Witch Hazel Can Heal Skin Injuries
Many good things have been said about witch hazels effects on the skin.
Heres another one: it can help heal skin injuries in children.
In a 2007 observational study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, it was reported that witch hazel ointment was highly effective in treating diaper rash, inflammation and other minor skin injuries in children up to 11 years of age .
Researchers say that the healing effects of witch hazel are similar to those of dexpanthenol .
Key Takeaways:
- Witch hazel is good for the skin, and can even be used for treating skin injuries among children.
- An ointment made with witch hazel was found effective in treating diaper rash and other inflammatory skin diseases in children up to 11 years old.
- Its healing properties are similar to those of dexpanthenol.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Witch Hazel Topical
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 childs skin. Ask a healthcare provider about using this medicine on a child.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Read Also: Which Lotion Is Best For Eczema
Fights Signs Of Aging
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which means it can help tighten skin and slow down signs of aging such as discoloration, redness, and dryness. Instead of using products that are filled with harsh chemicals that can actually increase dryness and irritation in your skin, try switching to witch hazel as a protective measure.
Due to it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, witch hazel protects the collagen in your skin and your skins elasticity just as well as many other high-end beauty products, but without the steep price-tag.
Due to its affordability, witch hazel can be a great long-term solution for preventing irritants and environmental stressors from damaging your skin.
Don’t Miss: Clear Up Eczema On Face
Nutrition And Dietary Supplements
People who have eczema often have food allergies, so eating a healthy diet may help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
Check with your doctor before giving a supplement to a child.
Avoid exposure to environmental or food allergens. Common foods that cause allergic reactions are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat , fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. There is much controversy regarding the most effective way to test for food allergies or sensitivities.
Eat fewer refined foods and sugar. These foods contribute to inflammation in the body.
Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids .
How To Safely Use Witch Hazel
Most people can use witch hazel safely with minimal risk of adverse side effects .
Ointments and extracts can be applied directly to your skin several times per day and safely administered for the treatment of hemorrhoids after each bowel movement.
Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after applying witch hazel topically.
Doing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can help prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.
Additionally, while taking 34 teaspoons of witch hazel per day is generally considered safe, ingesting large amounts may cause stomach irritation and vomiting .
Therefore, its best to only use small amounts orally and to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor.
Summary
Witch hazel can be safely applied to your skin several times per day, and small amounts can be ingested orally with minimal risk of side effects.
Don’t Miss: Best Treatment For Infant Eczema
What Are Witch Hazel Pads
What do Witch Hazel Pads Do?
Witch hazel pads are a convenient way to use witch hazel. They are thin cotton pads that have been pre-moistened with witch hazel and possibly other soothing ingredients. Witch hazel pads are commonly used for hemorrhoids, postpartum pain, and swelling.
Witch hazel pads shrink swollen tissues and blood vessels, reducing bleeding and irritation. They soothe the skin, reduce itching, and help it heal. You can tuck a witch hazel pad onto an area of swollen or irritated skin for quick, soothing relief.
You will find several brands of pre-moistened witch hazel pads available, or you can make your own:
How to Make Witch Hazel Pads
To make witch hazel pads, you can soak cotton pads in witch hazel and apply to the affected area. It is best to use a witch hazel solution that does not contain alcohol, to avoid stinging, especially if there are breaks in the skin.
Also Check: Eczema Around Eyes And Mouth
Reduce Eye Puffiness And Under
Those annoying under-eye bags have many causes, but usually, swelling of the tissue under the eye causes them. You might also have puffy eyes from crying, allergies, or fatigue.
Witch hazels anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling, and it tightens up the skin to reduce the overall puffiness and any redness. Just apply a little witch hazel over the eyelid and under the eye or follow our instructions below to use witch hazel as a soothing eye mask.
Donât Miss: Psoriasis In Ear Natural Treatment
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Soap To Use For Eczema
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.
Eczema Risk Factors Causes & Symptoms
As a matter of fact, there is a wide range of causes and risk factors associated with eczema. And, eczema symptoms can manifest widely differently between those affected. While a singular cause of eczema has not been established, there are certain common causes leading to the onset and flares. In addition, a wide range of risk factors has been identified.
Risk Factors for Eczema
- Temperature changes
Symptoms of Eczema
While many will experience a lessening of symptoms and fewer flares as they age, some will continue to experience eczema symptomsthroughout adulthood, such as atopic eczema rashes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include:
- The appearance of small, raised bumps which may ooze liquid and develop a crust
- Thick, dry, scaly skin that cracks
- Red, brown or grayish patches of skin on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, in skin folds, and on the face and scalp of infants
- Sensitive skin that is swollen and raw from scratching
- A recurring rash that causes intense itching, often disrupting sleep patterns
- Rashes due to atopic eczema
Recommended Reading: The Best Eczema Cream For Toddlers
Verruca Vulgaris And Condyloma Accuminata
Podophyllin, used to treat condyloma acuminata, is extracted from the root of the American mayapple . It should not be used during pregnancy and is Class 2b externally and toxic internally . Commission E approves bittersweet nightshade , Classes 2b and 2c, and oat straw , Class 1, for the treatment of common warts . Calotropis is used in India, and greater celandine , Classes 2b, 2c, and 2d , is used in China for the treatment of warts . Bittersweet nightshade and celandine should also be avoided in pregnancy and while breast-feeding .
What Can Witch Hazel Treat
While applying an astringent ingredient to red, itchy skin may seem like a bad idea, Florham Park, NJ dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling says witch hazel can actually help with a number of skin ailments. Among the long list of benefits? Relieving inflammation and redness, calming eczema, acne and psoriasis, assisting in shrinking pores, and even reducing puffiness and brightening skin.
Witch hazel contains tannins, which have a tightening effect on the skin and help pores appear smaller after being applied to the skin, says Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD. This tightening effect also can result in the skin looking younger, so witch hazel can also be used as an anti-aging agent. But the benefits dont stop there. Dr. Gonzalez continues: Witch hazel can also treat inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, and can also provide some sunburn relief. You should not use witch hazel as sunscreen, but it can relieve symptoms of the burn, such as irritation and inflammation.
Read Also: What Does An Eczema Rash Look Like
You May Like: What To Do For Eczema On Feet
How To Cope With Eczema
Eczema can be a frustrating condition to live with, as there is no cure.
If you are struggling with eczema, monitor your flare-ups to better understand what is causing them.
Be prepared with the necessary natural remedies you can use to treat your eczema, moisturize your dry skin consistently, and consider making lifestyle and diet changes to improve your skin and overall health.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Witch Hazel For Psoriasis
Full disclosure: We dont know for sure. Theres really no research confirming witch hazel as a treatment for psoriasis.
A 2021 review evaluated studies that used witch hazel with other herbal remedies for inflammatory skin conditions. Unfortunately, the data wasnt very helpful and the studies didnt have enough evidence to prove any benefits.
Thing is, psoriasis also causes internal inflammation. If you have psoriasis, your immune system turns against your own skin cells when it gets triggered. As your skin goes wild trying to heal, skin cells can build up into thick, scaly rashes.
So external treatment of an internal condition wont ever get to the root of the problem. But soothing botanicals like witch hazel or aloe vera might help calm your skin symptoms.
We do know that witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties. So we can assume itll help soothe common psoriasis symptoms like:
Good question! If you have psoriasis, its super important to be aware of your triggers. Ease into new skin care products slowly. Use them sparingly until you know that theyre not causing a reaction.
A few more precautions:
Most folks can use witch hazel without any problems. However, if you have sensitive skin , this liquid might cause stinging or irritation.
We recommend a patch test before applying it to a large patch of skin:
Don’t Miss: Vitamin E Good For Eczema
Other Ways Witch Hazel Can Affect The Skin
Though it does not prove to have benefits specifically for eczema, one of witch hazels components appears to be helpful for the skin by improving transepidermal water loss, redness formation and may help control the irritative process. A different laboratory study evaluated a witch hazel distillate for its benefits of reducing bacterial colonies. The bacterial growth inhibition was weak, but the study suggests that the product may provide an additional manner in which to control the overgrowth of bacteria. This has potential or eczema where the bacteria tend to overgrow on the skin.
Protects Against Skin Damage
Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage when applied topically.
One animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells .
Whats more, a test-tube study showed that witch hazel helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells .
Similarly, another animal study discovered that the tannins in witch hazel were able to slow skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation .
However, most research is currently limited to test-tube and animal studies. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of witch hazel on humans.
Summary
Animal and test-tube studies have found that witch hazel and its components could prevent skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage.
Don’t Miss: Best Exfoliating Scrub For Eczema
How To Use Witch Hazel On Eczema
Like with other home remedies, it is always best to seek professional help if you are suffering from severe eczema.
When trying any new ingredient or remedy, it is also best to start slowly. Patch testing witch hazel on a clean area of skin can best determine whether you are allergic to the herb.
To get started with using witch hazel on eczema, we suggest starting with a natural, organic Witch Hazel oil like this or this.
Although there are many witch hazel products sold in pharmacies and stores, we suggest avoiding these for eczema. Many of these solutions contain alcohol that will exacerbate and dry eczema even further.
Once you purchase the solution of your choice, you want to make sure to dilute it with water or a carrier oil like coconut oil or Organic olive oil.
Opting for a natural witch hazel oil will allow you to avoid additional ingredients that might cause your eczema to flare. It can also be easily added to any cream or balm you might be using like this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.
Once your witch hazel oil is diluted, you can use a cotton pad or towel to dab it on skin. Remember to avoid rubbing skin, as this can cause further irritation.
Witch Hazel Side Effects Interactions And Warnings:
Witch hazel has no known drug interactions.
Ingesting plants that contain tannins, like witch hazel, may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, as well as liver and kidney damage. Some evidence suggests tannins might cause cancer while other evidence suggests tannins might prevent it. Talk to your doctor before ingesting witch hazel.
Also Check: Best Face Moisturizer For Eczema Skin
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.
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
You May Like: Remedios Caseros Para El Eczema En Bebes
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.
How To Make Witch Hazel
- 3 1/2 ounces of vodka or grain alcohol
In a pot with a tight fitting lid, addHamamelis virginiana bark or leaves and water to cover. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely, covered. Filter the witch hazel water. For every cup of witch hazel water, add 3 1/2 ounces of vodka or grain alcohol. Use within 2 to 3 months.
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Your Eczema Flares Up
When To See A Doctor
If home remedies are not working to maintain your eczema flares, and you notice your skin is weeping, it may be time to see a doctor.
Weeping could be an indicator that you have contracted a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, which can spread quickly, so seek medical attention right away.
Your doctor will examine the affected skin, and they may swab the affected area to determine what type of infection you have.
From there, your doctor can prescribe you the necessary medicine.
How Can Eczema Be Treated
Is there any natural treatment for Eczema? Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. It can only be controlled. The aim is to prevent recurrent flares and control the skin condition in remission. Most often Eczema goes into total remission by teenage years and may never reappear.
As we know there are certain trigger factors that can cause and worsen your eczema. Identify these triggers early and avoid them as much as possible. Trigger factors may differ from person to person. Some of the examples for trigger factors include pollen, dust, smoking, fabric dyes, excessive sweating, certain foods, additives and preservatives, strong soaps, and detergents. You might observe that contact with some of these triggers may have a link with your eczema. If you identify triggers the best is to avoid them.
If you are a person living with eczema, you know what it is like to find some relief for your symptoms.
You May Like: Does Fish Oil Help With Eczema