Eczema is an unpleasant condition where the skin is covered by patches of red, raised skin that is intensely itchy.The patches can then blister, weep and crust over which can cause the skin to thicken. Eczema commonly starts during infancy, with most cases occurring before six months of age.  Although most children grow out of it, it is not uncommon to get eczema in adulthood.Obviously the best way to treat eczema is to avoid any possible trigger factors. However, if you do have a flare-up, then here are some treatment options to help relieve your eczema. 

Diet and Supplements
According to Eric Lewis who wrote the book, Essential Fatty Acids, people who have eczema tend to have an essential fatty acid deficiency. Taking evening primrose oil (500 mg per day), a good source of EFA (omega 6) and other omega 3 and 6 fatty acids supplements (3 to 4 grams per day) is beneficial to help plump up cellular membranes, repair old cells and construct new cells.You could also try eating foods rich in essential fatty acids such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and dark green leafy vegetables.

Other supplements that are good for the skin are Vitamins A, C and E which are all powerful antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and protect the skin. Vitamin B complex to aid healthy skin. Quercetin, an antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Finally, zinc is an important supplement because it not only plays a role in essential fatty acid metabolism but also because of its antioxidants properties.

Herbal Treatment Options
If you want to try more natural remedies for eczema then you could think about try herbal treatments.  Many herbs contain ingredients that can help heal the skin and stop itching.Why not try some of these suggested recipes.

For weeping and crusting sores caused by eczema, or any kind of dryness, try this recipe: 1 cup sea salt; 5 drops carrot seed essential oil; 5 drops calendula essential oil; 5 drops lavender oil and almond oil.  Put the salt in a wide-mouthed jar, add the essential oils and cover with almond oil. Use a scoop every time you have a bath. Make sure that you don’t stay in the bath more more than 20 minutes as the skin will start dehydrating.

Try this lovely eczema relief cream to keep your skin moisturized. Use non-petroleum jelly as a base and add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops calendula and 2 drops German chamomile or carrot seed oil. You can either massage the entire body or use it as a spot treatment.

Finally, try out this fabulous eczema oil which will stop your itching.Mix 10 drops of yarrow oil, 10 drops German Chamomile oil and 5 drops tagetes oil. Dilute this mix into 2 tablespoons of almond oil or other cold-pressed vegetable oil. Add 30 drops jojoba oil and 10 drops evening primrose oil. Apply to the affected areas with a Q-tip.

Conventional Treatment Options
As people with eczema tend to have very dry skin, it is essential to keep the skin moisturized.Dry skin can cause a flare-up of eczema and become inflammed. Keeping the skin moisturized can protect the skin and avoid any potential problems.  Topical steroid creams are the most commonly prescribed eczema relief creams.These come in different strengths and formulas and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription only.Using steroid creams is only a short-term treatment as long-term use can lead to thinning of the skin.  Other creams such as E45 and aqueous creams are recommended for treating dry, rough and itchy skin. These types of cream contain ingredients such as paraffin and lanolin which provide a protective layer of oil on the surface of the skin. 

Oral antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to reduce itching and antibiotics for any bacterial infections.

Whatever your eczema is caused by, be it food allergies, environmental allergens or stress, it is important to identify them.Eating a diet rich in essential fatty acids and keeping your skin moisturized by using either conventional or natural treatments will help treat your eczema effectively.

If you want to know more about eczema relief, please check out my Clear Skin Guide website. You’ll find information on conventional treatments and on natural eczema remedies

.