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10 DIY Ways to Get Some Eczema Relief

When you have a skin condition such as eczema, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the influx of available products out there claiming to help. While it’s great to have a plethora of options, sometimes it’s best (for your sanity, your skin, and your wallet) to go in the opposite direction. I’ve had eczema for years and I’ve learned a lot about DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects to soothe my skin.

Trying something at home is cost-efficient, allows you to acquire new skills, and sometimes produces better results than a store-bought product. Check out these 10 ways to alleviate your eczema itch.

Finding a suitable laundry detergent for eczema is an uphill battle. Even some fragrance-free, unscented detergents can be filled with toxins and be harsh on your skin. Not to mention, companies often change the formulas in their products, and one slight variation of ingredients can send your skin into a tailspin.

By creating your own detergent, you’ll have control over the ingredients, making sure irritants and chemicals are not included. There are numerous ways to make detergent, but I tend to stick to a combination of these ingredients: super washing soda, baking soda, liquid castile soap (which you can also DIY with vegetable oils), and water. They’re completely nontoxic, so you won’t have to worry about your skin breaking out. There are many different variations out there, so play around and find one you like the best!

So many people overlook the benefits of purifying houseplants. Plants like aloe vera, the snake plant, and the dragon tree are phenomenal at detoxifying your indoor air. These plants may help release oxygen, filter toxins, improve your productivity, relieve stress, and so much more. Another benefit of indoor plants? They require low maintenance, making this a win-win situation.

Having an eczema emergency kit is crucial when your skin is inflamed and broken out. You’ll want to collect items such as alcohol-free antibacterial wipes, gauze, band-aids, lotions and creams, single-use ice packs, and perhaps a change of clothes. As you know, eczema is unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. You can keep this kit in your car, in your work bag or purse, or store it away in your suitcase. As long as you have it, you won’t have to panic the next time your skin does.

Bath bombs are incredibly soothing to your skin and they’re also mesmerizing to watch as they break apart in the water. Fortunately, they are extremely easy to make. Recipes differ, but common ingredients include baking soda, Epsom salt, cornstarch, water, essential oil of your choice, and food coloring. Additionally, you can add coconut oil and oatmeal for an extra-soothing touch. Combine the ingredients and pack them into a plastic or stainless steel bath bomb mold. Once the mold has set, remove the bath bomb and let it sit for a couple of days. Then it’s ready for you to enjoy!

You don’t have to wait until spring to get cleaning! One of the best things you can do for your eczema is dress in quality clothing. Take a look at the items you have in your closet. Do your best to get rid of “fast fashion” pieces that are cheaply made, rough, or scratchy on your skin. Not only is fast fashion horrible for the environment, but it’s filled with chemicals that can cause serious damage to the skin. Additionally, synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon are irritants for sensitive skin. To combat this, switch out these items for cotton and silk. And you can donate the leftovers to a local nonprofit.

You can write in a journal, download an app, or even create an eczema mood board. However you do it, documenting your eczema symptoms is a helpful way to track your triggers. When you can see patterns and identify problems, you’ll be better able to improve the management of your eczema and learn what to avoid to keep your skin happy.

There will be days when your eczema becomes so problematic that you’ll forego certain tasks like cooking. While your skin is itching and swelling up, the last thing you’ll want to do is whip up a nice meal. Having a healthy snack or meal prepped and ready to throw into the oven is a life-saver. Plus, it will prevent you from grabbing junk food, which can make eczema worse. Take a few hours once a week or once a month and batch cook some yummy meals. Your future self will thank you!

If your skin has never been splashed with an acidic cleaning product, consider yourself lucky. Making your own cleaning products is much safer, and it also might be more effective than the ones from the store. You can replicate heavy scrubs, soaps, and glass cleaner with just a few ingredients. Personally, I love my homemade all-purpose scrub cleaner which I create using vinegar, soap, and baking soda.

Stress can cause eczema to worsen, as can eating unhealthy foods. Fortunately, there’s a solution that covers both problems: grow your own vegetables! Vegetable gardening can be a big stress reliever and encourage you to eat more healthfully. And getting into gardening doesn’t mean you need a large greenhouse or a backyard. You can do it right inside your home by saving your scraps. For example, chop the base off a stalk of celery and place it in a cup of water in natural light. Change the water every couple of days, and when stalks and leaves start to grow, plant it in a small pot. Soon, you’ll have homegrown celery! You can try this with other produce like lettuce, bean sprouts, potatoes, garlic, and more. Growing vegetables is great for your mental health, too, as it requires patience and reduces depression and anxiety levels.

Cleaning is not fun, but neither is having eczema in a filthy home. As you know, eczema-prone skin tends to shed a lot. Unfortunately, dust mites thrive in this kind of environment, which is awful for your skin. Due to this, you’ll want to make sure you stay on top of your routine cleaning by creating a calendar. Mark the days you want to tackle different areas like the vents and floors. Ask a significant other or your children to help keep the house clean, and celebrate your tidy house as a family.

Dealing with eczema can be extremely stressful. If you’re not managing your symptoms well, the agony and discomfort can consume your entire life. It’s important to remind yourself to decompress and take it day by day. These DIY ideas will encourage your creativity and allow you to develop new skills that will inspire others. Get out there and try some of these ideas, or invent some of your own.