Eczema is a skin condition that is very common during childhood. The symptoms can be extremely traumatic for the child as well as the mother. The itching, redness and peeling of skin due to intense scratching can lead to secondary infection if not taken care of properly.
Eczema can be easily controlled and treated at home with certain simple measures that will not only treat the infection, but will also ease the itching and scar formation on the skin. Here are some competent home treatments.
Home Remedies For Eczema In Children
Yoghurt
Eczema can become worse with the multiplication of bad bacteria in the body and this can lead to skin infection on the affected sites. To balance the good and bad bacteria and prevent eczema attacks, you can take the help of probiotics.
Two cups of yoghurt with live culture can be given to your kids and yoghurt can also be applied on the area of infection. Yoghurt helps in cooling the body as well and this is very important for skin that is affected by eczema. Keeping the body cool and preventing bad bacteria can both stop eczema attacks completely.
Flax Oil
Flax seeds are anti inflammatory in nature and are rich in plant based omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential for skin health and also for boosting the immunity; both of which will prevent as well as treat eczema in children. Flax oil can be applied on the skin directly to help moisturize the skin.
For internal healing, give 1/4th teaspoon of flax seed or half a teaspoon of flax oil every day. This will improve the immunity and keep the skin well moisturized and free from infections. The treatment has to be continued every day without fail for best results.
Grape Seed Extract
Anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial in nature, grape seeds are rich in antioxidants and help in also reducing the intense itchiness associated with eczema. The extract can be applied on the skin and also taken internally as per a herbalist’s guidance for treating eczema.
Blueberry Leaf
Extract taken from blueberry leaves are known to be anti inflammatory in nature and also have antioxidant properties that will help heal and protect the skin. The extract is readily available as lotions and creams which can be applied on the skin for relief from itching and scratching and prevents secondary infections as well.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil has many medicinal and anti fungal qualities and help treat yeast on the skin, which too can cause eczema. Coconut oil can also keep the skin well moisturized and prevent the eczema and infection from spreading. Keep applying coconut oil all throughout the day to prevent the skin from turning dry and causing the eczema from becoming worse.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an extremely skin friendly vitamin and is an essential vitamin for skin regeneration, repair and healing, especially when you have eczema. Vitamin E also has natural antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radical damage. Apply vitamin E oil and cream on the skin and massage gently so that it gets absorbed into the skin. This will help in reducing flare-ups and keeping your skin soft and supple and free from dryness.
Aloe Vera
Very cooling and rich in antioxidant qualities, this medicinal herb is used for treating an array of common as well as serious diseases. As all cooling products can benefit eczema affected skin, aloe Vera too is a wonderful gel that can be applied on eczema-affected skin of children without worrying about any side effects. Aloe also helps in skin repair, regeneration and healing and hence an all round remedy for eczema.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in vitamin E content and as mentioned earlier, vitamin E is very beneficial for eczema-affected skin. Oatmeal helps in soothing the skin externally and keeping it free from dryness and dead skin accumulation. A cup of oatmeal can be added to lukewarm water and this can be used for soaking the body of your child to keep the itching under control and provide moisture for the skin.
Alternatively, oatmeal paste can be prepared by adding oatmeal powder to adequate amounts of milk and applying it gently on the skin and rubbing it so that any dead skin can be removed and the skin can remain soft and well moisturized as well.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been praised for its skin moisturizing and humectant properties and a great way to keep the eczema under control. Massage olive oil gently on your child’s body and this will keep the skin soft and prevent the spread of the condition to other areas, especially if an infection has set in.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is very gentle and soothing on the skin and can protect the skin from damage. Take some sandalwood powder and add a pinch of camphor as well for enjoying its anti-inflammatory and itch reduction properties. Mix well by adding sufficient water or olive oil and apply on the skin. Camphor may not be suitable for babies.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is known for its anti inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling on eczema affected skin. Take some nutmeg powder and make it into a paste with olive or coconut oil. This thick paste can be applied on the skin of your child and left on for about an hour. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is rich in vitamin E content and this will help the skin to heal and remain moisturized when your child has eczema. Apply the oil after adding it to some turmeric powder or oatmeal powder. Allow the paste to remain on the skin for an hour before washing off. Sesame oil reduces the inflammation on the skin and prevents skin dryness. It also promotes skin healing naturally.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent herbal remedy for all kinds of skin infections. Turmeric paste can be made by adding some coconut/ almond or olive oil, all of which are excellent for damaged skin and applied daily for half an hour. This will help control infections and treat the skin affected by eczema as well.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.