How to Treat Eczema

Eczema is a common skin disease that can occur in infants, children and adults. The skin frequently has a scaly and inflamed appearance, and there may also be skin flaking, blisters which leak and then crust over, and extreme itchiness.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cotton Blouses
• Cotton Trousers
• Dehumidifiers
• Vaseline
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Flaxseed Oil
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin E Oil

1. Eliminate allergens. Eczema may be caused by an allergy. Common culprits are products that your skin is in contact with, such as creams, perfumes, laundry detergent, and so on.

2. Check your diet. Food allergies can also trigger eczema, especially in children. Common culprits are milk, wheat, citrus fruits, eggs, peanuts and fish.

3. Wear cotton and other natural fiber clothing. This allows your skin to breathe better.

4. Use bland moisturizers without dyes and perfumes. Make sure to use a moisturizer every time you bathe. Choose a greasy formula to moisturize skin if eczema is severe and skin is extremely dry. Examples are petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening.

5. Set up a humidifier if the air in your house is very dry. Avoid sunbathing. This can aggravate your skin. Heat can also cause your condition to worsen.

6. Scrutinize your bath products. Bath oils are generally fine and lubricating, but bubble baths can be drying and irritating.

7. Destress. Find and use methods to help yourself relax. Stress can cause eczema flare-ups.

8. Use the herbs dandelion, myrrh, pau d'arco and red clover. Use as a tea or take in capsule form. They are useful for healthy skin. Use all of them alternately for best results.

9. Make a paste from the herb goldenseal and vitamin E oil. Use goldenseal in a powdered form, and mix with a little bit of vitamin E oil; add a small amount of honey and make a paste. Apply to inflamed area.

10. Take vitamin A, 10,000 to 25,000 IU per day. It helps to soften the skin. Take it in the emulsion form, which is easier to absorb and safer at high doses.

11. Use a high-potency B-complex formula, 50 to 100 mg per day. It is needed for healthy skin and good blood circulation. Some skin problems are linked to a deficiency of vitamin B-6.

12. Take vitamin E, 400 IU. It helps relieve itching and dry skin.

13. Try evening primrose, black currant, flaxseed or salmon oil. Use according to bottle directions. They all contain essential fatty acids, which help to lubricate the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminating the cause of eczema is the best way to treat it. Allergies to metals and plants, and even sensitivity to sunlight, can cause skin reactions.

• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.