Natural Methods of Treatment

Natural treatment is in vogue. Perhaps some of the hype is just marketing blather or a fad, but there is real benefit in some forms of alternative treatment and natural remedies. If you’ve chosen to go the natural route, here are some of the natural possibilities for moisturizers, lotions, or creams that can help your eczema.

Aloe Vera

The benefits of eczema have been known for a long time. Aloe extract can be found in nearly anything from toothpaste to shampoo. It comes from a short shrub-like succulent plant with pointy and moisture-filled leaves. Using real aloe (not just lotions with aloe extract) directly on the affected areas may improve your eczema.

Bentonite clay

Better than just plan dirt, bentonite clay has the ability to cleanse skin and absorb toxins. In the case of eczema, it even reduces itching, inflammation, the pain. A bentonite mask or compress once weekly can help treat eczema symptoms.

Kelp

Kelp is another word for seaweed. This naturally-occuring plant grows plentifully in our vast oceans, and kelp extracts can be found in natural food stores and health stores. Adding kelp to a warm bath should be very therapeutic for your eczema, and even helps your skin absorb iodine, an important trace mineral in your body.

Castor oil

Most people think of castor oil in relationship to treating another uncomfortable bodily ailment. Some people think of it as an excellent treatment for eczema. Some people declare that it must be taken orally. Fine, if that’s what you want to do. It may be just as effective taken topically, however. Spread a fine layer over the affected area and leave it there for an hour. Repeat twice weekly.

Calendula extract

Calendula, or the marigold, is a flowering herb that is known for its healing properties on small cuts, burns, acne, and other skin conditions. Some even say that it fights tumors. It may help eczema, too.

Shea butter

A popularly touted moisturizer, natural shea butter from the African shea tree, produces a moisturizing salve that is perfect for keeping the skin moist and healthy. Fans of shea butter use it for scars, burns, rashes, acne, wrinkles, and most importantly, eczema. Its most powerful benefit may be its moisturizing quality.

Various Foods

As usual, there is a whole menu of foods that are claimed to treat eczema. Lemon and limejuice applied to the eczema as well as mashed banana have helped some people who suffer from eczema. If you use lemon or lime, be sure to wash and moisturize the skin, since they have the potential of dehydrating the skin’s surface moisture.