Eczema is an irritating skin condition that has no actual cure, but there are ways to manage or reduce the symptoms. The most common type of the condition is atopic eczema which is generally considered to be hereditary. This type of eczema most commonly occurs in children and sometimes returns when they are adults, and it is suspected that flare ups are caused by certain allergens.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and it can be affected by various conditions. People who have eczema have skin that may be deficient in fats and oils that normal skin has, so it does not have the required ability to retain moisture. This means that irritants from detergents and bacteria are able to penetrate the skin because it is dry and often cracked or blistered.
While there are prescription and over-the-counter treatments that are focused on eczema relief, some natural products are just as effective and safer. Since the scarcity of fats and oils are at least partly responsible for the irritation, applying coconut oil to the skin can prevent the dryness and vulnerability of the skin to bacteria. Not everyone will find the relief they seek from using coconut oil, but it is certainly worth a try and it is harmless and inexpensive.
Another possible natural treatment is jojoba oil. The substance is not really an oil, but more like liquid wax. Jojoba easily penetrates the skin and it is very similar to the natural oil human skin produces. The long-chain fatty acid is extremely rich, so it does a wonderful job of moisturizing the skin. When applying any type of natural oil to skin irritated by eczema, first wash the hands and then gently massage until the oil is at least partially absorbed.
Immediate eczema relief can often be found by applying a high quality body butter to the irritated areas. One of the best combinations for a great healing body butter includes Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and beeswax. The fatty acids this combination provides has the ability to heal, repair and soften skin that is damaged. While beeswax does not provide any fatty acids, it does work to soften and protect the skin. It is easy to combine these ingredients in a double boiler to make the butter at home. A drop or two of aromatic essential oil adds a pleasant scent to the final product.
Honey is a great natural anti-inflammatory aid that is also anti-microbial. Since it is sticky and messy, it is best to just apply it and leave for about 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water and patting the skin dry.
Immediate relief from eczema can often be found by applying topical mixtures to the affected areas of the skin, but certain foods may also be creating a problem. Keeping a food journal and matching the foods consumed just before flare ups can identify which foods may be contributing to the condition. If and when a pattern develops, the foods that seem to be triggers should be eliminated from the diet as much as possible.
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