Eczema is a skin disease whose symptoms include dry, red, flaky and often itchy or painful rashes, commonly on the arms, neck and face. Sometimes confused with normal dry skin, these patches do not respond to conventional treatments for dry skin. Although there are many products available to the sufferer most offer only limited relief and some contain harsh chemicals which could prove damaging to the very skin it is supposed to heal. There are all natural eczema treatments which may prove effective without the risk that synthetic chemicals pose.
Surprisingly, the one treatment that has shown great promise is not a topical ointment but rather something eaten. There is some evidence that probiotics, when added to the regular diet of young children and infants, can reduce current rashes and prevent the onset of new ones. Probiotics have the added advantage of providing those that consume them with a host of other health benefits.
Most commonly, treatments for eczema are topical in nature, intended to be used right on the patches of dry skin themselves. Most have a hydrocortisone base and are filled with chemicals. Luckily, there are some made from the extracts of plants that contain no unnatural ingredients. As with all treatments, some are more successful for some than others.
There is a cream made from the chamomile plant that has been studied and proven effective. When applied to the rash for two weeks, some users noticed significant improvement. In a study where it was compared to hydrocortisone cream, the chamomile cream proved to be more effective for most who tried it.
A cream made of witch hazel did not seem to be as effective, but still did offer its users some relief. As is often the case with eczema, some users reported drastic improvements while other saw almost none. More testing is needed to determine why these differences exist.
Perhaps the most promising of the recently tested natural products is an extract from licorice. During testing the users reported significant improvements in the size and discomfort of the rashes. Also, there seemed to be a reduction in new outbreaks.
It is always important to talk to a doctor before trying any natural eczema treatments. Keep in mind that there are many unscrupulous people out there who would like to make money selling products that will not help the rash at all. Read the labels and know exactly what it is that you are putting on or in your body before you begin this or any treatment program.
Surprisingly, the one treatment that has shown great promise is not a topical ointment but rather something eaten. There is some evidence that probiotics, when added to the regular diet of young children and infants, can reduce current rashes and prevent the onset of new ones. Probiotics have the added advantage of providing those that consume them with a host of other health benefits.
Most commonly, treatments for eczema are topical in nature, intended to be used right on the patches of dry skin themselves. Most have a hydrocortisone base and are filled with chemicals. Luckily, there are some made from the extracts of plants that contain no unnatural ingredients. As with all treatments, some are more successful for some than others.
There is a cream made from the chamomile plant that has been studied and proven effective. When applied to the rash for two weeks, some users noticed significant improvement. In a study where it was compared to hydrocortisone cream, the chamomile cream proved to be more effective for most who tried it.
A cream made of witch hazel did not seem to be as effective, but still did offer its users some relief. As is often the case with eczema, some users reported drastic improvements while other saw almost none. More testing is needed to determine why these differences exist.
Perhaps the most promising of the recently tested natural products is an extract from licorice. During testing the users reported significant improvements in the size and discomfort of the rashes. Also, there seemed to be a reduction in new outbreaks.
It is always important to talk to a doctor before trying any natural eczema treatments. Keep in mind that there are many unscrupulous people out there who would like to make money selling products that will not help the rash at all. Read the labels and know exactly what it is that you are putting on or in your body before you begin this or any treatment program.
About the Author:
Get complete and comprehensive information about natural eczema treatments quickly and easily! You can find the details about natural skin care products that will give you healthier skin today!