Home Remedies For Eczema
- Applying a rich, gentle moisturizer containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, can help reduce eczema symptoms.
- Regular bathing in warm water and following a soak-and-seal routine can improve hydration for eczema-prone skin.
- Consult your doctor before using bleach baths or apple cider vinegar to treat your eczema at home.
Eczema is a common dermatological condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. The itching and discomfort of an eczema breakout can be unpleasant, and your doctor can prescribe treatments to improve symptoms and provide advice about how to care for your skin. However, there are also some simple home remedies that you can try to reduce itching and soreness.
Here are 12 easy, at-home treatments for eczema
Mistake: Getting Blindsided By An Allergy
Allergic reactions can be tricky to identify. For one thing, you can suddenly develop a sensitivity to something youve happily used for years for another, the rash may crop up on a part of your body that wasnt even exposed to the allergen. And it sometimes takes a couple of weeks for the reaction to bloom, making the detective work even more challenging. So a A persistent rash may require a trip to the dermatologist for a patch test.
Common triggers for contact dermatitisbesides obvious culprits like poison ivyare nickel , nail polish and other adhesives, fragrances, and preservatives.
A Little About The Ingredients And Their Benefits
Glycerin USP: This clear odorless by-product of soap and bio-diesel is a natural water attractant. It is found in combined form in all plant and animal fats, triglycerides. On the skin it works by pulling water from the air, and pulling water to the surface to moisturize. Due to this water attracting quality it is the main ingredient in many moisturizers.
Witch Hazel: Derived from the bark of a North American shrub, this natural clear liquid has all sorts of healing properties. Most beneficial properties to people with psoriasis are:
- Anti-Inflammatory
Also Check: What Is Guttate Psoriasis Pictures
Read Also: Best Thing For Baby Eczema
About Organic Witch Hazel
While everyone is familiar with the rose, some might be surprized, that witch hazel water is the steam distillate of the leaves bark and twigs of a shrub or small tree which grows in North America. Witch Hazel is high in tannins, quercetin, kaemferol and eugenol and gallate.
Although witch hazel is used by North American Indians for inflamed skin, itchy skin and to fade bruises and blemishes. It is known for its astringent and anti-bacterial properties. By appreciating how these ingredients are used on their own, it is possible to formulate a combination which is perfect for your skin type and method of use. We have now obtained Organic and Raw Which Hazel, 100% pure, full strength and due to it being naturally high in terpenes, it contains added no alcohol. We our so please with our current stock which is full of wild character: Leafy, smoky, earthy, almost burn earth and barky.
A very potent and pure lavender water.
Witch Hazel For Eczema: Is Witch Hazel Good For Eczema
Is using witch hazel for eczema wise? Eczema is a seriousproblem that can take a toll on you mentally. While the condition is notdangerous, the symptoms will be visible on your skin and this can make youself-conscious. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a suitable treatmentfor eczema. Some remedies work for some people but not for everyone. Some willend up using witch hazel.
Is this a treatment that works? Yes. By all accounts,witch hazel should be an effective treatment for eczema. It helps reduceinflammation and repair broken skin. Therefore, it should be able to remedy thesymptoms associated with this skin ailment. However, you shouldnt use itwithout learning all about it first.
Within this in-depth article, youre going to learn allabout witch hazel and its perks.
Don’t Miss: Homemade Eczema Cream For Babies
Adverse Effects Of Herbal Th Erapy
Herbal therapies vary greatly in their safety class ratings. For example, some are consumed as foods and have high safety ratings, whereas others are highly biologically active and toxic and must be used very carefully. The safety classes of the herbs mentioned in this chapter are addressed in each section, and further discussion of interactions of herbal therapies that may be encountered in dermatology is detailed in the remaining sections of the chapter. Many cutaneous reactions to herbal preparations have been reported, with the most common cutaneous adverse event being allergic contact dermatitis. More serious cutaneous reactions have been reported. Two patients developed erythroderma after using topical herbal treatments for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and one patient developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking âgolden health blood-purifying tablets,â which contained multiple herbs, including red clover, burdock, queenâs delight, poke root, prickly ash, sassafras bark, and Passiflora . Bullous and nodular lichen planus were reported to be induced by ingestion of native African herbal medicines . A young woman was also described with leukemia-related Sweet syndrome elicited by a pathergic response to topical arnica cream .
How To Use Witch Hazel As A Toner
Before using witch hazel for acne and zits, place it in a refrigerator. The cold will help reduce the size and redness of pimples.
You May Like: What To Do When Baby Eczema Flares Up
Althaeae Radix Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis L. is native to Europe and is now cultivated in Poland. It has characteristic big leaves, similar to maple-tree leaves, with a sharp apex and indented edge . Active compounds are mucilage polysaccharides arabinogalactans, galacturonorhamnans, glucans and arabinans. The extract of the marshmallow root stimulates phagocytosis and the release of oxygen radicals and leukotrienes from human neutrophils. Release of cytokines: interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor , from monocytes, by the extracts, demonstrated their potential anti-inflammatory activity .
An ointment containing an aqueous marshmallow root extract reduced irritation induced by UV radiation or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol in vivo. The anti-inflammatory effect was weaker than that of an ointment containing dexamethasone 0.05% , but an ointment containing both active ingredients has higher anti-inflammatory activity than ointments containing individual active ingredients . Marshmallow root is externally used for furunculosis, eczema and dermatitis .
Witch Hazel Benefits For Hives And Allergic Reactions
Hives are a rash caused by allergies, stress, or some other unknown reason. The irritation leaves a red, itchy, inflamed rash on the skin.
Witch hazel works to relieve hives and allergic reactions by suppressing the inflammatory response and soothing the skin. It also shrinks the blood vessels on the skin, calming the histamine response.
Witch Hazel for Hives and Allergic Rashes
Apply the witch hazel to a cotton pad or cloth and place it on the affected skin.Keep the moist pad on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove pad and allow the skin to dry naturally.
You May Like: How To Help With Eczema On Face
About Organic Orange Flower Water
Steam distilled in Morocco from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, Citrus Aurantum, this is an ingredient for toners and cleanser that suits all skin types. Even on its own, this floral water is bursting with aroma character, citrus, floral, fruity, a tiny bit spicy with green earthy aromas too. The exotic scent is distinctive and long lasting and it is know for reducing anxiety and for its uplifting effect on the mood as well as its calming qualities, especially in women.
Guide To Treating Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition most often found in adults between twenty and forty years old. In this condition, the hands and feet are most affected, with blisters breaking out that cause intense itching and usually last for three to four weeks. These blisters may also cause pain accompanied by flaky or cracked skin. Scratching these itchy areas is discouraged, but resisting scratching can be difficult to impossible at times. Proper home care can help hydrate the skin, ease itching, and prevent infection caused by scratching. If home care remedies are not effective enough, proper medical care from a qualified care provider will be essential to control the symptoms and avoid complications such as skin infections.
Learn more about treating dyshidrotic eczema now.
Recommended Reading: How To Calm Eczema Redness
Is Witch Hazel Helpful For Eczema
Witch hazel is a commonly used herb which has been studied in a variety of skin conditions. Only a small amount of research has been done regarding witch hazel use for eczema treatments. One research study showed that witch hazel creams are ineffective for decreasing symptoms in children. Another study of thirty-six patients with eczema compared three different products: hydrocortisone steroid cream, a base cream with witch hazel, and the same base cream alone . The results showed that all the treatments reduced itching, scaling, and redness at one week, but the steroid cream was the best at reducing symptoms, and the witch hazel was no different than the base cream. The effects appear to be weak when looking at witch hazel for eczema therapy.
Is Witch Hazel Good Or Bad For Your Skin Here’s What Dermatologists Say About This Controversial Ingredient
Target
There are few skincare products that are as widely recognizable as the Thayers Facial Toner. Open up a friend’s bathroom cabinet, and there’s a good chance you’ll see that red cap and the image of an old man’s profile staring back at you. However, although you may have seen the skincare product before, you may not know all there is to know about its star ingredient: witch hazel.
Witch hazel is a botanical extract made from the bark and leaves of the shrub plant Hamamelis virginiana. “It has been used for generations as a soothing ingredient in skin toners, cleansers, wipes, and other remedies,” says Jennifer L. MacGregor, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology. ” However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it will work for your skin. Though thousands of people have given rave five-star reviews to the Thayers Facial Toner on Amazon, others have had negative experiences with anything containing witch hazel.
We talked to two top dermatologists to find out why there’s this difference and learn more about the popular and infamous skincare ingredient. Keep reading for everything you need to know about witch hazel.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Really Bad Eczema
How To Get Rid Of Eczema Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Check out New Health Advisor for tips on how to get rid of eczema using apple cider vinegar.
SOOTHEMS, LLC DOES NOT CLAIM TO DIAGNOSE OR CURE MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR GUARANTEE RESULTS. SOOTHEMS, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISUSE OF PRODUCTS OR FOR THE USE OF PRODUCTS WITHOUT THE ADVICE OF A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. SOOTHEMS, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO PRODUCTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CARED FOR ACCORDING TO THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS.
How to Choose Apple Cider Vinegar
The apple cider vinegar health benefits will be influenced by the quality of the apple cider vinegar, therefore, it is imperative to ensure that you are using a top-quality organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that comes with the Mother.
What Is the Mother? Simply put, the Mother is a cobweb-like substance in apple cider vinegar that gives it a cloudy look. When the vinegar appears clear, this is a sign that it has been pasteurized. When the vinegar is pasteurized, the Mother culture has been removed and so have a lot of the nutritional benefits. The Mother culture consists of good bacteria, enzymes, pectin, proteins, and minerals. Try to not shop at the supermarket for your vinegar. When you are at the supermarket, you are likely only going to find vinegar that is pasteurized, because they are clear and more visually-appealing to customers. You may wish to check out a health food store in your area for a selection of vinegar that is not refined. Here are some additional tips:
- Baby acne
Prevent And Treat Acne
Witch hazel cleans the skin of dirt and excess oils that tend to clog pores and cause acne. Similar to hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel with the astringent properties dry the skin, and its disinfectant properties kill microbes that cause infection. It shrinks the pores and reduces skin inflammation.
Dampen a cotton ball with witch hazel as a face wash for acne and wipe it across your entire face and other places where you are prone to acne. Use it three or more times daily for best results. Because it treats the causes and effects of acne, it gets rid of blemishes and prevents new ones.
You May Like: Medicine For Eczema On Lips
What You Can Do In The Meantime
In the time leading up to your appointment, avoid products that seem to trigger your baby’s rash. Wash your baby’s bottom with water after each diaper change. Avoid soaps and wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance.
Give your baby as much diaper-free time as possible, so that his or her skin can have a chance to stay dry and start healing. When you do use diapers, change them frequently and apply a diaper rash cream, lotion, paste or ointment to act as a barrier between your baby’s skin and a dirty diaper.
Soothing Witch Hazel Gel For Skin Irritations
Use witch hazel to treat skin irritations, like chafing and poison ivy.
- 1 cup glass spray bottle
In a glass spray bottle, combine witch hazel extract and neem oil. Shake vigorously and use on a small area of skin to make sure it is not too strong for you.
If you have a reaction, decrease the neem oil and try again. Some people react to high concentrations of neem oil. Shake before use and spray on itchy skin, reapplying as needed.
Recommended Reading: Dove Baby Wash For Eczema
Does Breastfeeding Prevent Baby Eczema
There is some evidence that breastfed babies may be less likely to develop eczema. Although unproven, the antimicrobial properties in breast milk have also been studied as a type of treatment when directly applied to an eczema rash. To try this, rub a few drops of your liquid gold onto the rash regularly for a few days and watch for any reduction in symptoms.
Can Youpermanently Cure Eczema
Unfortunately, eczema is never going to go away completely. This skin condition is based on genetics as well as other lifestyle factors. There is no known cure. However, things arent so grim. It is possible to treat the symptoms to the point where they disappear completely. If youre able to do that, youll be able to get rid of the rash and nobody will ever realize you have eczema. It may return in the future, but you can use the same treatment to deal with it again. Eczema will go away briefly but could return.
Don’t Miss: Best Body Wash For Acne And Eczema
Possible Side Effects Of Witch Hazel
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists witch hazel water as Likely Safe when it is used topically and appropriately. If you have unusually sensitive skin, apply a small amount of a water infusion or ointment and wait 12 hours to see if irritation develops.
Some herbal guides recommend drinking various dilutions of witch hazel to treat throat or stomach conditions. But tannin-rich astringent extracts can be irritating to the digestive tract, and some sources have even suggested they could be carcinogenic. Do not take witch hazel orally without consulting a physician who has training in herbal medicine.
Before Taking This Medicine
Before using witch hazel topical, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have certain medical conditions.
Witch hazel topical is thought to be possibly safe when used on a child’s skin. Ask a healthcare provider about using witch hazel topical on a child.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Medicine For Eczema On Face
Mistake: Treating All Eczema The Same
Eczema is the ultimate wastebasket termit refers to any condition that makes the skin red, itchy, and inflamed. So simply knowing you have eczema doesnt give you all the information you need about how to treat it managing it requires figuring out what type of eczema you have.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common kind of eczema, usually begins in childhood. Its the culprit when children have persistent red, roughened patches on their cheeks , but it can also cause itchy patches on the inside bend of the knees and elbows, and on the hands, feet, ankles, eyelids, and other spots. Its caused by a gene variant that makes skin less able to retain moisture, leaving it more easily aggravated by things in the environment. In adults, contact dermatitis is commonas the name suggests, that occurs when you come into contact with something that bothers your skin, either because youre allergic to it or because its just plain irritating. A poison ivy rash is eczema of the allergic variety. Dishpan hands are reddened and scaly from exposure to irritating household cleansers.
Bacterial And Fungal Infections Of Skin
Garlic contains ajoene, which has been demonstrated to exhibit antifungal activity. In a study of 34 patients treated topically with 0.4% ajoene cream once a day for tinea pedis, 79% noted clearing within 7 days and the remainder reported clearing within 14 days. In a 3-month follow-up, all participants remained free of fungus . Contact dermatitis has occasionally been reported with frequent topical exposure . Oral administration should be avoided while breast-feeding as this is regarded as a Class 2c herb . Prolonged bleeding may occur when garlic is taken orally .
Thyme oil from thyme has been used topically as an antibacterial and an anticandidal agent , and is Class 1 . The traditional Korean antifungal herb Galla rhois was found to have a methanol extract active against Candida albicans . The TCM herbal mixtures for treating bacterial and fungal infections of the skin are extensively discussed by .
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Eczema Skin Discoloration