Certainly, no cure has been found for eczema, except treatments and self-care measures to relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. But now, experts have found the aqueous extract of fig fruit as an effective cure for mild to moderate eczema.
The assessment on its efficacy in children shows that it can offer better treatment outcome rather than Hydrocortisone 1.0 per cent, a low potent corticosteroid, in mild to moderate eczema without any immediate side effects from its use every day for two weeks.
It was a randomised, placebo-controlled trial that involved 45 children aged four months to 14 years with mild to moderate eczema who were instructed to apply their allocated creams twice a day for two weeks.
They were randomly assigned, in a double-blind manner, to three treatment groups- aqueous extract of edible dried fig fruit, Hydrocortisone 1.0 per cent and base cream as a placebo. Fig tree is called Ajara in Yoruba,
The aqueous extract of edible dried fig fruit had significantly increased efficacy in terms of reducing itching and preventing new outbreaks in comparison with Hydrocortisone 1.0 per cent and the placebo failed to ameliorate the symptoms. It was published in the December 2017 edition of the Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
For many decades, natural herbal medicines, polyherbal formulations and/or decoctions of plant-derived materials have widely been accepted as alternative complementary therapies for the treatment, cure or prevention of a wide range of skin diseases including herpes, wounds, and eczema.
These include honey, natural herbal oils (coconut oil, olive oil and mineral oil), beeswax, dodder seeds and whey for the treatment of eczema. For example, coconut oil is said to contain antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to relieve the itch.
A 2008 study published in the journal Dermatitis reported that in clinical trials extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturiser was just as effective as mineral oil in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is also able to kill off Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that may be on the skin.
Coconut oil also has many important nutrients that prevent further infection, repair and nourish the skin, and help decrease flaking and itching—these nutrients include vitamin E, vitamin K, capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid.
Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Epsom salt can make an easy and instant home remedy for eczema. Besides, the ingredient also possesses a huge quantity of magnesium sulphate that is used to reduce the symptoms of eczema such as pain and itchiness.
Cucumber is a healthy vegetable with soothing and cooling effects. This makes it a good home remedy for eczema that can ease the itching sensation, redness and the inflammation of the skin. With a huge source of water, cucumber ensures the skin is always hydrated.
Cornstarch is another ingredient that can bring you so many great effects to deal with eczema. To make it a home remedy for eczema, mix it with a little cool water to make a paste. Place it over the inflamed skin.
Eczema usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. It makes the skin red and itchy. The skin condition is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
Science has not been able to prove the cause of eczema but some researchers think it could be a difference in the way a person’s immune system reacts to things in the environment.
Although no cure has been found for eczema, treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, avoiding harsh soaps, moisturising the skin regularly, and applying medicated creams or ointments are helpful.
In many people, the itchy patches of eczema usually appear at the elbow, on the back of the knees, ankles, and wrists and on the face, neck, and upper chest although any part of the body can be affected.
Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly.
Many have found relief through natural remedies for eczema like aloe vera, which has been a popular treatment discussed among the eczema community.
Although most commonly used for sunburns and rashes, aloe can be used to heal other skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and even gastric problems because it has a natural, cooling effect on the skin. By keeping skin moist, eczema has a chance to heal.
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