Simple Tips for Better Eczema Management
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent skin condition where a person experiences itchy skin rashes and cracks. The skin becomes inflamed and rough and can even lead to blisters in some cases. While there is no cure for the disorder, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Below are some tips for easing hard-to-manage eczema in children and adults. Follow these practices with dedication and discipline for the best results.
Apply coconut oil
This hack is extremely useful in managing skin irritation and flare-ups. Inflammation is a common symptom of eczema, and applying virgin coconut oil to the skin can help ease the discomfort. According to studies, virgin coconut oil has hydrating effects on the skin. In addition, its lauric acid is known to fight fungi, bacteria, and viruses on the skin, which usually cause itchiness and lead to infection. The best advantage is that even children can use this remedy! To try this method, take some oil on the palms of your hand and rub it all over the body or the places where the symptoms manifest on the skin. You can use it once during the day and once at night before bed for maximum hydration.
While this natural treatment has many benefits, ensure to use it only if you are not allergic to coconut oil. If unsure, speak to a doctor before starting this remedy at home. And always use virgin coconut oil for this purpose; look for a label that reads “cold pressed” coconut oil. It ensures no chemicals are used in processing the product.
Apply petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, which can be incredibly helpful for managing eczema symptoms. Applying it to the skin alleviates red skin, itchiness, inflammation, and other discomforts associated with the disease. Petroleum jelly’s thick consistency also seals in existing moisture and creates a barrier between the skin and other allergens that can cause flare-ups. According to some studies, applying petroleum jelly to newborn babies daily for six months reduced flare-ups. It was also among the most cost-effective methods to manage eczema.
Take a mild bleach bath
This is another easy and effective way to ease hard-to-manage eczema. It is safe for both adults and kids dealing with skin inflammation or other symptoms causing distress to the skin. To prepare the perfect bleach blend for the bath, add about a quarter to half a cup of bleach to 40 gallons or 151 liters of water. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, and then soak your body from the neck down (or just the affected areas) for about ten to 15 minutes. You can easily take a bleach bath three times a week.
Always use household bleach and not commercial bleach for this remedy, as the concentration varies. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a bleach product should only contain 6 to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. So, reduce your bleach measurement if you find a product with a higher concentration. If your skin does not react well to bleach water, rinse off with normal water and pat dry your skin. Immediately apply a moisturizer like extra virgin coconut oil to keep the skin from drying. If your skin is too dry and has cracks or cuts, a bleach bath may cause discomfort, so follow this remedy responsibly. Consult with a doctor on the measurements if you are not sure.
Follow a healthy meal plan
Some foods are more suitable when dealing with a skin condition like eczema. These include:
Fatty fish
Adding fatty fish to meals is among the best ways to ease hard-to-manage eczema symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acids present in them are highly nourishing to the skin. Fish also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce flare-ups. If you do not prefer fish, consider using omega-3 chewables after consulting a doctor.
Probiotic-rich foods
A healthy dose of probiotics is essential for managing this skin condition. Probiotics have millions of live cultures, which are good bacteria that keep our immune systems strong to fight diseases and allergies. This can help prevent the flare-ups caused by eczema and also help manage other symptoms. Some probiotic foods include miso soup, fermented pickles, kefir, yogurt, tempeh, and sourdough bread.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Cherries, kale, spinach, apples, broccoli, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, onions, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread are great options to add to the meals. These foods can help reduce the inflammation and flare-ups that cause discomfort to the skin.
Avoid stress
Research shows that stress and anxiety can increase inflammation, worsening the symptoms of eczema. When stressed, the body produces excess cortisol, and high amounts of this hormone can lead to abnormally oily skin, triggering an eczema outbreak. So, try to develop techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. This may include indulging in physical activity, meditating, or spending time pursuing a hobby. If nothing seems to work, seek the assistance of a healthcare expert to establish a holistic mechanism for reducing stress.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Severe eczema can take up a lot of your mind space. That is why it is crucial to be disciplined in managing its symptoms and not letting the condition get out of hand. Apart from home remedies, some lifestyle changes help control eczema and live a healthy life. Firstly, stay in stable and cool temperatures with average humidity to prevent skin dryness. Also, limit exposure to allergens like dust, mold, insects, and animal dander and avoid using products with harsh chemicals. Finally, take care of your emotional health to ensure you deal with stress. Visit the doctor regularly to ensure the condition is under control and check if any particular changes are required to ease those hard-to-manage symptoms of eczema.
