Eczema is a skin condition characterized by itchy, red patches that show up on various areas of the body, in response to skin irritants, dryness, allergies or even stress. Anyone who suffers with the condition would gladly welcome relief to the incessant itching and unsightly scabs and scales it produces on the surface of the skin. The primary way to fight eczema is to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated, because dryness is largely the reason eczema thrives.

Itchy, dry skin is also often the result of not drinking enough water or external hydration and moisturization. The rashes that appear with eczema are also the result of the body’s natural immune response to irritants and toxins that are within or outside the body. As the body seeks to get rid of those toxins and impurities, to essentially push their way out through the skin, rashes can form.

Common doctor-prescribed treatments for eczema include topical application of ointments and creams (like hydrocortisone) that contain corticosteroids to lessen inflammation, itching and swelling; antihistamines and other drugs to eliminate itching; and antibiotics to fight infection as a result of scratching. These treatment methods have worked well, but there are a few drawbacks and sometimes negative side effects. For example, prolonged use of hydrocortisone has been known to weaken the immune system, scar and thin the skin, and damage the liver and kidneys as more of the creams are needed to be effective.

Natural Remedies For Eczema With Flaxseed Oil

If it’s a natural solution you want to counterattack eczema, devoid of any harmful side effects, consider flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil, drawn from the seeds of the flax plant, has proven to be very effective at reducing the symptoms and appearance of eczema. The oil contains a great deal of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that not only moisturize but hydrate the skin as well.

Flaxseed oil is also anti-inflammatory, so it counteracts the swelling that is common with eczema. The oil’s ability to reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin together work to heal and greatly reduce eczema outbreaks. Flaxseed oil can be applied directly to the skin or ingested safely, and there are supplements you can take in pill form. Some people will use it in salads, but it does have a strong taste. If that bothers you, consider the capsules.

It’s always a good idea to heal the skin from the inside out, since what you eat (internally) and make external contact with both affect the health of your skin. So in addition to applying flaxseed oil for eczema topically on the skin, drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods to strengthen the immune system, especially those that also contain omega-3 oils, such as fish, is a great plan of action to fight eczema. It is important that eczema sufferers also identify and avoid those things that they are allergic to, which cause eczema outbreaks in the first place. Those with eczema have sensitive skin and should take whatever measures they can to protect it, and flaxseed oil is one safe solution.