In this comprehensive guide, we will understand
- How to treat Eczema naturally
- Homemade remedies for Eczema
- Causes of Eczema
- Best environment for people with eczema
- Types of Eczema
- How to handle the sudden onset of Eczema
- How to use castor oil and other oils for eczema
BREAKING DOWN -WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is also referred to as Atopic dermatitis (AD). This is a chronic skin condition that happens intermittently, it is most times said to occur in the body at different times and stages of life. There has been some amount of research, however, there are still misinterpretations of the skin condition. Some Eczema is not just a rash, this itchiness can unfavourably affect everyone around you. There are seven different types of eczema, and to be effective in treating them you must know which one you have.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF ECZEMA
Most people have no idea there are different types of eczema.
Atopic Dermatitis -Most common among them, over 9 million children and over 16 million adults have been diagnosed with eczema. This type of Eczema is not just a rash, the itchiness can cause discomfort to the point of no sleep or peace.
Contact dermatitis- happens when one comes in contact with substances that irritate, such as solvents, detergents, soaps, bleach, or jewelry containing nickel.
Allergic reactions usually appear a day or even two days after exposure to an allergen. Common examples are poison ivy, nail polish, and poison oak.
Makeup, hair dye, nickel-containing scissors, belt buckles, or clothes with metal snaps or zippers can also trigger reactions, also excessive hand washing in hot water and soap and wearing cheap wool. Cotton and silk is a better alternative for people who gets this dermatitis.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis– This is also common eczema, is associated with painful blisters, and is commonly triggered by metals and nickel. Stress and Laundry detergent can cause a flare. The condition is also linked to seasonal allergies like hay fever and hot, humid weather.
Neuro Dermatitis-neurodermatitis is usually confined to areas on the body in patches. It rarely goes away without treatment, due to the severity of irritation to the nerve ending this itching could continue for a long time.
Nummular Dermatitis– Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, coin-shaped lesions on arms, legs, torso, and/or hands with itching and burning
Seborrheic Dermatitis-Seborrheic dermatitis is a common form of eczema that usually affects the scalp, though it can affect other parts of the body as well. This type of eczema usually shows up where there are oil-producing (sebaceous) glands such as the nose and scalp.
Stasis dermatitis- also called gravitational or venous eczema, happens when there is poor circulation in the legs.
WHAT MAKES ECZEMA BETTER/WORST
Eczema can get better or worse depending on the environment we are in, the fabric we choose to wear, and the food we eat. Understanding your triggers will drastically affect how well you manage eczema.
Fabric
Wool is a common fabric known to irritate the skin of a person with eczema. some alternatives include silk and cotton. Lately, research shows that even if a person cannot afford real silk, the use of cheaper silk is still a good alternative.
Physical Environment
A 2013 research shows that the physical environment and Eczema are very closely related, eczema gets worse in areas with high humidity and extremely hot temperatures. Seaside and mountainous regions are great for people with eczema.
Water and bathing
Mineral baths and therapeutic warm baths are great for assisting the healing of eczema. Studies show that bathing for 20 minutes in the Dead Sea, twice daily, with gradual increase of sun exposure does help eczema. The Dead Sea is rich in minerals and is said to promote skin healing, with a combination of sun exposure. There are many places that sell dead sea mud and body spritz today.
Diluted bleach baths
Studies have shown a 12-week fully diluted beach bath helps to improve eczema, however, be careful not to make bleach too strong.
Moisturizers
The skin needs proper moisture to function, moisturizing the skin is crucial. According to research products should contain one or more of the following ingredients,
ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, licorice extract (glycyrrhetinic acid), and palmitoylethanolamide. Some of these such as ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are powerful hydrating substances for the skin.
4 NATURAL AND HOMEMADE REMEDIES
Natural oils
Sunflower seed oil is said to have both anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring effects. Studies show it has linoleic acid, which is thought to decrease inflammation in the skin.
Evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and castor oil are used in getting rid of skin inflammation. Castor oil is usually placed inside the belly button to help with any problems or rashes on or around the abdominal area.
Heated castor oil left on the skin with a wet cloth covering it, does help to quickly soothe the area.
Wet Wraps
Wet wraps adds extreme moisture and has rapid therapeutic benefit for patients. The process involves applying moisturizer to damp skin, followed by a layer of damp cloth followed by a dry layer of cloth or gauze. These layers are left in place for several hours or overnight.
Diet is said to be important because persons with eczema are known to have severe allergic reactions to certain foods. Being aware of the foods you are eating and how they make you feel is crucial when living with eczema. If eggs are making you ill or have breakouts, removing such foods from your diet is important. If you will need to use supplements to get the nutrients that you lack by removing many foods that cause problems in your body, start with the ones you know you need. Then add in vitamin D in the winter, and vitamins C & E to help with skin improvements.
Gluten
Try to avoid gluten at all costs, the concept of gluten sensitivity has been associated with inflammatory skin disease over the years and is becoming more common. It is three times more likely for a person with celiac disease to develop eczema than other people.
HOW TO DEAL WITH ONSET ECZEMA
People who have no experience with eczema can be frustrated when eczema shows up later in life. There is no special magic pill but psychological help and education, are crucial. Understanding what is happening and why it’s happening helps you and your family. Depending on the type of Eczema it can be really embarrassing for people starring or just not being able to wear certain clothing, but it helps when you know what the problem is. Talking to a therapist or even a good friend is helpful because it helps you release the burdens and stress you are experiencing. Most of all being able to laugh with people staring at you instead of being upset.
SUM IT UP
Eczema is not just a rash, it is a serious skin condition that can affect a person’s daily life due to itching and discomfort. This also affects family members psychologically who watch them suffer. There are multiple treatments but based on research none seems to cure, As a result, it is through medical trial and error mixed with at-home soothing remedies that will get the job done.
References
Goddard AL, Lio PA. Alternative, Complementary, and Forgotten Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:676897. doi: 10.1155/2015/676897. Epub 2015 Jul 15. PMID: 26257817; PMCID: PMC4518179.