Eczema is a skin disease that has no cure. It is a chronic condition characterized by rashes, itchiness, and at times, skin blisters that ooze and crust. When infants have the condition (called infantile eczema), the rashes are often seen on the cheeks, elbows or knees. In babies, eczema can also manifest as a scalp condition called cradle cap. On adults, the rashes are usually located on the inner elbow or at the back of the knee.

It is believed that eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inherited disease. It can run in families, particularly in families that have members with other allergic or immune-system-related conditions such as hay fever and asthma.

As mentioned, there is no cure for eczema. It flares up and then goes away. During a flare-up, some medications may be used to help reduce inflammation and relieve itchiness. The standard treatment is corticosteroid creams and ointments for the itching, and oral antihistamines for more severe cases. When the rashes are infected, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Sometimes, immunomodulators are given to stabilize the immune system and reduce the symptoms. But all these medications have side effects. A common side-effect of oral antihistamines is drowsiness. Oral corticosteroids, especially when used long-term, can potentially cause more serious side-effects such as cataracts, hypertension, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and a weakened immune system.

A lot of people prefer to use natural cures for eczema instead of these medications because natural remedies are generally safer while being as effective. They are also usually less expensive.

The application of cool and wet compresses is one of the simplest natural cures for eczema. This home remedy brings relief from itching, and it prevents skin scratching, which is very important so as not to aggravate the condition and produce scars and other complications. Wearing light, cool, smooth-textured and loose clothing is also advised during a flare-up of eczema. Cotton clothes should be worn instead of woolly and scratchy fabrics that can further irritate the skin. Moreover, because skin dryness can cause an eczema outbreak, regular moisturizing is also recommended.

Herbal lotions, creams and gels are also effective natural cures for eczema. Those that contain
extracts of chamomile, licorice, and witch hazel have been demonstrated to relieve the rashes and itching caused by eczema.

Some homemade lotions and mixtures may also be applied on eczema rashes or affected areas. One example is made by mixing camphor and sandalwood paste in equal amounts (a teaspoon of each ingredient is recommended). Another example is nutmeg paste. Yet another is natural vitamin E, which, like the others, should be directly applied on the itchy or scaly skin areas. Pounded blueberry, dandelion and neem leaves can also be used as topical treatment that reduces skin inflammation caused by eczema.

There too are oral natural cures for eczema. Drinking tomato juice, zinc supplements, and probiotics have been proven to help relieve the symptoms of eczema. Probiotics, also called good bacteria, strengthen the immune system. A common example of probiotics is acidophilus, an oral drink containing live microbial organisms helpful to the body. Probiotics are safe for both adults and children. But before they can be given to an infant, the pediatrician must be consulted first.

All these natural cures are safer than either prescription or over-the-counter medicines, and they are very effective remedies that relieve the symptoms of eczema.

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