Oatmeal Is A Natural Remedy For Eczema
Oatmeal is a natural remedy for eczema, contact dermatitis and other irritating skin conditions. Treating eczema-prone skin with oat products not only soothes the condition, but will protect skin as well.
This is not just anecdotal folk medicine remedies for eczema, there are proven clinical benefits to oat grains for a wide array of acute and chronic conditions of the skin. It brings soothing relief of itchy skin and the protective barrier ground oatmeal leaves behind blocks out further irritants.
Can Oats Make Eczema Worse
No, oats should not make eczema worse unless you suffer from an oat allergy or oats side effects. Colloidal are commonly used to treat skin irritation and itchiness as well as help you to solve related skin problems.
It will protect your skin from the environmental pollutant by creating a barrier that also helps to lock in the natural moisture of your skin. Enjoy smooth and soft skin that is free of dry, flakey and irritated patches on your skin.
Doctor and dermatologists commonly recommend a colloidal oatmeal solution for extreme skin problems that require sensitive treatment options.
Where Do You Buy Colloidal Oatmeal
You can purchase colloidal oatmeal powder at popular retailers or online through sites like Amazon. A variety of skin care brands sell colloidal oatmeal powders. Aveeno makes a colloidal oatmeal powder bath treatment that is suggested by the National Eczema Association.
You could also try making your own colloidal oatmeal.
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How We Chose The Best Eczema Creams
We talked with the pros to find out what to look for in an eczema cream as well as what to avoid. The advice of board certified dermatologists informed every option on our list, helping us single out the products that truly deliver.
- Contains proven ingredients.Dr. Jeannette Graf, board certified Dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai, gave us some tips for scouring ingredient lists:
- Unscented petroleum jelly helps repair skin barrier function and lock in hydration.
- Aloe vera soothes inflammation and can aid in the healing process.
- Niacinamide helps improve skin function.
- Other effective ingredients include ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and other humectants like glycerin, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid
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If youre overwhelmed by the options out there, Vanicream is a solid place to start. The petroleum jelly-based formula seals in moisture and is perfect for dry, sensitive skin which more than likely describes your skin sitch if you have eczema.
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Colloidal Oatmeal For Eczema
Its common to see oatmeal recipes on the Internet, from overnight oats to savory oats. Oatmeal, or Avena sativa, is a popular superfood due to its low price and its many health benefits. For example, the soluble fiber in oatmeal can actually lower cholesterol by preventing your body from absorbing as much LDL from your food. Oatmeal also has traditionally been used for external medical benefits outside of eating it and is surprisingly used to treat skin conditions such as eczema!
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itchiness, and rashes. There are many types of eczema, atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent. Atopic dermatitis is caused by an overactive immune system that dries out the skin barrier, causing the itchy feeling. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by skincare ingredients, exposure to extreme temperatures, certain cleaners or disinfectants, and laundry detergents, among other potential irritants. Symptoms include itchiness, inflamed discolored skin, swelling, and oozing. Although there is no cure for eczema, the most common treatment involves the use of steroid creams.
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Unlike many new drugs in development, colloidal oatmeal products are already readily available at the drugstore at an affordable price. The next time youre suffering from an eczema flare, it may be well worth your time to give those products a try!
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Colloidal Oatmeal Is A Dry Skin Savior According To Dermatologists
Some skincare ingredients are more obscure than others but even the ones that sound familiar, like colloidal oatmeal, can be shrouded in mystery. Sure, we all know what oats are and if you’re one of the many with dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin, you might even use colloidal oatmeal on a daily basis. But if we asked you to list all of its skin benefits and possible side effects, could you? In the name of getting more acquainted with the many ingredients we slather on our skin each day, we reached out to board-certified dermatologists for the lowdown on the skincare ingredient.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York.
Keep scrolling to find out everything there is to know about colloidal oatmeal in your skincare products.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Type of ingredient: Skin protectant.
Main benefits: Protects, prevents water loss, and soothes the skin.
How often can you use it: The recommended use for colloidal oatmeal is twice daily.
Works well with: Colloidal oatmeal can be used in conjunction with ingredients that can be irritating to the skin, such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and retinoids, to help minimize irritation and disruption of the skin barrier.
Don’t use with: Colloidal oatmeal works well with most, if not all, other ingredients.
Colloidal Oatmeal For Skin: Benefits Uses And Tips
02/14/20228 min read
Oatmeal is more than a popular breakfast food it also provides amazing benefits for your skin. But not just any oatmeal will do. When it comes to caring for your skin, colloidal oatmeal is the best choice.
This simple yet powerful ingredient can moisturize, relieve itch and irritation, and gently exfoliate.
Because of its ultra-soothing properties, colloidal oatmeal is a favorite ingredient here at Bodewell. Keep reading to learn more about the popular benefits of colloidal oatmeal, how to use it, and why we love it.
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How To Prevent Eczema Flare
Theres no known cure for eczema, and symptoms wont go away on their own. For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires careful avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.
- Moisturize the affected areas at least twice a day. Weve taken the guesswork out of how to stop eczema immediately with an eczema cream.
- Take shorter baths or showers with tepid versus hot water. Pat versus rub your skin dry afterward.
- Only use gentle soaps, cleansers, and body lotions.
- Keep a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, like the bedroom. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. Opt for a portable unit or attach one to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
- Wear cool, smooth-textured clothing and avoid clothing thats rough, tight, or scratchy. Also, wear appropriate clothing in hot weather or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating. Take a short, tepid shower immediately after physical activity.
- Get a hold of your stress and anxiety. Such emotional disorders can aggravate atopic dermatitis. Try yoga, meditation, exercise, or an activity that brings you pleasure. Speak to a professional if need be.
- See a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options if topical creams and lotions arent working.
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Why Does Oatmeal Help Eczema
You can make an oatmeal bath with the same oats that you eat for breakfast. However, it is much better to use colloidal oatmeal, or oats that have been pulverized into a fine powder.
This kind of oatmeal can bind your skin tissues and form a solid barrier as a protectant. It also helps to hold the moisture locked into the skin for a long stretch of time.
It can smooth your skin and make it soft. The oatmeal solution can also ease the itchiness, dryness and reduce skin irritation as well.
People have used it for centuries to ease inflammation and solve skin disease problems. According to a 2012 study, is now better understood how oatmeal bath benefits are able to protect and soothe itching and irritation caused by eczema.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you have eczema and it is excessively itchy and causing issues within your everyday life, contact your healthcare provider. In general, it is important to stay in contact with your doctor when you have eczema to help monitor periods of flare-ups and remissions.
If you are on medication for your eczema, dont stop taking it or begin using any additional treatments without first consulting with your doctor. A healthcare provider will be able to assure you whether adding oatmeal baths or lotions to your treatment plan would be beneficial for your specific situation.
Effectiveness Of Oatmeal For Eczema Symptoms
Oatmeal has been used for centuries to address a range of skin symptoms, and in more recent decades, research studies have examined its effectiveness in people with atopic dermatitis and eczema. Oatmeal baths do not address the overactivation of the immune system but do help relieve the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis.
A study found that when babies and young children were treated with a colloidal oatmeal cream twice a day and a colloidal oatmeal bath cleanser, skin itching, dryness, and roughness decreased after several weeks.
Another study examined adults with atopic dermatitis . After four weeks of a colloidal oatmeal regimen, they showed improvement in skin condition and also in overall quality of life.
These studies showcase the anti-inflammatory benefits of colloidal oatmeal and oatmeal baths in children and adults.
One member of MyEczemaTeam talked about how they use oatmeal baths for their eczema symptoms as well as their childs: My boy and I are both clear for now. We have been taking oatmeal and baking soda baths. It has helped a lot.
Another member said oatmeal baths help with eczema-related itching. Terrible itching this morning. It drives me crazy. I decided to take an oatmeal bath and leave the lotion off for a while, they said. The itching has calmed down quite a bit.
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To Soothe Irritated Or Eczema
Because colloidal oatmeal is such an effective ingredient when it comes to relieving general skin discomfort, its an ideal solution for those who experience skin irritation or symptoms associated with eczema.
To soothe irritation on eczema-prone skin, simply apply colloidal oatmeal directly to any sensitive, rashy, or itchy areas.
If youd rather take advantage of a convenient cream that contains colloidal oatmeal, consider using our Eczema Daily Calming Cream to relieve eczema itch and irritation and improve the appearance of your skin over time.
Preparing An Oatmeal Bath
Preparing an oatmeal bath is quite simple, but there are several important factors to consider.
First, you should not take an oatmeal bath if you have an oat allergy. If you are not sure if you or your child has an allergy or sensitivity to oats, try performing a skin test to test for any reaction. Apply a combination of colloidal oatmeal and water on a small patch of skin and leave it there for five to 10 minutes. If theres any negative reaction to the oatmeal if the skin gets more inflamed, red, or itchy, an oatmeal bath is not a good option.
If your skin is unbothered by the oatmeal test, you are all set to test out an oatmeal bath.
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What Type Of Oatmeal Should You Use In A Bath To Treat Eczema
Colloidal oatmeal is best to use. You can purchase it or make it yourself. Colloidal oatmeal is a form of oatmeal that is finely ground and easily absorbs water. To make an oatmeal bath, oats can be blended into a fine powder with a food processor or blender. Once this powder is added to water, it will become a milky-white liquid.
So What Does It Do For Skin
The real question is: what doesnt it do? For irritated or dry skin, this ingredient can do a lot. It soothes irritation, it protects the skin barrier, it moisturizes dry skin. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration even recognizes it as an active skin protectant.
One study found that colloidal oatmeal showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities because it contains lipids, beta-glucan, and antioxidants.
So, how exactly does it work? The finely ground texture lets the molecules form a thin skin-like protective layer over the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
You can reap the benefits by bathing in it, moisturizing with it, and using it as a deep treatment.
While its great for all skin types, its best for chilling out skin conditions like eczema. One study found that treatments with 1 percent colloidal oatmeal helped provide barrier protection, moisturization, and soothing properties for patients with eczema.
It can also help other types of inflammatory skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. And, yup, it can help soothe itching from chickenpox or allergic reactions.
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Oatmeal For Eczema: The Bottom Line
You can buy colloidal oatmeal beauty products, or you can make a cup of your own using rolled oats in a blender, coffee grinder or food processor.
Before adding oatmeal to your sensitive skin care routine, it is advisable to consult a physician and dermatologist.
You should consider the frequency of applying oatmeal to dry, red or itching skin caused by eczema. Although oatmeal baths may soothe, calm and temporarily alleviate symptoms, it is not meant to be a cure.
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Consume The Right Vitamins
The following vitamins and minerals are particularly beneficial for eczema. Try to get them by eating a nutritious diet.
- Zinc: Seafood, lean red meat, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds
- Vitamin C: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables and rosehip
- Vitamin E: Sunflower seeds, pine nuts, almonds, dried apricots, avocado
- Vitamin D: Best absorbed from sunlight in the summer months , and a D supplement in the winter months.
- Flavonoids: Emerging research suggests that flavonoids can help rebalance the immune system, therefore, being helpful for those with eczema.
La Roche PosayLipikar Eczema Cream, $14.99This is an excellent eczema cream with multiple ingredients that help treat and soothe the condition. Its formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal, which is extremely soothing and alleviates itching. La Roche Posays cream also protects the skin to keep it from becoming further irritated.
Niacinamide helps improve the skin barrier, which is essential in the fight against eczema. The stronger the skin barrier, the less likely it is that youll have eczema flare-ups. Shea butter and glycerin are moisturizing agents that help lock in moisture to alleviate an eruption and keep skin soft.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream, $14The main ingredient in Eucerins Eczema Relief cream is oatmeal. Other active ingredients include ceramide-3 and licochalcone , which help reduce redness and itching. They also fortify the skin barrier, keeping essential lipids locked in to prevent further dryness.
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Ingredients For Diy Eczema Cream With Colloidal Oatmeal
Youll need a kitchen scale to make this cream.
- 65 g distilled water
- preservative of choice
- optional few drops of lavender essential oil
Colloidal oatmeal is the star of this cream and is used at 1% in the recipe.
THESE TWO CLINICAL STUDIES showed that a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream alone was effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis .
Wondering what colloidal oatmeal is and if you can make it at home? Check out THIS excellent article over on the LisaLise blog.
How To Take An Oatmeal Bath For Eczema
To take an oatmeal bath for eczema symptoms, first fill your tub with warm water. You dont want to use water that is too hot, as this will further dry out your skin. Place 3/4 to 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal into your bath and allow it to disperse into your bathwater, stirring any residue at the bottom of the tub if needed. You can also add a few drops of skin-soothing essential oils into the bath, like this lavender oil from Cliganic ! Soak for 10 to 30 minutes.
When youre done with your bath, you can rinse any oat residue off your body with warm water in the shower. Pat your skin dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. Thats it!
You can make your own colloidal oatmeal at home by simply putting some oats in a food processor or grinder and grinding them into a very fine powder. Otherwise, you can purchase packets of colloidal oatmeal to use in your bath. We love this one from Aveeno .
Heres to healthy, happy skin!
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Different Types Of Eczema
There are seven different eczema types. Weve already spoken about atopic dermatitis, the most common form here are the remaining six. A dermatologist can help you determine which type you have to receive proper treatment, which will likely include an eczema cream or eczema lotion. In some cases, a prescription product may be necessary.