1- When a flare up of eczema happens, the use of antihistamines can be very affective in reducing the itching that will accompany it. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, especially in children.
2- The most common form of prescription that acts as a stand in for the cure for eczema is corticosteroids. While these can be very effective for reducing the redness and itching that are associated with eczema, they are not recommended for young children.
3- One of the most newest advancements in the hunt for the cure for eczema are topical immunomodulators (TIMs). These new drugs reduce the redness and itching of eczema without the use of steroids. The abcesnce of steroids means that the TIMs are safe for use in children.
4- There are some treatments that can be used in conjuntion with the medicines as you wait for a cure for eczema. The most important thing you can do for an adult or a child that has the issue of eczema is to moisturize, this will be the most effective tool for fighting the symptoms as they occur.
5- When flare-ups happen, a good course of treatment is to take a bath in lukewarm water. This doesn't need to be too long, about five minutes or so, just long enough to get the skin hydrated. After getting out of the bath, it is important to pat, not rub the skin dry. Immediately apply a good quality moisturizing cream, the skin is very receptive to the cream while it is still damp.
6- To keep comfortable, dress in loose fitting clothing that is made of 100% cotton. Cotton reduces sweating, which can lead to eczema outbreaks. Cotton also breaths, keeping the skin drier. It is best to avoid wool or any other roughly textured material, as the material can cause eczema flare ups. In fact, if you are wearing wool, it is best to use a cotton diaper between you and your child when holding them.
7- Another very effective way to combat flare-ups while waiting for a cure for eczema is to use cold compresses. The compress can be as simple as a damp washcloth. Just placing on the affected skin will help to take away some of the itching and other discomforts.
In Ayurveda, eczema is known as Vicharchika. It is caused due to the vitiation of all the three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha. Eczema is an infectious disease. It can spread from one person to another. It has been found to run in families. Especially if there is some allergy, then there is greater chance of eczema. Other factors that can bring on eczema are age, climate, food, stress and nature of skin. Eczema has more chances of occurring during puberty and menopause.
Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Eczema
- Babul (Acacia arabica) The bark of the babul tree is potent in the treatment of eczema. It is boiled in water and the fumes are used to foment the affected areas.
- Butea (Butea monosperma) In the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, its the seeds of the butea tree that are useful. The seeds of the butea are mixed with lime water and are applied on the affected regions to get the required benefits.
- Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Linseed is applied on the affected regions in the form of its oil mixed with lime water. This is effective in the treatment of many skin ailments including eczema.
- Madhuca (Madhuca indica) Madhuca leaves are used to get the madhuca oil. This is applied on the regions where the eczema has occurred to obtain relief.
Dietary Treatments for Eczema
The following dietary rules are very important for eczema patients to be obeyed:-
- Salt must be reduced in the diet.
- Sour foods must be avoided. This includes all pickles, curds, etc.
- Bitter tastes are useful. These are obtained from vegetables such as bitter gourd, bitter drumstick and flowers of the neem tree.
- Turmeric has a soothing effect on the skin. It must be used liberally in flavoring the food. Turmeric is also useful if it is applied locally over the affected parts.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema
Eczema is a constitutional disease. Its cause is deep-seated within the body. Hence external medications are not effective in eczema. With such medications, the outer symptoms may disappear, but the underlying cause remains. Ayurveda attempts at curing eczema from its roots. The method used is an elaborate process to purify the blood of the individual.
The different steps involved are:-
a) Snehana - This method oleates the skin, i.e. makes it smooth using oily preparations. b) Swedana - This method induces sweating which removes the toxins from the blood. c) Panchkarma - These are the five steps to improve the blood. They include vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), vasti (enema), siro-virechana (errhines) and rakta mokshana (blood-letting).
The following Ayurvedic preparations are used in the treatment of eczema:-
One teaspoonful of Panchatikta ghritam twice a day and one tablet of Arogyavardhini thrice a day are prescribed to all patients of eczema.
In addition, a dosage of 50 milligrams of Chaturmukha rasa with gold is prescribed to be taken twice a day along with 15 milliliters of Khadirarishta thrice a day. All treatments must be continued for one month.
Physicians would suggest massaging the area with Mahamarichyadi taila or Guduchyadi taila.
Home Remedies for Eczema
- Applying the juice of the wild almond (Terminalia catapa) on the affected parts provides relief.
- An emulsion can be made with the seeds of the karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and lemon juice. This is very beneficial if applied externally.
- An ointment is prepared using one part of sesame oil, sixteen parts of arka (Calatropics gigantica) and one part of turmeric. This should be applied externally.
- Prepare a brew of the peel of the banyan tree. Both drinking this brew and applying it externally over the affected parts show promising results.
- After meals, take one teaspoonful of Panchanimbadi choorna, which is available at all Ayurvedic outlets.
There are some other preventive methods that are necessary for people with eczema. These are enlisted below:-
- Soap must not be used over the affected regions. Mild soaps can be used, but it is best to avoid them. Hot water must not be used for baths. Adding some olive oil to the water helps.
- If the skin over the affected part is excessively dry, then a ghee or an oil massage will help. This will prevent the skin from erupting.
- People with eczema should take care that their bodies do not suffer from sudden extremities of climate. Hence, traveling must be done with care.
- The products of wool are not good for skins affected with eczema. Hence, people with eczema must avoid blankets and sweaters that are made of wool.
- People with eczema must take care that they do not sweat too much. Sweat can irritate the eczema.
Both John Mancini & Dr.Anna Hardy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Mancini has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dieting, Eczema and Dental Practice. John Mancini has been writing about Eczema online and offline for a long time. Visit or. John Mancini's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Dr.Anna Hardy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Eczema, Wellness and Skin Care. Read More on Eczema Treatment by Ayurveda and Eczema Home Remedies at Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia. Dr.Anna Hardy's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.