How To Treat Eczema — Without The Help Of Steroids

“We know that the skin barrier changes in this condition are influenced by several factors including genetics and environmental triggers, such as allergens,” Dr. Robinson says. “Some common triggers for eczema are skin irritants like harsh fabrics, hot water, certain soaps, dust, pollen and ragweed, cat dander, and many more.”

“According to the National Eczema Society, there's a laundry list of other irritating offenders including skincare products that content alcohol (but not cetyl alcohol), acidic foods, wool, bleach, tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, paints, solvents, and industrial chemicals,” Dr. Josh Axe, a doctor of natural medicine and the founder of Ancient Nutrition, tells The Zoe Report.

“Your clothes may smell so fresh and so clean, but is your laundry detergent behind your red and itchy skin? It's possible,” Dr. Axe says. “Consider switching to a detergent with no fragrance, or if you must have a scent, look for a brand that uses pure essential oils.”

“Fragrance is a common trigger and is found in soaps and lotions,” Dr. Icecreamwala tells TZR. Check the ingredient lists for all of your personal care products — skincare, body care, deodorant, and obviously, perfume — for the words “fragrance” or “artificial fragrance.” Consider cutting these products out of your routine to see if your eczema clears. (Like Dr. Axe mentioned, natural scents from essential oils are most likely non-triggering.)

“Sweating is another trigger,” Dr. Icecreamwala says. Consider it a doctor-approved excuse to lounge on the couch — at least when you’re in the midst of eczema outbreak.

Wondering if the dry, patchy skin you’re dealing with is actually eczema? “Common locations include the face, hands, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and the feet,” Dr. Axe says. If you’re flaking in those areas, there’s a good chance it’s eczema (but of course, you should visit a dermatologist to get an official diagnosis).

7.2 percent of adults in the U.S. have eczema, compared with 13 percent of children — and since kids’ skin is typically more delicate and sensitive, many parents don’t feel comfortable with the thought of steroid treatment. “My children’s doctor did prescribe hydrocortisone and various other ‘harsher’ or ‘stronger’ medications, but that didn't work for us,” Minesh Patel, the co-founder of Eczema Honey, tells The Zoe Report. “We were just afraid to put it on both of our kids' skin, because it was complicated.”

Patel took to experimenting with at-home remedies, which led to the launch of Eczema Honey, a cult-favorite brand that uses all-natural ingredients like beeswax, colloidal oatmeal, and vitamin E to tend to outbreaks. (Its Original Skin Soothing Cream has over 4,000 near-perfect reviews.) “Our products have worked for both of my kiddos,” Patel says.

“According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 40 percent of babies and youth with eczema will have a food allergy,” Dr. Robinson says. However, she notes that “foods should not be stopped or eliminated without discussing with a physician,” especially in the case of young children, since an elimination diet could interfere with development.

“Consider getting tested for food allergies, because something you're eating regularly may be contributing to your flare-ups,” Dr. Axe agrees. He says gluten, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts are some of the most common food-related eczema triggers. “Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, so removing any inflammatory foods — like refined sugar and refined oils — may also help to improve symptoms,” the doctor adds. “It's also wise to avoid foods with synthetic additives (like artificial colors) or preservatives found in packaged products.”

“Adding foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (like wild caught salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts) and probiotics (yogurt, kefir, and cultured veggies like kimchi) can be very helpful to improving this common skin condition,” Dr. Axe says.

“Increased microbial diversity within the gut has been associated with reduced flares in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis,” according to the World Journal of Dermatology. In layman’s terms: Ingesting probiotics, or “good” bacteria, can ease symptoms of eczema.

This is exactly what inspired Adam Grossman, the founder of soon-to-launch skincare line Sea Calm Skin — made specifically for those with eczema and psoriasis — to include the Daily Rebalance Healthy Probiotic in the brand’s product lineup. “The combination of internal gut health (probiotics) and external skin barrier health has allowed me to live a normal life without constantly worrying about side effects and my long-term health,” he says.

As Dr. Robinson said, eczema happens when the skin barrier is weakened (that’s how allergens and irritants infiltrate in the first place). In return, it makes sense that using products to boost your barrier may help soothe eczema . Consider adding a topical probiotic, like Mother Dirt AO+ Mist to your daily routine, per Dr. Axe. The flip side: Avoid barrier-weakening substances, like sulfates, alcohol, and exfoliators.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to calming an eczema rash with topical treatments, but patients have seen success with a few key naturals. “Look for natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, Manuka honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, lavender essential oil, Omega-3 fatty acids, witch hazel, and vitamin E,” Dr. Axe says. Eczema Honey’s products fit the bill, as do the forthcoming releases from Sea Calm Skin.

According to this scientific study, “Topical vitamin B is an approach that has been shown to successfully treat atopic dermatitis in adults.” Many have had found relief with topical B12, but Grossman says, “I found products that contained high levels of vitamin B3 to be particularly effective." (The vitamin will feature heavily in the Sea Calm Skin line.)

“Lifestyle things that you can do for eczema include taking short, lukewarm showers or baths,” Dr. Icecreamwala says. A mild temperature is key, since hot water is a known trigger. “When you get out, pat yourself dry and moisturize with a thick cream that is fragrance-free,” she says.

“You can take a colloidal oatmeal bath to help calm irritated skin caused by eczema,” Dr. Axe says. “To make colloidal oatmeal at home, simply take uncooked whole oats and use a food processor or spice grinder to turn them into a very fine powder. You can then add them to a bath to calm symptoms.” He notes you can also combine the ground oats with water to create a paste-like mask, and leave the mixture on affected areas for 10 minutes before rinsing off.

“After experiencing the side-effects of prescription medications, I spent a lot of time researching and trying more natural alternative treatments,” Grossman says. “Bathing in seaweed was the beginning of my journey to creating Sea Calm Skin. It is an ancient ritual for health that has been used in other cultures for generations. It was effective for me and opened my mind to a more holistic approach.” To see for yourself, try the Sea Calm Skin Soothing Bath Soak, which will be released in August.

“I also frequently recommend diluted apple cider vinegar baths, because it helps decrease inflammation in the skin and prevents skin infections,” Dr. Icecreamwala says. Pour one cup of ACV into a full bath for best results.

Eczema can be extremely itchy — and in a cruel twist of fate, scratching only makes things worse. Instead, Dr. Icecreamwala says that “aloe vera gel is calming to the skin when inflamed,” so slathering it on itchy skin can provide some relief.

“Always use a well-formulated moisturizer to help lock in hydration,” Dr. Robinson says. “I like Vaseline Clinical Care Eczema Calming Body Lotion because it has 1 percent colloidal oatmeal to help with itching and irritation, as well as a blend of good fats and lipids, Vaseline jelly, and glycerin to attract water.”

“Reducing stress can also make a huge difference, since stress is a known eczema trigger,” Dr. Axe says. I personally find meditation helpful, but do what works for you — whether that’s going for a walk or binge-watching Netflix.

“There are now also many non-steroid prescription options that I reach for to help control eczema flares,” Dr. Robinson says. “It is important to consult with your board-certified dermatologist to discuss what treatments are right for you.”