doingitnaturalblog

Eczema: Causes, Triggers and Natural Remedies

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

          1. Avoid dairy and gluten food products.
          2. Limit bathing to once daily with warm water, using soap repeatedly will further irritate your skin and hot bath will dry your skin out.
          3. Eat omega 3 filled foods such as fish.
          4. Avoid tight fitting and rough fiber clothes. Go for clothes with smooth surface instead.
          5. Avoid scratching the affected part, doing so will lead to more rashes.
          6. 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/

            54 comments

            1. This was helpful. I think I might be having eczema on my back even.

              There is the misconception that eczema happens only when you’re dirty. Is there any truth though this statement in your opinion?

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            2. This is very helpful to me. My son has eczema, and it’s pretty much hereditary because it runs on his dad’s side of the family. I would normally use coconut oil on his skin and bathe him using either nonscented, sensitive, or Dudu Osum black soap, and it would relieve it. But I think I’m gonna try the tips you posted on him. Thanks for these tips!

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              • There are good detergents that contain natural ingredients but they aren’t much… You can use a bar soap instead, bar soaps are gentler and more skin friendly than detergents, you can use that for your laundry instead. Thanks for reading
                Also, while washing we tend to use more detergents than bar soap because bar soap takes a longer time to form a lather, this way we use less bar soap than detergents.

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            5. Thanks very much for this tips, I have been waiting for something like this cos I have eczema, it appears and disappears. My friend will benefit from this.

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                • I luv d tip nd try to practice it,my problem is eczema,nd is always on my face d last time it appeared I use ketoconazole drug nd cream,nd it stil show again during d use of d cream,I pray d tips work for me

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                • I luv d tip nd try to practice it,my problem is eczema,nd is always on my face d last time it appeared I use ketoconazole drug nd cream,nd it stil show again during d use of d cream,I pray d tips work for me

                  Liked by 1 person

            11. I’ve realised recently that a lot of people suffer from this and some over the counter drugs only make it worse! Home remedies are always great, never fails! Great post hun, very insightful and informative 😉

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            13. I’ve had eczema since I was young but it got REALLY bad once I went to college in Erie Pa where he climate is super dry in the winter. It was TERRIBLE and my skin was literally like sandpaper 😖 I went to the dermatologist and she did a patch test to make sure that eczema was my only skin issue which it was. Then she recommended that I use Cerave which instantly improved my skin! Now for some reason I’m getting breakouts here and there. So I have to figure out a new solution!

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            17. I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

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            18. Wow! My eczema has been flaring on my hands, oddly mostly on my right hand. I’ve believed it was psychosomatic and stress related, but I have also changed my diet and you’ve given me some awesome flags to change. Thank you for this awesome advice!!!

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            20. Hi @doingitnaturalblog, this is an amazing read! This article can be really helpful for people who are currently suffering from eczema and struggling to cope with the symptoms. Having gone through this journey myself, I can vouch for the use of honey as a great way to soothe the skin and suppress inflammation and redness! What’s also interesting is that cutting back on hot showers and baths is a huge help to stemming inflammation. I recently came across some literature about cortisone topical steroid creams being prescribed for eczema patients, and the dangerous side-effects they can have. Feel free to check out my blog as we dig a little deeper and follow the journey of some patients who have used the prescription creams and had shocking reactions.
              Chris || https://addiction2prescriptiontopicalsteroids.wordpress.com/

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              • Thanks so much, Chris. Yeah, honey and cutting down on hot showers can be effective in management of eczema naturally.
                I also know corticosteroid creams work but their effect overtime can be really dangerous. I really appreciate your time and comment on my blog. Will definitely check out yours. Thanks.

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            21. Hi @doingitnaturalblog, this is an amazing read! This article can be really helpful for people who are currently suffering from eczema and struggling to cope with the symptoms. Having gone through this journey myself, I can vouch for the use of honey as a great way to soothe the skin and suppress inflammation and redness! What’s also interesting is that cutting back on hot showers and baths is a huge help to stemming inflammation. I recently came across some literature about cortisone topical steroid creams being prescribed for eczema patients, and the dangerous side-effects they can have. Feel free to check out my blog as we dig a little deeper and follow the journey of some patients who have used the prescription creams and had shocking reactions.

              Like

              Reply

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