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How to Cure Eczema Fast at Home – 12 Effective Home Remedies

According to The National Eczema Association, a non-profit organization, 31M people in America live with eczema. They increase public awareness of the disease and educate patients affected by eczema. How to cure eczema fast at home is useful information that will help patients with dermatitis who are under medication and are looking for home remedies for eczema1.

Natural remedies for eczema are good alternative treatments if you are looking for tips on how to cure eczema fast at home.

1. Eczema

What is Eczema? - Eczema, Dry skin, and How to Treat

Eczema is a condition where you get inflamed skin that causes dry skin, red rashes, blisters, scaly patches, and skin infections. It varies from person to person, and different people get it in different areas of the body.

There is no reason for what exactly causes eczema and why eczema occurs; it could be a poor immune system, a family history of allergies or asthma, or having skin that lets moisture out and is prone to letting in germs easily. This skin condition will need medical help if severe, or if the skin infections are mild, you can look for natural remedies on how to cure eczema fast at home.

2. Eczema Symptoms

Eczema - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Eczema symptoms are many, and it is better to seek medical attention if the symptoms tend to prolong and are severe. Some of the most common symptoms of eczema are:

  1. Dry, scaly, and cracked Skin

  2. Red rashes

  3. Itchy skin

  4. Painful lesions

  5. Thickness where the rashes appear

  6. Fluid-filled blisters

3. Types of Eczema

3.1. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is a long-lasting form of eczema that can flare up and usually comes up with asthma and hay fever. There is no medicine for this type of eczema, and if severe, you will have to go to a healthcare professional and seek help. It can be lifelong, and last for many years, and family history will increase all chances of getting Atopic Dermatitis2.

A good skincare routine and medications will help you cure your Atopic Dermatitis. A warm water bath with mild bar soap or a nonsoap cleanser is good to ease the discomfort caused by Atopic Dermatitis.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) | Atopic Triad, Triggers, Who gets it, Why does it happen, & Treatment

3.1.1. Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

  1. Red, itchy, scaly skin

  2. Red to brownish-grey patches on arms, hands, scalp, wrists, upper chest, face, neck, etc.

  3. Swollen and sensitive skin from scratching

  4. Fluid discharge from the blisters

3.2. Contact Dermatitis

What is contact dermatitis?

This treatable dermatitis is one of the most common types of dermatitis. This red and itchy rash could be the result of an allergy or reaction to a certain substance. Contact Dermatitis is not life-threatening and contagious but can irritate skin and cause discomfort. There are ways how to cure eczema fast at home using home remedies, and you can see if it works if you have contact dermatitis.

3.2.1. Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

  1. Blisters

  2. Dryness of skin

  3. Extreme itching

  4. Swelling

  5. Rashes

3.3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA OR POMPHOLYX: Causes,Symptoms, & Treatment - Dr. Aruna Prasad | Doctors' Circle

This type of eczema is not common, and there is no known cure; treatments will help. Good nutrition, self-care, and medication will help you tackle this type of eczema and give you some relief. The blisters can last for three to four weeks, and this eczema can also be lifelong. Sometimes there will be only a single flare, and sometimes flare-ups can come and go.

3.3.1. Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema

  1. Painful blisters on arms and feet

  2. Scaly skin

  3. Dry, cracked skin when the blisters fade

  4. An increase in sweating around the blister area

3.4. Nummular Eczema

Nummular Eczema - Daily Do's of Dermatology

If you have coin-like spots and rashes on your skin, it is better to get tested for Nummular Eczema. This again is one of the most common types of eczema, and it is better to seek medical help to get proper treatment.

3.4.1. Symptoms of Nummular Eczema

  1. Circular and itchy patches of skin on arms, legs, and body

  2. Itching and burning sensation

  3. Red, brown, or pinkish skin around the inflamed area

  4. Fluid oozing out of the lesions

3.5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis mainly affects the scalp and the oily areas of the body like the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, and chest. This skin condition is a common one and can be managed. It is not contagious, and a good way to prevent flare-ups of this type of dermatitis is by looking at how to cure eczema fast at home.

It can go away without any treatment; in certain cases, repeated treatments will be required before it goes away completely. Cold weather conditions and stress can cause this condition to aggravate.

Dermatitis/Eczema: A Brief Discussion of Types of Dermatitis and an Overview of Management Options

3.5.1. Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

  1. Skin flakes (dandruff) on scalp, eyebrows, mustache, and beard

  2. Red Skin

  3. Itching

  4. Patches of greasy skin with white or yellow scales on the scalp, face, eyebrows, eyelids, ears, armpits, under the breast, and the groin area.

3.6. Stasis Dermatitis

An Osteopathic Approach to Stasis Dermatitis and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

This inflammatory skin condition causes fluid build-up in the lower legs, and it is a condition that is treatable. Stasis Dermatitis can be lifelong or can go away after several years. It occurs when the blood circulation in your lower legs is not proper. The other names for this skin condition are gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or venous stasis dermatitis.

3.6.1. Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis

  1. Dry and itchy rashes

  2. Varicose Veins

  3. Discoloration of the skin

  4. Hyperpigmentation on the lower extremities

  5. Swelling around the ankles during daytime and goes away when you are sleeping to come back again the next day

4. Certain Foods To Avoid If You Have Eczema

  1. Cow Milk

  2. Eggs

  3. Peanuts

  4. Soy Products

  5. Shellfish

  6. Wheat

5. Things to Avoid if Your Skin is Eczema-Prone

  1. Animal Dander

  2. Body Wash

  3. Fabric Softener

  4. Perfumed Laundry Detergent

  5. Tight Clothes

  6. Scented Soaps (instead, use mild soaps)

  7. Woolen Clothes

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Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

6. How to Cure Eczema Fast at Home

How to cure eczema fast at home? Home remedies cannot fully cure eczema, but they will help to manage the symptoms in a better way and prevent eczema flares to a certain extent that can give some relief to the patients. Eczema treatments vary from patient to patient. It is advisable to get your eczema medically reviewed and check if complementary and alternative treatments work and give relief to your eczema-prone skin.

Some of the essential oils like Evening Primrose oil, Tea Tree oil, Jojoba oil, Peppermint oil, Calendula oil3, etc., are good if you have eczema-prone skin. You can add it to your bath and use it instead of applying it directly to the skin. Natural oils like Coconut oil are also recommended if you are looking for how to cure eczema fast at home.

6.1. Aloe Vera

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Photo by pisauikan on Unsplash

One of the reasons for eczema is due to skin dryness. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory effects, and its antibacterial properties give itch relief by hydrating the skin. This reduces the possibility of eczema getting worse. That makes Aloe Vera one of the best home remedies for eczema if you are looking for how to cure eczema fast at home. An Aloe plant at home can make a lot of difference to your irritated skin and give you some relief from itchy eczema.

6.2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar gives good relief from dermatitis. Mix equal measures of apple cider vinegar and water and gently pat it to the affected area using cotton. Let it dry on its own. You can see a difference in the skin texture. An apple cider vinegar bath is equally good for healing the skin damage caused due to eczema. Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water in the tub. Mix well and bathe in that water. If you are looking for how to cure eczema fast at home, then you can try using apple cider vinegar4.

6.3. Bleach Bath

Bacterial infections often cause eczema flares, and a bleach bath effectively destroys the bacteria on the skin that causes eczema. You can see a change in the redness of the skin, itchy skin, and scaling when you start having a bleach bath continuously. The National Eczema Association says taking bleach baths twice or thrice a week is good for eczema patients who are keen to know how to cure eczema fast at home. A small amount of household bleach in your bath will help, especially if you have atopic dermatitis.

6.4. Coconut Oil

Applying coconut oil is one of the safest home remedies for eczema treatments. Coconut oil’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties soothe the skin by moisturizing it. Coconut oil is a good choice if you are looking for options on how to cure eczema fast at home. You will be able to notice a considerable change in your skin after using coconut oil. Mix a bit of powdered oatmeal that works as a good scrub and exfoliates the skin.

6.5. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

A warm oatmeal bath is a good tool to relieve itchy eczema. Finely ground oatmeal is called colloidal oatmeal5, which locks the moisture into your skin, making it soft and supple. Adding a gentle pinch of colloidal oatmeal to your bath water is good to soothe your skin. Add colloidal oatmeal to your list of natural treatments on how to cure eczema fast at home.

6.6. Cool Compress

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Photo by Collin on Unsplash

Skin is always warm if there are eczema flare-ups, and a cool compress is an easy and simple way to control eczema at home. Cooling the skin and constricting the blood vessels remove the heat from the itchy skin and give it much-needed relief. To use a cold compress, use wet wraps and press it on the sensitive skin. You can apply a moisturizer after that on the skin.

6.7. Evening Primrose Oil

Many symptoms of eczema can be put under control by using this oil. You can apply it directly on the skin or hair and keep it as a mask before washing it off for a while. The fatty acids in this oil help to moisturize the skin, and applying it to the affected area will diminish scarring to a large extent. They are available in capsule form; you can check with your doctor before taking them.

6.8. Eczema Mittens & Gloves

Cotton Gloves For Eczema, Moisturizing Gloves OverNight Bedtime Cotton | Cosmetic Inspection

Eczema mittens are available for both adults and children as well. They will help to protect your cracked skin or broken skin. Wear gloves while washing dishes to protect your hands from allergens 6and harsh chemicals. Eczema mittens will protect the skin from getting scratched. Use the Eczema mittens with lubricating cream for both dry and wet wraps.

6.9. Olive Oil

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Photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash

The best way to use Olive Oil if you have eczema is put add three-four drops to your warm water bath instead of applying it directly to the skin. Olive Oil has low linoleic and oleic acid; constantly using it can damage the skin barrier and worsen your eczema.

6.10. Petroleum Jelly

The National Eczema Association confirms Petroleum Jelly works well if you have sensitive skin, and applying it on dry skin areas is good to keep the skin there moisturized, thereby reducing irritation, redness, and scales. This is one of the best ways how to cure eczema fast at home and lessen eczema flare-ups.

6.11. Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower oil taken from sunflower seeds has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The Vitamin E content in the Sunflower Seeds oil is good for enhancing your skin’s moisture content and reducing inflammation. After bathing your damp skin, mix it with water before applying it to the inflamed area.

6.12. Tea Tree Oil

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Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

The antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties of Tea Tree oil are some effective eczema treatments, especially for contact dermatitis. If you are looking for tips on how to cure eczema at home, Tea Tree oil is a good option to moisturize the skin and reduce the dryness of the skin.

7. Conclusion

Living with eczema can be challenging, but with the right management strategies, it is possible to control symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by this condition.

By understanding triggers, implementing proper skincare practices, and seeking medical advice when necessary, it is possible to find relief and achieve a better quality of life while managing eczema effectively.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They can provide you with expert guidance and support to manage your eczema effectively.

FAQ

1. What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with eczema often have a compromised skin barrier, making their skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens. Triggers such as allergens, irritants, climate, stress, and certain foods can worsen eczema symptoms.

2. Can eczema be cured?

There is currently no known cure for eczema. However, with proper management and treatment, it is possible to control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with eczema.

3. Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious. It is a non-infectious condition and cannot be transmitted from person to person through physical contact.

In case you liked this article, here is something more.

  1. Thyssen, Jacob P., et al. “Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema.” Contact Dermatitis 86.5 (2022): 357-378. ↩︎
  2. Frazier, Winfred, and Namita Bhardwaj. “Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.” American family physician 101.10 (2020): 590-598. ↩︎
  3. Ak, Gunes, et al. “Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils from Calendula officinalis L. flowers and leaves.” Flavour and Fragrance Journal 36.5 (2021): 554-563. ↩︎
  4. Hadi, Amir, et al. “The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 21.1 (2021): 179. ↩︎
  5. Capone, Kimberly, et al. “Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal Topical Atopic Dermatitis Cream on Skin Microbiome and Skin Barrier Properties.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD 19.5 (2020): 524-531. ↩︎
  6. Costa, Joana, et al. “Are physicochemical properties shaping the allergenic potency of animal allergens?.” Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology 62.1 (2022): 1-36. ↩︎

Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology

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