Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. It is a very common and more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers.
When an irritant or an allergen “switches on” the immune system, skin cells don’t behave as they should causing an eczema flare-up. These flakes will appear in places like on face, behind ears, on the scalp, on hands and feet, wrists, and all over the body.
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a common household ingredient that can be used to several healthy a beauty treatments. For a condition like eczema, baking soda can offer a host of benefits while being very mild on the skin.
Properties of baking soda that are helpful for controlling eczema attacks on the skin:
Natural antiseptic properties
Cleansing property that cleanses and clears the bacteria or other germs from flare-up zones
Balances the pH levels of the body and makes it more alkaline
Has a soothing effect that reduces the rashes and inflammation
Gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells on skin’s surface
Detoxifies the skin and strengthens the skin to prevent any further flare-ups
Gentle foaming action which helps in deep cleansing of sensitive eczema spots
Here are 3 simple and easy ways you can use baking soda to get relief from eczema flare-ups.
1. Baking Soda Paste For Eczema
Even the topical application of baking soda as paste form will help to clear eczema. This process is used to treat eczema itch, redness, irritation and eczema scars on the skin.
Recipe:
Mix baking soda and warm water in such a ratio that it becomes thick and heavy consistency (mud-like paste).
Apply this paste directly on eczema flare up.
Let it sit for about 5 – 7 minutes and rinse it off with water.
Dry the skin thoroughly and apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to seal in the hydration.
2. Baking Soda Bath
This remedy is great for helping you clear eczema itch, especially in the areas where we can’t apply easily.
Recipe:
Add 1/2 – 1 cup of baking soda in a tub of lukewarm water.
Stir well and soak for about 10 – 15 minutes, so that your skin will absorb that water.
After that, rinse your body with normal water and dry the skin thoroughly.
Repeat the same process to get rid of eczema along with its irritation.
Variations you can try:
Mix some ground oatmeal or salts (Mediterranean sea salt and Epsom salt) to this baking soda bath before soaking to get rid of irritation and itching along with clearing the dead cells on the skin’s surface.
Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of finely ground oats in a bathtub. Stir well and soak for few minutes. Rinse the body with normal water and pat dry the skin.
3. Baking Soda With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has immune-boosting abilities, riboflavin, mineral salts, vitamin B1, acetic acid and all other essential nutrients to relieve you from itching, dryness along with the reduction of eczema.
Recipe:
Combine 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1/2 cup of water.
Stir well and be sure that it will fizz while mixing it.
When it gets stopped, drink this mix and if you prefer, you can add a little of honey or lemon in this water before drinking.
Regular intake of this drink will definitely help you to get relief from the problem.
