Natural Treatments for Eczema

Eczema is a non-infectious skin condition which may be aggravated by allergens such as animal dander, foods and irritants in soap and body care products. An outbreak is usually characterized by red, inflamed skin that is scaly and itchy. Sometimes the outbreak may lead to bloody, oozing lesions which heal over to thickened, darker skin, especially in African Americans. In many cases, the eczema can be found on the backs of knees and the insides of the elbows. In my daughter's case, the most severe appearance of eczema was on her calves and ankles, where the skin was rough and dark after the bleeding of an outbreak would stop.

I can say from experience that I have run the gamut from petrolatum jelly to Crisco for my daughter's legs, looking for that "magic bullet" that would help alleviate her itching and the outbreaks that made ME wince. However, in my research, I discovered that there is no one treatment for eczema, that it is a condition that must be treated both from inside and on the outside. I also discovered that I would not use the often prescribed steroid creams and hydrocortisone.

The goal for treating eczema, of course is to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the occurrence of outbreaks. Or, if that is not possible, then to at least reduce the severity of the symptoms. Fortunately, childhood eczema often lessens in occurrence when the child gets older.

Flax Seed Oil (not flaxseed or flaxseed powder) - Flax seed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. There is some evidence that taking flaxseed oil will raise the level of GLA in the body, which in turn will help to relieve symptoms such as itching, flakiness and rough skin. In addition, omega-3 fatty essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. Inflammation is the cause of the discomfort with eczema breakouts.

Because this is a natural product, the recommended dosage varies greatly, depending on where you look. Dosage amounts range from three grams to fifteen grams daily. I've also seen dosages by weight - 1 TBS per 100 lbs of body weight. A tablespoon is 14 grams and the capsule form of flax seed oil is usually 1000 mg = 1 gram. However, please see your health care provider to ensure that you are taking the right dosage and that there is no interaction with other medications you may be taking. Flax seed oil may also be applied to the skin to heal the dry scaly patches.

Canola Oil - This is a cooking oil that is freely available (right next to the corn and vegetable oils) in your local supermarket. Canola oil is 11% omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) and is low in saturated fat. This oil may be a good choice to "sneak" a few more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Shea butter - In my experience, a single application of unrefined shea butter was enough to visibly improve my daughter's eczema rash. It also alleviated some of the itching. Shea butter is high in oleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid and close in composition to human sebum. Basically oleic acid can assist in skin repair and thus shea butter is good for healing rashes, eczema, dry skin and may also be helpful in reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Flax Seed Oil - Flax seed oil, as written above, is high in an essential omega3 fatty acid and can be topically applied to the skin.

Hemp Seed Oil - Hemp seed oil is a great source of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6 as well as linolenic acid, all of which are good for the skin. Hemp seed oil is an excellent skin emollient and nourishes the skin as well as assists it in regeneration of skin cells. Because the hemp seed oil is absorbed into the skin rather than just coating the skin, the essential fatty acids are able to penetrate the epidermis and "go to work". These essential fatty acids can play a preventative role in minimizing aging of the skin and to assist in maintaining a healthy moisture balance in the skin.

These are some of the treatments that I've used with success for my daughter's eczema. In addition, the extra oils and benefits have helped the entire family's health. Again, please consult with a medical professional as this lens is not meant at medical advice.