Eczema treatment - the £1.50 oil to protect against dry skin at home

ECZEMA could be treated by using creams, moisturisers or emollients. But you could also get rid of the dry skin condition at home during the coronavirus lockdown by using this natural oil. Coconut oil may help to relieve the itchy and sore signs of eczema.

Eczema: NHS GP explains symptoms of skin condition

Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, red and cracked, according to the NHS. But, moisturising the affected skin with coconut oil could help to get rid of the condition, it's been claimed.

Young children are most at risk of developing eczema symptoms, but it could also develop in later life.

If you have eczema, your symptoms can vary between small patches of dry skin, to widespread, inflamed areas of cracked skin.

But you could lower your risk of dry skin by regularly moisturising with coconut oil, it’s been revealed.

Coconut oil has some antimicrobial properties that may help to protect against the dry skin condition.

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Eczema treatment: Prevent dry and itchy skin

Eczema treatment: Prevent dry and itchy skin with coconut oil cream, as a moisturiser (Image: GETTY Images)

Scientists revealed coconut oil's healing properties in a 2013 experiment, involving 117 children.

They each used virgin coconut oil as a cream for their eczema over an eight-week period.

The children reported a significant improvement in their skin, with a marked reduction in eczema symptoms.

Coconut oil has been claimed to have a number of other benefits, including boosting heart health, and encouraging fat burning.

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"If your severe eczema isn’t responding to traditional treatments, you may be wondering what other options you have," said medical website Healthline.

"In addition to the therapies your doctor prescribes, you may be looking to try alternative or complementary medicine.

"Some people claim that coconut oil has various benefits, whether you cook with it or apply it topically.

"Coconut oil has some antimicrobial properties, which can reduce the chances of a skin infection. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it may be able to provide relief from dry, cracked skin caused by inflammation."

Eczema treatment: Speak to a doctor for

Eczema treatment: Speak to a doctor for prescription medication (Image: GETTY Images)

Meanwhile, you could also lower your risk of eczema symptoms by using sunflower oil.

It will also boost the skin's ability to retain any moisture following the application.

Everyone with eczema should consider using sunflower oil on their skin twice a day, said the National Eczema Association.

Its anti-inflammatory properties mean that it's an ideal remedy for dry skin.

There isn’t a specific cure for eczema, but some eczema treatments may help to reduce the itchy signs of eczema at home.

Emollients and creams could be found at your local pharmacy to treat dry skin.

Keeping nails short and wearing light clothing over affected areas could help to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

Speak to a pharmacist if you’re worried about the signs of eczema, or for advice on the best over-the-counter eczema treatments.

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