Get better looking skin with homemade eczema treatments

Eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by an itchy, red, scaly rash, is not immune to natural remedies. Cleansers, salves and plant-based poultices can soothe the itching and inflammation, and help moisturize dry skin.

Contact eczemas are an allergic reaction to specific foodstuffs, metals, cleaning agents or cosmetics. Atopic eczemas are usually inherited. Around 10 per cent of the population is affected by it. The most common atopic eczema is neurodermatitis, which requires medical care.

If you are prone to eczema, your skin needs oil and moisture to restore its natural balance. Note: if you have allergies, animal and plant ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction, so use them with caution.

• Soap-free cleansers are gentle and therefore far less irritating to the skin.
• Plant-based salves with jojoba or evening primrose oil are good moisturizers.

• Press raw cabbage leaves with a rolling pin until the juice comes out. Warm the leaves in a strainer held above steam and apply twice daily.
• To soothe itching and reduce inflammation: pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water over 10 millilitres (two teaspoons) of heartsease. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and cool to lukewarm. Soak a cloth in the fluid, squeeze it out and wrap the eczema for 15 minutes.
• Pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of cold water over 10 millilitres (two teaspoons) of walnut leaves. Boil for five minutes, strain and cool to lukewarm. Soak a cloth in the liquid, wring it out and apply to the rash for 15 minutes.
• Stir 45 millilitres (three tablespoons) of healing earth and an equal amount of cold water into a thick paste. Apply to eczema for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water, then treat your skin with an anti-inflammatory salve containing vitamin E.
• Chamomile or pot marigold ointments can moisturize skin and soothe the relentless itching. The healing effect is strengthened when you keep products in the refrigerator and use them cold.
• Oil baths (maximum bathing time of 10 minutes, at no higher than 35°C or 95°F) with chamomile or rosemary oil return moisture to your skin.
• An oatmeal bath leaves your skin feeling soft and supple, and calms the itch: pour about 500 grams (18 ounces) of oatmeal into an old nylon stocking, tie shut and add to your bathwater.

• Alkaline soaps, cosmetics containing alcohol or synthetic grooming products all dry your skin out even more and make it susceptible to secondary infections from bacteria, viruses or funguses.
• Frequent contact with water and hot baths over 35°C (95°F).
• Intense sunbathing.
• Handling chemicals without protective gloves.