Emollient Creams
These can be used to sooth sore skin and ease itching. There are aromatherapy versions that use things like lavender for its antiseptic purposes and beeswax. Unlike conventional emollients, aromatherapy brands often do not contain parabens and other irritants.
Stop Scratching! – Use Hypnosis
Easier said than done, but scratching makes the eczema worse. If the urge is overwhelming, rub or press on the area instead. Some people have taken up hypnosis as a means of controlling the desire to scratch. Children can do this too.
Evening Primrose Oil
This might help ease eczema and is worth a try. You can either take them as capsules or break the capsules and put them on food (this can help disguise them for children). If you take them every day and see no response after three months, they probably aren’t going to help.
Sources:
Alternatives to steroid creams in atopic eczema, Royal Berkshire NHS Trust. Web. http://www.parentsown.co.uk/files/Alternatives_to_steroid_creams_in_atop...
IgE food sensitization in infants with eczema attending a dermatology department, J Pediatr. 2007 Oct;151(4):359-63. Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17889069
Eczema Cream, Lily Bee. Web. 28 March 2012. http://www.lilybee.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1838771-Eczema-Cream-.html
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/
She is author of the book, "Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation", and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting.
Reviewed March 28, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Add a Comment2 Comments
Food elimination is a good idea. I came upon the cause of my eczema purely by accident - I went on a diet and eliminated all sweets and processed sugar from my diet. The eczema was gone within two weeks. If I eat sweets now, I can feel the breakout coming as I start to itch. I know that sugar is not the cause for everyone, but it might be worth a try to eliminate it and see what happens!
April 8, 2012 - 7:19pmThis Comment
Great tips for natural eczema care! I'm glad you mention a supervised elimination diet - it's what really helped our son as allergy testing was inconclusive. Regarding allergies, don't forget that pets can be a big trigger for some children. Our son is highly sensitive to dogs and cats.
I just recorded a video called "Stuff Eczema Mamas Say" - it's fun and very relatable for many parents. http://youtu.be/E_dyC6DjhZc
Thanks again for the great piece!
March 29, 2012 - 8:21amJennifer
http://itchylittleworld.wordpress.com
http://eczemacompany.com