Are Alternative Eczema Treatments Really Effective?

Anyone suffering from eczema will attest that not only is the skin disease a painful one, but it is also very depressing. One cannot help but think about how other people react upon seeing those unsightly red, swollen and scaly patches on the skin. Because of this, those afflicted with the disease will try any available eczema treatment to help lessen the symptoms — at any cost.

There is really no cure for eczema. However, there are many treatments available that help lessen the symptoms. Doctors often prescribe topical and oral treatments that will help in alleviating inflammation and itchiness, but these do not come without side effects. Some of them potentially include nausea, vomiting, hypertension, glaucoma, growth retardation and many others. With all these potential side effects, someone with eczema cannot help but look closer at some of the alternative ways of treating eczema.

Herbal Medicines to Treat Eczema

There are possibly hundreds of herbal medicines out there that claim to have beneficial effects for the symptoms of eczema. Basically, what they do is try to control the hyperactivity of a person’s immune system, control inflammation and relieve itchiness. There are a variety of preparations and modes of application for such herbal medicines. Some of them may be in the form of oils, lotions, soaps, infusions, teas and even tablets.

Herbal treatments for eczema may include or may be derived from the following popular plants and plant parts:

Aloe Vera gel
Babul tree bark
Burdock root
Butea seeds
Chamomile
Linseed oil
Madhuca leaves
Oat straw
Rosemary
Walnut leaves
Witch Hazel

Bear in mind that herbal medicines are still medicines. Although they may not be potentially hazardous to your health, they may still cause side effects, no matter how minor they may be. Also, before trying out any herbal treatment, it is best to consult your doctor first. This is particularly important if you are currently on certain prescription medications, as these natural remedies for eczema may interfere with the drugs.

Treat Eczema With Aromatherapy and Massage

Aromatherapy treatment for eczema may include massaging the affected skin with essential oils derived from aromatic plants that give off a strong odor. Studies conducted with children have shown that massaging the eczematous skin with ordinary oil yielded the same positive results obtained using essential oils. In both cases, the children achieved relief from the symptoms, as well as improved sleep.

It has been found that stress plays a major role in the flaring up of eczema. That is why many doctors recommend anyone afflicted with this skin disease to relax, remove sources of stress and have a positive outlook on life. This is where aromatherapy works: the scent of the essential oils used helps a person achieve relaxation better; hence, diminished flare ups.

Biofeedback for Eczema

Although stress does not directly cause eczema, it does have an effect on flare ups, as discussed earlier. Some experts might use a device attached to the body of the person suffering from eczema which evaluates different body signals. These signals include muscular tone, and heart and respiratory rates. The information the device provides is called “biofeedback” — an eczema treatment which is helpful to many.

The goal of this method is to help you sense the changes going on in your body when you are stressed, and learn how to control them right away. With less stress, less flare ups are likely to occur.

Share and Enjoy: