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5 better ways to soothe eczema
Itchy, uncomfortable red patches… Dry, flaky, peeling skin… A rash that burns… Open, crusty sores that develop when you scratch…
These are all signs that you are one of the almost 32 million Americans living with eczema.
If so, your doctor may have told you to use their “tried and true” prescription for relieving eczema – bleach baths.
But, before you fill up the tub, you better read this…
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No more effective than water alone
Researchers at Northwestern University set out to discover whether bleach baths really were effective in relieving eczema or not.
They reviewed four studies comparing bleach and water baths and what they found may surprise you…
Water baths were in fact just as effective as bleach baths at reducing the severity of the visible signs and extent of eczema and bacterial infection.
And, the water baths carried no risks – something that can’t be said about bleach baths.
According to the researchers, not only do bleach baths, “Lack the evidence to support how commonly they are being recommended,” they can also be dangerous.
The scientists cited stinging and burning of the eyes and open sores on the skin and even asthma flare-ups (a particular problem for eczema patients who have much higher rates of asthma than non-eczema patients) as problems associated with these too-often doctor recommended baths.
The researchers said that the results should encourage patients with eczema to bathe regularly – just not with bleach – even though many eczema patients shy away from bathing for fear that it will dry out their skin.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Don’t use soap since it can be hard on sensitive skin.
- Soak for 10 minutes in only water to effectively wash away most of the germs and build-up on your skin.
- After bathing, always apply ample moisturizer.
Natural eczema remedies
Here are some natural options for relieving eczema symptoms:
- Coconut Oil – This oil is a great moisturizer with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It can provide relief from the itching while improving the texture of your skin. You can even find coconut lotion bars that are hypoallergenic.
- Fish Oil – Diets rich in fish oil have been shown to play a part in preventing eczema so be sure to add it to your daily regimen.
- Vitamin E – A scientific study showed that taking 400 mg of vitamin E per day improved both symptoms and quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis (or eczema).
- Vitamin D – Lower levels of the sunshine vitamin have been linked to worsening skin symptoms so be sure to get your daily dose of sun or take a good quality D3 supplement.
- Magnesium Salts – Research shows that bathing in water with magnesium-rich Dead Sea salts can improve your skin, enhance hydration and reduce inflammation.
Don’t be fooled by your doctor’s old advice. New research shows that taking a bath in plain old water is effective in relieving eczema symptoms as effectively as bleach baths, without the danger. Soak in the tub regularly and use the tips above to heal your skin and overcome the irritation, pain and embarrassment of eczema.
Sources:
- Eczema Statistics — MG217
- Water baths as good as bleach baths for treating eczema — Northwestern University
- Do early intake of fish and fish oil protect against eczema and doctor-diagnosed asthma at 2 years of age? A cohort study — Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial — Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
- Eczema — Vitamin D Council
By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst
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