If you're struggling with eczema, then you're very familiar with the itchiness, dryness, swelling and general discomfort. These are enough to ruin your day. But is there a cure for it? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Eczema?

Atopic dermatitis or commonly known as eczema is one of the most common skin conditions that affect children and adults. It usually appears early in childhood and is an inherited, chronic skin condition characterized by skin inflammation that leads to common eczema symptoms like dry, itchy, bumpy and swollen skin. As a condition, eczema damages your skin’s barrier function, making it more sensitive and prone to dryness and infections.

That said, eczema doesn’t hurt the body and it certainly doesn’t mean your skin is dirty or infected, nor is it contagious.

However, it’s still one of the most common skin conditions in the country, affecting about 15 million Americans today. Statistics show that one in every 10 individuals will develop it during their lifetime, with it peaking during early childhood.

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Scaly skin is one of the most common symptoms of eczema. Pixabay (CC0)

Typical eczema causes include a gene variation that affects our body’s ability to provide moisture retention and protect you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Usually inherited, eczema causes your skin to be affected by various environmental factors. In many kids, it can also be triggered by food allergies.

Common eczema symptoms include:

  • Small, raised bumps on the skin
  • Thick and scaly skin that cracks when scratched or moved
  • Inflamed and sensitive skin
  • A persistent itchy rash
  • Itching and inflammation that lead to irritation, damage and bruising
  • Redness
  • Lesions that may be infected by bacteria or viruses

As the skin is the largest organ of our body, keeping it healthy is critical in maintaining overall good health. But how do you deal with eczema?

How to Treat Eczema

Unfortunately, while there are plenty of eczema treatments available, these are mostly meant to mitigate the symptoms and provide relief, as there is no actual cure for this condition.

Still, getting relief from eczema is important, so here’s what you can do:

1. Determine Any Allergies, Food Intolerances and Triggers

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For many people, eating peanuts can trigger their eczema. Unsplash (CC0)

The best way to get relief from eczema is to prevent it from happening, start by determining your triggers.

Eczema is usually caused by food allergies, so if you suspect that this is the case, you can try the elimination diet. This process lasts between 4 to 6 weeks and consists of eliminating certain types of food from your diet (dairy, gluten, corn, peanuts, soy, etc.) and closely monitoring whether you still get symptoms or not.

2. Optimize Your Gut Health

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Yogurt contains good bacteria that can significantly help your gut health. Unsplash (CC0)

In many cases, eczema is caused by a weakened immune system and you can avoid this by optimizing your gut microbiome and overall health. To do this, start taking supplements or high-quality probiotics, as these can help reduce inflammation, nourish and heal intestinal membranes and feed your gut’s healthy flora to boost your immune system’s development.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet (with turmeric, DGL, marshmallow root, chamomile and ginger) can significantly help as well.

3. Let Your Kids Play Outside and Get Dirty

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Supposedly, letting your kids play outside can help with the development of their immune system. Unsplash (CC0)

Per the “hygiene hypothesis,” our current lifestyle has prevented us from getting “colonized” by some important bacteria from outside, leading to poorer gut integrity and immune system dysregulation.

If your kids have eczema, then it’s recommended to let them spend some time playing outside and getting dirty, then simply washing with plain soap and water after. As they grow and develop, doing so supposedly “improves” their immune system to protect them from such conditions.

4. Use Natural Topical Eczema Treatments

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Often, topical ointments sold in drugstore can help provide relief from eczema. Unsplash (CC0)

You can also try over-the-counter eczema topical treatments, as these contain ingredients like comfrey, plantain and calendula that are effective against inflammation and safe for babies. These are affordable and readily available in pharmacies and drugstores.

5. Apply Topical Cream like Eczema Honey

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Eczema Honey's Skin-Soothing Cream is made from food-grade, all-natural ingredients to help ease eczema symptoms like inflammation, itchiness and redness. eczemahoneyco.com

If you’re looking for something lightweight and natural, you can try using creams like Eczema Honey Skin-Soothing Cream. Available in original and nut-free variants (for those who have allergies), this lightweight cream offers a blend of high-quality, natural ingredients to relieve skin irritation and inflammation caused by eczema. It’s also dermatologist-tested and complies with the FDA’s over-the-counter drug monograph for skin protectant products.

Compared to other methods, topicals and creams are the most effective, as these have ingredients that can be applied directly to the inflamed area for quick relief. Eczema Honey Cream, combines soothing and nourishing ingredients like organic honey, beeswax, sunflower oil and almond oil to directly soothe your eczema.

Eczema Honey also offers a wide range of products for face & body, shower & bath and so much more. Learn more about Eczema Honey by clicking here.

Conclusion

Eczema is a skin condition that, when left untreated, can significantly affect your quality of life. But while there is no known cure, there are plenty of remedies you can try to reduce its symptoms and help you live a normal life.

Brands like Eczema Honey specialize in using food-grade ingredients to make safe and natural products that will help you say goodbye to itchy and inflamed skin.