What Exactly Is Eczema And What Are The Causes For Eczema
Eczema is ultimately an allergic reaction.
It is a very common inflammatory skin disorder, characterized by extremely irritable, dry, red, itchy skin.
The itchiness can be unbearable. Scratching makes eczema much worse.
The skin then really flares up, it can become raw, cracked, crusted, weep, and people get secondary infections.
The root cause for eczema lies in our genes, so eczema usually runs in families. Eczema sufferers are abnormally sensitive to common allergens, like pollen, dust or house mites, household chemicals, cosmetics… It’s not only the skin that is affected. People with eczema often go on to develop other allergies, like asthma or hay fever.
Eczema is also called dermatitis, or more specifically, atopic dermatitis. There are several types of dermatitis and eczema, but the atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is the most common. This is what people usually mean when they say eczema.
“Atopic” refers to a lifelong tendency to allergies, like skin disorders, asthma or hay fever. And just like there is no cure for asthma, there is also no cure for eczema.
Eczema usually begins very early in life , most often before age 5. As many as 20% of children are affected, but most eventually grow out of it. It can flare up again later in life. Only 1-2% of adults suffer from eczema but it is becoming more and more common overall.
Neem For Eczema Treatment
Neem is effective on serious Dermatological conditions
Dr. H.S. Puri, a leading clinical research scientist in India made the following statement:
SKIN CREAMS INCORPORATING NEEM OIL CAN CONTROL PSORIASIS, ECZEMA, ACNE, DERMATITIS AND OTHER SKIN PROBLEMS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER KNOWN PRODUCT
Neem is clinically proven to be an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory, relieving both pain and inflammation. These qualities along with the above mentioned properties of Neem is what makes Neem so effective against serious skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, shingles, jock itch, athletes foot, ring worm, scabies, lice, Candida, and more. Lotions and creams containing Neem oil and Neem leaf extracts are effective externally and Neem leaf extract, capsules, and teas are useful internally because they effectively detoxify the blood of impurities that are the source of skin problems.
Topical steroid ointments and creams are frequently used to treat flare-ups of eczema. Steroids are potent drugs. However, these medications can cause significant side effects if used over a long period of time and should be administered only on the advice of the childs physician.
Irritant contact dermatitisThis is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on the hands of adults and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturised.
Some Unconventional Therapies May Be Worth A Closer Look
Active chemicals found in the neem tree have important benefits for a variety of skin disorders, according to one expert who spoke at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Denver – Active chemicals found in the neem tree have important benefits for a variety of skin disorders, according to one expert who spoke at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Among botanical agents, the neem tree stands tall, according to Reena Rupani, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Also known as the Indian lilac, the tree’s Swahili name translates to “tree of the 40,” she says, because it is believed to cure 40 ailments. The United Nations has called it “the tree of the 21st century,” she adds.
Chemically speaking, researchers have identified more than 300 compounds from the tree’s flowers, bark, roots and seeds, Dr. Rupani says. Like the buffalo to Native American populations, “The entire neem tree is of value. Even today, its twigs are used as toothbrushes. Leaf juice and seed oil are used for a variety of skin disorders ranging from acne to eczema, psoriasis and even warts. The major active chemicals are triterpenoids, of which azadirachtin is the most important.”
On the downside, she says, triterpenoids have negligible water solubility. Other problems include the difficulty of patenting traditional remedies, Dr. Rupani says.
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Is Neem Oil Good For Rashes
Neem has anti-inflammatory properties and helps as an antihistamine that may be helpful in treating skin rashes and other skin conditions so, the application of a neem lotion, neem spray, neem oil, neem soap or neem leaf can help alleviate itching and inflammation of rashes.
Neem can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including asthma, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and more. It also acts as an anti-aging treatment that is easy to use, and blends easily into the skin and is safe.
Research References:
How To Use Neem Oil On Your Skin
Be sure to purchase an organic, 100 percent pure, cold-pressed neem oil. It will be cloudy and yellowish in color and will have an odor resembling mustard, garlic, or sulfur. When youre not using it, store it in a cool, dark place.
Before putting neem oil on your face, do a patch test on your arm. If within 24 hours you dont develop any signs of an allergic reaction such as redness or swelling it should be safe to use the oil on other areas of your body.
Pure neem oil is incredibly potent. To treat acne, fungal infections, warts, or moles, use undiluted neem oil to spot treat affected areas.
Because of the potency of neem oil, its a good idea to mix it with equal parts of a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil when using it for larger areas of the face or body, or on sensitive skin.
The carrier oil can also subdue the odor of neem oil, or you can add a few drops of other oils like lavender to improve the smell. Once the oils are blended, use the combination as you would a moisturizer on the face and body.
If you find the oil combination to be too oily, you can mix a few drops of neem oil with aloe vera gel, which also will be soothing to irritated skin.
Neem oil can also be added to a warm bath to treat larger areas of the body.
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Preparing And Applying Neem Oil
When you first begin using neem oil on your skin, it is best to test the substance on a small patch of skin on your arm. If no redness or swelling develops after 24 hours, you should be able to tolerate topical application of neem oil.
Dont use neem oil on your skin without first diluting it, and never consume neem oil since it can be very toxic if ingested.
Neem oil is derived from the fruits and seeds of the neem plant, and it can potentially help with eczema symptoms. Research has shown that it may destroy free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which drive the inflammatory process in conditions like eczema. It’s important to choose a neem oil that’s organic and cold pressed, which ensures the best quality. Be sure to dilute neem oil with coconut or grapeseed oil before use. You can apply it to skin affected by eczema directly.
Maintain Luscious Tresses With The 13 Best Neem Oils For Hair In 2022
Mary Tylor Naturals organic neem oil for hair and skin is undeniably your all-in-one magic potion. The antioxidant-rich formula is also supplemented with essential fatty acids and vitamin E to intensely nourish nails, hair, and skin. As this neem hair oil is cold-pressed, no heat was applied in its making, which preserves all the nutrients you need for healthier hair. No matter your skin or hair type, using this USDA-certified oil can provide ample moisturizing and strengthening benefits. Check out this video to learn more.
Pros
The TheaTree Neem Oil is pure and cold-pressed to retain all the necessary fatty acids. It is made with organic oil to help heal an irritated or dry scalp. If you find your scalp to be constantly itchy and inflamed, giving yourself a massage with this product can soothe it. For hair that is dry, weak, and brittle, this neem oil for hair loss speeds up the process of hair growth, so strong and healthy strands can flourish. As it is rich in omega 6 and 9 fatty acids and antioxidants, you can tone down frizzy hair and support scalp health.
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Now that weve looked at the best neem oils for hair out there, lets look at how you can choose the best one for yourself.
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Shea Butter Coconut Oil & Neem Oil
Take shea butter and coconut oil and use a double boiler to melt it. Once it liquifies, add ten drops of neem oil and refrigerate it. After it starts to solidify a little, take it out and whisk it till you get a creamy consistency. Store in a jar and apply this stunning neem oil cream for eczema every day.
How To Use Neem Oil For Hair
There are multiple uses of neem oil but when it comes to treating scalp or hair conditions, it must be applied topically. As this oil is quite strong, keeping it on or using it frequently may cause irritation. A neem oil shampoo might help too, but most of these are meant to only treat head lice. So, for this reason, try out the following methods to incorporate these neem oil uses for hair into your care routine in a gentle and gradual manner.
- Add some neem oil to your regular shampoo to reap its benefits. A few drops of oil added to a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo and massaged into the scalp can help soothe it. Additionally, you can run it down the length of your hair for softer and glossier locks.
- If you like using hair masks, you can try adding some neem oil to your favorite one for a deep conditioning treatment. The oil supplements the mask for extra moisturizing and strengthening. However, this step is best followed by shampooing as you might end up with irritated skin if neem oil is left in your scalp for long periods of time.
We know that neem oil is good for treating all kinds of bodily conditions, but lets take a look at what it can do for hair.
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Why Is Neem Oil Good For Eczema
Neem oil is well renowned for helping skin conditions, so its no wonder it has been used in natural skin care for thousands of years. Loaded with nutrients and rich lipids it is remarkably effective in helping to treat dry and irritated skin.
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disorder which causes irritable, dry and itchy skin. Many people find the itchiness uncomfortable or in cases even unbearable. Eczema usually runs in families as it lies in our genes. Although having eczema is unavoidable, one thing that eczema suffers can aim to avoid is dryness, which will make the condition a lot worse.
Neem Soap Benefits For Skin
- Soothes backaches and relieves stress and tension from the muscles
- It is a non-toxic and chemically unaltered product
- Lathers well and leaves the skin moisturized
- Acts as an anti-bacteria clearing up skin rashes, eczema and ache
- It is smooth, soft and gentle without leaving a residue or sticky film
- Usually is wrapped in white paper making it feel like a spa soap.
7. Treat Dandruff:
The antibacterial properties in neem help to treat dandruff, dry scalp and hair fall issues. Add a cup of fresh neem leaves to boiling water, mix well and use this neem water to rinse your hair after shampooing.
8. Treat viral infections:
Neem leaf can be taken orally on a regular basis. This helps relieve the symptoms of viral infections including the common cold, influenza, herpes, and chicken pox.
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How To Choose Neem Oil For Hair
To ensure that the nutrients in your neem oil remain intact, always opt for those that are cold-pressed. As heat isnt used in the process, important antioxidants and essential fatty acids wont be destroyed. Additionally, also read the label to choose a neem oil that is certified organic, pure, unrefined, undiluted, and virgin. This allows the oil to give your hair optimum nourishment and health.
Before choosing a neem oil, read the ingredient list to ensure that it was made without any sulfates, parabens, preservatives, additives, fragrance, or chemicals. As neem oil is already potent and strong, any of these elements can cause skin or scalp irritation and flare-ups.
You can also opt for neem oils that mention that they can also be used for the skin, nails, and other body ailments. This way, you wont have to purchase a product for every single concern. Neem oils can be used for anti-aging benefits, hyperpigmentation, and to strengthen nails.
After youve gotten your neem hair oil, lets learn the different ways you can use it to reap maximum benefit.
How Can Neem Cream Benefit Eczema Sufferers
Herbal remedies are an effective alternative to conventional medicines, particularly if you are wishing to avoid some of the associated side effects of prescribed medication.
This may be particularly important for eczema sufferers. Steroid creams are often prescribed as a treatment for this but these can come with nasty side effects such as stinging and burning and, commonly, thinning of the skin which can greatly worsen symptoms if the eczema returns.
As previously mentioned, Neem is a very valuable plant when it comes to treating skin conditions. The properties of the plant make it wonderful at relieving any discomfort or itchiness associated with dry, sensitive skin and it works quickly and effectively to ease any inflammation or pain making it a perfect option for eczema-prone skin. As well as this, it is not associated with any unpleasant side effects.
Neem Cream can be applied directly to the affected area. It is important to keep in mind though, that it is not suitable for those with nut allergies or pregnant women.
Our Neem range also includes Neem Shampoo, which contains extracts of neem leaves and helps soothe dry, irritated and flaky scalps, as well as Neem Insect Repellent, which contains an extract of Neem seed oil. Suitable for those sensitive to conventional insect repellents, it helps repel insects such as mosquitoes, flies and midges.
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Wards Off Signs Of Ageing
Neem oil helps reduce the effect of free radicals and increases the stimulation of collagen in your skin which helps greatly in keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay. The vitamin C and antioxidants in this oil helps boost the production of collagen and in turn, help prevent signs of ageing from appearing on your skin.
What To Look For
You should purchase organic, cold-pressed neem oil. Organic means that the neem trees were grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, while cold pressed refers to neem oil that was processed without an external heat source, which can damage the quality of the oil.
Because there is not enough research about the oil’s therapeutic capabilities, you should avoid purchasing neem oil from brands that make bold health claims about the efficacy of the product to cure conditions. Neem oil should be used in conjunction with and should not replace other prescribed treatments for eczema.
Neem oil should be a cloudy yellow color and have a garlic-like odor. Make sure to store neem oil in a cool, dark place to prevent the oil from losing its potency.
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Benefits Of Neem Oil For Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes inflamed, red, itchy, scaly and dry skin. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to cause eczema. Eczema can make a person uncomfortable as the itchiness is unbearable and doing so will make the condition worse. Let’s discuss why neem oil is beneficial in the treatment of eczema.
The Tree And Its Chemistry
The neem tree or the Indian lilac belongs to the family Meliaceae and genus Azadirachta. It is widely distributed in the arid areas of several tropical and subtropical countries. It usually grows to a height of 1520 m and has pinnate leaves , asymmetric leaflets , and white fragrant flowers. The fruits are round to oval, yellowish green to yellow, olive-like drupes .
Neem fruits amidst neem leaves. Neem kernel
Neem has abundant, complex, and diverse phytochemicals. More than 400 phytochemicals have been identified. It contains isoprenoids and non-isoprenoids . Neem is a rich source of a group of phytochemicals known as tetranortriterpenoids . Limonoids are responsible for the bitter taste of neem. Limonoids contain 4,4,8-trimethyl-17-furanylsteroidal skeleton, which can be substituted with other functional groups. Mature seed kernels and the initial stages of the pericarp contain the highest limonoid content.
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How To Use Neem Oil Effectively To Treat Common Skin Problems
The parts of neem tree have been used since ages past as a therapeutic cure in the Indian systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. Besides this, Neem has been one of the prime ingredients in many natural beauty products, considering their effectiveness in nurturing the skin and hair. Therefore, in this article, let us peek into some of the attributes of Neem oil for skin problems.