Treating eczema with natural remedies
Eczema is a serious skin condition that often affects children, but affects many adults, too. There are some tell-tale
eczema skin symptoms that you can use to help identify if you have it. If you do have it, there are often many things you can do to treat eczema. When you are treating eczema, the first step is to keep the sensitive, itchy skin as clean as possible. This helps to keep bacteria away, controlling infection. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser that doesn't irritate sensitive skin. In fact, it might help to use an organic cream cleanser that also moisturizes. Wearing breathable cotton clothing can be part of a natural eczema treatment for some people.
Herbs that can be used in natural treatments for this condition include slippery elm, goldenseal, dandelion, comfrey and burdock. These herbs can be brewed into a tea and applied to the affected skin five or six times a day. Aloe vera gel is also soothing and healing for broken skin. Oatmeal can be added to the bath for another natural treatment. Oatmeal helps control itching so the sensitive, irritated skin can heal. Geranium essential oil is often used in treating skin conditions. Add a few drops to the bathwater.
Another natural treatment is St John's Wort
St. John's Wort is often included in treatment creams for skin conditions. It is a potent healer that can be found growing wild in much of the U.S. It's easy to identify using a field guide. A distinguishing characteristic is its yellow flowers that are in clusters but in different stages of growth, so that bright new flowers and scruffy brown ones are side by side in the same cluster. Another characteristic is seen if you hold one of the small lance-shaped leaves up to the sunlight. You will be able to see little translucent dots all over it. It is easy to make your own natural infused oil from this herb. Simply fill a jar with the clean blossoms and fill with vegetable oil, such as organic almond oil. Set it in the sun for a day or two. The infused oil will be red in color, with a gentle fragrance. This oil can be used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema. One caution about this eczema treatment is to stay out of the sun, because St. John's Wort can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Diet should be part of a natural treatment routine for eczema. The first aspect of the diet is to make sure you stay away from allergens and foods to which you seem sensitive. Choosing organic foods can help eliminate chemicals that aggravate eczema. Another aspect is to get good nutrition. Gamma Linolenic Acid, or GLA, is found in fish oil and helps cure eczema. Some foods to include in the diet include oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon. You can also get GLA from borage oil or evening primrose oil capsules.