Treatment of eczema at home with folk remedies

If you have red, dry, and flaky patches on your skin, you most likely have eczema. This is a very common disease that affects millions of people around the world.

So what is eczema? In fact, eczema is not an independent disease. This is a whole group of skin diseases that includes atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema of the hands and feet, neurodermatitis, cervical eczema and stasis dermatitis ().

The good news is that there are natural home treatments for eczema that can provide significant relief.

Eczema usually first appears in very young children as atopic dermatitis. Research shows that 65% of cases occur before infants reach their first birthday, and 90% have their first cases before they turn 5 years old. Even more worryingly, eczema in children is becoming more common. Conditions that resemble eczema include psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis, but it is a different condition.

A study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that 39% percent of Caucasian children develop eczema by age 3. Interestingly, the same study showed that children who have a dog at home are significantly less likely to develop eczema at any age ().

Although initial outbreaks of eczema most often occur in infants and young children, they can occur at any time. Although most skin conditions that fall under the umbrella of eczema are chronic, it is important to note that contact dermatitis and hand eczema can appear acutely and then never bother you again. This occurs due to exposure to allergens or chemicals.

For many people, the severity of flare-ups will decrease with age. For some, eczema goes away on its own during childhood. However, eczema can come and go throughout life. Learning how to treat eczema and how to identify its triggers is the best strategy.

While there is no definitive answer as to the cause of eczema, and there is no specific cure, there are effective home treatments for eczema using natural remedies. It can help prevent future outbreaks and ease discomfort during illness.

It is important to understand that eczema is an embarrassing, stressful and frustrating condition that often disrupts the overall health of the body. Therefore, it is important to treat this condition from the moment the first symptoms appear.

What kind of disease is this

Eczema is a common dermatological disease, which, according to statistics, affects approximately 10% of the world's population. This is a chronic disease that manifests itself in the form of skin rashes of various types, which constantly become wet during the development of eczema. In turn, such symptoms cause not only physical, but also psychological discomfort to the patient.

Causes

Doctors have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the development of eczema, but there are certain factors that contribute to this. The most common ones include:

• food poisoning of the body;
• negative impact of airborne allergens;
• consequences of taking certain medications;
• food intolerance;
• previous infectious diseases;
• weakening of the immune system;
• genetic predisposition;
• diseases of the nervous or endocrine system.

Causes of eczema

Note! Anyone can experience the unpleasant symptoms of eczema, regardless of gender or age. But most often the skin disease is diagnosed in young people, and with age the number of exacerbations gradually decreases.

Kinds

Doctors distinguish several types of eczema, namely:

• true. It is the result of an allergic reaction to an external irritant (cosmetics, citrus fruits, animal hair, dust, etc.). Appears in the form of small blisters on the face or limbs;
• dyshidrotic. Accompanied by severe burning and itching in the affected area. Typically, the most commonly affected areas of dyshidrotic eczema are the fingers, toes, feet, and palms;
• professional. It is diagnosed in people whose work requires regular contact with different types of allergens (chemists, miners, builders and others). The peculiarity of occupational eczema is that the disease can manifest itself on any part of the skin;
• microbial Develops against the background of infection with staphylococci and streptococci. Often, pathology occurs at the site of wounds or minor scratches;
• mycotic. The main factor that provokes the development of this type of eczema is a fungus. The disease manifests itself mainly on the toes or nails;
• seborrheic. Occurs when the sebaceous glands malfunction. Most often it affects the scalp, knees, shoulder blades or forehead. Seborrheic eczema appears in the form of yellow plaques that form various “patterns”.

Main types of eczema
Problems with the functioning of the sebaceous glands can also manifest themselves in the form of ordinary dandruff. Therefore, if you are faced with this cosmetic defect, be sure to get examined by a doctor.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of pathology developing, clinical signs may vary. But there are basic symptoms that appear in all types of eczema. First of all, such symptoms include rash, itching, burning of the skin, general weakness of the body and neuroses. Many symptoms of eczema are similar to those of other diseases, such as pyoderma or psoriasis, so it is important to distinguish them when diagnosing.

Characteristic symptoms of eczema

Possible complications

Incorrect or untimely treatment can lead to the skin disease becoming chronic, which is accompanied by frequent relapses. Thickening of the epidermis may occur on the patient's skin and infiltrates may form. Often, in advanced stages of eczema, the skin pattern intensifies, but at the same time its elasticity decreases.

Kaposi's eczema is one of the possible complications of eczema

As a complication of a skin disease, there may be an inflammatory process that affects the surface of the palms or feet, a purulent infection, which causes problems with the lymph nodes. But the most dangerous complications of eczema include neurodermatitis - a chronic skin disease that is of a neuro-allergic nature. The disease is accompanied by insomnia, constant itching and disruption of the central nervous system. An incorrectly formulated therapeutic course can provoke the appearance of neurosis of the skin with frequent inflammatory processes.

Features of eczema treatment

Drug therapy for eczema involves the use of local medications and medications taken orally. Local or external preparations are ointments or creams that have antibacterial, antipruritic and regenerating properties. If the disease is accompanied by a fungal infection, doctors may prescribe additional antifungal drugs. The most common ointments prescribed for eczema include Hydrocortisone ointment, Soderm, Salicylic ointment, Eplan and others.

Non-hormonal ointments and creams for eczema

Medicines for internal use include antihistamines (Zodak, Cetriliv, Loratadine and Suprastin), vitamin complexes and destabilizing agents. Throughout the entire treatment course, the patient must follow a special diet, which consists of avoiding the use of extractive products and limiting the amount of fried and fatty foods.

Folk remedies for the treatment of eczema

Not all people trust traditional methods of treatment, so traditional medicine is often used for eczema, which is in no way inferior in effectiveness to synthetic drugs. Some people use folk remedies only as a complement to drug treatment, while others, on the contrary, instead of traditional therapy. In any case, before using this or that product, even if it consists exclusively of natural ingredients, you must consult with your doctor.

Universal traditional medicine

Depending on the type of eczema, the products used may vary. But there are universal recipes that are equally effective for all types of skin diseases. Below are the main ones.

Table. Traditional medicine recipes for eczema.

On a note! You can also cope with the signs of the disease using herbal infusions or decoctions. Chamomile and calendula are considered the most effective medicinal plants - they have an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect on the body. You can use decoctions as lotions or medicinal baths every day without fear of negative consequences.

Hygiene for eczema

By adhering to the following rules, you can speed up the healing process:

1. Be sure to wash at least once a day.
   In this case, the water should be warm, and the duration of water procedures should be approximately 10 minutes.
2. Your doctor will recommend what to wash your hands with when you have eczema.
   Most often, baby or tar soap is used for this. It is desirable that the detergent has a gel-like structure. In this case, the soap will be better distributed over the surface, penetrate into its deeper layers and more thoroughly cleanse the epidermis of impurities.
3. After water procedures, it is advisable to cover the area affected by eczema with a softening or restorative cream
   , for example, “Losterin”.
4. The room where the sick person is staying should be wet cleaned regularly.
   It is advisable to get rid of feather pillows, carpets and other items that can provoke an allergic reaction.
5. If contact of hands with washing and detergents is inevitable, you need to protect your skin as much as possible
   from the irritating effects of aggressive components. To do this, it is recommended to wear two pairs of gloves: first cotton ones, and rubber ones on top.

Treatment of eczema depending on the type

As noted earlier, there are several types of eczema, which differ from each other in clinical signs and treatment features. Therefore, when diagnosing a particular type of disease, the traditional medicine used may differ.

Dyshidrotic eczema

With the development of dyshidrosis, serous blisters appear on the affected areas of the skin, which eventually turn into erosions. Throughout the entire period, the patient experiences severe itching, and the skin thickens and begins to peel off.

What does dyshidrotic eczema look like?

The most effective traditional medicine recipes used for dyshidrotic eczema include:

• compress of grated potatoes. Grate several fresh potatoes on a fine grater and apply the resulting pulp to the sore spot for 10 minutes;
• cabbage leaf Apply a cool cabbage leaf to the affected skin and secure it with a gauze bandage;
• sea ​​buckthorn oil. Apply the oil to the skin in a thin layer, and after 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 3 times a day.

On a note! When diagnosing dyshidrosis, doctors often prescribe sanatorium treatment by the sea. This is due to the beneficial effects of salty sea water and the sun on eczematous wounds. In such conditions, the skin heals much faster.

Microbial eczema

Local treatment of the microbial form consists of relieving the inflammatory process and healing erosive areas of the skin. For this purpose, the following means are used:

• honey with garlic. Boil a few cloves of garlic and, after mashing it until mushy, mix with 1 tbsp. l. honey Apply the finished product to the affected areas of the skin and cover with plastic wrap. It is advisable to carry out the procedure at night;
• tar ointment. Mix 3 tbsp in one bowl. l. fish oil, 2 tbsp. l. birch tar and 1 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar. Soak gauze in the prepared solution and apply it to the affected skin;
• aloe pulp. Cut an aloe leaf in half and apply the inside of it to the inflamed skin for 10 minutes. Secure the plant with a bandage or gauze bandage.

Microbial eczema
To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, experts recommend alternating medications. For example, for the first few days you can use tar ointment, and then garlic paste with honey.

Weeping eczema

Therapy for weeping eczema should be aimed at drying the skin, eliminating unpleasant symptoms and healing wounds. The following recipes are used for this:

• Kalanchoe. Peel the leaves of the plant from the film and pass them through a juicer. Soak a piece of gauze in the resulting juice and apply it to the inflamed skin;
• liquorice root. Grind 50 g of plant root and mix with the same amount of sea salt. Sprinkle the prepared powder onto the affected skin and rinse off after 30 minutes with warm water;
• medicinal baths. Place hands or feet affected by skin disease in warm water with added salt. As soon as the water has cooled, the procedure can be completed.

Folk remedies for weeping eczema
In most cases, positive changes will be noticeable after the first session. Of course, this is only possible if the technology for preparing folk remedies is followed.

Dry eczema

Traditional therapy for this type of eczema is based on moisturizing the skin and improving its nutrition with useful components. For this purpose, the following means are used:

• sea ​​buckthorn oil. Mix freshly squeezed sea buckthorn juice with the same amount of olive oil and leave the product for 7 days in a cool place. Then treat the affected areas of the body with the prepared oil daily;
• carrot ointment. Grate 1-2 large carrots on a fine grater and mix it all with 50 ml of cream. Gently apply the prepared ointment to the affected skin 2-3 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is 20 days.

Treatment of dry eczema
You can also cope with the signs of the dry form with the help of aloe leaves. To do this, the plant is cut and applied to the sore spot. Alternatively, aloe can be crushed and mixed with a little honey.

Base oils

These drugs are used in their pure form in the treatment of most dermatitis

When choosing oil, you should pay attention to its manufacturer, brand and production date of the oil.

Sunflower and corn oils

Regular sunflower oil is excellent against eczema due to its high content of vitamin E, which has a restorative effect and helps reduce itching. To make a remedy, you need to mix oil and apple cider vinegar in equal parts, and then smear the drug on eczematous areas. You can wash off the drug after an hour and a half.

Corn oil also contains a lot of vitamin E, but due to the characteristics of its composition, for eczema it can be used not only externally, but also internally (in the absence of problems with the excretory system). Every day during breakfast you can drink 1 spoon (tablespoon or teaspoon) of corn oil. It is not recommended to drink cold water immediately after the procedure.

Ghee oil against eczema

Ghee is traditional butter that has been refined from the milk residue. It is suitable for sensitive skin, because when applied it does not lead to burning or other painful sensations. It can be used equally successfully in children and elderly patients. It is often used to treat allergic eczema.

Sweet almond oil

Fresh almond oil contains oleic and ursolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and restorative properties. This drug should be used before taking a bath to protect the skin from the drying effects of water for various dermatitis.

Jojoba oil

This is a fairly thick viscous oil that softens and moisturizes pathogenic lesions in dry eczema. It can be used in its pure form. The greatest effect will be obtained when using jojoba oil to treat dry eczema. A small amount of the drug is applied to the skin and washed off after 1-1.5 hours.

Coconut oil and treatment of dermatitis

Classically cold-pressed organic coconut oil is used in the treatment of dry eczema. The product contains fatty acids that have regenerating and bactericidal properties, due to which they effectively fight associated infections. The oil should be applied to the skin with gentle circular movements; it looks solid, but melts beautifully when it comes into contact with your hands. It can not be washed off with water.

Shea or Shea butter is the best cure for eczema

Shea tree oil is considered an important ingredient in drugs against dermatitis of various etiologies. Shea butter helps retain moisture in tissues and cells and promotes collagen growth.

Shea butter contains acids:

• linoleic,
• arachidonic,
• linolenic

Recipe with essential oils

To prepare the mixture you need to mix:

• half a glass of unrefined Shea butter;
• 10-15 drops of oils: lavender,
• geraniums,
• cedar

The oils must be mixed, but not allowed to melt. The prepared product helps to cope with any type of eczema, but its therapeutic effect on childhood dermatitis is especially pronounced. The mixture should be applied to the skin and left on it for 30-40 minutes.

Shea butter and sea buckthorn oil

To prepare the ointment you will need:

• 30 grams of regular sea buckthorn oil;
• half a glass of hard Shea butter;
• 25 grams of calendula oil (or a mixture of calendula flowers and olive oil).

You can also add essential oils (frankincense, patchouli or chamomile) to the ointment. All ingredients should be mixed. It's better to use a blender, but you can also do it by hand. It is better to apply the cream in the evening after washing your face before going to bed. The mixture moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Treatment of eczema in children

Many factors can trigger the appearance of eczema in children, for example, an allergic reaction of the body or genetic predisposition. A weakened immune system is also unable to resist pathology, which is why skin rashes become chronic.

According to statistics, children most often encounter the disease in the first few years of their life. This is due to the weak resistance of children's skin to various allergens contained in personal care products or creams. The use of traditional methods of treating eczema in children has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Herbal baths for eczema

Therapeutic ointments or baths with herbal decoctions will help eliminate itching and flaking, returning the child to a full life without discomfort. The peculiarity of traditional therapy is that it is highly effective and rarely causes an allergic reaction. But before using folk remedies, regardless of their composition, you should definitely consult with your pediatrician.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of eczema is carried out in several stages:

• initial examination by a dermatologist;
• allergy testing;
• laboratory tests of blood/urine;
• skin scraping;
• immunofluorescence study.

Typically, the diagnosis is made clinically. Identifying atopic diseases in relatives helps confirm the diagnosis. The disease is similar to similar ones - contact, nummular, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis; the location of the spots and the reasons for their appearance are important for differential diagnosis.

Additional recommendations

Many doctors argue that when treating eczema, it is necessary not to eliminate eczematous foci, but to treat the entire body completely. Since the disease can be triggered by a large number of factors, for example, internal diseases, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders, before starting treatment it is necessary to identify the main cause of development. Only after this the patient is prescribed an appropriate course of therapy, which is aimed at a specific cause.

How to cure eczema with folk remedies

On a note! For eczema, complex therapy should always be used, consisting not only of traditional medicine, but also traditional medicines. This is the only way to get rid of this unpleasant disease forever.

Injections

Newly occurring eczema or a severe exacerbation of a chronic disease are grounds for hospitalization of the patient in a dermatological hospital. In a hospital setting, medications may be prescribed in injections and droppers.

Several drugs of different pharmacological groups are used.

1. Hormonal agents. With very severe inflammation in the first days after the onset of the disease, hormones can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. This allows you to realize their therapeutic effect as quickly as possible.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs. At the initial stage of the disease, it is possible to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (analgin, ketorolac). If there is ineffectiveness after 1-2 injections, further use of drugs from this group is not advisable.
3. Antihistamines. Injections of diphenhydramine or suprastin can eliminate itchy skin much faster. Usually, a few injections are enough to achieve a fairly stable therapeutic effect, after which you can switch to tablet forms.
4. Desensitizing. You can reduce the tension of the immune system with the help of such agents as sodium thiosulfate, calcium gluconate, calcium chloride. They are usually prescribed in a course of 1-2 droppers per day for 4-10 days.
5. Metabolic. This group includes B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine), ascorbic acid. They are used in the form of intramuscular or intravenous injections. Allow the skin to speed up the regeneration process.

Injectable medications are not a panacea for eczema; you should not expect instant results from their use. Even intravenously administered hormonal drugs realize their effect after 1-1.5 hours. Droppers and injections of medications for eczema should only be used in a medical facility.

Prevention measures

In order not to encounter eczema and other skin diseases in the future, experts recommend giving up bad habits, in particular smoking, not abusing alcohol, regularly strengthening your body and playing sports. When using cosmetics, preference should be given to products that contain a minimum amount of chemical elements and preservatives.

Try to avoid contact with household chemicals. To do this, be sure to use personal protective equipment when washing your car or cleaning your home. Such equipment includes a protective mask and rubber gloves.

Prevention of eczema

Eczema is an unpleasant pathology that can significantly worsen the patient’s quality of life, so it is important to follow medical recommendations to prevent this disease. A timely visit to a specialist when the first suspicious symptoms appear is also important.

Risk factors for eczema, causes and symptoms

In fact, there is a wide range of causes and risk factors associated with eczema. And eczema symptoms can be widespread. While a single cause of eczema has not been identified, there are certain common causes that lead to occurrences and outbreaks. In addition, a wide range of risk factors have been identified.

Risk factors for eczema

• Genetic predisposition or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma
• Young age
• Working in a medical facility
• Children who attend kindergarten
• ADHD
• Life in a dry climate
• Nutritional deficiency
• Teenage obesity, for later onset of eczema cases
• Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing eczema in the first year of life.

Causes of eczema

The medical community has yet to determine the definitive cause of eczema. For some, this may occur due to a nutritional deficiency, while for others, it may occur primarily due to an allergen or other irritant. Here are the common causes of eczema:

• Dry and sensitive skin
• Immune system dysfunction
• Environmental conditions
• Genetic abnormalities
• Allergies to food, cosmetics, laundry detergents, or other chemical allergies
• Chronic stress
• Temperature changes

Symptoms of eczema

While many will experience a decrease in symptoms and fewer outbreaks as they get older, some will experience eczema symptoms throughout their adult lives. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary from one outbreak to the next. Common symptoms include:

• The appearance of small raised areas of skin that may ooze fluid and form a crust
• Thick, dry, scaly skin with cracks
• Red, brown, or grayish patches of skin on the arms, legs, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, skin folds, and on the face and scalp of children
• Sensitive skin, swollen and raw from scratches
• A recurring rash that causes severe itching and often disrupts sleep
• Rash due to atopic eczema

Home treatments for eczema are sometimes more effective than pharmaceutical medications