ECZEMA AND ITS HOME REMEDIES

A skin condition in which the characteristic feature is formation of dry and itchy patches of skin. This is the most common skin condition which is not contagious in nature. There is weakening of skin barrier function that is helps the skin to retain moisture and also provide protection to body from foreign elements.  The symptoms tends to flare up when individual comes in contact with an allergen or irritant.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ECZEMA?

There are certain factors that cause eczema. The factors includes :

• Hyper-active immune system
• Genetic Mutation that affects the skin barrier
• Environmental changes or temperature changes

WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS FOR ECZEMA FLARE-UP?

Certain thing tend to trigger eczema in some individuals. The triggers include :

• Make-up or skin care products
• Dry weather
• Soaps and pollutants
• Stress or anxiety
• Fabrics or clothing material
• Animal dander
• Sweat
• Certain food items like peanuts, soya, milk etc

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA?

• Skin rash
• Thick, leathery patches of skin
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Bumps on skin
• Swelling
• Scaly, flaky or crusty skin

WHAT AYURVED SAYS ABOUT ECZEMA?

In Ayurved it can be correlated with Vicharchika, a type of Kushta Roga. Due to exposure to etiological factors there is vitiation of the doshas in the body. The Vitiated doshas in turn tends to contaminate Rakt( blood), twak(skin), mamsa(muscle) and ambu(bodily fluids) and leads to development of this condition.

HOME REMEDIES:

Oatmeal

• Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties thus provide soothing effect to skin. It contain natural lipids, peptides and proteins that nourishes and moisturize the skin. Fill bathtub with lukewarm water and add a cup of colloidal oatmeal. Soak in the bathtub for 15-20 minutes for quick relief from symptoms of eczema.

Honey

• Honey exhibits anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties thus acts as natural humectant and sooths the itching and dryness of the skin. Apply a thin layers of manuka honey on to the eczema lesions and carefully cover the area with gauze. Let it stay overnight and gently remove the gauze and clean the area. Do this remedy twice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to improve the symptoms of eczema by restoring the natural Ph levels. Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in bathtub filled with luke warm water and soak in the water for 10-20 minutes and rinse the body with plain water.

Use Humidifier

• Dryness in air tends to worsen the symptoms of eczema. But humidifier can add some moisture to the air thus helps to reduce itchiness and dryness and also prevent flare up of eczema.

Vaseline

• Vaseline( petroleum jelly) helps to relief the dry skin and keep it moist. It also add a protective layer between external irritants and skin. After bath and moisturizing the skin apply a thin layer of Vaseline and cover it with a thin gauze.

Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil has lauric acid that helps to reduce presence of fungi, bacteria, and viruses on skin. It also contain anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as natural moisturizer. Apply extra-virgin coconut oil on slightly damped skin at least two times daily for better results.

Aloe Vera gel

• Aloe Vera act as natural moisturizer and also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. First clean the area with mild soap and water and then pat dry it. Apply the aloe vera gel to affected area and do this twice daily for relief.