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Manuka Honey for Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition associated with inflammation, dryness, and itching. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), it affects about of people in the United States. While many prescription treatments are available, you may also want to try using home remedies to symptoms. The following home remedies are in no particular order.
Aloe Vera for Eczema
Aloe vera is a succulent plant people have used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Like most other home remedies on this list, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is often used to soothe sunburned skin. Some people apply aloe vera gel to areas affected by eczema to reduce itching and inflammation. Despite many anecdotal claims that it’s effective, there is limited scientific research on using aloe vera for eczema. An older did suggest that aloe vera may offer wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, but it didn’t specifically address whether the plant might improve eczema. The authors underlined that more research is needed to explore aloe vera’s potential for improving skin conditions.
Oils for Eczema
Applying various oils to the skin is often said to improve eczema. These include:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower seed oil
A concluded that virgin coconut and sunflower seed oil could improve eczema symptoms in some people. However, olive oil might increase the risk of skin irritation. More research is necessary on the topic. It’s important to note that oils can be comedogenic and may clog pores and exacerbate conditions like acne in some people. Avoiding oil for eczema on the face may be best if you’re prone to breakouts.
Oatmeal for Eczema
Oatmeal baths and ointments are other popular home remedies for eczema. A says that adding colloidal oatmeal — finely ground oatmeal — to a warm bath can soothe itchy, irritated skin. The researchers partially attribute this effect to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in oats. A on 61 people demonstrated the beneficial effects of oatmeal on skin health. Here, an ointment containing 1% colloidal oats significantly improved:
- Itching
- Redness
- Scaling
Manuka Honey for Eczema
Manuka honey is common in alternative and traditional medicine practices, and has the following properties:
- Skin hydration
- Acidity (pH)
- The skin’s protective barrier function
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
A found that applying manuka honey to eczema improved symptoms. That said, the researchers highlighted a need for further research on the potential skin care benefits of honey.
Vitamin D for Eczema
A found that people with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D or a vitamin D deficiency than people who don’t have eczema. The review suggests that restoring healthy vitamin D levels may improve the condition in some individuals. So, taking vitamin D supplements, getting more sun exposure, and eating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified milk products, and fortified juice may be worth trying as a home remedy for eczema.
Other Triggers to Avoid
According to the , many factors may worsen your eczema, including:
- Certain foods
- Animal dander
- Pollen or dust
- Cold, dry air
- Skin contact with chemicals, such as fragrances and dyes in hand lotion or soap
- Emotional stress
- Rough materials, including wool
The NIAID recommends that people with eczema avoid itchy, rough clothing items, clothing made from wool, and clothing washed with fragrances and other potentially irritating ingredients. Stress can trigger eczema symptoms in some people. Managing stress, whether related to work, school, finances, or relationships, is essential.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies can be effective, they may only work for some people. If you have severe eczema or your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can give you tailored medical advice and prescribe treatment, if necessary. According to the , common medications for eczema are:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Moisturizers
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Oral antihistamines
- Injectable drugs
Other treatment options are available apart from those mentioned in the article. The type of treatment will depend on the severity and type of eczema. It’s important to follow a doctor’s recommendations when using prescription drugs for eczema, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications.
Conclusion
Many home remedies and prescription treatments are available to help manage eczema and its symptoms. Although supportive research is generally lacking on most home remedies, virgin coconut oil, oatmeal baths, vitamin D, and aloe vera are all examples of common medication-free ways to manage eczema. While these remedies may provide relief for people seeking alternative options to prescription treatments, they may only work for some. To identify the best treatments for you, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your doctor, including the possibility of prescription medications.
External links:
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
- Manuka Honey for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
- Aloe Vera for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
- Oils for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
- Oatmeal for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
- Vitamin D for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
- Triggers to Avoid for Eczema – About Manuka Honey
