Tips to Get Relief From Eczema Itches

In the US alone, 31.6 million people, which is about 10.1% of the population, have eczema in some form.

Eczema is one of those conditions wherein patches of the skin become rough, cracked, itchy, and inflamed. If you are living with eczema, you would have already tried a variety of products. Unfortunately, these products leave your skin feel dry and even more irritated.

But it is not the right time to give up your hopes yet. You can find many other options that you can try at home that can help you out. In this blog, you’ll read about natural tips to get relief from the painful itches of eczema.

1.Colloidal oatmeal

It is made from finely-ground oats and is helpful to soften and calm the inflamed skin. You can find it in the form of powder or cream.

How to use:

• You can start by adding the powder to the lukewarm water you’ll use to take a shower. Now soak in for about 15 to 20 minutes or as per your wish.
• The process will soften the rough skin and relieve you from itching.
• After the bath, pat your skin dry.
• Apply a thick layer of hypoallergenic moisturizer with high oil content.

2.Evening primrose oil

The use of the evening primrose plant is to soothe irritated skin, and the oil comes from the same plant.
When you consume it orally, it helps in treating systematic inflammatory conditions like eczema. The oil has gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids that play a great role in preventing inflammation in the body.
Even though the study results on evening primrose oil are different, people claim that it helps in reducing eczema symptoms without any adverse effects.

3.Coconut oil

We are all aware of the extraction of coconut oil. You can extract it from coconut pulp, and it is one of the best natural moisturizers.
As per National Eczema Association, the antibacterial properties of coconut oil help reduce the staph bacteria present on the skin. It helps in preventing the spread of infection. These properties are helpful for people with eczema because the patches of the inflamed skin may ooze and crack, which allows bacteria to enter.
You can choose cold-pressed or virgin coconut oil, which is processed without the use of chemicals.

4.Sunflower oil

Many kinds of research have shown that the extraction of sunflower oil from sunflower seeds helps protect the outer layer of the skin. It helps in keeping the bacteria out also retains the moisture. Sunflower oil also hydrates the skin and helps you to relieve inflammation and itching.
You can apply the sunflower oil directly. There is no need for dilution. Use it on damp skin (preferably after a bath).

5.Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent made from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub. Witch hazel shrub is one such remedy used for centuries as one of the topical remedies for skin inflammation. You can still apply it to calm the inflamed skin, relieve itching, and dry up oozing areas.

6.Calendula cream

It is one of the herbal remedies. It is used for centuries as one of the folk remedies to heal skin cuts, burns and inflammation. Calendula helps in improving blood flow. It is helpful in the areas of inflammation or injury. The ability of Calendula also helps in fight infection and hydrates the skin.

7.Acupressure and acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture includes the use of fine needles that experts insert at specific areas. It allows the body to alter the flow of energy. Reportedly, research suggests that acupuncture helps in bringing relief for itching.
Acupuncture is quite similar to acupressure. The only difference is that acupressure means the use of hands and fingers instead of needles.

8.Relaxation techniques

Stress is one of the common triggers for eczema itches. Even though it is still unclear how stress plays a role in developing inflammation, you must still learn to relax. Here are some relaxation techniques that may help you. These include:

• Music therapy
• Visualization
• Deep breathing
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Meditation
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis

9.Other useful tips

• Cold packs: You can make a quick compress to cool your skin by wetting a gauze or washcloth with cold water. If you want intense relief, then grab a bag of frozen veggies like corn kernels or peas or an ice pack. The cold will help to numb the area, but it may take 10 minutes to work.
• Hydrocortisone: If you apply it the next second, you feel an itch coming on you. You can keep the burn and tickle from getting worse. But remember to not overdo it, as steroids as hydrocortisone come with side effects. You must follow over-the-counter package directions or must go as per the doctor’s prescription.
• Other topicals: Menthol comes with cooling effects that cancel out the itch. But remember that if the concentration is higher than 1% to 3%, it could irritate more. A spray, lotion, or gel with 1% pramoxine or 5% lidocaine can numb the area.
• Wet wraps: After you take a bath, you can add an extra step in case of severe eczema. All you need to do is place a single layer of damp cloth or gauze over your treated skin. In the case of hands or feet, you can top that with a dry layer of gloves or socks. Keep the layer on overnight or for a few hours. It will let your skin hold the moisture and absorb the cream by staying cool.
• Antihistamines: As per the suggestion by a doctor, antihistamines are the drugs that may cause you to feel drowsy, but it makes you less likely to scratch. It may not be helpful during the day if you are driving and is also not safe for kids.
• Melatonin: Another thing you can do with the raging itch is taking supplements at night with the hormone (melatonin). It will make your body trigger sleep.

Conclusion

If you have eczema, it becomes essential for you to avoid anything that may dry or irritate your skin and cause a flare. Stay away from scented detergents, animal dander, tight clothing, wool clothing, soaps with dyes and perfume soaps, or body wash.

Food allergies are also one of the common causes that trigger eczema. Your symptoms might improve if you find out which food is causing you an allergy. Common foods linked to eczema are – soy, peanuts, wheat, eggs, and milk.

A combination of natural remedies and self-care will be helpful for you to manage moderate-to-mild cases of eczema. These tips will be beneficial for you in a certain way.

In case of severe eczema, you may require antihistamines or prescribed topical steroids. If you want a discount on your prescriptions, you can download Rx Discount Card.