Eczema Treatment: Conventional vs. Natural

Eczema is a skin inflammation that is often associated with allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. It causes lesions that appear as patches, blisters, and/or scratches on the affected areas, and is more common on the face, elbows, behind the knees, and wrists. The most common conventional treatment for eczema is corticoid creams containing hydrocortisone, which reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and itching, but can cause skin thinning and damage. 

Hydrocortisone can accumulate in the body and cause metabolic changes in salt and water balance, potassium and calcium balance, and blood sugar level. Corticosteroid creams must be applied with a low dose of hormone and for a short period of time, and herbal therapy is a gentle but long-lasting eczema treatment option. Antioxidant therapy has been used successfully in the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases, and it is safer for the skin and overall health.

Eczema is a skin inflammation that is frequently associated with allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. Eczema causes lesions that appear as patches, blisters, and/or scratches on the affected areas. Eczema-affected areas are extremely itchy and uncomfortable. The affected areas may thicken abnormally. Skin thickening can occur as a result of trauma to the patches caused by scratching and rubbing. In comparison to unaffected areas, affected areas will typically be dry. Eczema is more common on the face, elbows, behind the knees, and wrists than on other parts of the body.

One of the major causes of eczema is an imbalance in a person's immune function, which is most likely a reaction to environmental substances such as dust, pollution, yeast, cosmetic products, chemicals such as detergents, oils, greases, and solvents at home or at work. Furthermore, stress can cause a depletion of certain body nutrients (vitamins and minerals), which can lead to eczema sensitivity.

The most common conventional treatment for eczema is corticoid creams containing hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a natural hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that controls inflammation and actively participates in ionic body balance. Hydrocortisone creams work well to reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and itching, allowing the affected area to heal. Despite temporarily alleviating the symptoms of eczema, these creams can cause skin thinning and damage. When taken in high or low doses for an extended period of time, hydrocortisone can accumulate in the body and cause metabolic changes in salt and water balance, potassium and calcium balance, and blood sugar level. There are numerous reasons for accumulation. 

One important cause is competition for the same receptors by naturally secreted hormone and topical hydrocortisone, which can raise the uncoupled hormone level. Another important factor is the hormone's steroid structure, which makes elimination via the kidney difficult. Corticosteroid creams must be applied with a low dose of hormone and for a short period of time, as indicated on the label. On the other hand, abrupt discontinuation of the corticosteroid cream can worsen the eczema.

Herbal therapy is a gentle but long-lasting eczema treatment option. Many herbs, including Burdock, Calendula, St. John Wort, Chamomile, Chickweed, Yarrow, Nettle, and Licorice, are known to be beneficial in the treatment of eczema. They can be consumed as teas, tinctures, or applied topically.

Because eczema is a complex skin disease, one herb will not be enough to alleviate symptoms or cure the disease. A complex combination of beneficial herbs is more likely to be effective in treatment.

Antioxidant therapy has been used successfully in the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases, which are typically characterized by a high percentage of free radicals at the affected sites. Sea buckthorn and grape seed oils are two examples of natural antioxidants. They contain a variety of antioxidants, including vitamin E, A, C, selenium, beta carotene, and anthocyanidins, which can help with eczema and other skin disorders.

Finally, while the natural alternative may take longer than the conventional solution for eczema treatment, it is much safer for the skin and overall health.