Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a persistent and often frustrating skin condition that affects both children and adults. With various potential causes, eczema can be challenging to treat. However, through experimentation and the use of natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and Epsom salt, many individuals find relief and, in some cases, achieve a complete cure.
This guide explores various strategies and treatments that can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of eczema, promoting healthier skin and overall well-being.
Recognizing Eczema Symptoms
Eczema typically causes itching, inflammation, and skin irritation. The affected skin may be dry or ooze and can show signs of swelling, crusting, and discoloration. Eczema often results in peeling, flaking, and rough, thickened skin. Commonly found in babies and children, eczema usually appears behind the knees and hands, although itchy patches on the feet can also indicate eczema. The intense itching may disrupt sleep, and the condition can pose cosmetic concerns, although facial eczema is rare.
Identifying Eczema Causes?
Several factors contribute to eczema, including genetics, links to asthma or allergies, and connections to other health issues such as autoimmune diseases. Toxin overload and nutritional deficiencies may also play a role in eczema development. Atopic dermatitis, another name for eczema, refers to skin inflammation resulting from an allergy in an area that has not contacted the allergen.
Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medications for Eczema
Numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat eczema. While they may offer temporary or ongoing relief, some medications come with serious side effects. Topical steroids, for instance, can thin and weaken the skin, while certain prescription anti-inflammatory creams have been linked to cancer. Methotrexate, a cancer drug, is sometimes used to slow down the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of illness.
Even non-prescription medications like antihistamines can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, restlessness, confusion, and difficulty urinating.
Natural Remedies for Eczema Relief
Due to the potential side effects of eczema medications, many people turn to natural remedies. While natural treatments can also have side effects, a cautious approach involves trying one remedy at a time. This method allows for identifying reactions and helps determine which remedy is causing a response if one occurs.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, particularly raw and organic varieties, can be used both internally and externally for eczema relief. Consuming it as a tonic can help balance pH levels while applying a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to the skin can eliminate bacteria and fungi associated with eczema and restore optimal skin pH. This remedy is particularly effective for weepy eczema.
For extensive eczema patches, consider adding one cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath several times a week. After using apple cider vinegar topically, applying a healthy oil can help retain skin moisture, which is crucial for eczema sufferers.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used both internally and externally to combat eczema. Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil possesses antiviral and antifungal properties. Applying it directly to eczema patches can provide relief, although it may not be as moisturizing as expected. In such cases, castor oil is a more effective moisturizing option.
3. Castor Oil
As a soothing and nourishing emollient oil, castor oil promotes healing. If it feels too oily, mix equal parts of coconut oil and castor oil to create a blend that offers the benefits of both oils.
4. Dietary Changes for Eczema Management
A nutritious diet is essential for overall health and can impact eczema. Consuming whole foods and a diverse diet can be beneficial, with fermented foods like kefir and bone broth being particularly helpful. Some individuals with eczema have reported positive results from consuming organic apples.
Minimize or avoid processed foods, white flour, sugar, artificial sugars, and additives, especially during flare-ups. Certain foods, such as citrus and homogenized milk products, can exacerbate eczema for some individuals.
Consider incorporating blackstrap molasses into your diet, as it is nutrient-dense and can benefit various health conditions, including eczema.
5. Beneficial Supplements
Carefully chosen supplements can support the immune system and the body's repair mechanisms. Some particularly helpful supplements include:
Borage Oil
High in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for eczema sufferers.
B Vitamins
Water-soluble micronutrients are necessary for various processes, including wound repair. Supplementing with a B Complex vitamin can aid in skin repair. 1
Vitamin C
Essential for collagen production and immune system support, vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and is found in the skin. 2
Vitamin D
Crucial for proper tissue repair, healing, and inflammation regulation. A deficiency is often associated with autoimmune diseases, including eczema.3
Magnesium
Magnesium is a calming mineral that helps reduce stress and improve sleep, both beneficial for eczema sufferers.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral necessary for skin health and proper immune function. It is often included in topical eczema preparations to reduce itching and inflammation.
6. Healing Herbs
Herbs offer nourishing, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antifungal properties and can be used internally and externally. Experiment with various herbs to find the best fit for your needs. Some effective herbs for eczema include:
Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb. If itchy eczema causes sleep difficulties, chamomile tea at bedtime is ideal. After steeping the tea, the moist tea bag can be applied directly to eczema patches.
Turmeric
A popular anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb, turmeric is useful when bacterial infections like impetigo accompany eczema. Turmeric can be used topically for eczema, though it will leave a temporary stain on the skin. Turmeric can be mixed with coconut oil and massaged into troubled skin areas. Alternatively, turmeric can be taken in capsules 2-3 times a day. Turmeric tea is a great way to take turmeric. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to several ounces of whatever milk is preferred. A pinch of black pepper can increase the healing properties of turmeric.
Plantain
Plantain is a common plant found all around the world. Plantain makes a pleasant tea. The leaves can be cooked like greens. Tender young leaves can be added to salads. Plantain is also a useful ingredient in salves for eczema.
Calendula
Calendula flowers are used as an anti-inflammatory. Calendula flowers are especially useful for eczema when fungal infections accompany eczema. Calendula can be found in salves. Calendula tincture can be applied directly to eczema patches, though they are usually alcohol-based, which may sting if the skin is broken.
Comfrey
Comfrey leaf is a mucilage herb. When the leaves or roots are crushed, they become slippery, which is the property of comfrey that suits it for irritations. Comfrey also promotes skin cell regeneration. The best way to use comfrey for eczema is in a salve.
Burdock
Burdock root is used as a food in some cultures. It is a blood purifier. Usually, burdock root is used for a period of weeks or months for the full benefit to be realized. Capsules are an easy way to take burdock root if including it in the diet is difficult.
DIY Herbal Eczema Salve
To make your own salve or oil to relieve eczema, try this recipe using dried herbs and several healing oils.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup plantain leaf
- ¼ cup comfrey leaf
- ½ cup calendula flowers
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup castor oil
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a quart mason jar. Cover. Let the mixture sit for two weeks.
- Strain out plant material with an old t-shirt. (One you can discard when finished.)
- The herbal oil can be used as-is, or beeswax can be melted into the oil to make a salve.
- For every cup of herbal oil, melt in about ¼ cup of beeswax pastilles. Use a double boiler to heat up the oil and stir in the beeswax. Use a little less beeswax for a softer salve; use a little more beeswax for a more firm salve. A firm salve is helpful in a warmer climate or in hot summer months.
- Store the resulting salve in tins or small mason jars.
Use the salve or oil as needed for eczema relief.
7. Detoxification for Eczema Relief
Detoxifying the body can restore skin health over time, as the skin is a primary elimination system. Detox methods include:
Detox Baths
Detox baths are wonderfully relaxing and very effective. Adding 1 cup of activated charcoal to your bath water and soaking for at least 30 minutes is one popular method of detoxification.
Beets
Beets can be added to the daily diet. They are wonderful for the liver and blood and make a great detox food. A quarter of a beet can be included with carrots if making fresh juice. However, do not use more than ¼ of a beet at a time at first. Otherwise, a strong detox reaction such as diarrhea or nausea may result. Beetroot can be found in powdered form. A teaspoon of beetroot powder can be added to smoothies.
Black Walnut
Black walnut is helpful if parasites in the body are depleting nutrients and expelling toxins resulting in eczema. As a tea or tincture, black walnut is usually taken twice a day for several weeks.
Nettle
Nettle leaf is greatly nourishing to the body. Capsules or tea are common. Nettle is helpful when eczema appears to be related to allergies. Used regularly for a period of months, nettle gently cleanses the blood. Nettle infusion is an excellent way to make use of nettle.
How to Make a Nettle Infusion:
- Add ¼ cup dried nettle leaf to a quart mason jar.
- Add 4 cups hot water.
- Allow the infusion to steep overnight.
- In the morning, strain the plant material out of the infusion.
- Consume the nettle infusion over the course of the day.
- Use the infusion 5 days a week.
- The infusion will not keep well and should be made fresh daily.
- Herbal teas and infusions require the body to take in a good amount of water daily.
- Drinking nettle infusion can help to flush toxins out of the body and keep cells hydrated, both of which are beneficial for eczema.
Dandelion
Dandelion leaf tea, used consistently for weeks, can help cleanse the liver. Once the liver has begun to heal, the skin will often heal.
Castor Oil Packs
While castor oil is used topically with success, it can also be used as a “castor oil pack,” perhaps a more powerful way to benefit from castor oil. Castor oil packs are used over the liver area to help remove toxins from the liver.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
- Apply castor oil to several layers of wool or cotton cloth. The cloth should have enough oil but not be dripping.
- Place the cloth over the liver area (lower right of the ribcage) against the skin.
- Cover the castor oil-soaked cloth with a piece of plastic wrap slightly larger than the cloth.
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the castor oil pack.
- Keep the pack in place for 1-2 hours or overnight, but do not use a heating pad overnight.
- Castor oil packs can be used up to 5 times a week.
- Women should avoid using castor oil packs during menstruation.
- Castor oil packs are particularly effective over the liver area to help remove toxins from the liver.
- The skin often reflects the condition of the liver, so healing the liver can have remarkable benefits for the skin.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be used internally to remove toxins from the body. Charcoal should be taken with plenty of water to avoid the risk of constipation. Charcoal should not be taken within two hours of any other supplements or medications. 1-4 charcoal capsules taken once or twice a day is a common detox dose.
8. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths are a pleasant way to provide temporary relief from inflammation, detox, and relax all at once. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Epsom salt baths detoxify over time but will often bring temporary relief from eczema. Do not use a hot bath when suffering from eczema, as it can aggravate it. Use a warm bath instead.
9. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial for individuals with eczema, as they can help restore gut balance..4 Incorporating probiotic supplements, milk kefir, or kombucha into one's diet may aid in gut flora restoration and eczema healing.
However, if eczema is accompanied by histamine intolerance (which can be challenging to diagnose), high-histamine foods like kombucha, apple cider vinegar, or kefir might exacerbate the problem rather than improve it.
Tips for Finding the Cause of Eczema
Natural remedies can bring relief, but finding the cause of eczema is key to complete healing. bIf eczema accompanies other health problems, sometimes focusing on those problems will also resolve eczema. Allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders are often underlying causes of eczema.
If eczema accompanies chronic health problems, improving overall health may resolve several problems. Some steps to improving general health include the following:
- Consuming nutritious foods in moderation and avoiding known allergens.
- Drinking plenty of pure water or herbal tea eliminates toxins from the body.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Exercising moderately several times a week.
- Spending time in the sun each day, avoiding peak hours.
- Reducing stress.
- Using natural cleaners and avoiding chemicals and allergens in laundry and cleaning products.
- Being cautious with body care products, choosing those with only familiar or pronounceable ingredients.
- Tap water, which contains fluoride and chlorine, should be avoided.
- Alcohol can dry the skin, and SLS (found in many soaps and shampoos) can cause skin problems in many people.
Continue reading to find eczema treatments that Earth Clinic readers have reported over the past 20 years. Do you have a natural remedy for eczema? Please send us some feedback!
