Eczema is a common skin irritation that is often the result of an allergic reaction and is characterized by scaly, irritated, red skin that can be itchy, oozy and prone to infection. Eczema can also result in pimple-like growths that prickle the skin at various areas and are prone to becoming oozy or infected through itching or irritation. While most people may not be aware of their allergic trigger, there are treatments for eczema you can prepare right at home that can help alleviate some of the pain or discomfort of eczema until a lasting solution is applied. Remember, these eczema home remedies are for temporary use and are only intended to help with the symptoms of eczema, primarily preventing itch. These treatments have not been evaluated by any medical authority. However, many remedies listed here are simpler versions of gentle, anti-itch creams you can prepare on your own.

Eczema Home Remedies
1. Camphor and sandalwood paste can help soothe eczema irritation by applying a teaspoon of each to the affected areas of the skin.
2. Vitamin E oil can help reduce the itching of eczema as vitamin E is an essential element for healthy skin and is used in many lotions and moisturizers to soothe irritation.
3. Lotion of blueberry leaves can help reduce some of the inflammation associated with eczema either through itching or irritation.
4. Making a paste consisting of spearmint leaves, crushed dandelion leaves and a couple drops of vitamin E oil can alleviate some of the itch and inflammation of eczema. Make this solution in a bowl and apply it directly to your skin, allowing it to set in for half an hour before wiping away with cold water and a clean cloth.
5. Oatmeal baths are effective, if not time consuming, ways of treating eczema symptoms. Purchase a sack of non-flavored oatmeal, shy away from the instant variety, and grind it up in a coffee grinder or food processor until you have a fine powder. Add the powder to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing your body with cool water to eliminate stuck on oatmeal. Repeating these baths twice a day for several days can reduce the redness and inflammation of eczema and help alleviate much of the redness of the affected skin.
6. Cold compresses, while a temporary measure, are affected at reducing many of eczema’s symptoms. It is best to resort to cold compresses in addition to an existing lotion treatment to augment the anti inflammatory and anti itch properties of these products.
7. Practice good skin care. Eczema can often be caused or aggravated by poorly caring for your skin. Be sure to moisturize your skin with a gentle, fragrance free product that replenishes moisture in your skin. Look for a medicated skin wash that allows you to keep your skin free of buildup but without exacerbating the irritation of eczema stricken skin. Drink plenty of water to help hydrate and nourish your skin. Measures such as these can go a long way in helping with the appearance of eczema.
Most of these eczema home remedies above can be purchased at your local grocery store or drugstore. They are relatively mild but yet effective. While it is suggested that you talk with your doctor about any remedies you want to try on your own, these above are unlikely to cause any serious problems.
Image via Flickr
