Eczema Relief

Eczema is a disease in a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the epidermis. The term eczema is broadly applied to a wide range of persistent and severe skin conditions. Eczema conditions include dryness of skin and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: persisting redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, skin flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions. Scratching open a healing lesion may result in scarring. Eczema may be confused with urticaria. In contrast to psoriasis, eczema is often likely to be found on the flexor aspect of joints.

If you are suffering from eczema then you know how important an effective remedy is. The most effective therapies are those that are soothing, healing, and safe. This is why natural alternatives are a preferred method over the harsh chemicals and health risks of standard medical remedies.

Oatmeal Treatment

Oatmeal has been one of the most commonly used home remedies for eczema and many other skin problems since ancient Egyptian times. Oatmeal is a fiber-rich, nourishing food that keeps you healthy on the inside. Although it may seem unbelievable, this fantastic food is also an excellent way to keep you healthy on the outside as well.

Oatmeal has unique properties that soothe and relieve the symptoms of eczema as well as keeping skin healthy to prevent eczema. On a basic level, oatmeal hydrates your skin and prevents it from drying out. Oatmeal mainly consists of four skin promoting components, polysaccharides, proteins, saponins, and fats. Polysaccharides are a complex sugar that breaks down into a gel-like consistency when mixed with water. It helps to prevent drying by creating a protective barrier on top of the skin. The proteins in oatmeal further that protection by promoting your skin's natural ability to create a barrier against foreign irritants and allergens. Saponins are natural cleaners that work to keep the skin functioning by cleaning out the dirt from your pores. Finally, the fats in oatmeal are a fantastic natural way to lubricate your skin and keep it hydrated.

Natural Cleanser

You probably already know that good hygiene is an important part of any remedy for eczema. However, many of the cleaners can be too abrasive to your skin. They may dry out your skin and make the itching and inflammation of eczema worse. However, there is a very good natural alternative that will keep your skin healthy and help it heal.

A combination of comfrey root, white oak bark, and slippery elm bark will make a very good cleaner to use both during an eczema flare up and as your normal cleanser. It will also help relieve the itching and inflammation of eczema. It is even gentle enough for use on babies and young children. Comfrey root has been used for centuries to heal wounds and reduce inflammation. It also accelerates cell growth and renewal and helps to reduce scarring.

White oak bark is rich in vitamin B12 and skin soothing minerals like zinc. It is also an excellent astringent to tone your skin and reduce inflammation. Slippery elm is packed full of tannins, like the cleansers found in oatmeal discussed earlier in this article. These cleaners are very powerful at removing and killing germs. Slippery elm is also great for reducing inflammation resulting from infection.

As one of the better cleaners and eczema home remedies, this natural skin wash is easy to make. Take 1 teaspoon of comfrey root, 1 teaspoon of white oak bark, and 1 teaspoon of slippery elm bark and combine it with 2 cups of water. Make sure all of the ingredients have been mixed together and then heat the mixture over medium heat until it boils. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about a half an hour. Then, remove the mixture for heat and let it cool completely. Strain out the solids. The remaining liquid can be used as you would any other liquid face wash.