The most common eczema is known as “atopic dermatitis”; however, the words are commonly used interchangeably.

People of diverse backgrounds are susceptible to eczema. According to one estimate, the illness might affect 13% of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, 13% of Native Americans, 11% of whites, and 10% of Blacks and African Americans.

Itchy, chapped skin is a common symptom of eczema. If you have lighter skin, the condition can look red; a darker complexion could look brown, purple, or gray. Although eczema cannot be completely cured, the dry, itchy skin that it can cause can be soothed with home remedies and natural therapies.

The most effective natural treatments for eczema are discussed in this article.

1. Aloe vera gel

The aloe vera plant’s leaves are the source of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has a long history of being used as a remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema. When looking for a quick and readily available answer to your question of how to get rid of eczema, aloe vera is your top result.  

The benefits of aloe vera on human health were examined in a 2017 comprehensive study. According to their findings, the gel:

• exhibits antimicrobial characteristics
• has antibacterial characteristics, aids in immune system augmentation, and promotes wound healing.

Infections of the skin are more common in those with dry, cracked skin. However, the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help alleviate this problem. Soothe damaged skin and speed the healing process using aloe’s wound-healing characteristics.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people turn to apple cider vinegar as a home cure for skin issues.

Apple cider vinegar may be helpful for eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). Because the acids in vinegar can harm sensitive tissue, the organization warns against using it carelessly.

If you must use apple cider vinegar on your skin, dilute it first. If vinegar is not diluted, it poses the risk of chemical burns and other damage. Vinegar can be used in wet wraps or baths for individual usage. You may get it at any health food store or supermarket.

3. Intradermal calcineurin inhibitors

To alleviate eczema-related inflammation, you might try topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), which alter your immune system.

The National Eczema Society (NES) classifies TCIs into two categories:

• In cases of moderate to severe eczema, tacrolimus (Protopic) is used.
• In cases with mild to moderate eczema, the medication pimecrolimus (Elidel) is prescribed.

Among the potential adverse reactions of transdermal chelating agents are redness, swelling, or itchiness that typically subsides within a week of viral skin illnesses, including folliculitis and cold sores

The topical medicine crisaborole, Eucrisa, is another option for treating mild to severe eczema. This medication helps decrease inflammation by inhibiting phosphodiesterase. At first, it could blister or burn the skin, just like a TCI.

4. Colloidal Oatmeal

The skin-healing qualities of oats are extracted by grinding and boiling them into colloidal oatmeal, which is also called Avena sativa.

Colloidal oatmeal lotion was discovered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in 2015, leading to a decrease in:

• lack of moisture
• roughness of scaling
• itch severity

One possible remedy is to immerse the afflicted regions in a warm bath that contains powdered colloidal oatmeal.

5. Baths

Bathing is a crucial component of eczema therapy as it moisturizes the skin. Because the outer layer is not functioning normally, skin with a disease like eczema needs additional moisture.

Washing too frequently could exacerbate eczema symptoms for some people. This may happen if someone:

• employed water that is very hot or icy
• avoids moisturizing after using soap that hurts the skin

People shouldn’t bathe too often, though. To illustrate, most infants and toddlers only require bathing once or twice weekly.

6. Wet wrapping

You can alleviate some of the symptoms of eczema by using wet wrapping. It does its job by preventing dry skin and enhancing the efficacy of topical therapies.

A healthcare provider may begin by applying a topical medicine to the region in question. Afterward, a damp bandage will be applied, followed by dry bandages.

Wet wraps may be applied at home with their help; they can demonstrate the process as well. Wet wrapping instructions are available from the NEA. The warm, moist conditions under the wrap are perfect for the growth of germs and fungus, so keep that in mind.

A literature analysis conducted in 2015 identified the following illnesses as the most often reported negative effects of wet wraps: infections caused by Pseudomonas, boils, folliculitis, herpes, and impetigo

When you see any of the symptoms of an infection—pain, blisters, or inflammation—it’s important to consult a medical professional.

7. Radiation

When topical treatments fail to alleviate severe or widespread eczema, phototherapy—light therapy—may be an option. A device that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to penetrate the skin is utilized in this procedure. The UV rays impede your skin’s inflammatory reaction.

There is a lot of UVB light. There are, however, UVA-based eczema treatments. Exposing your skin to UVA light after taking the medicine psoralen is referred to as PUVA treatment. Doing so might increase your skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

The National Eye Institute (NES) reports that a course of phototherapy treatment usually lasts 12–16 weeks and entails 2-3 sessions weekly.

Appointments with Doctors

Eczema can enhance the risk of skin infections and can cause mild to severe symptoms. Consult a medical professional if you or your kid are going through:

• Severe discomfort that prevents you from getting a good night’s rest or carrying out daily tasks as usual.
• A worsening of eczema symptoms despite the use of OTC and DIY remedies
• Pus, red streaks, or yellow scabs are telltale signs of an infection progressing poorly on the skin.
• Get medical help immediately if you’re experiencing a fever and any of these symptoms.

In the end!

Home treatments for eczema that work include petroleum jelly, colloidal oatmeal, honey, coconut oil, and unscented moisturizers. Their efficacy in alleviating eczema symptoms is limited. However, they may help.

It should be noted that supplement safety has not been shown in those with preexisting diseases, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, youngsters, or those who are using drugs. Consult your primary care physician before using any treatment to ensure it is safe and effective.