Natural Eczema Treatment

The term eczema is used to refer to a wide range of skin conditions that affect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), causing symptoms ranging from redness and itching to blistering and bleeding. While the inflammation of the epidermis is rarely a dangerous condition, this disease can nevertheless result in intense discomfort.

Eczema affects all age groups, but it can be particularly problematic in young children. The condition not only results in behavioural problems and mood changes in affected children, but the use of potent steroid medication to treat the condition can result in unwelcome and sometimes harmful side effects.

As a result, natural eczema remedies are increasingly a focus of study and treatment for this condition. Before discussing the benefits of a natural approach to alleviating eczema symptoms it’s worth considering the conventional treatments for this condition.

Eczema Medication

Corticosteroids are the most frequently prescribed medication for eczema. This medication is not an eczema cure as it does not treat the source of the condition, but is instead used to eliminate or control the most uncomfortable symptoms.

Corticosteroid medication is typically applied directly to the affected region of skin in the form of a cream, and will generally provide immediate relief. However, since the underlying cause is not being addressed, repeat usage is often required and can create unwelcome side effects.

Prolonged usage of corticosteroid medication is associated with:

• Destruction of the epidermis through thinning of the skin
• Suppression of the immune system, leading to secondary skin infections
• Suppression of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Unfortunately, with few mainstream medical alternatives to eczema treatment available, the alternative to a topical cream is usually the ingestion or injection of more potent steroid medication, which results in even more intense side effects.

Immunosuppressant medication is another approach to treating eczema, and provides relief from symptoms by suppressing immune system functioning in the affected area. While research in this area has been promising, and the treatment yields satisfactory results for some populations, it is also associated with the risk of side effects, including:

• Possible increased risk of lymph node and skin cancers
• Possible reactivity with other medications
• Skin flushing
• Headaches & flu like symptoms

Finally, doctors may prescribe antihistamine medication for eczema sufferers.

Antihistamine medication is traditionally used to treat the symptoms of insect bites and stings, as well as severe itching.

This medication can therefore be helpful in alleviating the severe itching associated with eczema. However, some antihistamine medication can also produce undesired side effects, and it’s not recommended for use for children under the age of 2.

Natural Eczema Treatment

It is immediately evident that while medical treatments for eczema may be beneficial, those undergoing treatment are at risk of side effects.

While these side effects may be worth the relief for adult eczema sufferers, children suffering from the condition can suffer stronger side effects which may aggravate behavioural problems associated with eczema.

As a result traditional natural remedies continue to be a popular choice for alleviating eczema symptoms. These tend to be milder, avoid suppressing the sufferer’s immune system and don’t cause damage to the sensitive skin and nervous systems of young children.

Traditional natural treatments for eczema include:

• Cold-pressed coconut oil
• Aloe Vera gel
• Chamomile lotion

The above ingredients are usually used in combination with a skin moisturizing regime, which focuses on preventing the skin drying and thereby exacerbating eczema symptoms.

Treating Eczema with Buchu

For centuries the Buchu herb has a reputation as a potent medicinal herb, and has been used to treat conditions ranging from stomach ailments to urinary tract infections. Over recent years BuchuLife has commissioned extensive research on this herb, producing clear findings of the Buchu herb’s effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

One of the products that has been produced as a result of this research, the BuchuLife First Aid Gel, has since proven to be highly effective in the treatment of eczema, particularly amongst children.

Not only does Buchu gel provide fast relief from the symptoms of eczema and alleviate inflammation of the epidermis and associated pain, but the herb’s potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties assist in preventing secondary symptoms resulting from bacterial and fungal infections.

In addition, the use of this herb is completely safe for adults and children alike, and does not result in the potentially damaging side effects associated with corticosteroid treatments. This once again renders it an ideal treatment for very young children suffering from eczema.

Prevention is part of the cure

While natural remedies like BuchuLife First Aid Gel have the potential to effectively manage eczema cases, it is worth considering whether the condition is the product of environmental factors.

Diet is by far the most important factor in causing the symptoms of eczema. Many people exhibit low tolerance for wheat and dairy products, which can easily result in allergic reactions that may present as eczema. In additions, well known food allergens such as soya, nuts and coffee can cause or exacerbate eczema symptoms.

A simple test for allergic sensitivity to a range of common foods will quickly determine whether any of these foods is the culprit.

In addition artificial colourants, flavourants, sweeteners and preservatives can also cause eczema symptoms. Withdrawing all processed foods from the diet and monitoring symptoms is the simplest way to determine whether eczema has resulted from a reaction to these food ingredients.

Finally, seasonal eczema is often the result of pollens and other airborne contaminants. The simplest way to prevent eczema from manifesting from these is to install an air conditioner with an air filtration system in the home - ensuring that it also allows for moisture control to prevent dry air from exacerbating eczema symptoms.