Eczema is defined as a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding. Sometimes the eczema is resulting from a reaction to irritation (eczematous dermatitis), but more typically having no obvious external cause.
Every winter I am greeted with two things I do not care much for: cold weather and eczema. I grew up mainly in the South, so cold weather has never been my favorite season. After a decade of living here, I don’t mind the cold as much, but the eczema I can do without.
Over the years I have tried several over-the-counter topical treatments to help minimize the itching, but they have yielded little success. Since the traditional approach didn’t work, I started to focus more on natural or home remedies. Here are a few things I have learned about eczema:
Symptoms of Eczema
- Patches of dry, itchy, thickened skin
- Usually covers hands, neck, face, and legs, but can occur anywhere
- If scratched, dry skin or open blisters with crust could become infected
Causes of Eczema
- Causes are mostly unknown
- Thought to be an overactive immune system
- Stress can have an impact an increase symptoms
- Usually occurs with changes in climate
- Associated with dry skin
Home Remedies
- Use coconut oil or olive oil as a moisturizer. Rub roughly a teaspoon of either oil on to the affected area a couple of times a day.
- Take lukewarm baths with olive or coconut oil. Apply an ample amount of oil to the affected area then soak in a lukewarm bath. This will help add moisture to the affected area. Add a cup of Epsom salts and baking soda for an added bonus.
- Apple cider vinegar. Fermented food products are very healthy for you, and apple cider vinegar ranks high among the list. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio then apply to the affected area. Applying apple cider vinegar to cracked skin or exposed blisters will cause a severe sting.
- Lavendar Essential Oil. Try mixing a few drops of lavendar essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Then apply the mixture to your skin. The lavendar essential oil will help your dry skin as well as help you relax.
- Change your diet. Eat a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and avoid dairy, gluten, and sugar. Add turmeric or take a turmeric supplement to help decrease the inflammation further.
Living with eczema is very uncomfortable and frustrating. I hope these home remedies will provide some relief for you.
All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Mooresville Chiropractor
704-663-7625
