Eczema symptoms can range markedly in terms of their severity. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body. People with atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis), the most common form of eczema, usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).
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Eczema flare-ups can be caused by a wide range of triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.
Some eczema sufferers may be experiencing relief now the weather is warming up but others may find their symptoms have become more pronounced.
This is because seasonal pollen such as hay fever can be a trigger.
Heat may also dry out your skin.
As the National Eczema Association explains, when your skin gets too dry, it can easily become brittle, scaly, rough, or tight, which can lead to an eczema flare up.
If your symptoms are causing you grief, research shows that applying natural products to the affected region may help alleviate the discomfort.
One promising remedy is tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the native Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia.
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According to the International Journal of Dermatology, tea tree oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as wound-healing abilities.
For example, researchers in an animal study observed the effects of a 10 percent tea tree oil cream on canines with eczema.
Dogs treated with the tea tree oil cream for 10 days experienced significantly less itching than dogs treated with a commercial skin care cream.
They also experienced relief faster.
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Furthermore, the results of one study showed that topically-applied tea tree oil was significantly more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams at reducing eczema symptoms.
Other essential oils shown to help
Coconut oil has also been shown to alleviate eczema symptoms.
According to an article published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, coconut oil is effective at reducing the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens.
found that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin.
Although multiple disease types have been addressed in the research behind coconut oil, there was one study in particular that focused specifically on children with eczema, reports the National Eczema Association.
Results of that study, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, revealed that virgin coconut oil applied topically to the skin for eight weeks improved skin hydration for children with eczema.
Other tips to avoid a flare up
According to the NHS, it is important to establish your triggers because once you know them, you can try to avoid them.
For example:
- If certain fabrics irritate your skin, avoid wearing these and stick to soft, fine-weave clothing or natural materials such as cotton
- If heat aggravates your eczema, keep the rooms in your home cool, especially the bedroom
- Avoid using soaps or detergents that may affect your skin – use soap substitutes instead.
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