Eczema is an allergic condition which occurs mostly in children, and the parents look for how to cure eczema. It is characterized by a dry, tough skin, crusted blisters, redness or inflammation. In most children, the allergy goes by itself by about ten years, in some in persists. Proper care and treatment are necessary to ensure that eczema conditions do not become worse. Here are some natural and conventional methods to keep eczema under control and cure it eventually.
1. Following a proper diet plan
Eczema is a result of an allergic condition and can be caused due to improper digestion problems. Sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet is the first step to facing eczema so that the cause of the allergy is met.
- Milk and milk product may cause irritation in some allergic patients.
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has high moisturizing property and can be obtained from evening primrose, black currant oil, and borage oil. They are also found in supplements form and a minute amount of 500 mg/day for 1-2 months can show its effects.
- Omega 3 fatty acid from fish and fish oil also has moisturizing properties.
Ultimately the key factor is to follow a proper balanced diet so that the system can digest all foods thoroughly. Undigested food is the top reason for allergic reactions taking place in the body.
2. Bathing
Proper bathing and hygiene maintenance is the first tip to how to cure eczema. Hot baths should be prevented, and lukewarm water should be used for bathing. Moisturizer should be applied soon after bathing to lock in the moisture. Eczema being a skin problem, it is essential to keep the skin in good condition without which any moisturizing regimen or medication will not work.
- Bath in warm water and use mild soap.
- Do not rub towel on skin.
- Magnesium baths can be prepared with Epsom salt or magnesium flakes. Magnesium helps to reduce the inflammation.
- Detox bath can be made with Himalayan Salt, essential oils, bentonite clay or hydrogen peroxide.
3. Topical Moisturization
Coconut oil: It is the best possible way to keep the skin moisturized without causing any side effects. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It moisturizes by penetrating deep into the skin. It can also be used as a bath oil by adding to lukewarm water and soaking for about an hour. There are several preparations like lotions, salve, mask, etc. which can be prepared at home using coconut oil which is a solution to how to cure eczema.
Emollients: Thick creams are the best-recommended emollients for eczema patients. Cetaphil, Eucerina and Nutraderm are the most prescribed ones in this kind. Simple ones like Vaseline and petroleum jelly can also prove effective in keeping the excessively dried out skin moisturized. Lotions are less effective when compared to thick emollients. They are best used right after a bath and also overnight.
4. Probiotics
Using supplements can help improve skin health. Deterioration of skin health has been attributed to be due to free radical damage. Probiotics can be an effective solution to how to cure eczema if it is caused due to gut related issues. Probiotics are active cultures of useful bacteria that is required by the body to digest food.These are not actively supplied to the body through the normal diet plan. Fermented food is a top source of probiotics. In earlier times, the food was preserved by fermenting it. But nowadays there is more of instant foods that do more harm to the body. Being on the cautious side, you can include fermented food in the diets or use probiotic supplements.
5. Over the Counter Products
People usually resort to OTC creams that contain hydrocortisone 1%, or corticosteroid-containing creams or medicines. These reduce inflammation and in the case of an infection, antibiotics also have to be applied to get rid of the bacteria which will worsen the condition if everyday moisturizer is applied.
6. Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine is an OTC drug and the prescription drugs like hydroxyzine and cyproheptadine can reduce the itchiness of the eczema rashes by blocking the itch sensation. These can cause drowsiness and should be taken for long periods of time. These are non-sedating varieties like cetirizine and loratadine.
7. Steroids
Topical Steroids: There are mild steroids and also active steroids. Mild ones are available as over the counter medication can prove as a quick solution when you are worried about how to cure eczema. Even though these are mild, it is recommended to use only for a short period till the flare reduces. Once it subsides, a chemical free emollient can be utilized. There are high concentration steroids which are available only on prescription and can control severe eczema flares. Excess usage can cause thinning of the skin.
Oral Steroids: Prednisone is very rarely used as an oral steroid to bring severe skin flares under control. But this one has some unyielding side effects and therefore not recommended by doctors.
8. Immunomodulators
They are also commonly known as TIM (Topical Immunomodulators) and also as calcineurin inhibitors. This is used to treat severe cases where all other treatment techniques are not showing results. They work upon the immune system and block the flare ups. Elidel and Protopic are two creams approved by the FDA recently, but the government and medical authorities have warned about its usage as it has a high risk of causing skin cancer due to prolonged usage. The warning is sent out that the immunomodulators should never be used in children and in adults it should only be used as the last resort when all other methods have failed, and the situation is worse.
9. Keep the aggravating factors at bay
* Harsh fabrics, tight clothing, etc. which can scratch the skin should be avoided.
* Most allergic conditions have been attributed to stress and it should be actively controlled with stress relieving techniques.
* Keeping surroundings free of dust and allergic agents like dog hair, mites, etc.
To reduce the case of eczema, proper care, daily moisturization and maintaining a healthy and hygienic body is the key factors to how to cure eczema.
No comments:
Post a Comment