOS, AND BATHS.
Colloidal tooth - colloidal dental pulp, colloidal dental flour, is the right product for skin with atopic dermatitis.
For the mask
In a bowl, mix 1-2 large spoons of the powder with a little warm water to a mushy consistency. Apply the mask to the face or the desired part of the body and wash it off after 10-15 minutes with warm water.
For a bath
Put 3-4 spoons of the powder in the bathtub, under a strong stream of warm water, and spend 15-20 minutes in the bath. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel, never rub it. If necessary, rinse the skin very briefly with lukewarm water, then apply body lotion.
Colloidal oats act: as anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, clean and soothe the skin, and prevent moisture loss.
Application of baths and masks with colloidal oats is especially effective in:
Atopic dermatitis
Eczema and urticaria
Herpes
Radiation dermatitis
Sunburn
Insect bites
Post-treatment care (chemical peels, dermabrasion)
Inflammatory acne
Cuts and minor skin irritations
aloe vera
5. Aloe vera as a folk remedy for skin problems
Aloe vera is one of the most popular plants today due to its healing properties. Throughout history, it was primarily used externally for skin injuries, and today it is a folk remedy for many diseases.
Aloe vera contains a crystalline gel that is used in the treatment of skin problems because it quickly improves the condition of the skin. The main value is its antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, laxative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effect on human health.
Aloe vera belongs to a great natural medicine that helps relieve the painful symptoms of eczema and restore damaged skin. Known for its medicinal properties that help treat inflamed and itchy skin, it contains anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins that nourish and protect the skin.
Aloe vera's antibacterial activity also helps reduce or eliminate bacterial skin infections. Research has shown that itching, an inflammatory skin condition, is significantly improved when aloe vera is applied directly to the affected area.
The anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera can help to successfully treat long-term eczema. Aloe vera works to accelerate the healing process of eczema, increasing blood circulation in the affected area and preventing cell death.
To quickly relieve itching and damaged skin caused by eczema, while nourishing the damaged skin, apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area. Gently massage aloe vera gel 2-3 times a day, every day until your itchy eczema rash is healed.
6. Baking soda as a cheap remedy for atopic dermatitis
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a simple and inexpensive remedy for atopic dermatitis. Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve skin conditions characterized by dry, flaky, itchy patches of skin.
Taking baking soda in the bath is recommended as an effective home remedy for treating eczema. This is a great way to reduce the discomfort caused by eczema if you have large patches of eczema all over your body. After bathing, don't forget to apply a light moisturizer to the affected area.
You can also use baking soda in paste form if you have small patches of eczema on your hands, face, or knees.
To make natural sodium bicarbonate for eczema, take one or two tablespoons of baking soda and add enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the medicine to the affected area to quickly relieve itching. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
7. Turmeric alleviates the inflammatory conditions of eczema
The active ingredient of turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties is curcumin, which gives it a light yellow color and a slightly bitter and slightly spicy taste and smell. Turmeric is most often used as a spice in curries. This spice is used all over the world, it is often called Indian saffron.
Many studies on curcumin have shown that turmeric is very beneficial for skin health and found that it can help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. There are many ways to incorporate more turmeric into our daily diet.
According to Ayurveda, spicy taste kills germs and parasites and stimulates blood flow and the entire process of food digestion.
The bitter taste is the best remedy against poisoning, skin and blood diseases, as well as all kinds of inflammation and fever.
The astringent taste is astringent and healing - stops internal and external bleeding, helps heal wounds, and stops diarrhea and dysentery.
Due to all these properties, turmeric is used in Ayurveda as a means of treating skin and blood diseases, diseases of the mouth, throat, and nose, digestive problems, and for restoring the intestinal flora, destroying cysts and tumors on the ovaries and uterus, for cleaning the lymph, for the fight against diabetes, obesity and for lowering cholesterol.
Turmeric
TURMERIC HAS NUMEROUS THERAPEUTIC HEALTH BENEFITS FOR THE RELIEF OF MANY INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING ECZEMA.
The Chinese use it to clean and strengthen the blood, lower high blood pressure, etc.
For mild skin diseases, it is necessary to add half a teaspoon of turmeric and half a teaspoon of unrefined cane sugar to a cup of hot milk (cow's or goat's). Mix and let cool. Drink lukewarm, on an empty stomach - in the evening before going to bed and in the morning on an empty stomach.
In case of dry eczema, it is necessary to mix turmeric and ghee and then apply the paste twice a day to the affected area.
For wet eczema, honey is used instead of ghee.
8. Urea in cosmetics / for the treatment of sensitive and damaged skin
Urea is used in various cosmetic products, due to its moisturizing properties. It is a substance that binds water and thus efficiently supplies the skin with moisture.
Urea is naturally present in our body, and in cosmetics, it is often an ingredient in creams and preparations for soothing and healing sensitive and damaged skin. The skin loses moisture every day, so it is necessary to hydrate daily.
Water loss affects all skin types, but dry skin will feel it the most. To protect the skin, it is necessary to prevent drying, maintain skin moisture, as well as protect the skin from harmful UV radiation.
It is a very effective method for relieving irritated, itchy skin and is very cheap. Of course, urea is a natural ingredient, but cream containing urea contains some other ingredients that are not natural.
Urea cream is a very effective way to quickly moisturize dry, cracked, and thickened skin. It can also help get rid of dead skin cells and remove flaky skin.
You can buy urea cream at most drugstores.
9. Honey as a natural remedy for eczema
Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent used for centuries to help heal wounds. Honey also helps boost immune system function, which means it can help the body fight infections.
Honey is useful for treating various skin conditions, including burns and wounds, and has antibacterial properties.
You can apply honey directly to eczema, it will help prevent infections while moisturizing the skin and speeding up healing.
10. Tea tree oil for treating eczema
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia . Tea tree oil is used to treat wounds and cuts and treat eczema and other skin disorders.
Eczema skin can respond well to tea tree oil treatment.
Research from 2011 showed that treating eczema with tea tree oil gave better results than topical treatment with zinc oxide or ichthyol.
Other potential benefits of tea tree oil for eczema include:
Reducing inflammation - can help relieve some of the redness, irritation, and swelling associated with eczema.
Wound healing - reduction of healing time in people with wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus.
Reduction of allergic reactions - helps to reduce skin hypersensitivity reaction to nickel in people with allergies.
Fights viruses – has antiviral properties and can help kill unwanted bacteria
Dandruff reduction – anti-fungal properties, which can help with seborrheic dermatitis. A seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema.
Alleviation of itching - tea tree oil works effectively to reduce itching in scalp eczema.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before using tea tree oil preparations, to make sure that it will not affect other eczema treatments.
11. GLA – Nutritional supplement
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils.
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that play an important role in brain functions, normal growth, and development.
They are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids and help in hair growth, maintaining health, and regulating metabolism and the reproductive system. Our body converts linolenic acid into GLA and then into arachidonic acid.
A healthy diet contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 acids. Most of the GLA taken from supplements is converted in the body to a molecule called DGLA, which is anti-inflammatory.
GLA is found in evening primrose, black cumin, borage, and mushroom oils. Spirulina also contains GLA.
The medicinal properties of evening primrose were well known by the Indians and they used it to relieve skin diseases, ulcers, and wounds, due to its chemical composition, which includes unsaturated fatty acids; black cumin oil shows a beneficial effect on atopic dermatitis (due to omega 6 acid); clinical studies in several tests on volunteers have shown the excellent effectiveness of borage oil in skin inflammations.
In research, it was certainly possible to prove that taking borage oil stops the production of certain substances that stimulate inflammation. Shiitake extract in very small concentrations (1%) also significantly inhibits phospholipase activity and thus has an anti-inflammatory effect.
GLA supplements are very beneficial in the treatment of eczema. Some studies show that eczema may be caused by a deficiency of an important enzyme that creates an Omega 6 fatty acid called GLA. Deficiency of the enzyme means deficiency of GLA resulting in aggravated eczema.
Modest doses of GLA acid have been found to show improvement in itching resulting from atopic dermatitis.
Therefore, the solution could be to take GLA as a supplement. It is recommended to use GLA supplements for at least 4 weeks. Then the symptoms should gradually improve.
12. Probiotics indirectly help with the problem of eczema
Our intestines need a proper balance of "good" bacteria for the proper function of the digestive system. If the digestive system does not work properly, our body is more sensitive to allergies and skin irritations.
Studies suggest that taking probiotic supplements can help prevent eczema in children. Probiotics can be found in well-stocked health food stores as well as herbal pharmacies.
They can be found naturally in fermented dairy products such as yogurt and kefir. Sauerkraut also contains probiotics.
Probiotics
THEY CAN BE FOUND NATURALLY IN FERMENTED DAIRY PRODUCTS SUCH AS YOGURT AND KEFIR, AND SAUERKRAUT ALSO CONTAINS THEM.
NATURAL THERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ECZEMA
- PHOTOTHERAPY - It is also called "light therapy" with a special type of light.
In this way, in addition to atopic, contact, dyshidrotic, and seborrheic dermatitis can be treated.
Using a special machine that produces and emits ultraviolet B light that relieves irritation, reduces inflammation, increases the production of vitamin D, and strengthens the systems in the skin that fight against bacterial infections.
– WET WRAP THERAPY – In case the eczema is on the hands or feet, you can use wet socks or gloves to relieve eczema symptoms.
Gloves or socks must be made of cotton and moistened with warm water so that they are not soaked, but only slightly damp.
- MASSAGE - Massaging relieves stress, which is often responsible for aggravating the signs of atopic dermatitis.
Look for an experienced masseur who will choose lotions and essential oils that are safe for your skin.
WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?
As soon as you notice the beginning of an infection in the form of spreading redness or pus, contact your doctor immediately. Strong irritation after exposure to heat and bleeding are also reasons to seek professional help as soon as possible.
The skin is the largest organ of our body, it works 24 hours a day to take care of us, protect us and keep us healthy. Therefore, we must have a responsibility to take care of our skin.
One of the best ways to achieve this is to have regular visits to a medical skin care specialist – your dermatologist, as they have the training and expertise to keep your skin healthy throughout your life.
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