Natural cures for eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that includes dryness, redness, blistering, flaking, itching, swelling or bleeding.  It is a very painful and irritating condition that affects many people and is most common in babies and children.  While it is not contagious, prevention and treatment of this condition through natural means can greatly benefit your quality of life.

The two main types of eczema are Atopic and Contact dermatitis.  Atopic is a disease that is believed to be hereditary and runs in the family.  Contact dermatitis is often a delayed reaction to an external irritant or allergen such as poison ivy or certain kinds of soaps.  Some less common forms of eczema include:

● Dyshidrosis which occurs on palms, soles and fingers.  
● Discoid - appears on lower legs.
● Venous - in people with impaired circulation and adema in the ankle area.
● Dermatitis herpetiformis - occurs on arms, thighs, knees and back.
● Neurodermatitis - a patch caused by continual itching or rubbing
● Autoeczematization - a reaction to infection , virus or parasites.

The most common natural cure for eczema is as simple as the sun.  Sunlight contains UV rays which aid in the healing process.  It attacks T cells that cause redness.  It also helps to burn off the 'scales' or dead skin cells.  While sunbathing can be a great benefit getting too much sun can be just as harmful as it is to others not suffering from eczema. This may lead to other conditions namely skin cancer.  Please, as always, sunbathe in moderation.

Keeping your skin moisturized is also important.  Use natural oils such as aloe vera and especially coconut oil.  Try to stay away from deodorant soaps, perfumes or powders.  Using a cleanser other than soap can be greatly beneficial.  If you have to use a soap use one that is rich in goats milk.  It is also recommended that you do not use a loofah or wash cloth when you bathe.  Don't scrub your skin when you dry off, pat dry only.  Petroleum used on the skin after a bath will help prevent anything from entering into the skin.

Herbs can also play an important part.  Apply a nutmeg paste directly to the skin.  One teaspoon of sandlewood mixed with one teaspoon of camphor can also be applied to the infected area.  Another sure fire way to clear up an eczema is a mixture of mustard oil and margosa leaves.  Boil the leaves and mustard oil together and apply to the body four times daily.

There are many ways to a natural cure for eczema.  The best way to determine what is right for you is trial and error.  Everyone's body reacts differently and what doesn't work for you may work for someone else.  As always a healthy diet can greatly improve certain skin conditions. Taking a close look at what you eat determines whether or not your condition comes from something in your diet or if it's from an external source such as perfumes or even plants.  Finally, drink lots and lots of water.  Water is essential and cleans most of the body's impurities.