Millions of dollars and some of the smartest minds in the world have gone into studying eczema, yet neither the disease’s causes nor a treatment have been entirely resolved.
While most people with eczema get relief with traditional treatments, a small percentage still have symptoms even after trying the finest drugs, and many more experience unpleasant side effects from treatments that aren’t always safe or effective.
It should come as no surprise that the majority of eczema sufferers are still looking for better treatment choices and that over 50% of eczema patients have tried alternative medicine or home remedies.
An Explanation of Eczema “Therapies”
Alternative therapies can be defined in a practical sense as treatments or systems that have not been adequately or at all examined or that have been studied and shown to be persuasively ineffective, therefore, they cannot be advocated.
The issue is that there are too many sources offering anecdotal evidence and not enough means to adequately evaluate each one. It appears there is no simple answer to this problem; thus, many options will remain that way for a long time. So, let’s discuss some of the best treatment for eczema.
1. Wet wrapping
You can alleviate some of the symptoms of eczema by using wet wrapping. It prevents dry skin and enhances the efficacy of topical therapies.
A healthcare provider may begin by applying a topical medicine to the region in question. Afterward, a damp bandage will be applied, followed by dry bandages.
Wet wraps may be applied at home with their help; they can also demonstrate the process. Wet wrapping instructions are available from the NEA.
The warm, moist conditions under the wrap are perfect for the growth of germs and fungus, so keep that in mind.
2. Phototherapy
When topical treatments fail to alleviate severe or widespread eczema, phototherapy—also known as light therapy—may be an option. In this procedure, a device that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to penetrate the skin is utilized. The UV rays impede the skin’s inflammatory reaction.
There is a lot of UVB light. There are, however, UVA-based eczema treatments.
When you expose your skin to PUVA light after taking the medicine psoralen, it is referred to as PUVA treatment. Doing so might increase your skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. The National Eye Institute (NES) reports that a course of phototherapy treatment usually lasts 12–16 weeks and entails 2-3 sessions weekly.
3. Baths with bleach
You can make a bleach bath by mixing a little bleach with your bath water. The bleach can fight illnesses like staph and hydrate your skin.
Researchers in 2017 discovered that bleach baths could alleviate eczema symptoms for some patients. However, there wasn’t any proof that bleach baths were more effective than ordinary baths in relieving symptoms.
To alleviate symptoms, the NEA recommends including the following in your frequent baths:
Baking soda or oatmeal can help with itching, salt can lessen the sting of water during an outbreak, and vinegar can destroy germs. An unscented bath oil can also be helpful.
Before treating your severe eczema with bleach baths, you should see a healthcare provider. They can answer questions such as what amount of bleach to use and how frequently to take one.
4. Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine
This is a challenging field to research since the imbalances in the body that cause eczema, and not the flare-ups themselves, are the targets of herbal remedies. There could be some truth to this, as some smaller studies have shown beneficial results.
5. Treatments that rely on natural substances
Because of its hydrating and perhaps antimicrobial qualities, coconut oil is a go-to for eczema sufferers.
There are a lot of plants and natural chemicals in this area, so it’s hard to tell which ones work for eczema and dry skin, but a number of them can.
A common moisturizer for eczema and other dry skin conditions is coconut oil. Additionally, it could be antimicrobial. Coconut oil is also a common ingredient in many skin care products.
Itchy skin, rashes, blisters, and an improved skin barrier and immune system are all areas that might benefit from the topical use of sunflower seed oil. Some sensitive skin ointments and soaps also contain sunflower oil.
Other possible treatments
You may get relief from severe eczema with certain alternative therapies.
The NEA suggests using sunflower oil on the afflicted area to help hydrate it and decrease inflammation. If you’re worried about bacterial infection, try using coconut oil.
Some people get relief after using dietary supplements and vitamins. A few examples are:
- vitamin D
- selenium
- fish oil
- zinc
- turmeric
- prebiotics
- probiotics
- primrose oil
- melatonin
There is a lack of evidence to back up the claims made by these dietary supplements and vitamins. Serious hazards may result from medication interactions, therefore, it’s important to discuss this with a doctor.
In the end!
Both patients and providers may feel overwhelmed by the vast array of options presented by alternative therapy. Wet wraps, bleach baths, tea tree oil in bathwater, colloidal oatmeal baths, and countless more remedies exist for eczema than those listed here.
Keep in mind that any negative effects from these natural and alternative remedies should be carefully considered before adding them to any prescription or over-the-counter medicine. The key to success, whether you’re using traditional or alternative treatment, is finding a dermatologist who is knowledgeable about eczema, trustworthy, and willing to confess when something isn’t working.
