What eczema treatments actually work?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Eczema can be hereditary or brought on by environmental factors such as allergies and stress. While there is no cure for eczema, exposure to natural sunlight can decrease symptoms. There are many treatments available for those who suffer from eczema. If you suffer from this condition, here’s what you need to know about eczema treatment:

Conventional treatment for eczema:

1. Topical corticosteroids: These are medications that are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can effectively reduce symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as skin thinning, bruising, and stretch marks.

2. Emollients: Emollients are substances that help to soften and smooth the skin. They are often used to treat eczema because they can help prevent the skin from becoming dry and irritated.

3. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are medications that are used to treat allergies. They can help to relieve the itchy, dry skin caused by eczema.

4. Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce eczema symptoms.

5. Immunosuppressant medications: These medications suppress the immune system and may help treat patients with chronic and severe eczema that is not relieved by other treatments.

6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are also sometimes used to treat eczema flare-ups caused by bacterial infections. However, antibiotics don’t work for all types of dermatitis, nor are they usually recommended as the first line of treatment because they can lead to antibiotic resistance.

7. Biologic medications: Biologic medications are a newer type of treatment for eczema that targets specific proteins in the immune system that contribute to the disease process. These medications can be very effective in treating moderate to severe eczema.

Light treatments for eczema treatment: 

Phototherapy: 

Phototherapy is the treatment of choice for many people who suffer from eczema. The treatments are administered in a doctor’s office or another medical facility and involve exposing your skin to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy reduces inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness of the skin. You may need to undergo several sessions before you see significant improvement.

Light therapy: 

This type of phototherapy has been proven effective in clinical studies at controlling eczema symptoms. Treatment involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) light several times a week for about 15-20 minutes per session. Side effects include itchiness and redness of the skin, which go away within one or two hours after exposure to ultraviolet light. Properly trained doctors can give you this treatment if your eczema symptoms do not improve with other forms of medication or topical treatments.

Ultraviolet light therapy: 

Exposure to natural sunlight can help decrease inflammation and improve itching associated with eczema. Unfortunately, sun exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, which means you should only do this on a doctor’s advice.

PUVA therapy: PUVA therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses ultraviolet A (UVA) light and psoralen, a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to UVA light. PUVA therapy can be effective in treating severe eczema.

Home remedies for eczema treatment: 

1. Avoid harsh chemicals and allergens

One of the first steps towards eczema treatment is to avoid as many chemical irritants as possible. Avoiding things like chlorine, astringents, perfumes, and other cosmetics that contain alcohol or citrus can help lessen symptoms. It would help avoid contact with fabrics such as wool and synthetic clothing until your skin heals. Also, try not to scratch your skin too much because it could lead to infection and scarring. If you do think you might be reacting to allergy-causing substances, talk to your doctor about getting tested for allergies, so you’ll know what you’re allergic to.

2. Keep your skin moisturized

Skin that’s dry, scaly, and red is one of the most common characteristics of eczema. To help keep your skin moisturized, use a cream or ointment specifically made for eczema-prone skin. Petroleum jelly can also help prevent moisture loss from the skin. Apply the lotion or cream to your skin after bathing and several times throughout the day.

3. Apply cool compresses

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help relieve itching, swelling, and redness. You can make a cold compress by wrapping ice cubes in a thin towel or placing a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel on the affected area.

4. Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant that is effective in treating burns, sunburns, and skin irritations. Aloe vera gel can be applied topically to the skin to help soothe the itchiness and inflammation associated with eczema.

5. Try probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria that are believed to help improve gut health and immune system function. There is some evidence that probiotics may help treat eczema. One study showed that taking a specific strain of probiotics reduced the severity and frequency of eczema flares.

6. Take omega-3 supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in your skin. Taking a fish oil supplement is a convenient way to get the nutrients you need, especially if you don’t like eating oily fish. Omega-3 supplements can also help with other conditions such as arthritis and heart disease, but make sure you’re buying them from a reputable source because they can contain harmful toxins if not processed correctly.

7. Go easy on the detergents

Some eczema treatments require that you avoid using shampoos containing sulfates because they can irritate your skin further. Instead, use a soap-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin types when you take baths or showers. Or try adding twice as much white distilled vinegar than is recommended to your bath water–the acidity of the vinegar may help soothe itchy skin.

8. Try lavender oil

Lavender oil is a natural essential oil that is effective in reducing inflammation and soothing skin irritations. Applying lavender oil topically to the affected area can help provide relief from the symptoms of eczema.

9. Apply tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a very effective natural remedy for treating skin problems such as eczema. You can create a natural moisturizer by mixing one teaspoon of coconut oil with five drops of tea tree oil, then apply the mixture to your skin after bathing or showering.

10. Use Witch hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that you can purchase at most pharmacies or health stores. You can use witch hazel on your skin right after taking a bath or shower while the pores are still open–the steam will cause your pores to open wide enough to allow more absorption of topical solution into your skin. It might sting a little at first, but it can help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria that may be irritating your skin.

11. Apply colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is an ingredient made from ground-up oats–typically the type used for making breakfast cereals. Colloidal oatmeal can be applied to the skin to relieve itching, redness, swelling, heat, and dryness associated with eczema. You can make a paste by mixing 1 tbsp of colloidal oatmeal with 2-3 tbsp of cool water. Leave the mixture on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

12. Apply cinnamon oil

Cinnamon essential oils are often used in aromatherapy due to their sweet, spicy scent. One of its main benefits is that it’s a potent anti-inflammatory that can help with eczema. Mix equal parts of water and witch hazel into a spray bottle, then add ten drops of lavender oil and cinnamon oil to the mixture. Shake the bottle well before use, and spray it onto your skin for relief from irritation.

These are some remedies that have been proven to work for eczema. With this, certain things can help to prevent eczema.

Improve your diet

A healthy, balanced diet can help improve skin conditions such as eczema. Some studies have shown that eating foods with a high glycemic index can increase the risk of developing eczema in children and teens due to the role allergies and sensitivities play in triggering an outbreak. If you suspect that food allergies or sensitivities might be causing your flare-ups, try keeping a food diary for 2-3 weeks to see if there’s a pattern between what you eat and when your eczema appears.

Optimize your vitamin D level

Your eczema may be related to vitamin deficiency, so make sure you’re getting enough of it by consuming foods rich in vitamin D or taking a daily supplement. Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin, and some people have reported significant improvements after taking supplements for three months.

Decrease stress levels

High-stress levels are known to trigger flare-ups, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as “eczema of the mind.” Yoga, meditation, journaling, coloring with crayons–whatever works for you to lower stress levels should be used regularly. You can also try using an essential oil such as lavender, chamomile, or geranium to help you relax.

Limit caffeine consumption

Caffeine is a stimulant that can aggravate symptoms of eczema. If you’re struggling with sleeplessness and anxiety due to your eczema, try cutting back on caffeinated drinks and foods. Try to limit your intake or switch to decaf versions of your favorite beverages.

Avoid wool, rough fabrics, and other irritating materials.

Wool is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis (skin reactions) after nickel. Its texture can irritate sensitive skin even if it’s not the specific cause of eczema. Other common irritants are rough fabrics such as corduroy, denim, taffeta, velvet, terrycloth, angora, mohair–basically anything that might feel prickly or scratchy against your skin. You should also avoid clothing that’s tight-fitting around your waist or hips since it can trap moisture close to the skin.

These are some general tips to help you prevent and manage eczema flare-ups. If you’re looking for more specific advice, it’s best to speak with your skin doctor or dermatologist. They can help you create a treatment plan that will work best for you. Eczema is a condition that affects many people, and while there is no one-size-fits-all cure, there are effective treatments. One of the best treatments for eczema is homeopathic treatment. It is best to go for a qualified homeopathy doctor who will prescribe the most appropriate medicine for the individual when it comes to homeopathy.

Benefits of using the homeopathic treatment for eczema:

1. Eczema is not a life-threatening disease, but it causes significant discomfort to the patients. It is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes redness and rashes on the skin. The areas of the body affected include the face, lips, palms, soles, etc.

2. Homeopathy does not cause any side effects, unlike allopathic medicines, which often come with some side effects. Furthermore, homeopathic remedies need no prescription or lab tests for confirmation before they are prescribed.

3. Homeopathic remedies are natural substances prepared from plants and minerals which help in treating various physical as well as mental ailments without causing any harm to the patient’s system or organs.

4. There are several treatment techniques available in homeopathy like plant therapy (which uses the extracts of plants), nosode therapy (which uses preparations made from diseased tissues or organs), and other biotherapy methods (which use practices derived from microorganisms).

5. Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating chronic diseases like eczema, asthma, allergies, arthritis, etc., which often do not respond to allopathic medications. Homeopathy is the only system of medicine that can successfully treat such chronic diseases.

6. The homeopathic remedies prescribed by a qualified homeopathy doctor are tailor-made for the individual and take into account the person’s physical and mental constitution and symptoms. This assures better results with fewer side effects.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce inflammation and soothe your skin, try some of the remedies listed above. If you have tried all of the above treatments and your eczema isn’t getting better, it might be time to see a homeopathy doctor. A homeopathy doctor can help you identify what might be causing your eczema and prescribe medications or other treatments that may help get your symptoms under control. Book an appointment now through OHO Homeopathy for more information.