Home : health : Eczema – Warning Signs And Home Remedies

Eczema – Warning Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema – Warning Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.

Early warning signs of eczema
The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.

  • Itchy skin
    This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin.
  • Rashes
    People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.
  • Inflamed and discolored skin
    The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.
  • Scaly patches
    Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness.

Home remedies
The affected person can use a few home remedies to reduce the effects of eczema and its symptoms.

Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that is extremely good for people with dry and sensitive skin. It has the potential to alleviate eczema symptoms. Aloe vera gel has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and can help soothe irritated skin. Either prepare fresh gel at home or opt for a good vegan skin care product containing aloe vera gel. Always start with a small amount to check for an allergic reaction.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids and acts as a natural moisturizer. The antibacterial properties of this oil can help keep bacteria from penetrating the skin, thus preventing infection in people with eczema. Choose virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil that is extracted without chemical processing. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil on affected areas once or twice a day to pacify the aggravated areas of the skin.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help balance the skin’s pH level. People with eczema tend to have high skin pH levels, which means less acidic, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. Diluted apple cider vinegar can help to restore healthier acid levels in the skin. Add apple cider vinegar to your bath to ease the discomfort.

Colloidal oatmeal bath
Soaking in a tub of colloidal oatmeal is a great way to calm inflammation in eczema. Colloidal oatmeal is available as bath soaks and body lotion. According to a study, the colloidal oatmeal lotion is anti-inflammatory in nature that can help reduce skin dryness, scaling, and itching intensity. When taking a colloidal oatmeal bath, soak yourself in it for ten to fifteen minutes. Pat dry the area and apply a moisturizer.

Bleach bath
Though a bleach bath may sound dangerous, it can be helpful for eczema-prone skin. A mild bleach bath helps kill bacteria on the skin and reduces the risk of an infection in that area. Bleach has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits and can provide relief from itching and infection. Use caution when using it, and do not soak in it for more than 10 minutes. Also, avoid taking a bleach bath every day.

Wet wraps
Applying wet wraps around the eczema-affected areas can help improve the skin’s moisture level. You can swathe strips of fabric or gauze soaked in water to rehydrate and calm the skin. Do this remedy after your bath and the application of a moisturizer. Then gently wrap the gauze soaked in water. Lastly, put a dry layer of clothing on top of it. Leave the wet wrap on for a few hours or even overnight.

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps repair the skin barrier, decrease inflammation, and improve the appearance of the skin. For people with eczema, applying this oil can provide them relief from itching and irritation.

Use a humidifier
To help the skin retain moisture, keep a humidifier in the room. Eczema worsens during winter due to the dry and cold environment. Humidifier creates a gentle environment for the skin by raising moisture in the air, making the skin less prone to dryness and itching.

Baking soda
Taking a baking soda bath may help prevent eczema flare-ups or temporarily relieve itching. Add a quarter cup of baking soda in lukewarm water and soak the affected area for 15 minutes. Avoid hot water as it can exacerbate the inflammation and worsen dry skin. As baking soda has therapeutic properties, it can help in various inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.

Tea tree oil
This essential oil is primarily known for its skin-healing properties. It protects the skin against bacteria and fungi and can be particularly beneficial for people with eczema. It is always a good idea to opt for organic tea tree oil. Before applying it on the skin, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. As tea tree oil is highly concentrated, using it in undiluted form may worsen the condition.

Since eczema is a chronic condition causing dehydrated and flaky skin, treatment options and home remedies aim to maintain the sufficient moisture content in the skin. Mild-to-moderate eczema can be managed with the above home remedies. However, not every remedy may give results to everyone. Therefore, the key is finding the remedy that works for you to keep flare-ups at bay.

Most Popular

4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

Popular Articles

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats
health
01

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.
Read More
Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer
health
02

Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer

The prostate is a gland found in males. When unhealthy cells start to grow and multiply abnormally in that area, it leads to prostate cancer. There are various types of cancers that develop in the prostate gland, like small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is essential to learn the signs and symptoms for timely treatment. Here are some ways of managing the condition and preventive methods to reduce the risk: Treatment options There are several treatment options available to manage prostate cancer, and each of the options has its possible risks or side effects. After a careful diagnosis and discussion with a health professional, they may suggest one of these: DR-TEST Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a test in which the doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger inside the rectum to examine the prostate by touch. If they find any abnormalities in the prostate, the doctor can immediately suggest any more tests and make a treatment plan. Xofigo This is an invasive treatment option advised when other options like hormonal or surgical methods have not been successful in lowering the testosterone levels in the body. It is also used when cancer has specifically spread to the bone and no other parts of the body.
Read More
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health
03

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More