Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, or atopic eczema, is a skin disorder characterized by patches of dryness, redness, and inflammation triggered by allergens. The extremely itchy rashes appear on the skin when a person comes in contact with the allergen and then usually go away or remain. In the fight against atopic dermatitis, several remedies may be of use. Read on to learn about effective ways to fight eczema from the comfort of your home.
Information
In any challenge, the first task patients must take up is research. When a person is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, curiosity will make them learn more about the condition. Nearly 1 in 10 people in the country live with this condition. This skin disease is not contagious, though it is partially hereditary. The eczema patches are likely to appear in the creases of the elbow, knees, face, neck, palms, and legs. These areas are likely to be dry, scaly, and excessively itchy. Often the skin may become thick, leathery, and discolored. Common triggers for flare-ups of atopic dermatitis are cold, dry weather, allergens in the food, long, hot showers, heat, sweating, strenuous exercise, unhealthy lifestyle habits, sand, certain types of grass, pollen, dust, soaps, detergents, wool, and synthetic fabrics, as well as stress. While consulting a dermatologist, ask as many questions as possible so that you are not worried and are well-equipped with knowledge about this skin disease.
Natural moisturizers
When people suffer from atopic dermatitis, their skin is bound to be reactive to many products on the market. Fragrances are an ingredient in many commercial creams, and these substances are likely to trigger flare-ups. So, to moisturize picky and sensitive skin, switch to pure unprocessed products like coconut oil. It is an excellent moisturizing agent that helps soothe inflamed skin. It also enables the repair of the skin and restores the natural barrier broken down by atopic dermatitis. Virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil has the additional benefit of having antibacterial effects and preventing further skin infections, which are common complications in eczema due to the altered skin biome. In addition, coconut oil is a relatively inexpensive natural moisturizer that can help you fight eczema from the confines of your home.
Evening primrose oil
The gamma-linolenic acid abundant in evening primrose oil is an essential fatty acid. It cannot be produced by the body and thus needs to be injected or applied. You can buy this in local stores selling natural skincare products. Mix it with a carrier oil like olive or coconut, and remember not to use the essential oil on its own since it can be very harsh. You can also get oral supplements of gamma-linolenic acids that contain evening primrose or borage oil. These have shown positive effects on reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis by correcting the skin lipids that trigger inflammation.
Wet-wrap therapy
A sure way to improve atopic dermatitis is to increase the skin’s moisture levels. Wet-wrap therapy is another simple at-home formula to moisturize the skin. As the name suggests, you need to wrap wet strips of fabric (natural ones like cotton or linen) or gauze around the affected areas. The damp layer prevents the skin from drying and absorbs moisture. This therapy is most effective after a bath and after applying a moisturizer. If you do not prefer coconut oil, you can try tub moisturizers since they are thicker and allow the skin to absorb more moisture and retain it longer.
The Goldilocks Bath
The Goldilocks Bath – not too hot, not too cold, just right. Bathing with atopic dermatitis requires extra care. Among the common triggers of eczema is hot water. It means you need to be more careful when you shower every day. Ensure the water is lukewarm. Stay away from scented soaps and avoid harsh chemicals. A mild soap-free cleanser is best for sensitive skin. Ensure there are no dyes or perfumes in the soap. It would be best to avoid bath bombs, but you can try an oatmeal bath to soothe the skin. Do not rub the skin, but pat it gently after bathing.
Invest in a humidifier
Another effective home remedy against atopic dermatitis is a humidifier. Like smoke and fire, dry skin is not far away when there is dry air. The air will likely be parched of moisture, particularly in cold months. It means an eczema flare-up is more likely. However, as a safety precaution, you can use a cool-mist humidifier to maintain the moisture in your skin. It is especially beneficial at night to prevent your skin from drying and itching when you sleep.
Prevent the scratching
“Do not scratch” is easy to advise but hard to follow. Itching damages the skin by worsening atopic dermatitis and can cause additional infections by triggering bleeding. Try to rub the affected area instead of scratching, and keep your nails short. Try using gloves at night to prevent accidental damage to the already sensitive skin. Topical corticosteroid creams containing menthol, calamine, or camphor can also soothe the itching. Avoid rough fabrics like wool.
Clothing styles
One of the most fundamental things patients can do at home to control atopic dermatitis is carefully tailoring their closet to their skin’s particular needs. Loose and comfortable clothes are best for eczema. Natural fabrics, mainly cotton, linen, and silk, are best, while nylon, polyester, and wool are best avoided. Remember to be mindful of wearing underwear made of natural fabrics as well. Try to remove tags and labels and cover seams with silk so they do not irritate your sensitive skin.
Relaxation is the key
Unchecked stress and tension can cause inflammation, triggering an eczema flare-up. Stress management is thus an essential home remedy to reduce itching and irritation. Meditation is a great way to manage stress and anxiety. Exercising also helps restore peace to the body and mind. Try to attend a yoga session each week or invest in a treadmill to stay active at home. Remember always to shower after physical activities to remove sweat. You can also organize a get-together with friends to destress or dance to the music you love to relax.
