Eczema represents various skin conditions, mainly chronic, which is caused by the inflammation of the epidermal layer of the skin. The skin becomes itchy, reddened, dry, cracked and irritated.
Eczema – What Causes Eczema?
Eczema can appear on any part of the body. The most widespread form of it is called Atopic dermatitis. It is the condition in which one becomes allergic to pollen, dust, and other allergens in the environment. This disease is often inherited. Its victims are more vulnerable to allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma.
People of all ages are affected by Eczema but it is most commonly observed among children and infants. Those who are able to get rid of it at an early age have happened to be hit by it again later in life. There isn’t any risk involved in catching it from someone else.
Eczema – Factors That Trigger Eczema
Eczema has certain factors that trigger or flare up the symptoms of Eczema rather than causing them. These are:
Hormonal changes in women:
Eczema becomes worse among women during their menstrual cycle.
- Their Eczema flares up even in days before their period.
- Hormonal changes also occur during pregnancy.
- Stress:
For some people, their Eczema worsens when they are stressed.
Exercise:
Sweating while exercising aggravates Eczema.
· Irritants:
· There are several irritants that disturb the skin, such as
- Soaps
- Detergents (shampoo, cleansers, and bubble bath),
- Woolen & nylon clothes,
- Cold and dry weather,
- Makeup,
- Dust
- Sand,
- Chlorine and solvents.
Eczema – What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema?
Mostly the symptoms of Eczema stay for a long period of time and is also called chronic dermatitis.
The rashes caused by Eczema are different for different people. It can affect different areas of the body.
It ranges from being mild to moderate to severe.
Victims of Eczema develop dry, reddened, sensitive skin that burns badly or itches, although it may look different, depending on the type and intensity.
The itching can be so bad that you have to scratch it until you bleed, which of course further aggravates the rash causing more inflammation and itching.
Persistent scratching leads to thickened, brown skin. It disrupts sleep. Blisters are formed and the cuts begin to seep.
Eczema is also known to make the skin scaly and dry. Kids with Eczema form small bumps on their cheeks, foreheads or scalp.
In both adults and children, Eczema appears
- On the neck,
- Insides of the elbow,
- Face,
- Back of the wrists and ankles,
- Behind the knees.
In infants, it appears
- on the forehead,
- forearms,
- cheeks,
- scalp,
- legs,
- neck,
- torso
- Elbows
- Knees.
When the kids grow up, the rash becomes less oozy and crusty.
Eczema – Herbal Remedies For Eczema
- A cloth can be soaked in Stinging Nettle or Yellow Root Tea and applied to the affected area for twenty minutes 5 x a day. It has been known to battle redness, inflammation and bacteria.
- Burdock Leaf is effective against scaling skin.
- Mix with red clover, yellow dock, heartsease (viola) and cleavers.
- Apply to the affected areas.
- Made as a tea to be drunk, 3 times a day, it provides fast relief.
- Evening Primrose heals cuts and dry flakey parts.
- It should be applied during the day, before sleeping and after having a shower.
- Chickweed can also be used as oil and massaged on the affected area(s).
- Slippery Elm is a useful herb.
- A herbal paste can be made from combining water and dried powdered leaf, which can then be rubbed on the concerned area and left for an hour.
- Later on, it should be rinsed and gently dried.
- Various essential oils are helpful tools in dealing with Eczema.
- Combine almond or olive oil with a few drops of Lavender, Rose, Juniper, Hyssop, or Geranium Essential Oil.
- Always test on a patch of skin first before combining more than one essential oil.
- Turmeric capsules or a mixture of turmeric and olive oil can be used.
- Calendula or Pot Marigold is considered a good moisturizer and herbal remedy.
- As a lotion or ointment it can be applied.
- Witch hazel,
- Tee Tree Oil
- Elder Leaves can also be used to complement it.
- A thick paste of Dry Oatmeal and Chamomile Tea should be applied for two to three days.
- Aloe vera is effective in treating burns.
- When mixed with vitamin E oil, it acts as an excellent moisturizer.
- Herbal oils,
- Tamanu, Kukui Nut Oil and Apricot keeps the skin hydrated and forms a protective barrier.
Neem Oil is antibacterial and is well suited to treat Eczema.
- Tamanu, Kukui Nut Oil and Apricot keeps the skin hydrated and forms a protective barrier.
Eczema – Conclusions
Eczema is a terrible debilitating condition that can inflict a terrible existence on its sufferers.
Should any of these herbal remedies not provide an adequate level of satisfaction please consult with your local herbalist.
And for more information you may see related pages at:
- http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/20-best-oils-for-treating-eczema/
- http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Eczema-Naturally
- http://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/5-natural-cures-eczema