Helpful Facts About Natural Eczema Treatments

By Coleen Murphy


Eczema is a disease that affects the skin, causing unsightly and uncomfortable patches of dry, flaky and red skin. This is not ordinary dry skin although it can be made worse by the same things that cause dry skin such as dry air and exposure to some chemicals. The eczema rashes generally do not respond to the treatments used to heal dry skin. There are many treatments available to treat eczema but most contain synthetic ingredients which can lead to negative side effects. Recently, studies have been conducted on natural eczema treatments, some of which have been proven to be effective.

Recently a study was conducted to test the effectiveness of adding probiotics to the diet as a treatment for eczema. So far it has only been tested in young children and infants but the results have been promising. Most users reported a reduction on size and intensity of the rashes and a decrease in the number of new ones.

Most commonly, treatments for eczema are topical in nature, intended to be used right on the patches of dry skin themselves. Most have a hydrocortisone base and are filled with chemicals. Luckily, there are some made from the extracts of plants that contain no unnatural ingredients. As with all treatments, some are more successful for some than others.

One such treatment is made from chamomile. Although the response was not rapid, with most users having to apply it for two weeks before seeing significant results, over time it did appear to reduce the severity and number of rashes. When compared with a hydrocortisone cream the chamomile extract proved to be more effective over time for some users.

A cream made of witch hazel did not seem to be as effective, but still did offer its users some relief. As is often the case with eczema, some users reported drastic improvements while other saw almost none. More testing is needed to determine why these differences exist.

Licorice root is a third option for those who are looking to treat their rashes without using chemicals. It had very promising results in studies with users reporting significant reduction of the redness, swelling and itch of their eczema patches.

It is always important to talk to a doctor before trying any natural eczema treatments. Keep in mind that there are many unscrupulous people out there who would like to make money selling products that will not help the rash at all. Read the labels and know exactly what it is that you are putting on or in your body before you begin this or any treatment program.




About the Author: