Eczema can be difficult to deal with and embarrassing at times. It is frustrating that there isn’t a cure or even a full understanding of this skin problem. The good news is that there are many ways to manage eczema to reduce and eliminate flare-ups.
It is important to remember that eczema is not contagious and it does not make you ugly or less of a person. It is simply a way for your body to communicate an irritant. It is the body’s way of warning you that something you are being exposed to does not match your personal chemistry. Once your body gives off this warning it is your responsibility to try to identify the irritant and avoid future exposure.
The first is to recognize which type of eczema you have or think you may have. Once you know which type it is you can target it more effectively.
There are 6 different types of eczema
Atopic
The most common form of eczema usually appears sometime during childhood. This is itchy dry patches of skin that become irritated and inflamed. Itching worsens eczema and can cause open sores or hardened patches of skin. A number of external factors can trigger a flare-up including cold weather, soaps, fabrics or food allergies.
Contact
Anyone can get this form of eczema including small children. This is the result of the skin reacting to an external irritant such as detergents, dyes, shampoos or chemicals. The result is dry itchy areas of skin that can blister or turn into hives. Anyone who has atopic eczema is more likely to also have atopic as the skin is more sensitive and reactive.
Discoid
It appears in children and adults of any age and is recognized by the oval disk-like shape of red patches on the skin. This type is less understood but some contributing factors may include bacterial skin infections, poor blood flow, cold weather, medications or chemicals.
Dyshidrotic
Typically found in adults over the age of 40. It is recognized by extremely itchy small blisters on hands and feet that can become filled with a watery substance. These blisters can easily become infected leading to more serious problems.
Varicose
Found in older adults who are less active and thus have weakened veins. Most commonly found on the lower legs and is recognized as dry scaly skin that is hot and cracked.
Asteatotic
Found in people over the age of 60 and is generally caused by dehydrated aging skin. It can be found on any part of the body but is most common on the lower legs. It is scaly, dry cracked skin that is usually red or pink in color. Common triggers include detergents, cold weather, excessively washed skin or rough towel drying.
Basic Maintenance for Every Type
- Keep skin hydrated- oils are best
- Shower in cool or lukewarm water
- Avoid fragrances and perfumes
- Use gentle natural detergents
- Use sensitive skin soaps and body wash
- Avoid restrictive clothing and opt for more natural cotton fabric
- Try not to expose the skin to excessively cold temperatures
- Try to avoid excessively hot climates or getting too close to bonfires
Dietary Recommendations
Avoid/ reduce inflammatory foods such as dairy, soy, processed meats, fried foods, high-fructose corn syrup, and wheat as they create a more vulnerable immune system and make the body more susceptible to eczema and flare-ups. Inflammation is a natural response by the body when triggered externally via an injury or internally via food.
Inflammation is good but too much can cause weakened immune system functions. This weakened immunity then becomes a breeding ground of illness, disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and bacteria. We all love some french fries now and again but be aware of how often you are consuming inflammatory foods and try to limit them to only a few times a week.
Incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods like:
-
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Beans
- Beets
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Olive oil
- Pineapple
- Salmon
- Sweet potato
- Swiss chard
- Turmeric
Let’s break down each type of eczema and look at which natural remedies are best. Later we will take a look at each remedy in further detail.
Atopic:
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
Honey
Sunflower seed oil
Tea tree oil
Vitamin E
Contact:
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
Honey
Sunflower seed oil
Tea tree oil
Vitamin E
Discoid:
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
Sunflower seed oil
Tea tree oil
Dyshidrotic:
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
Massage
Tea tree oil
Varicose:
Aloe vera
Coconut oil
Exercise
Massage
Sunflower seed oil
Asteatotic:
Acupuncture
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
Massage
Sunflower seed oil
Vitamin E
Acupuncture has been found to reduce itching and heal scaly skin. Be sure to visit a licensed professional and communicate where your eczema is located and any concerns that you may have. The procedure is painless and extremely relaxing.
Aloe Vera is antibacterial, antimicrobial, boosts the immune system and promotes wound healing. It will help prevent infections and soothe dry skin.
-Using aloe vera-
Use fresh aloe vera and cut a small piece. Remove the outer green skin from one side and rub the inner gel on the affected area. Leave it to dry for at least 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the acidic levels of the skin. Normally the skin is acidic but people with eczema tend to have less acidic skin leaving them susceptible to rashes, irritation, and bacteria. Apple cider vinegar helps to restore the acidity and ward off bacteria while the skin is strengthening its barrier.
-Using apple cider vinegar-
Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply this mixture to either a clean washcloth or gauze and apply it to the affected area. Allow it to stay there for 2-3 hours before rinsing. Alternatively, you can add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse once finished and moisturize the skin with an oil such as sunflower seed, olive or coconut.
Note that the skin is naturally acidic but soaps and detergents are alkaline which can create an imbalance. Overly washing the body can leave the skin prone to eczema or worsen it.
*Consult a doctor prior to using apple cider vinegar on children as their skin is more sensitive.
Coconut oil is antibacterial which eliminates the infection that causes some types of eczema. The oil is cooling and will help calm and ease any itch and redness.
-Using coconut oil-
Apply organic, cold-pressed coconut oil to damp skin twice a day until the skin clears up. There is no need to wash or rinse the oil off. Just allow it to fully absorb into the skin.
Keep in mind that coconut oil is comedogenic which means it tends to clog pores. Test it out in a small area for several days to make sure you do not react to it.
Exercise is ideal for anyone with varicose eczema. It is important to incorporate some type of movement to stimulate blood flow and strengthen muscles and veins. This encourages healing and will help reduce eczema. Every small bit helps so try either small walks, small steps back and forth or even drawing your legs up and down from a seated position.
-Using exercise-
Try incorporating some of the moves featured in the pictures below. Spend 10-15 minutes each day practicing these moves. You can do it all at once or split it up throughout the day.
Honey is antibacterial which fights bacteria, infection and relieves irritation and itch.
-Using honey-
Mix equal parts of raw honey, beeswax, and cold-pressed olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area. Allow it to remain on the skin for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
*This honey ointment can be used on children 10 months and older.
Massage helps to stimulate circulation, increases blood flow and encourages healing. You can easily do a self-massage once or twice a day to relieve irritation and discomfort.
Sunflower oil is anti-inflammatory which will help ease the irritation and reduce redness. It will also hydrate and nourish the skin.
-Using sunflower seed oil-
Apply sunflower oil to damp skin 1-2 times a day. Allow it to fully absorb and do not rinse it off.
Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and promotes wound healing.
-Using tea tree oil-
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil to 1/2 cup of olive, coconut or sweet almond oil. Apply this to the affected area after showering or to dampened skin. Remember to always dilute tea tree oil because it is very potent and can cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin.
Vitamin E boosts the immune system to help the body manage allergic reactions and rashes. It is anti-inflammatory with aides in the irritation of eczema. Additionally, vitamin E has many healing benefits for the skin. It reduces dryness and itching commonly associated with eczema. Foods such as sunflower seed oil, sweet potato, soybeans, and salmon are great sources of vitamin E.
-Using vitamin E-
Incorporate some of the foods listed above but also find a quality vitamin E supplement to take daily. This will ensure that you are receiving an adequate amount each day. Also, gel capsules can be punctured and you can apply the gel directly to any eczema patches. You can also find a bottle of liquid vitamin E that can be applied to the skin or mixed with a carrier oil.
