Skin Care for Eczema

Eczema is a kind of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. It is widely associated with various skin conditions like rashes, Varicose eczema, dry itchy eczema, winter itch, hereditary eczema, cradle cap in infants, redness and swelling, blistering, flaking etc. Eczema can be triggered by an allergic reaction towards certain foods or skin care products.

Prevention is better than cure in this condition so it is better to avoid these triggers. Some foods known to have caused allergy are; ginger, onion, ladies finger – they are high in mineral content. Other food like nuts, cucumber radish, oranges, papayas, watermelon should be avoided.

It is good to keep away from aerated drinks, ice creams, spices and oily stuff. Some external irritants like strong scented soaps, perfumes, cosmetic creams and lotions can trigger eczema. Also do not bathe in hot water use either cold or lukewarm water, and avoid using a rough towel.

Apart from these preventive measures you can use some home remedies to cure this condition.

1) Make a paste of sandalwood by rubbing a sandalwood stick on a rough (clean) surface and apply this paste on the affected area, sandalwood has cooling properties.

2) Apply the juice of carrot or grapes on the affected area for 10 to 15 days, it is an effective home remedy for eczema.

3) Wash the affected area twice daily with turmeric water or neem water, to prepare this water boil turmeric/neem leaves in water for at least 5 minutes, strain and cool. Use this water to clean the affected area instead of using a soap.

4) Use the pulp of fresh strawberry 2 to 3 times in a day on the affected area.

5) Take sun bath or steam bath since sunbath helps in killing the bacteria. Sunbath can cause sweating so ensure that you take a lukewarm shower after sun bath.