Written by Neela K. Sethi, M.D.

It is winter and we are spending so much time indoors with all this cold weather.  Of course, keeping ourselves warm with heaters and fireplaces is nice, but it can sure cause anybody with eczema to have a breakout. Here are some quick, natural ways to treat it.

While they may be very appropriate for adults, some of the tips are vitamins, juices, and certain foods that cannot be ingested by a small child.  Use your discretion on deciding which tip is safe, and age-appropriate for you and your family.

1.  Coconut oil may be applied directly to the affected areas.
2.  Some report that carrot juice and spinach juice in combination can be helpful for eczema.
3.  Rub a nutmeg (actual hard seed) against a smooth stone slab with a little water and make a paste. Apply to affected area.
4.  Eat plenty of vitamin B6- rich foods.  Some examples include spinach, bell peppers, turnips, garlic, tuna, cauliflower, mustard greens, banana, celery, and cabbage.
5.  Drinking tomato juice can help clear up the eczema.  You can add a spice or even pepper to help it taste better
6.  Mix 1 teaspoon camphor to 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste and apply on the eczema lesions.
7.  Try pine tar soap that is available at local health food stores.
8.  Primrose oil has been reported to help with eczema.  It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help with symptoms. You can use skincare products with evening primrose oil, or get GLA through your diet by eating salmon two or three times a week or by eating flaxseeds (or taking flax oil capsules).
9.  Try eating watercress every day.
10.  Mix 1 teaspoon camphor to 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste and apply on the eczema lesions

Interested in more ideas on keeping your skin healthy?  Explore our Splash channel were you can read articles related to skin health and interact with the experts who wrote them!

References:
http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/homemade-recipes/eczema-home-remedies.htm
http://www.medindia.com/homeremedies/Eczeme.asp