Eczema is a common skin condition which many suffer with. Although it’s most commonly associated with infants and children, the onset of eczema can actually occur anytime throughout adulthood too. Eczema shows up in different forms including hand eczema, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis and having suffered myself, I know first-hand that finding a soothing and natural treatment is so important. 

Eczema is complex and as there is no definitive answer to the cause of a flare up, there are natural remedies and home treatments which can help to prevent flare-ups and ease the discomfort during an outbreak as well as help to clear it up quickly and effectively. 

Here are some of the most effective home eczema treatments which I have used on myself as well as my clients to reduce eczema flare ups and ease any eczema symptoms.

1. DEAD SEA SALT BATHS

For some suffering with eczema, soaking in water may make it worse. However, for those who are able to tolerate it, dead sea salt baths and magnesium baths can be helpful in healing eczema. The Dead Sea is known for its healing powers and taking a bath with Dead Sea Salts has been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation and relieve redness in skin. 

Magnesium Bath Recipe:
– 1-2 cups of Epsom Salts/ Magnesium Flakes (magnesium flakes are absorbed much more easily)
– 1/2 cup of Himalayan Salt
– 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice (Lavender is my personal favourite!)

2. SEA SALT MAGNESIUM SPRAY

If your eczema is wet/oozing, drying the area is generally more effective at clearing and easing the symptoms rather than attempting to moisturise it. This magnesium salt spray has been used to dry out eczema flare-ups and is a very easy homemade recipe!

Ingredients:
– 1 Cup of Boiled Water left to cool slightly
– 1 Tablespoon of Himalayan Salt / Sea Salt
– 1 Pinch of Epsom Salts / Magnesium Flakes
– Optional: 1-3 drops of your essential oil of choice 

Method:

1. Add all salts you are using (Himalayan and Epsom) to the warm water and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
2. Add 1-3 drops of essential oils of choice if using and store in a spray bottle or glass container.

To use: Apply the spray to skin by spraying or with a cotton pad as you would with a toner. This spray is perfect to use on eczema flare-ups as part of your daily skincare regime. 

3. MOISTURISING LOTIONS

Many eczema flare-ups cause dry and cracked skin and it is therefore essential that you are moisturising the affected areas at least twice per day. Coconut Oil is a favourite oil to moisturise eczema affected skin as it is highly antibacterial and antimicrobial which provides soothing relief and can accelerate healing. 

Coconut oil lotion bars are a brilliant way of moisturising the dry areas of skin affected by eczema and keeping flare-ups at bay.

Coconut Oil Lotion Bars

Ingredients:
– 1 Cup of Coconut Oil
– 1 Cup of Shea Butter
– 1 Cup of Organic Beeswax Pellets
– Essential Oils of choice
– Plastic Deodorant Containers
– Mason Jar

Method:

1. Add the butter and beeswax into a mason jar and place in a small saucepan on the hob. 
2. Add around 1 inch of water into the saucepan and bring to a low boil. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients have melted together. (It’s important you do not get any water into the oil/butter mixture as it can cause the bars to ruin.)
3. Remove saucepan and mason jar from the heat and add the coconut oil and your essential oils of choice if using.
4. Stir the mixture and pour into the plastic deodorant containers. Transfer to the fridge to let the lotion bars harden and voila!

4. WITCH HAZEL

If your eczema flare-up starts to ooze, applying witch hazel to the area can help with the healing process as it is highly anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidant properties. Gently dab witch hazel to the affected area with a cotton pad. (Make sure that the witch hazel you are using is alcohol-free!)

5. VITAMIN E

Taking a Vitamin E supplement can accelerate the healing process of eczema by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the skin. Topical Vitamin E has also been shown to help clear up eczema as well as preventing itching and reducing the risk of scarring. 

Let us know if you try any of these natural eczema remedies, and which worked best for you @balanceldn!

Holly Zoccolan is a Holistic Lifestyle & Skin Health Coach offering consultations for weight loss, fatigue, skin conditions, digestive issues, mindset shifts and overcoming emotional eating. After overcoming her own stress-related dermatitis and eczema, Holly is keen to educate others on how to best improve their health from the inside out. Holly has a holistic approach to health and teaches her clients to understand and identify current habits that are not working for them and how to adapt their lifestyle for them to get the results they want.