3-Step Home Remedy For Naturally Treating Your Eczema

If you are undergoing treatment for eczema, you may still experience some itching and irritation caused by the skin condition. Although you may have prescription ointments and have made the recommended lifestyle changes, you may wonder if you can do anything else for relief. If so, use the following three-step home remedy using ingredients found in grocery stores and pharmacies.

Step 1:  Soak In A Milk Bath

Soaking in a short milk bath helps to soothe the itch and irritation caused by your eczema. When taking your bath, limit your time to 10 minutes. Also, make sure the water is room temperature because heat can cause more irritation to your inflamed skin.

When selecting the type of milk to use for your bath, choose the one with the highest fat content. The fat gives the milk a thicker consistency that will coat your skin better. While whole milk serves this purpose, you could try heavy cream or half and half.

After filling your bathtub with lukewarm water, mix in three cups of room temperature milk. Soak for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off your skin with clean, slightly warm water. Once you have patted yourself dry, go on to the next step.

Step 2:  Use An Oatmeal And Honey Mask

After soaking in the milk bath, the next step in this treatment involves applying an oatmeal and honey mask. The oatmeal in the mask draws out irritants and soothes your itchy skin. The honey also soothes irritation, but it also clears out impurities and germs that could inflame your already sensitive skin.

When selecting your ingredients, use old-fashioned, steel-cut oats. These provide you with oats in their most natural condition, as opposed to instant oatmeal that has already been partially processed for faster cooking.

For your honey, raw, organic varieties contain the least amount of impurities and chemicals. Honey that has been processed contains these elements that could cause further irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

In a small bowl, mix together equal parts of the honey and oatmeal. The amount will depend on the area you will be treating. For example, if you are using the mask on your hands, use a half of a cup of each. However, if you need to apply it to both legs, use two cups of each to give you better coverage.

After mixing the mask, apply a thin layer over your problem areas. Let the mask remain for five minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and go on to the final step.

Step 3:  Smooth On Lotion Made From Aloe Vera And Coconut Oil

The final step in treating your eczema symptoms is to smooth on a homemade lotion made from aloe vera and coconut oil. The aloe vera calms the inflammation and aids in the healing of your skin cells. The coconut oil is used to help soak the lotion further into the pores to trap moisture, as well as create a barrier to keep the treatment on longer.

In an empty lotion bottle, mix together three tablespoons of 100% pure aloe vera gel and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Replace the cap and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients together. Allow the bottle to sit for an hour to give them time to meld.

When you are ready to use it, smooth on a thin layer. Then, gently rub the mixture into your skin and allow it to air dry.

When used once a day, the above home treatment should give you additional relief from your eczema. However, if you notice that your condition is getting worse or you experience a flare-up, you may want to contact your dermatology service to discuss further treatment options.