From a nurse who uses coconut oil to treat eczema

From a nurse who uses coconut oil to treat eczema

Sometimes you need to resort to alternative, natural eczema treatment methods to get the best cure or results for your eczema problem. And often it's the better choice because of less exposure to drugs and chemical-laden products.

It should always be the first treatment you consider if you want to take optimal care of your skin.

First of all, eczema and dermatitis often refer to the same thing in the medical world. They cover a variety of inflammations of the outermost part of the skin. There are three different, broad types of eczema.

The type of eczema depends on the cause and the location on the body where it occurs. The types are basically allergies, rashes and malnutrition. Eczema includes atopic, dyshidrotic and nummular eczema.

Of course, you want to eliminate any internal causes of eczema, such as non-contact allergies, skin rashes, and nutritional deficiencies.

For local causes of eczema, such as contact dermatitis, you want to avoid letting your skin come into contact with the offending object.

These can be jewelry, perfumes, chemicals in cosmetics, shellac in mascara, lipstick, nickel, lotions, soaps, fabric softener sheets, pesticides from contact around the mouth, latex gloves, etc.

I am assuming here that you already have a neurodermatitis diagnosis.

The best thing I have found to cure eczema is extra virgin coconut oil. It works better than eczema creams, which are usually chemical-laden products, whether for babies, teenagers or adults.

Make sure you work to eliminate the cause of your eczema, whether internal or external, which we won't go into here.

Extra virgin coconut oil has helped heal the skin of many I know. Of course, the immune system and body will ultimately take over the healing if you did nothing, but coconut oil can speed up the process.

If you also have acne, it also treats acne and is better than most chemical acne products.

You want to make sure you're getting the extra virgin variety that isn't refined, bleached, or deodorized. You can order it online.

Whole Foods Markets carry more coconut oil in pint and quart jars and especially the extra virgin coconut oil. Get the organic kind if you can.

Coconut oil also cures many other skin diseases and disorders and makes the skin soft and smooth. I use it for everything, including as makeup remover and under my foundation. My skin is always soft, silky, smooth and free from rashes, bumps, blemishes, blisters etc.

It also stops itching and flaking.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive, making it a good, inexpensive home remedy. Save it to treat other skin problems. It's actually healthy to eat too. It is a vegetable saturated fat, not an animal saturated fat.

I add two large tablespoons to my smoothies to help my skin from the inside out and have done so for many years.

Although we call it coconut oil, it's not really oil until the temperature rises above 77 degrees. It can be applied when it is in oily or non-oily state.

To apply the extra virgin coconut oil, massage it deeply into the affected area. You can heat it if you want, but you don't have to. Depending on the severity of the eczema, apply three to four times a day or more often and especially before going to bed.

It is important to keep the area moist with the oil. You may need to place a loose bandage soaked in the oil on your skin. If the eczema is on your hands, you will need to apply it even more often.

You can also expose the area to direct sunlight for about 20 minutes every day. This way you will also get your daily dose of vitamin D.

Many have used coconut oil as a treatment to cure or heal their or their baby's eczema.

All it takes is motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times a day and before bed.

And your eczema and its symptoms should go away provided you have eliminated the cause. Keep using coconut oil and good, clear skin will be your reward.

Inspired by Helen Hecker