I had eczema the first time ever 2 months ago, I was totally shocked because I always thought I had good skin and can never get it. I have seen many people suffer endlessly from eczema and most resort to over the counter medications, topical antibiotics etc.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by dry scaly skin, itchiness, weeping and oozy rashes and blisters. It occurs mostly on the face, hands, elbows, back of knees, feet and back. It occurs mostly in children and affect adults too.
Causes/Triggers
- Genetics: Eczema runs in the family, it is common among people with family history of eczema and asthma.
- Dry skin: Having a dry skin predispose you to getting eczema
- Stress: Stress can trigger a lot of conditions, eczema included.
- Extremes of hot and cold temperature: Feeling too hot can make you sweat a lot and get heat rashes which can become eczematous. Also, feeling too cold can also dry your skin out.
- Certain skin products: Some skin care products such as bathing soap and body creams contains ingredients too irritating to the skin such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil etc
- Foods containing gluten: Eating food containing gluten such as bread can worsen symptoms of eczema
- Dairy foods: Dairy products such as milk especially cow milk can trigger eczema and should be avoided
- Wool fibers: Wearing clothes made of wool can also irritate and scratch your skin
- Detergents: Washing your clothes with detergents containing irritants can cause eczema
- Environment allergens: Some people are allergic to pollen, grass etc and some to animals such as dogs. Coming in contact with allergens can also trigger eczema
- Water: If you think you are doing everything right but can’t figure out what is causing eczema, your bathing water might be contaminated. That was the case for me when I had it.
- Immunosuppression: Suppressed or abnormal functioning immune system can also predispose you to eczema.
- Hormones
Natural Remedies
- Ginger:Grate some ginger and add some honey to make a paste, apply on the affected part and rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
- Chamomile tea: Brew chamomile tea and apply on your skin to reduce inflammation.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera soothes the skin, relieves itching and also moisturizes making it an effective remedy for eczema relief.
- Apple cider vinegar: Dab some ACV on the affected part 3 times a day to relieve dryness, itching and rashes.
- Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply on the eczema area, wash off after 30 minutes. This will ease symptoms of eczema.
- Shea butter: Shea butter is very moisturizing and can also reduce scars caused by eczema.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, it also relieves itching and moisture the skin
- Olive oil: Olive oil contains omega 3 oil which helps reduce inflammation. Massage some on the affected area
- Probiotics: Probiotics such as yoghurt and raw cheese can help the immune system fight eczema.
- Vitamin E: You can either take vitamin E pills orally or apply the oil topically on your skin to reduce the discomfort caused by eczema.
- Cucumber slices: Cucumber can soothes the skin, reduce swelling and redness. Place some cucumber slices on the affected area for relief.
- Oats: Grind some oats into powder and sprinkle on your bathing water to ease the discomfort caused by eczema.
- Honey
Other helpful tips
- Avoid dairy and gluten food products.
- Limit bathing to once daily with warm water, using soap repeatedly will further irritate your skin and hot bath will dry your skin out.
- Eat omega 3 filled foods such as fish.
- Avoid tight fitting and rough fiber clothes. Go for clothes with smooth surface instead.
- Avoid scratching the affected part, doing so will lead to more rashes.
- Ensure you wear appropriate clothes for each season.
Do you get eczema? What trigger it? What natural remedies do you use in managing eczema. Thanks for reading.
Sources
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php
https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html
http://everydayroots.com/eczema-remedies
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/get-rid-of-eczema/
https://wellnessmama.com/12065/natural-eczema-remedies/
DOING IT NATURAL 
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