Eczema is a disease that affects the skin, causing unsightly and uncomfortable patches of dry, flaky and red skin. This is not ordinary dry skin although it can be made worse by the same things that cause dry skin such as dry air and exposure to some chemicals. The eczema rashes generally do not respond to the treatments used to heal dry skin. There are many treatments available to treat eczema but most contain synthetic ingredients which can lead to negative side effects. Recently, studies have been conducted on natural eczema treatments, some of which have been proven to be effective.
Surprisingly, the one treatment that has shown great promise is not a topical ointment but rather something eaten. There is some evidence that probiotics, when added to the regular diet of young children and infants, can reduce current rashes and prevent the onset of new ones. Probiotics have the added advantage of providing those that consume them with a host of other health benefits.
Most commonly, treatments for eczema are topical in nature, intended to be used right on the patches of dry skin themselves. Most have a hydrocortisone base and are filled with chemicals. Luckily, there are some made from the extracts of plants that contain no unnatural ingredients. As with all treatments, some are more successful for some than others.
One option that has been recently studied is a cream made from the chamomile plant. When used over a two week time span, many users enjoyed a reduction in the size and severity of their rashes. When compared to a hydrocortisone cream most of those who used it reported more success with the chamomile cream.
Another option for sufferers may be witch hazel. Although it has not been as widely tested it has shown some success for users. More testing is needed to determine effective dosage.
Licorice root is a third option for those who are looking to treat their rashes without using chemicals. It had very promising results in studies with users reporting significant reduction of the redness, swelling and itch of their eczema patches.
As with any treatment, it is important to discuss the options with a health care provider. Also be aware that some people would like to make some cash by selling things that have not been proven to be effective and in some cases may be harmful. Take the time to find out exactly what is in anything you intend to use in or on your body.
Surprisingly, the one treatment that has shown great promise is not a topical ointment but rather something eaten. There is some evidence that probiotics, when added to the regular diet of young children and infants, can reduce current rashes and prevent the onset of new ones. Probiotics have the added advantage of providing those that consume them with a host of other health benefits.
Most commonly, treatments for eczema are topical in nature, intended to be used right on the patches of dry skin themselves. Most have a hydrocortisone base and are filled with chemicals. Luckily, there are some made from the extracts of plants that contain no unnatural ingredients. As with all treatments, some are more successful for some than others.
One option that has been recently studied is a cream made from the chamomile plant. When used over a two week time span, many users enjoyed a reduction in the size and severity of their rashes. When compared to a hydrocortisone cream most of those who used it reported more success with the chamomile cream.
Another option for sufferers may be witch hazel. Although it has not been as widely tested it has shown some success for users. More testing is needed to determine effective dosage.
Licorice root is a third option for those who are looking to treat their rashes without using chemicals. It had very promising results in studies with users reporting significant reduction of the redness, swelling and itch of their eczema patches.
As with any treatment, it is important to discuss the options with a health care provider. Also be aware that some people would like to make some cash by selling things that have not been proven to be effective and in some cases may be harmful. Take the time to find out exactly what is in anything you intend to use in or on your body.
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