Seeking gentle healing for frustrating flare-ups of red, itchy and inflamed skin? Whilst doctors may prescribe steroid creams, nature also provides natural eczema remedies to soothe irritation and support skin repair from the inside out. As a nutritionist and eczema sufferer myself, I’ve hand-picked my top soothing solutions for gaining back happy healthy skin!
Treat Topically
Soothing natural oils contain fatty acids that nourish and protect dry eczema-prone skin. Sweet almond, coconut and sunflower oils infuse deep moisture whilst vitamin E calms inflammation. For intense itchiness, cooling peppermint, chamomile or calendula oils provide anti-inflammatory relief without nasty chemicals. Simply massage into clean skin as required.
For deeper effects during sleep when our skin regenerates fastest, wrap limbs gently in muslin soaked in calamine lotion or chamomile tea. The gentle astringent and anti-inflammatory properties comfort overnight without mess. Wake up to reduced redness and calmer skin ready to take on the day.
Eat to Beat Eczema
You’ve heard “you are what you eat”- this absolutely applies to stubborn skin conditions like eczema. Food sensitivities or nutritional deficiencies often manifest as rashes and irritation. Start an elimination diet removing trigger foods like dairy, eggs and wheat one-by-one for two weeks. Monitor if symptoms decrease when eliminating certain foods, indicating ideal ones to avoid long-term.
Get tested for deficiencies too – lack of digestive enzymes, zinc or vitamin D can all worsen eczema. I discovered supplementing zinc, omega oils and a good probiotic dramatically reduced my outbreaks by supporting my immune function and gut health from within.
Bath Away Irritants
Gentle bathing techniques cleanse without stripping our skin’s acid mantle – the protective barrier keeping moisture locked inside. Limit use of foaming bubble baths and soaps which disturb this layer, causing dryness.
Opt for colloidal oatmeal bath sachets drawing out inflammation, or add a capful of antiseptic Manuka honey into bathwater to balance bacteria and soothe sore cracks. Pat skin semi-dry afterwards then quickly apply a gentle moisturiser like coconut oil to seal in softness.
Herbal Infusions
Sipping certain herbal teas delivers antioxidant-rich plant compounds reducing inflammation inside and out. Chamomile, lavender, liquorice root and nettle infusions taken daily help repair skin damage, calm nerves and hasten healing. Simply brew for 5 minutes covered, strain and drink twice daily. Why not swap your usual builder’s brew!
Liquid Healing
Staying well hydrated keeps skin supple and less prone to dryness – a key eczema trigger. Herbal teas help hydrate, but also aim for the recommended 6-8 glasses of water or fruit-infused waters daily. The antioxidants in berries make flavoursome anti-inflammatory additions! Start each day with hot lemon water too to alkalize and flush out toxins from inside.
Mind-Body Balance
Don’t underestimate the impact everyday stress has rubbing salt in eczema wounds! When anxious our body ramps up inflammatory stress hormones worsening flare-ups. Actively switching off through yoga, meditation, forest bathing or journaling soothes nerves, benefiting both mind and irritated skin conditions. Be kind to yourself!
Diffuse Calm
Inhaling anti-inflammatory essential oils also positively impacts health. Portable diffusers are perfect for misting calming chamomile, soothing lavender and antiseptic tea tree oils into home and office spaces. Avoid direct contact with skin which may cause irritation, and conduct a patch test before use. Another reason simply to stop and smell the roses!
Whilst living with eczema has its challenges, natural remedies harness soothing plants and nourishing foods that gently comfort the body inside and out. Combined with reduced stress and chemical triggers, finding your personal healing recipe keeps frustrating flare-ups at bay. Ditch suppressive steroid creams and choose the natural way for happy skin all year round!