Natural treatments and management techniques for eczema
Rachel, the person behind Utama Spice Singapore, decided to bring Utama Spice into Singapore after battling severe eczema that developed in her late 20s (odd because you’re generally supposed to grow out of eczema after childhood). Rachel visited many different doctors who couldn’t find a cure or long term solution for her eczema and only helped her manage her condition by prescribing oral and topical steroids. Rachel’s frustration eventually led her to become more conscious of what she was consuming and what she was putting on her skin, and motivated her to find more natural solutions to managing her condition.
Eczema is a very common condition that can be very stressful for the individual - indeed, itchy inflamed skin that can bleed, ooze pus and interferes with sleep has a significant impact on the individual’s quality of life. Modern medicine has yet to find a cause or cure for eczema. Therefore it is important to know how you can ease and manage these symptoms naturally, on your own.
Some tips on managing your eczema:
- Being conscious of your environmental triggers (including food)
- Keeping skin and body hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Moisturizing your skin often helps your skin maintain its natural protective barrier
- Using a humidifier in cold or dry conditions
- Applying moisturiser within 3 minutes of a luke warm bath (avoid very hot water)
- Using non-soap cleansers or mild soaps
- Avoiding activities that make you sweat or cause rapid changes in temperature
- Avoid materials, strong synthetic chemicals or detergents that may irritate your skin
The tips above may help you manage your eczema flare-ups but you may also wish to explore other alternatives like traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic remedies or acupuncture.
Utama Spice Products that can help with Eczema
Here at Utama Spice, we have several products that can help with managing your eczema including Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Argan Oil & Jojoba Oil which are all wonderful natural moisturisers.
Coconut Oil has natural antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. Coconut Oil also helps reduce skin inflammation during flare-ups and can be used as a cleanser instead of soap.
Castor Oil usually appears pale yellow or colorless, is thick but not oily and feels almost like a gel. Useful for protecting and healing irritated and dry skin, Castor Oil is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial oil that can be used on skin, hair, nails and suitable for heavy duty moisturizing.
Argan Oil is a rich yet light oil, that is easy to apply especially over scaly or uneven skin. High in Vitamin E and oleic fatty acid, our pure, organic Argan Oil absorbs fast to lock moisture into your skin quickly.
Jojoba Oil has been used traditionally by Native Americans to treat sores and wounds because of its similarity to the skin's natural sebum. Rich in vitamin E, B and other antioxidants, Jojoba Oil is an excellent natural emollient.
Our Natural Liquid Soaps are made with cold-pressed coconut oil and castor oil, so they won't dry your skin out like other harsh synthetic soaps. However, because they contain essential oils, you may wish to cleanse with just coconut oil instead during a flare up.
Essential oils to help heal your eczema
Cajeput: helps with fungal skin infections and helps with skin irritation, Cajeput is the Southeast Asian Eucalyptus
Bergamot has skin purifying benefits and can help calm the skin by reducing inflammation
Rose Geranium is a potent anti-inflammatory that can help soothe the skin
Lavender not only soothes the senses but is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, restoring the skin's balance
Rosemary has been found to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Tea Tree reduces inflammation and can help promote healthy skin
When using essential oils, always blend with carrier oils and patch test before use. For babies and children, a safe dilution rate is 0.3 - 1.0% which is equivalent to 1 drop of essential oil to approximately 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. For adults, a safe dilution rate is 2 to 5 drops of essential oils to one teaspoon of carrier oil.