What are the Best Natural Remedies for Eczema?

There are many options for a person who wishes to treat eczema naturally, including dietary changes, homemade lotions and pastes, and special bath mixtures designed to reestablish healthy moisture levels in the skin. The one thing all of the natural remedies for eczema have in common is the absence of chemically produced ingredients and fragrances. It is believed that most people who suffer from eczema are sensitive to artificial substances found in many over the counter and prescription treatments, lotions, and body care products. The symptoms of eczema include, but are not limited to, red, inflamed skin, severe itching, and flaky, dry areas of skin. Many people also report the appearance of small, fluid filled blisters on the affected areas.

For some people, some of the most effective natural remedies for eczema are dietary changes, including staying well hydrated, reducing or eliminating processed foods from their diets, and avoiding artificial preservatives and additives. It is thought that the eczema condition may be a symptom of an allergic reaction to these ingredients, and avoiding them is sometimes enough to provide relief from the chronic itching and rash. As eczema is often characterized, at least in part, by dry skin, hydration is crucial as well. People with this skin disorder can often reduce their symptoms by drinking sufficient amounts of water daily.

The most common types of natural remedies for eczema are topical preparations created from a host of herbal and organic ingredients. A combination of camphor and sandalwood, combined into a paste and applied to the skin, is useful for many people with this condition. Other frequently used topical remedies include spearmint leaves and dandelion leaves combined with jojoba oil, mashed avocado, mashed papaya seeds, and a blend of nutmeg with a carrier oil, such as olive oil. All of these natural remedies can be found on store shelves or created at home.

Oatmeal preparations and products have been used to treat eczema for generations. Some experts suggest grounding the oatmeal a bit to produce a finer powder, and placing the oatmeal directly in the bathwater before soaking. A cloth packet containing oatmeal and soothing herbs, such as chamomile, can be attached to the bathtub faucet so the bath water runs through it, releasing the healing properties. This option keeps the oatmeal from sticking to the skin. Oatmeal is considered one of the most effective natural remedies for eczema as well as for skin conditions such as psoriasis, poison ivy, and severely dry skin.