Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a condition in which the skin becomes red and itchy. While it can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in children. This is a chronic condition that will periodically flare up. While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are many treatments and ointments that can be prescribed by one’s doctor, as well as different natural and home remedies that can help to reduce the itching and prevent more outbreaks from occurring.

A few home natural remedies for atopic dermatitis include:

1. Apply moisturizer twice a day

Dry skin is the biggest enemy of eczema and regularly using a moisturizer can be a powerful weapon. Ideally, you will want to slather on a cream after washing your face in the morning and evening. Avoid using a cream with a fragrance because they can irritate the skin further. Instead, opt for a heavy cream or salve rather than a lotion or emulsion.

2. Identify what triggers flare ups and avoid them

There are some things that can commonly cause atopic dermatitis to flare up. This can include stress, being overweight or obese, sugar, soaps and detergents, pollen, and dust. Different foods can also cause flare ups more commonly in children. These foods include eggs, dairy and milk, wheat and soy. A major way to reduce the amount of flare ups is to keep track of what things cause you to flare up and then to avoid those.

3. Take fewer baths and shorter baths and showers

Using lukewarm water instead of hot water because hot water is known to dry out skin. Limiting the length of your showers and baths to a maximum of fifteen minutes will help reduce the amount of moisture that is lost during this time. Doctors recommend washing only the essential areas, such as your hair, face, underarms, feet, and groin while washing the other areas unless they are noticeably dirty.

4. Use gentle soaps

Soaps can be very harsh on the skin, mainly due to their alkalinity. The fragrance and perfume added to soaps and body washes can also irritate and dry out the skin. Instead, try switching to a gentle, fragrance and color-free soap, especially one that’s formulated for sensitive skin.

5. Be careful while drying yourself

Roughly wiping yourself dry with a towel after your shower can further aggravate dry skin and even cause sores. Rather, try gently patting the skin dry with a soft towel and don’t forget to moisturize within 3 minutes of exiting the shower.

6. Aloe vera gel

The aloe vera plant is antibacterial, antimicrobial, boosts the immune system, and can help to heal wounds. It is especially good for those who suffer from eczema. This can help to prevent skin infections as well as soothe and heal broken skin caused by eczema.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat many health conditions, including atopic dermatitis. You skin is acidic and so is vinegar whereas most soaps are alkaline, which disrupts the acidity of the skin leaving it open to damage. Apple cider vinegar is also used to fight bacteria, which can be a problem when skin is broken.

8. Bleach baths

It might sound dangerous, but research suggests that using bleach in the bath can improve eczema symptoms. This is mainly due to bleach’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Bleach is believed to help restore the microbiome on the skin’s surface.

9. Colloidal oatmeal

Made from finely-ground oats, colloidal oatmeal is known to soften and calm inflamed skin. It can be used in lotion and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant properties.

10. Bathing

If done correctly, taking a bath can help with eczema as well. Using lukewarm water, using a mild soap, and moisturizing immediately afterwards are ways to make sure that the bath is beneficial rather than harmful.

Trying these different methods can help to reduce the amount of flare ups that occur from atopic dermatitis as well as reduce the symptoms caused during a flare up when they do occur. While there is no cure for this, reducing the amount of flare ups and treating them while in the midst of a flare up can make you all the more comfortable and keep you from itching.