Three Household Items that Help Eczema

Moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) can often require the help of a dermatologist to treat the itchiness, pain and the secondary infections that often accompany it. Most doctors treat with prescriptions, and these may work, but there are also common household items that can help treat the symptoms and discomfort of eczema.

1. Bleach
It may seem counter-intuitive to use something as harsh as bleach on the raw open skin wounds of severe eczema, but a 2006 study published in April 2009 on WebMD, and my own practice, have shown that bathing in highly diluted bleach water (about 1/4 cup to a tub full of water) can reduce redness and frequency of infection during eczema flare ups.

Our doctor began prescribing bleach baths about two years ago when recurring staph infections on my daughter's skin started spreading to the rest of the family. The study reported on this year by WebMD, explains that bleach baths can reduce bacteria on the skin, which can reduce infection and help eliminate one source of eczema flare up.

2. Yogurt
Yogurt can help eczema in two different ways, by ingesting, and using topically. According to Christina Nevada, author of Heaing Eczema, yogurt can be used to cleanse highly irritated skin when even the gentlest soap is too harsh. Rinse the yogurt thoroughly.

Nevada also advocates yogurt being added to the diet of an eczema sufferer because it can help by putting probiotics back into the system. Probiotics can be consumed as a supplement, but yogurt may be an easier way for children to get the benefits without the hassle of guessing dosages for your little one.

3. Old Cotton Sheets
Old cotton sheets and warm water can be one of the best and cheapest sources of relief for a severe eczema flare up.

Wet wraps have been used for many years with eczema, but our own doctors were hesitant to advise us to use them. Desperate to find relief from itching, I found many articles on the Internet listing the many benefits and quick relief brought about by using the wet wrap method.

An article on the website SkinCarePhysicians explains that wet wraps consist of dampening old cotton sheets or towels with warm water. The cloth is then rung out until just damp, and laid directly on the affected areas of the skin. This same method can be used with children's cotton pajamas. The dampness from the cloth keeps the skin moistened, helping to protect the skin barrier and heal and repair the skin.

During extreme flare ups, wet wraps are often the only method that brings immediate relief for my daughter from the itching, redness and pain of the flare up. Repeated applications are sometimes required to clear up particularly tough areas on her body.

My daughter has used a plethora of topical and oral medications to help her with her severe eczema. Some have helped and others have not. These three items, found in most households, always work well and help bring relief to her skin.