23. Exclusion diets
We all know, that some specific products can worsen the eczema symptoms. For instance, try cutting out dairy and wheat from your diet and observe how it affects your skin. It goes without saying that you should avoid processed food as much as possible and lean towards natural, simple food.
24. Clothes revision
Same exclusion principle as with food you can try with your clothes. You might have an allergy to certain materials like wool, silk or some synthetic fabrics, which can aggravate the eczema condition. Try to exclude various materials and detect whether it is impacting your skin condition.
25. Change of the washing powder
Sometimes the washing powder or liquid we use can be too aggressive, containing strong detergents and synthetic fragrances. Instead try out some of the eco brands, which would be also good for the environment.
26. Regular hygiene
It is important to keep skin clean and take a shower according to your condition. But keep in mind that water may dry out the skin, therefore apply a moisturizer regularly and especially after a shower.
27. Natural body wash
Same as with washing your clothes, we advise to give it a try to the more natural body washes. Drugstore shower gels can irritate and dry out the skin, which is mostly due to the SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) as an ingredient – it does create a lot of nice foam but it also over dries the skin. The Puracy Natural Body Wash
28. Saltwater baths
Natural seawater or sea salt baths made at home have a positive effect on helping to cure eczema. To make your bath even more enjoyable, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
However, you should avoid high salt concentration if you have an acute phase of eczema with open cuts.
29. Hiking at higher altitude
Or just relaxing in a sunbed on a terrace of the mountain hotel.
Cleaner air in the mountains is very beneficial for curing eczema, as well as asthma. Such eczema aggravating things like dust mites, pollen or fungi are less present in a fresh air environment.
30. Massage
n the severity of the skin rash, massage can help with fighting eczema through reducing anxiety. Especially beneficial is a massage using oil that is rich in linoleic acid (like coconut or sunflower oil).
31. Habit reversal
Although scratching occurs as a response to the initial itching, it can develop into an unconscious behavior stimulated by various activities and situations. Habit reversal therapy makes you aware of your behavior so it becomes conscious again. It also provides strategies on how to identify situations that provoke scratching and how to deal with them.
Alternative medicine to treat eczema
32. Aromatherapy
Creating an oil blend that will help to heal eczema is another great idea that should not be underestimated. For example, this Art Naturals Essential Oil Diffuser 100ml & Top 16 Essential Oil Set
33. Homeopathy
As an alternative method, homeopathy provides slow but steady results. But a little goes a long way, as the famous saying states. The basis of the treatment is a belief that a substance that causes certain symptoms in a healthy person can be used to cure similar symptoms in an unhealthy person. Usually, the first treatment step is to fight the itching and afterward – to cure other symptoms of eczema.
34. Reflexology
Reflexology is meant to stimulate certain body areas (in particular, on the feet) in order to reduce stress. Parts of the sole below the big toes are connected to the adrenal glands (located on the kidneys) responsible for the production of the hormone which calms down itching.
35. Hypnotherapy
Another alternative method that can be prescribed by your doctor is hypnosis. It can help with controlling the habit of scratching, thus reducing the itchiness.
36. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese medicine. It is believed that the body motivating energy is flowing in a smooth way beneath the skin and if this flow gets imbalanced, various kinds of diseases like eczema can occur. Acupuncture therapy uses very fine needles by inserting them into these channels of energy, meant to bring the balance back.
37. Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine uses various plant extracts in ointment or mixtures. Prepare oral substances by boiling the herbs in water and then drink the liquid.
38. Other herbal medicines
Other herbal treatments include, for instance, chamomile, arnica, and tea tree oil, normally used as an additive in the creams r lotions.
39. Thai Chi
It is important to introduce stress-fighting exercises into your workout routine. Thai chi can be a great option for improving emotional stability on top of the physical benefits.
40. Meditation
You don’t need much to meditate – just 10 minutes of your time every day. Many people are hesitant to start meditation because they don’t know where to start. The main principle of meditation is not to calm down per se, but to observe the flow of thoughts and to reverse the attention to the presence. Meditation, in the long run, helps feeling more relaxed, mindful and in control of your life.
Please note that if you decide to incorporate some of the oils or creams in your skincare routine, do a skin patch test first. And keep in mind that prior to trying out any of the above-mentioned methods, you should seek advice from your general practitioner.
References
- Eczema: what really works: treatments and therapies / Carolyn Charman and Sandra Lawton. – London: Robinson, 2006. – VI, 215 p: ill; 20 cm. ISBN 1845290712
- Constitutioneel eczeem / einredactie E. H. Coene, H. Vinke; redactie H. van Duijn, S. Kollard. – Derde druk, [Amsterdam]: Stichting September, 2015. – 180 pagina’s: ilustratie; 28 cm. ISBN 978-90-8648-301-3
- Leven met eczeem / Pauline Dirven-Meijer, Anton de Groot; [cartoons: Marcel Jurriens]. – Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum, 2011. – 158 p : ill; 21 cm. ISBN 978-90-313-8716-8
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
