8 Home Treatments To Specifically Fight Your Worst Eczema Flare Up

Eczema is something that many people struggle with. There is a multitude of different kinds and even more causes. Narrowing down the cause of eczema can be difficult. Doctors typically prescribe different creams or steroids as quick eczema remedies. They work as a great temporary fix, but it won’t cure the problem forever. If you have had an issue with eczema once, there’s a good chance you will deal with it again. It can be frustrating going on repeated doctor visits for the same problem.

But if you have been struggling and wish there was a more natural solution, there are a few eczema remedies. They are all straightforward, homemade solutions. They may not work for everyone, but it is always worth a try to find a natural treatment for eczema.

There are quite a few different eczema triggers, so it only makes sense that there are a lot of varying eczema remedies. To figure out which eczema treatments are right for you, it is essential to figure out what may be causing eczema. Unfortunately, this can be a little tricky. Most doctors have a hard time narrowing down or explaining what causes eczema. There can be various factors.

Eczema Triggers

Skincare is crucial. Using the wrong soaps, laundry detergents, or even taking hot showers can make a person break out. Taking care of your diet and stress also plays a significant role in controlling eczema. To give you an idea of the causes for eczema, I wanted to provide you with a quick list. 

• Genetics
• Laundry detergents or softeners
• Dry winter air
• Heat
• Harsh soaps
• Rough Fabrics
• Tobacco smoke
• Diet
• Stress

Like I said previously, there are different factors that contribute to your eczema. It can be challenging to narrow down the exact reason for eczema. There is such a wide variety of factors to consider. You are the best person to figure out what may be causing it. You are even better than your doctor. By changing up your routine, you can figure out what is leading to your dry or itchy skin. So while it can be hard to know what the best eczema treatment is, it is not impossible to figure out.

Types of Eczema

Some people have allergies that lead to breaking out in eczema. This type of eczema is typically called atopic dermatitis. It is caused when your skin has a harder time protecting you from allergens or irritants. Atopic dermatitis is common in both adults and babies. It is found in the bend of your elbow or knee. 

There is also another form of eczema called contact dermatitis. This type of eczema happens when you come into contact with an irritant. Commonly, people who wear jewelry have issues with contact dermatitis because they can be allergic to the metals used to make the jewelry. So they break out when they are in contact with an item. Although it doesn’t just have to be caused by an allergy, it can also be triggered by harsh soaps or cleaning chemicals.

There are also forms of eczema that can be handed down genetically. I have never had much of an issue with eczema. But when I was under a lot of stress I broke out in dyshidrotic eczema. It caused little blisters on my hands and feet. I recommend checking out this informational site if you'd like to learn more.

While these two skin issues are very similar, they are treated very differently. Eczema is made up of dry skin or a rash that may ooze clear liquid and become crusty. It is very itchy and causes a lot of skin irritation. Eczema can appear in the bends of your elbows or knees.

You can also get eczema around mouth or ears. Or get eczema in ears. I have gotten foot eczema and thought it was athletes foot until I realized there was a significant difference in the appearance. Instead of being dry and cracked, it was made up of what looked like tiny little bubbles on my skin, along and between my toes.

It is also possible to get eczema on eyelids, which is a problem my father and sister both have on occasion. My dad ended up going to the doctors to get prescription cream eczema remedies before it would go away. To this day it still comes back on occasion.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is more like a buildup of skin on your knees or elbows. It can sometimes look like eczema, but it is treated differently. As a simple explanation, psoriasis is caused when your body over-generates skin cells and dead skin cells build up on your skin. If you would like to learn more, you can check out a more detailed explanation.

Many people suffering from eczema want to know “does eczema go away?” The answer isn’t as simple as I would like it to be. It is known to be a repeated problem for most people, but there are a few simple habits that can help you to avoid triggering your eczema.

When you have eczema on your face, you may want to change up what soap you use. Harsh soap can affect your skin in a lot of different ways, try using natural facial cleansers or soaps with fewer chemicals. It is also a good idea to use a moisturizer that comes in the form of a cream or salve and does not contain any alcohol.

When it comes to your body, it is also important to use moisturizers that don’t contain alcohol and are very thick and moisturizing. One of my favorites is Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion with Aloe. It is the only thing I can use on my dry, cracked hands in the winter without making them irritated. The thick and creamy consistency isn’t greasy and does not contain alcohol.

It can be helpful to avoid taking hot showers because heat can cause irritation. Making sure to moisturize within a few minutes after taking a shower or bath will also help soothe your skin and relieve any dryness or irritation.

Lastly, it can help to use fragrance and dye free laundry detergents. The fragrance that is added to a lot of products can commonly cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. My sister has to be careful what she uses when it comes to detergents, soaps, and other cleaning products because she is very sensitive.

When it comes to your diet, it can be easier to realize there is a problem when it hurts your stomach. But eczema and diet issues can go hand in hand, which can be tricky to narrow down. If you have a food allergy to dairy, eggs, gluten, corn, soy, or nuts, it can make your skin break out in hives or rashes which is another form of eczema. If you suspect you may have a food allergy, the best way to check is to begin cutting those types of foods out of your diet. By eliminating them one by one, you can narrow down the issue more efficiently.

Cutting alcohol out of your diet also a good idea if you are prone to eczema. Alcohol can cause inflammation in your body which can cause eczema to flare up on your skin.

Since it can be a pain to go to the doctor regularly for the same issue, it can be a huge help to find a home remedy for eczema. They help cut out the need for doctors visits, which is great when you have constant problems. Believe it or not, there are plenty of things around the kitchen that make incredible eczema remedies. Baby eczema is very common, and it can be challenging to find gentle over the counter remedies. When dealing with baby eczema, home remedies are gentle and don’t contain the same worrisome chemicals as over the counter products.

Apple Cider Vinegar

There are a lot of fantastic uses for apple cider vinegar. Home remedies for eczema on scalp and neck areas are preferable because most people don’t want to use cream in those areas. Apple cider vinegar could be one of the perfect eczema remedies for those areas. All you have to do is mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts of water. Use this as a rinse for your scalp after a shower. You can also soak cotton balls in the mixture and use it on other areas around your mouth, ears, or your hands and feet.

Tea Tree Oil

Scratching your eczema can make matters much worse. By doing so, you create a wound that is open to bacteria, viruses, and infections. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial that will not only clean the area, but it will also help ease any itching. But make sure to mix it with a carrier oil before applying to your skin.

Olive Oil

If you need something to soften any dry skin and scaly patches, olive oil for eczema is a perfect choice. Not to mention, it is excellent for your skin and packed full of omega-3 fatty acids. So this can be mixed with tea tree oil or peppermint oil for added benefits, or it can be added to your diet.

Aloe Vera

In the same way that aloe vera can be used to soothe your sunburn, it can also be used to ease the itching and pain of eczema. It is an anti-inflammatory and healing compound. Make sure to get pure aloe vera gel, or even use the plant if you have it around. Avoid using anything that contains other chemicals or dyes.

Coconut Oil

Many people have been asking, is coconut oil good for eczema? Coconut oil is an excellent product for a multitude of uses, and you can add it to the list of eczema remedies as well! It is an all natural antibacterial and can be used on any part of your body. It would also make the perfect carrier oil for tea tree oil.

Baking Soda

I have used baking soda for quite a few different purposes. An exfoliant, toothpaste, to wash my hair, but I had no idea it was another one of the simple eczema remedies we all have in the kitchen. All you have to do is add 1 ½ cups of baking soda to 3 gallons of water. Dip a washcloth into the mixture and use it to ease the irritation and itching of eczema.

Soothing Bath Options as Eczema Remedies

When you are having issues with your skin, a bath with the right ingredients is the perfect way to soothe your skin. By adding Epsom salts, oatmeal, almond oil, or baking soda to your bath water, you can ease irritated skin and relax. But always make sure to use a lukewarm temperature, because you want to avoid too much heat.

Other Options For Extreme Cases

I know that all natural eczema remedies are ideal and I highly suggest trying them first. But if you are having severe issues, there are some over the counter options you can use when your eczema is worse than usual. Antihistamines like Benadryl come in both pill form or as topical liquid eczema remedies. It will soothe any itching and pain. You could also try nonprescription hydrocortisone creams and calamine lotion.