The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Supplements
Posted by Danijel (Minneapolis, Mn) on 10/15/2009
★★★★★
I had problem with my skin excema for years. I started taking vitamin B5 and superoxidants and and my skin started clearing after two weeks. Now I do not have any facial and back skin excema! It is worth a try! Good luck!
EC: B5 is also known as Pantothenic Acid.
Ocean Water
Posted by Doug (Cucamonga, Ca, Usa) on 10/08/2009
★★★★★
I have had a large patch of eczema on the back of my leg for about 10 years. Sometimes it doesn't itch much, other times it itches so bad that I scratch it until it's raw. I have tried a number of topical treatments, all of which helped...but none of which were able to cure it completely. So finally, after 10 years, it's gone! And what, you ask, is the reason? Ocean water. Several months ago I went to a 2 week training in San Diego and noticed that after snorkeling a handful of times in my spare time, the itch was lessened and the skin on the back of my knee felt softer. I loved snorkeling (not for eczema reduction, but simply because I enjoyed it) and I recently decided to get Scuba certified. After a dive I would notice, like with snorkeling, that the itch was lessened and the skin on the back of my knee felt softer. Well, over the past 2 months I have done about 15 dives and the eczema is gone! Ten years of various natural and unnatural salves/creams/pastes couldn't fix what the ocean could after only several "treatments".
It's worth noting that (I believe) one would have to actually go to the ocean and be in the water to get the benifits. That is, I do not believe mixing salt and water would work. Nor do I believe you could bring home some ocean water and apply it and get the same results. It is my belief that the ocean water needs to be "alive". Meaning, it needs to be full of all the bacteria/microorganisms/fresh plant particles etc. that are present in the water's natural state. I realise that not all eczema sufferers live on the coast, so for many sufferers this may not be helpful info--but for eczema sufferers living near the beach, they would be well advised to take make as many beach trips as possible...it could very well be the miracle cure they're looking for.
Also, I had the thought that maybe fresh "ocean" water from a salt-water aquarium could be effective. Since, in the aquarium, the water contains many of the same bacteria etc. that would be found in the natural ocean it seems at least possible that this water could be used to treat eczema (i.e. dipping a cloth in the tank and applying it to the affected area. In theory, at least, this seems more likely to be successful than, say, transporting ocean water from the beach since many of the living organisms in the water will be unable to survive for more than a couple of hours.
Sincerely,
Doug
Ocean Water
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 10/09/2009
Hi Doug, good to hear you found a cure... I have a friend with severe Psoriatic Arthritis and for him the only really effective treatment is a trip to the Dead Sea. He said buying the bath salts just didn't do it. I wonder if it could be a combination of the sun and sea water and stress relief. Tout ensemble!
Ocean Water
Posted by Jim (Ipswich, Sd Usa) on 01/06/2010
★★★★★
Hey Doug, I suffer from eczema on my ankles, when I went in the Navy I snorkeled often. I noticed the seawater and sun would clear my eczema right away. I try using a tanning bed now and it helps, but the combination sun and seawater worked well. The ACV stops the itch for now till I can get back to the sea.
Ocean Water
Posted by Bunny (Santa Ana, Ca) on 01/13/2010
Any time you have a skin issue that improves in the sun it could indicate an inability to produce enough fumaric acid. A doctor can test for it. I'ts a genetic glitch, so you will need to supplement forever if this is the problem.
Probiotics
Posted by Genevieve (Bronx, Ny) on 09/25/2009
★★★★☆
I have serious eczema and i found that since i have been taking probiotics the inflammation has reduced dramatically. I know how badly eczema can make you feel. I have suffered with it for over 15 years.
Lavender
Posted by John W. (Baxledy, Ga.) on 08/28/2009
★★★★★
My wife and little girls have eczema, We tried some much stuff and the only thing that we could find that would work was lavender. My wife mixes it with water and not for sure on the ratio, but it works and does not sting, only smells good . John W.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Suzan (Hollywood, Fl) on 08/14/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Hi, I am 46 year old. I have born with eczema and allergy and ashma. long story, short I have tried everything out there, only hydrocortison cream and pills do little help. It is been two weeks that I have started 2 tbspoon apple cider vinager with 1/2 tspoon baking soda. The result is very itchy, red, swollen, painful skin. I also am taking acidophilus and flax seed oil. I have allergy to every thing and asthma. Please help I am very desperate. Thank you in advance.
Sea Salt
Posted by Sally (Austin, Texas) on 07/18/2009
★★★★★
Sea Salt baths have almost cured my eczema in a matter of weeks. Get a good one that has minerals and put about 3/4 cup into the tub. I've also started taking iodine tablets.
Turmeric
Posted by Dia (IL) on 05/10/2024
Is there a specific name for the Ayurvedic Turmeric Skin Cream?
I have looked carefully at yours and at other posts but I don't see a specific name.
Thank you for your help.
Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by LB (Reigate, Surrey, UK) on 02/18/2009
★★★★★
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL/TEA TREE OIL FOR DISCOID/NUMMULAR EXCEMA
I found that mixing VCO with Tea Tree Oil and applying it to the patch of excema several times daily (6 or 7) cleared my discoid eczema within 7-10 days rather that the 8-10 weeks it usually took to clear. Discoid eczema patches are usually roundish in shape. They are very itchy to begin with, and then become very sore as they form several tiny heads which weep. The patch then becomes very hard and thick and normally takes weeks to heal leaving a mark where it had once been.
I have also made a connection with eating citrus and flare ups.
Iodine
Posted by Lana (Flushing, New York) on 03/04/2010
hi i have a question... what % did you use for the iodine? I have one at home thats 10%... is that too low? thanks
Iodine
Posted by Lisa (Coto De Caza, Ca) on 09/19/2012
It was the 10% povidone iodine from the drug store. It worked great on my son.
Iodine
Posted by Bubbly (India) on 03/14/2015
For how many minutes we should keep iodine solution and we should let it air dry or wash it with water?
Ted's Eczema Advice
Posted by Neal (Easton, Pa) on 04/07/2010
Thank for Ted, finally an intelligent response amidst the inter-nets :P The solution you suggest should come in handy while going out to sea with the U.S. navy.
As a side note for those interested:
-18 years of age
-Diet for the past 14 years composed of high amounts artificial foods, composed mainly of sugar, extremely little greens consumed. 20:1 ratio for sugar to greens servings consumed.
-Lead to minor bouts of eczema located on face, hands, forearms, legs, and wrists.
-As daily stress heightened so did the bouts.
-The bouts only added unto the stress, thus producing a never-ending cycle.
-Deep-breathing exercises for a year, used consistently throughout the day stopped all signs of eczema.
Vitamin E
Posted by Anngra (Glen Cove, New York) on 06/11/2008
★★★★★
I used to get eczema too and i believe it usually is caused by a reaction to certain detergents. try using a more natural one and you will probably see some improvement.
Epsom Salt
Posted by WT (Spartanburg, SC) on 05/31/2008
★★★★★
I read somewhere that Epsom salt baths would cure eczema. My secretary has a friend who has a kid who suffers with it really bad, to the point he doesn't sleep well because of it. After I mentioned it to her, the friend tried it and she was floored with the results. It began clearing up very quickly and he has been sleeping very well lately. Another friend tried it with great results. People are simply amazed at the results.
Sunlight
Posted by Trey (Minot, ND) on 05/19/2008
★★★★★
I also notice that summer time usually stops the eczema but comes back in the winter. But chlorine has always made it worse whenever I've gone swimming. I think sunlight might help.
Sunlight
Posted by Anna (Elk Grove, California, USA) on 04/28/2008
★★★★☆
i have red blotches of eczema on my arms. It gets really bad in winter and spring. In summer, when I'm out in the pool and sunlight it heals, almost totally goes away. Then comes back again with a vegence in the fall/winter. Does sunlight or chlorine help in healing it?
Sunlight
Posted by Nick (Grayslake, Illinois) on 06/02/2008
★☆☆☆☆
re: Eczema: Sunlight seems to make my skin more itchy and red, I believe that my skin better in summer because of the relaxing time of year were I seem to have more fun and not because of the sun.
Emu Oil
Posted by marybeth (volcano, hi) on 02/09/2008
★★★★★
I have tried everything for the eczema on my face. Nothing seemed to help altho it would come and go on it's own. I tried Emu oil last night and the eczema is almost gone. Already the itching, redness, raw-ness is much, much better. I got the oil at my local health food store but I think you can get it online.
Eliminate Dairy
Posted by Zark (Emerald City) on 07/01/2016
★★★★★
Yes, eliminating dairy works.
Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mace (Atlanta, Georgia) on 11/14/2007
★★★★★
This is absolutly the best thing ever, I just got on this site had no idea of what it was; i googled cures for eczema and found it, i read a post that said to wash in salt and then use the acv, so i decided to do my upper body and see if it took well... man this is no joke it's not itching at all, the small rash like bumps are gone from my upper body and now i have to take another shower because i have to do the lower portion of my body... i also added the use of some pure olive oil... thanks a million if you are not sure just give it a try.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lynn (Wasilla, AK) on 11/12/2007
★★★★★
re: atopic dermatitis aka eczema -- Shortly after giving birth to my first child I developed eczema -- it started on my hands and proceeded to climb up my arms, neck, chest, etc.
5 Months later this is what I found.
1. Figured out on my own that I was reacting to disposable diapers. Switched to cloth and symptoms improved 50%.
2. Allergy test showed allergies to nikel,formaldehyde, and something called Quaternium-15 (formaldehyde-releasing preservative -- this is found in (or a similiar preservativ) in all most all liquid soaps, cleaners, and many cosmetics.
Once I elimanted these things (cloth diapers and compeletely switched to "greener"/natural products) my symptoms have imporved. I'm still having a slight problem and trying to find the final thing I am reacting to. We have figured out it is something in our house. (We just returned from a 3 week trip back home to visit family and the eczema had completly cleared up (except for 2 small outbreaks -- occured after holding my nephew and friends baby and sleeping on sheets that I had not washed in safe detergent!)
Meanwhile I found ACCUPUNCTURE really helped to make the symptons bearable with no side effects (very impoortant since I am nursing. Although it didn't eliminate the symptoms it did relieve horrible parts like patches that had become so inflamed as to become "weeping" or cracked and bleeding. It also helped to manage the itch and burning -- which was welcome relief since I had spent 3 months just trying to ignore it while trying "normal" medicial treatments that didn't work.
Currently we are investigating our water supply.
If anyone has anyother suggestings I'd love to hear them.
Vitamin D
Posted by Mista (Columbus, Ohio) on 09/07/2007
★★★★★
Psorisis..4 Bob in Northridge,CA... Personally, I suffer from facial eczema(/roscea as the docs like to insist). Anyway's I have been trying to change my Foods from processed, pastuerized and GM to Organic ,minimally processed &UNpastuerized. I am looking 4ward 2 trying this OP but want 2 buy the Organic Sunflower Oil though I may try it w/my Coconut oil though I am nervous but your listing interested me in passing u some helpful info along w/OP because soo many ppl R not aware how IMPORTANT Vitamin D & Natural Sunlight w/OUT sunscreen really is, helping U naturally fight off DISEASE!!
Honey
Posted by Anonymous (Northern Cali, CA) on 04/07/2007
★★★★★
The honey cure did work to dry up my eczema blisters on my hands. Probably because of the potassium explained in the other entries. After it dries, the skin just turns dry, so I think it's best to use lotion or even better Aloe Vera onto the eczema area. If you are able to get the actual Aloe Vera plant, then cut off the skin and just rub the natural pulp onto your dry skin to heal faster. Alrighty, hope that helps. *Also, Does anybody know any cures or home remedies to get rid or fade away the ECZEMA SCARS? Thanks.
