Discover natural home remedies to soothe eczema symptoms, including bleach baths, aloe vera, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, and dietary adjustments. These safe, effective solutions can help manage flare-ups and improve skin health naturally.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, leads to red, itchy, and inflamed skin. While it frequently affects children, people of all ages can suffer from it. Ongoing eczema may cause flare-ups with dry patches, small fluid-leaking blisters, and thick, cracked skin. Symptoms usually appear before age five but can persist into adulthood. Besides prescribed treatments, several natural home remedies can help ease mild to moderate eczema discomfort.
Here are some natural methods to calm your skin:
1. Bleach Baths Diluted bleach added to warm bathwater can help reduce bacterial growth and inflammation. Its antibacterial properties target bacteria like S. aureus that worsen eczema. Doctors recommend adding half a cup of bleach to a warm bath, soaking for up to 10 minutes, then rinsing and moisturizing to prevent dryness.
2. Aloe Vera Gel Renowned for its healing qualities, aloe vera reduces inflammation and supports infection fighting. Use pre-made gel or extract it from fresh leaves. Watch out for additives or preservatives that might irritate sensitive skin.
3. Coconut Oil Rich in fatty acids, virgin coconut oil provides deep hydration and decreases inflammation. Applying it several times daily or overnight keeps skin moist and minimizes flare-ups. Research indicates coconut oil is more effective than mineral oil for eczema relief.
4. Colloidal Oatmeal Finely ground oats cooked into colloidal oatmeal soothe itchy, dry, and rough skin. Adding it to a warm bath for 5-10 minutes offers relief from eczema symptoms. Avoid oatmeal with fragrances or additives to prevent irritation.
5. Dietary Changes Eating anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, beans, turmeric, and cinnamon can reduce flare-ups. Limiting triggers such as dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat may also improve symptoms.