What can I do to relieve my Eczema?

Posted by: Anonymous

Date Entered: Sep 28, 2009

Last Update: Sep 28, 2009 - 6:25 PM

I have developed itchy patches of eczema in the crook of my elbows and behind my knees. I have tried a cream I got from the doctor and it helps for a while but then it seems to get worse again. Is there any herbal cream that would do the trick?

Herbal Remedies for Eczema?

Posted by: Deborah Grant

Date Entered: Sep 28, 2009

Eczema can be an uncomfortable condition and one that cannot usually be resolved but can be managed. Herbal Medicine usually manages eczema well and patients have been pleased with the results. I give patients a liquid tincture to take twice a day and also a cream, which is anti-inflammatory.

Aromatherapy and Eczema

Posted by: Beverley Hawkins

Date Entered: Sep 28, 2009

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which can be extremely itchy and sometimes has a sticky discharge. It often develops into blisters that weep and form crusty scabs. There are two main types of Eczema. Contact Eczema and atopic Eczema.

Contact Eczema, occurs as an almost instant reaction to contact on the skin from a substance which causes the skin to react. The trigger can be completely individual and varied. Contact with substances, such as household and industrial chemicals, cosmetics, nickel or other metals, often results in a local reaction.

Atopic Eczema, a chronic condition, is more difficult to deal with as it can be hard to pinpoint what it is that is actually causing the problem. There may be a family history of the problem, or asthma, hay fever or migraine. Food allergies are also often implicated. It is also thought that extreme unhappiness or stress can prompt outbreaks of Eczema. Young children who have the condition will often outgrow it, but it can take quite a long time to discover the cause in adults.

Eczema can be aggravated by stress. In some cases oils and ointments can aggravate it as well as they might cause the skin to overheat. The area may also be more itchy directly after bathing.

Lukewarm or cold compresses, can be helpful. Add one to two drops of essential oil or essential oil blend. Consider patchouli, juniper or sandalwood for weeping Eczema; rose for scaly Eczema; chamomile or yarrow for inflamed Eczema or lavender for infected Eczema. Topically one could also consider applying a gel, which has an essential oil or essential oil blend added to it, or use an infused oil of calendula as a base — 1 teaspoon (5ml) calendula to which is added 1 — 2 drops of essential oil. Baths are another way in which the essential oils can be used. One can also add a handful of baking soda to the water to help reduce the itching. If stress is a factor massage with essential oils can be given but one would only be able to massage those areas where the skin was clear.

Essential oils, which have been found to be helpful with Eczema include; cedarwood, German and Roman chamomile, juniper berry (weeping Eczema), geranium, lavender, patchouli (weeping), rose otto, sandalwood (weeping) and yarrow.

Lifestyle and diet should also be reviewed.