Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood.
Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below:
- Bleach
Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin. - Aloe Vera gel
The gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe plant. It has been in use for centuries to treat a number of ailments, one of which is eczema. Aloe Vera gel contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immune-boosting properties that can prevent skin infections. Aloe Vera gel can be purchased from a pharmacy or it can be extracted directly from the leaves of the aloe plant. Make sure to check the gel bought from the store as it can have drying ingredients and preservatives that can worsen the eczema symptoms. - Coconut oil
It contains healthy fatty acids that can lock the skin moisture and prevent it from getting dry. Virgin coconut oil also protects the skin from inflammation, thereby preventing the symptoms of eczema. The oil can be applied directly to the skin several times during the day, or you can apply it before going to bed, to keep the skin moisturized overnight. Several studies showed that coconut oil has better results than mineral oil when it comes to treating eczema. - Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is made from oats that have been ground and boiled to extract its skin-healing properties. Colloidal oatmeal lotion contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from the symptoms of eczema including itch intensity, skin dryness, scaling, and roughness. Dermatologists recommend adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soaking in for five to 10 minutes. Make sure to avoid using oatmeal with additives and fragrances as they can worsen eczema symptoms. - Dietary changes
This is one of the important home remedies that can provide relief from the symptoms of eczema. Including anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, leafy greens, beans and lentils, turmeric and cinnamon in your diet can reduce eczema symptoms. Eliminating or limiting foods such as dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat can further reduce inflammation due to eczema.
