Neem Oil - Natural Cure for Eczema

The neem is an Indian tree, and its use has been extensively mentioned in Ayurvedic medicinal scripts, since ancient times. Neem oil is widely used in many medicines. It has a slightly unpleasant odor, attributed to its anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. The oil has very powerful moisturizing and regenerative properties, and is known to contain vitamin E, and fatty acids, that help to cure and heal many skin conditions.

Neem has many benefits. Taken internally it helps to strengthen and build the immune system. It is known to regulate digestive, respiratory, and blood circulation systems. It is also the basis of many health tonics and is used as an astringent for healing wounds. All the parts of the tree are used to extract oil, that is full of anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties.

Eczema is a very common skin condition, and is also known as dermatitis. It can be triggered by a number of things, and is mostly seen in people with very sensitive skin. Eczema is mostly chronic or recurrent in nature, and has a tendency to occur on and off throughout life, depending on the triggering irritant. Although many medications are available for treating it, many people find it difficult to consume them, as some even come with steroids.

Neem Oil for Eczema

Eczema is characterized by dry flaky skin, and lots of itching and scratching. Symptoms for severe cases also include, bleeding and fever. As eczema inflicted skin becomes dry, it tends to crack, leading to fissures in the skin. Once the bacteria enters these fissures, it accelerates the growth of eczema. The eczema condition found in infants and young children can be very difficult to deal with. The chronic nature of eczema is known to cause not only the child, but also the whole family physical and psychological problems.

Although neem oil cannot cure all symptoms, it is known to provide relief. Neem is anti-inflammatory in nature, and that aids to reduce the redness and irritation. Neem has two anti-inflammatory active compounds called nimbin and nimbidin, that act as deterrents to recurrent infections. Neem being antibacterial, inhibits the growth of most secondary infections, caused due to fluid or blood eruptions of eczema boils.

Neem has very strong anti-allergenic properties, and is considered as one of the strongest natural analgesics. This analgesic property, relieves discomfort caused by chronic itching with immediate effect. Neem oil also contains a natural anti-histamine which slows down growth of the infection and aids relief.

How to Use Neem Oil for Treating Eczema

The first and foremost rule of treating eczema is to avoid soap based cleansers, because they may result in dry skin. One must use soap free and neem oil based cream cleansers, creams, lotion, or emollients. Neem oil can also be mixed with lukewarm bath water, to maximize the hydrating effect on eczema inflicted skin. Eczema caused itching can also be reduced around the fingers by keeping the nails short and constantly moisturizing with neem oil based creams. Most doctors suggest the use of a patting motion rather than scratching the itchy areas.

Neem based lotions, creams and oils help healing and treating most eczema related skin conditions. Its use is highly recommended by many medical practitioners as an alternative to steroid based medicines.