Eczema Home Remedies

As a human being, our skin is our body's largest organ. Having any kind of recurring skin condition can be incredibly disruptive. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes unsightly or embarrassing and can also lead to sleeplessness, irritability or infection.

One relatively common skin condition is eczema. It can be present with any number of symptoms but most eczema sufferers experience flare ups of very dry skin, intense itchiness and rashes. Eczema is often diagnosed in childhood (sometimes as early as six months of age) but also affects adults.

Since eczema is incredibly itchy, sufferers aggravate their condition by scratching. Scratching is generally not a conscious reaction and some people will actually scratch in their sleep. However, constant scratching damages the protective layer of the skin. Often, it is the intense itchiness that will drive a person to seek medical assistance.

Typically, doctors will prescribe hydrocortisone creams for mild to medium cases of eczema. In severe cases, a stronger corticosteroid, antihistamines and even antibiotics may be prescribed. However, long-term use of products in the corticosteroid family is never recommended as they result in a thinning of the skin and cortisone creams, in general, tend to become less and less effective with extended use.

For many of these reasons, people seek at home remedies for eczema. In fact, some of the most natural home remedies for eczema are not products at all but, rather, steps that can be taken to ward off flare ups. Typically, eczema will be brought on by stress, climate change, overheating or anything that causes the skin to sweat. Food allergies and sensitivities are also a factor. Sufferers should avoid using laundry detergents, soaps, lotions and other personal products that contain fragrances; in fact, the less additives, the better. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or made of fabrics that scratch the skin. If scratching and damaging the skin is a problem, wearing gloves while sleeping can help. Fingernails should be kept short and very clean. Also, eczema sufferers should avoid taking hot baths or using hot tubs. It is preferable to shower in warm water for personal hygiene, dry the skin gently and then apply moisturizer all over the skin.

A common home remedy for eczema on the hands/palms and feet/soles (called Dyshidrotic eczema) is a white vinegar soak, four times per day, approximately 15 minutes each time. Home remedies for eczema on the face and other parts of the body include the use of spearmint, pure Vitamin E, coconut oil or cold water compresses. There is no best home remedy for eczema and, in fact, some may have no affect at all, depending on the individual. However, most eczema sufferers are willing to try home remedies in order to obtain some relief from this persistent and uncomfortable condition.