Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, or scaly skin, rashes, blisters, and infection. It is often triggered by stress, certain foods, harsh chemicals, and environmental factors.
Eczema can come and go throughout a person’s life and, though it doesn’t have a definitive cure, there are effective treatments. Dermatologists typically prescribe antihistamines, topical steroid creams, and corticosteroids. However, many patients are interested in less harsh, natural remedies for this condition.
This article lists the 13 best holistic eczema treatment methods and explains how they may alleviate the symptoms.
Can Eczema Go Away Naturally? 13 Holistic Eczema Treatment Methods
A holistic esthetician addresses potential root causes of eczema along with the symptoms. They use products with plant-based ingredients and treatment methods that address the patient’s lifestyle habits and hormonal status.
Limited studies and anecdotal experience show the following natural remedies and methods for holistic eczema treatment have great potential in alleviating eczema.
Note: Eczema is a form of skin inflammation, meaning that treating eczema involves anti-inflammatory foods, products, and treatments. Learn more about what inflammation is, and discover 17 ways to reduce inflammation holistically.
1. Natural Oils
The protective skin barrier in patients with eczema is disturbed and they need suitable moisturizing solutions to restore it. Natural oils like coconut, sunflower, and jojoba have proven effective in restoring skin barrier function and they also have anti-inflammatory properties, preventing bacteria from infecting cracked, dry skin.
However, not all oils benefit patients with eczema. For example, researchers found olive oil to be damaging to the skin barrier.
Natural oils need to be cold-pressed, because heat and chemicals that are added during oil extraction can irritate sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory, soothing properties. Patients with eczema can temporarily relieve symptoms of dryness and itchiness by applying pure, high-quality aloe vera gel or juice to patches of affected skin.
Note: Our very own Vibrant Skin CBD Recovery Mask with CBD and organic aloe vera helps heal inflamed skin and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal creates a protective barrier that calms red, inflamed skin. It is available as pure powder or as part of certain natural skincare products. You can also make it at home by grinding traditional oat flakes into fine powder. When mixed with warm water, the powdered oats form a colloidal mixture that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects on irritated skin.
4. Diet Modification
Certain foods are often associated with an increase in eczema flare-ups. They include dairy, eggs, gluten, peanuts, sugars, fried, and processed foods. Holistic estheticians educate their patients in making better food choices, teaching them how to identify eczema triggers and eliminate those foods from their diet.
5. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Trillions of bacteria live in our intestines and on the skin. Many of them support our gut and immune health, including probiotics. When our gut microbiome is out of balance, experts advise we supplement probiotics through dietary supplements or foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Probiotics are most effective when used with prebiotics - sugars that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics are abundant in garlic, onions, oats, asparagus, bananas, etc. They can also be found in the form of supplements.
Studies have found that probiotics and prebiotics decrease inflammatory responses in eczema patients.
6. Vitamins
Studies demonstrate that vitamin D, E, and B12 supplementation significantly improves eczema symptoms.
Vitamin D improves skin barrier function and helps regulate the immune system.
Vitamin E is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, helping to relieve itching skin and prevent scarring.
Vitamin B12 reduces the duration and severity of eczema by reducing the production of nitric oxide, a pro-inflammatory mediator in eczema patients.
Note: Looking for ways to include more vitamins in your daily routine? Vibrant Skin Bar offers nutritional supplements, nutritional IV therapy, and vitamin B12 injections (pure or enhanced with a fat-burning ingredient). Consult our team of experts to determine which option would benefit you the most.
7. Stress Management
Stress is thought to be one of the leading causes of eczema. The stress hormone, cortisol, inhibits the immune system, resulting in skin inflammation. Studies show decreased inflammation and chronic itching in eczema patients who practice meditation.
Holistic estheticians use various modalities (e.g., meditation and breathing techniques) to ease the patient’s tension and help them acquire more sustainable stress management techniques.
Other relaxation techniques that patients can use to combat stress include yoga, walking, music, and other feel-good hobbies.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice that involves inserting tiny needles into the skin to improve various health conditions. Studies have found it improves the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema, especially itching. It also relieves stress, a common eczema trigger. Acupuncture is one of the common techniques used for holistic eczema treatment.
9. Acupressure
Acupressure is a similar healing technique to acupuncture, only without needle use. The therapist stimulates specific points on the body using their fingers and hands to relieve stress and reduce the symptoms of skin inflammation.
10. Massage
Massage is an important aspect of holistic therapy. It positively affects eczema-prone skin via multiple mechanisms:
- It lowers cortisol levels and reduces stress.
- It increases circulation, enabling faster healing of lesions and cracks.
- Natural oils used during the massage soothe and hydrate the skin.
11. LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy mimics the effects of sunlight, increasing vitamin D production and reducing inflammation and itching. Holistic estheticians sometimes pair LED light therapy with facials and soothing moisturizers.
Note: Vibrant Skin Bar offers a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments, including LED light therapy. Consult our team to determine if LED light therapy would be beneficial for you.
12. Facials
Holistic facials involve the use of natural skincare products to cleanse and nourish the skin. The provider customizes the treatment for eczema patients, using non-irritating cleansers and creams.
Note: Vibrant Vitality Clinic offers various holistic skin care treatments to address eczema, dry or inflamed skin, acne, and other skin conditions.
13. Gentle Moisturizers
Eczema patients need to avoid harsh skincare chemicals and use mild, fragrance-free products. Holistic skin care involves only naturally sourced ingredients that soothe sensitive and irritated skin. Holistic estheticians choose each product carefully to match the patient’s skin type and issue.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If you experience severe eczema symptoms and your skin doesn’t respond to natural remedies, you may want to visit a dermatologist. Severe eczema can lead to additional complications such as asthma and allergies, and even result in hospitalization.
If you experience the following, seek medical help:
- Increased frequency and severity of flare-ups.
- The severity of the rashes and itching interrupt daily activities and sleep.
- Eczema spreads to new parts of the body.
- Signs of infection, such as swelling and oozing from the lesions.
Conclusion
Eczema is a widespread skin condition with a complex variety of causes. It is important to customize the treatment to each patient because they respond differently to products and solutions.
Many patients seek natural, holistic solutions to avoid the side effects of conventional medication. However, science is catching up with many of these treatments, confirming their therapeutic potential for eczema patients.
