More than 15 million Americans suffer from eczema, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Treatment begins with preventing and limiting breakouts. This entails avoiding personal triggers such as certain foods, skin irritants, allergens and stress as well as keeping skin cool and moisturized. Avoid hot baths and showers, harsh soaps and scratching effected areas of the skin. When more proactive treatment is necessary, however, there are medications available,as well as some topical herbal remedies.
Step 1
Speak to your doctor beforehand about any herbal remedy you're considering. Just as with medications, herbal treatments carry risks of side effects and interactions with other drugs, supplements and herbs. Your doctor should be fully apprised of all pharmaceutical and natural products you take. While there are general dosage recommendations for herbal remedies, always follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Also be sure to consult your doctor about the safety of using herbal remedies on children.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream or salve made with chamomile to affected areas to remedy eczema-related burning or itchiness and to help stifle flare-ups. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that there is no standard dose for topical chamomile, but cites the use of treatments made with 3 to 10 percent chamomile content.
Step 3
Rub a witch hazel cream or ointment on skin that itches from eczema for relief, explains the UMMC. Liquid witch hazel treatments might be particularly helpful for oozing eczema wounds. These herbal remedies may generally be used as needed, according to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).
Step 4
Use a topical St. John's Wort cream on skin with eczema flare-ups and lesions. The phytochemical hyperforin contained in St. John's Wort has demonstrated efficacy as a treatment as shown in a 2003 study titled "Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with St. John's wort cream." More studies are needed, however, to confirm these results.
Tips and Warnings
- The University of Maryland Medical Center cites alternatives to creams or salves made with chamomile that aren't as well-supported by scientific evidence. These include products made with licorice, chickweed, marigold, marshmallow and sarsaparilla.
- Chamomile is a common trigger of allergic reactions, particularly on the skin, according to the NIH. When using a product containing chamomile for the first time, test a small amount. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, throat swelling, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis and others. Chamomile's most common side effect is drowsiness, and the herb is known to cause interactions with numerous other products. Side effects from witch hazel are typically associated with ingestion. It is known to have interactions with other drugs and supplements. The UMHS specifically cautions not to take witch hazel with other products containing alkaloids. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, St. John's Wort is known to interact with other drugs and supplements. In particular, it can accelerate or slow the breakdown of these products. Antidepressants, oral contraceptives, HIV medications, anticoagulants, some cancer treatments, Cyclosporine and Digoxin are cited sources of interaction.
Things You'll Need
- Chamomile cream/salve
- Witch Hazel cream/ointment
- St. John's Wort cream
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eczema
- National Institutes of Health: Chamomile
- University of Michigan Health System: Witch Hazel
- Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with St. John's wort cream--a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind half-side comparison. Schempp CM, Windeck T, Hezel S, Simon JC. Phytomedicine. 2003;10 Suppl 4:31-7.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
