Common natural remedies used for eczema

About 50% of patients with atopic dermatitis report having used alternative and complementary treatments. These treatments have not been well studied and may have associated risks. It is important to discuss any treatments with your healthcare provider before trying them, even if they appear to be harmless. Common eczema treatments include:

• Traditional chinese medicine
• Ayurvedic medicine
• Hypnosis and biofeedback
• Vitamin D supplements
• Probiotics
• Apple cider vinegar
• Coconut oil
• Sunflower seed oil
• Vitamin B12

Types of complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine practices are often grouped into broad categories, such as the use of natural products, mind and body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices. Although these categories are not formally defined, they are useful for discussing complementary and alternative practices. Some CAM practices may fit into more than one category.

Natural products

This area of alternative medicine includes the use of a variety of herbal treatments (also known as botanicals), vitamins, minerals and other natural products. Many are sold over the counter as dietary supplements. Some uses of dietary supplements — for example, taking a multivitamin to meet minimum daily nutritional requirements or taking calcium to promote bone health — are not thought of as complementary and alternative.

Other products include probiotics — live microorganisms (usually bacteria) that are similar to micro-organisms normally found in the human digestive tract and are considered to have beneficial effects. Probiotics are available in foods (for example, yogurts) or as dietary supplements.

Mind and body practices

Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, body and behavior, to affect physical functioning and promote health. Many complementary and alternative medicine practices embody this concept in different ways.

Meditation techniques include specific postures and/or attention to breathing patterns. People use meditation to increase calmness and relaxation, improve psychological balance, cope with illness, or enhance overall health and well-being.

The various styles of yoga used for health purposes typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. People use yoga for general health and also for a variety of health conditions.

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body using a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with needles that are then manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation. It is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine and is among the oldest healing practices.

Other examples of mind and body practices include deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, hypnotherapy and progressive relaxation.

Manipulative and body-based methods

Manipulative and body-based practices focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Spinal manipulation is performed by chiropractors and by other health care professionals such as physical therapists, osteopathic physicians, and some conventional medical doctors. Practitioners use their hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine, moving it beyond its passive range of motion. The amount of force applied depends on the form of manipulation used.

Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including relieving pain, rehabilitating sports injuries, reducing stress, increasing relaxation, addressing anxiety and depression, and aiding general well-being.

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