Eczema is a common skin condition that affects 10%-20% of all infants in the United States. Most children will outgrow the condition by their 10th birthday, but about 3% of Americans suffer from symptoms past childhood, and into their adult years.

Although eczema is controllable with pharmaceutical drugs, there are some great natural alternatives that can treat and even prevent eczema. Remember, natural remedies don’t have side effects like most common medicines do.

For instance prednisone, the most common oral medication to treat persistent eczema, has been shown to cause a heightened risk of infection, trouble sleeping, excessive stomach acid production, nervousness, diabetes, and even abnormal heart rhythms. Does that really sound like something that you want to give to an infant?

Here are some natural remedies for eczema that you can use at home, and that have no side-effects:

1. Homemade Sea Spray

Many people with skin conditions have reported feeling better after visiting the beach, or being in the ocean. So, what do you do if you are not close to a beach? You make your own sea spray! All you need is a cup of distilled water, a tablespoon of Himalayan or sea salt, a pinch of Epsom salt, and if you want -- an essential oil for scent.

Heat the water to almost boiling, and add the salt, Epsom salt, and a few drops of your choice of essential oils, and stir everything together until the salt is completely dissolved.

Allow the mix to cool, and put it into a small spray bottle, and use for any symptoms of eczema. This treatment is especially effective for a wet/oozing rash associated with eczema.

2. Cod Liver Oil and Oats

Fermented cod liver oil by itself is extremely effective at supporting a variety of aspects of your health. Cod liver oil is full of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which support hundreds or processes in the body. One cause of eczema is inflammation, so the anti-inflammatory properties in cod liver oil can also prevent eczema.

Oats are excellent for moisturizing skin, especially when used in a bath. Oats are also another powerful natural antioxidant, which reduces inflammation. So how do you get the benefit of both of these ingredients together?

There are creams available commercially, like Robertson’s Skin Repair Ointment, that combine the powers of both cod oil and oats in a topical treatment that you can use every day to treat dry, itchy skin.

3. Epsom Salts

According to SaltWorks.com, “Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.

Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household, and gardening-related uses.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits”

Epsom salts are extremely effective for skin conditions and, in general, great for your overall health.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an extremely effective treatment for almost any skin condition because of its vitamin and mineral content, as well as its antioxidant properties. You can use coconut oil by itself, or in conjunction with other ingredients like oats, Epsom salts, or magnesium mixed together to make a balm.

5. Diet

Because eczema is generally a condition of inflammation, one of the most effective treatment starts within the body. improving your diet, and correcting issues with gut health are the starting points for treating eczema.

Including natural probiotics into your diet through fermented foods like yogurt can provide healthy bacteria to the gut, improving your digestive health.

Eczema is also considered an auto-immune disorder, and since 80% of your immune system is in your gut, improving gut health improves your immune system.

Sources:
WebMD
SaltWorks.com
Wellness Mama