Eczema or atopic dermatitis affects 31.6 million Americans, more than 10 percent of the population. This medical condition causes the appearance of darker skin tones which may appear brownish, purplish, or grayish.
Creams, dietary changes, natural products, and lifestyle modifications are reliable treatments for eczema flares. The situation worsens in the winter, but you can use items like aloe vera gel and coconut oil to manage the itchy and dry symptoms.
These four natural remedies won’t cure eczema, but they’ll mitigate its effects on your skin:
Aloe vera gel
For centuries, the gel from the leaves of aloe vera plants has been reliable for curing an array of ailments. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects prevent infections that may occur with a cracked or dry skin condition.
Aloe vera gel also boosts the immune system and heals broken skin. Although this natural home remedy is safe for adults and children, it’s best to do a skin sensitivity test because it sometimes causes a burning or stinging sensation.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another popular remedy for ailments, and it’s been approved for use by the National Eczema Association (NEA) for mitigating eczema symptoms.
People who have eczema have a less-acidic skin than others, which weakens this organ’s defenses. The skin is naturally acidic, and you can replenish the acid levels by using vinegar, a highly acidic substance.
It balances the skin acidity levels, unlike many soaps, cleansers, and skincare products, which are alkaline. Apple cider vinegar mitigates eczema flares while alkaline products incite the condition.
Vinegar also fights bacteria, which is an excellent property when dealing with skin breakage caused by eczema. However, it’s best to dilute it before application, as the undiluted product burns the skin.
For a bath soak, add two cups of vinegar to a warm bath and soak in it for fifteen to twenty minutes. Ensure you rinse your body thoroughly and moisturize it moments after leaving the tub.
Alternatively, you can dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and apply it to the affected area with cotton or gauze. Use a clean and breathable fabric to cover the dressing and leave it for three hours.
Bleach
Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and you can take advantage of the properties for your eczema by taking a mild bleach bath. It eliminates bacteria that cause some skin infections and may also improve the microbiome on the skin’s surface.
Add half a cup of regular-strength bleach to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water to prevent your skin from drying out afterward. Or you can use a teaspoon of bleach for each gallon in the tub. Soak in this solution for fifteen to twenty minutes, rinse thoroughly, and gently dry your skin.
Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is made from ground oats. It’s also called Avena sativa, a product with skin-healing properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties and ample antioxidants, which help with skin dryness and roughness, itchiness, and scaling.
Add some powdered colloidal oatmeal to a bath filled with lukewarm water. The best colloidal oatmeal products for eczema should contain only oats; those with fragrances or additives may further incite the eczema flares.
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