Eczema is a chronic and painful condition where the skin becomes inflamed and feels itchy, cracked, and rough. Children are the most common patients of eczema and many of them will outgrow the condition, but others continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives. With the help of proper treatment, the disease can be managed. More and more people are turning to natural and alternative remedies to handle their condition.

To learn how to treat your eczema symptoms, consider the following natural remedies:

1. Aloe vera gel
For centuries people have used aloe vera gel to treat a wide range of ailments. The most common use of this gel is to soothe eczema. It is extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. The gel has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that prevent skin infection caused by dry cracked skin. It can soothe broken skin and promotes healing.

2. Apple cider vinegar
It is a popular home remedy for many conditions including skin disorders. Diluted apple cider vinegar can be applied on the skin to balance the acidity levels. Studies show that it may help in fighting bacteria and helps broken skin from becoming infected.

3. Virgin coconut oil
The healthy fatty acids in coconut oil help to moisturize the skin which is most needed for people with dry skin and eczema. It protects the skin and helps combat inflammation by improving the health of the skin barrier. Studies show that applying coconut oil for eight weeks improved the symptoms of eczema better than other treatments.

4. Colloidal oatmeal
This is made of oats that have been ground and boiled and the extract is taken to treat eczema as it has skin healing properties. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve the dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity. Colloidal oatmeal is safe for all ages but people who are allergic to gluten should avoid using it.

5. Honey
People have been using honey to treat various illnesses for centuries because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey helps in healing wounds and boosts our immune system function and helps the body to fight off infections. It heals burns and wounds because it is antibacterial. In eczema, honey prevents infection while moisturizing the skin and aids in quick healing.

6. Tea tree oil
It is extracted from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia tree and is used in treating skin infections like eczema. This oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities that help relieve itchiness and dryness of the skin and also prevent infection.

7. Dietary changes
Eczema causes inflamed, red, sore skin. Anti-inflammatory foods like fish, leafy greens, beans and lentils, colorful fruits, vegetables, turmeric, and cinnamon should be added to the diet. Common inflammatory foods like dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat are best avoided to help manage eczema.

The use of natural treatment options are effective in some people when used in conjunction with traditional treatment methods.