Atopic skin may not be a serious problem, but it is certainly a very annoying condition that causes itching, redness, and general discomfort. The problem comes when you give in to the itchiness and scratch, causing the skin to crack, bleed and more prone to infection.
So far, there is no treatment that completely cures atopic dermatitis, but there are certain remedies that can help you minimize its signs and cope with the condition in the best possible way.
These natural remedies that we propose are not going to cure your atopic dermatitis once and for all, but they can help you control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. So grab a pen and paper, because here are all the home remedies that will help you have healthier skin.
Index
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries to treat many skin conditions, and one of them is atopic skin. Among the properties that aloe vera has are its antibacterial and antimicrobial function , an aid to prevent skin infections that are more susceptible in atopic skin.
The healing properties of aloe vera can soothe damaged and dry skin and promote healing.
How to use? You can buy aloe vera gel in a store or buy an aloe vera plant directly and take the gel directly from its leaves.
If you go the commercial option, choose products with few ingredients, without preservatives, alcohol, fragrances and dyes, all of which can irritate sensitive skin and make eczema worse.
Start by applying a small amount of gel to check the sensitivity of the skin. Sometimes aloe vera can cause burning or stinging, however, in general, it is safe and effective for use in adults and children, both for the skin of the body and the face.
Apple vinager
Apple cider vinegar is a very popular home remedy for treating some skin disorders, long used to relieve skin inflammation and burns.
This can benefit atopic skin, however, you must be careful and dilute it, as the acids in vinegar can damage soft tissues and cause burns.
No research has confirmed that apple cider vinegar reduces eczema symptoms, but there are several reasons why it might help:
It balances the acidity levels of the skin , this is beneficial because skin with atopic dermatitis can have a more basic pH than normal skin, something that can weaken its defenses, and the acidic effect of vinegar can help balance it.
In contrast, many soaps, detergents, and cleaners are alkaline, and can alter the acidity of the skin, which can leave it vulnerable to damage. This may explain why washing with certain soaps can cause eczema flare-ups.
Another benefit is that apple cider vinegar can help fight skin bacteria , including Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. The acid in apple cider vinegar helps prevent damaged skin from becoming infected.
How to use? Before applying it to the skin, always dilute it in water to prevent further damage. You can use it in a wrap, or add it to the bathroom.
Mix 250 ml of warm water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, soak a cotton wrap or gauze with the mixture and apply it on the affected skin for 3 hours. To use in the bathroom, pour 500 ml of apple cider vinegar into a warm bath, and soak for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse yourself well.
Evening primrose oil and borage oil
The gamma-linolenic acids (GLA) present in evening primrose oil and borage oil are a type of essential fatty acid beneficial for skin with eczema.
Gamma-linolenic acids are believed to correct deficiencies in skin lipids that can trigger inflammation, which is why it is used for the problem of atopic dermatitis.
How to use? These oils can be applied both as with a topical cream, as ingested as a dietary supplement.
Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal that has been ground and boiled to extract its healing properties for the skin. These properties include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects , something that improves skin dryness, intense itching and roughness of atopic skin.
How to use? Colloidal oatmeal can be used in a number of ways. You can add it to a warm bath to soak in for a few minutes. You can also choose a colloidal oatmeal product that has oats as the only ingredient (avoiding those with fragrances or additives). Lotions and creams that contain colloidal oatmeal are also widely available.
Colloidal oatmeal is generally safe for all skin types and ages, but people who are allergic to oats should avoid it. People who are allergic to gluten should be careful, as oats are often processed with wheat.
Turmeric
This is not a topical treatment, but an oral one. It’s research proven that turmeric can help reduce inflammation from various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis.
Everything is thanks to curcumin, an antioxidant compound present in this spice that protects the skin from harmful free radicals, which prevents the inflammation that these could cause.
How to use? Incorporate turmeric into your diet at the rate of one teaspoon of coffee daily. You can cook with it, sprinkle it on top of your dishes or add it to smoothies.
Bleach baths
Although it may seem dangerous, research indicates that bleach baths can improve eczema symptoms due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects .
Diluted bleach in the bathroom can kill bacteria on the skin’s surface, including Staphylococcus Aureus, which causes staph infections. This can restore the skin’s surface microbiome, making topical corticosteroid or antibiotic treatments unnecessary.
How to use?
To make a bleach bath, add 120 ml of normal bleach to a bathtub filled with water or 1 teaspoon of bleach per liter of water. Bathe for 5-10 minutes and rinse your skin well. Use lukewarm water to prevent skin from drying out, and moisturize immediately after drying.
If you experience any discomfort, irritation or redness during the bath, you should stop doing it. People with asthma or respiratory problems should refrain from taking bleach baths, due to the strong gases it can give off.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids that can add moisture to the skin , which can help people with dry skin and eczema.
Additionally, virgin coconut oil can protect the skin by helping fight inflammation and improving the health of the skin barrier.
A clinical trial looked at the effects of applying virgin coconut oil on children’s skin. The results show that using the oil for 8 weeks improved eczema symptoms better than mineral oil.
How to use? Apply cold-pressed coconut oil directly to skin after bathing and up to several times a day. It is advisable to apply it before going to bed to keep the skin hydrated overnight.
People who are allergic to coconut should not use coconut oil.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help block a chemical in the body called arachidonic acid, responsible for inflammation .
How to use? Add a few tablespoons of flax seeds to your daily diet, yogurt, salads, bread, or smoothies. You can also use flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil as a dressing for salads and vegetables.
Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and it has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burns and wounds for centuries.
This confirms that it can stimulate the functioning of the immune system, which means that it can help the body fight infections .
Applied directly to atopic skin, honey can help prevent infection while hydrating the skin and speeding up its healing.
How to use? Apply a thin layer of pure honey to damaged skin.
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil is used for the treatment and cure of many skin conditions and problems, including atopic dermatitis. This is due to the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing properties of the oil .
With its help you can relieve dry and itchy skin and help prevent infections.
How to use? Remember that essential oils must always be diluted before using them on the skin. You can mix it with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, and then apply the solution to the affected areas.
Due to the lack of research on most of these remedies, they may not all work for your specific problem and condition. In that case, we recommend that you use the best cream for atopic skin you can find, since many of them are tested by dermatologists and doctors.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.