Manage eczema at home: Natural eczema remedy

Eczema is a skin disorder that can severely dry out your skin leaving it very irritated, itchy and scaly. If you have been diagnosed with eczema, it is therefore important to keep your skin moisturized and help it regain its moisture retention. There are many creams and ointments (most with steroids) in the market that are used to control this chronic skin condition. Most commercially produced lotions and creams contain chemicals that can aggravate eczema because they either are either not easily absorbed or they dry out and irritate the skin.

Shea butter is one product known to soothe rough and dry skin as well as keep it moisturized as it is easily absorbed by the skin. It nourishes the skin with high levels of Vitamins A, E and F hence acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. East Africa Nilotica Shea Butter (Vitellaria Nilotica) is highly recommended for managing eczema as it is higher in olein (the liquid part of the shea butter) hence, softer. It spreads easily and needs no rubbing compared to the West African variety. It also has a higher absorption rate due to lower saturated fatty acids. Applying or rubbing your skin with a cream or lotion that contains this shea butter will deliver these important healing ingredients to the skin. Caution must however be exercised with some commercial lotions as they may advertise the presence of shea in their formula while they only contain a small percentage or may contain other ingredients especially preservatives that negate the positive effects of the shea on the skin.

Luckily, Mother Nature has provided this great, organic product in its pure, raw and unrefined form. The secret to obtain maximum benefit from this product therefore lies in its use.  You can add a few scoops (teaspoonfuls) of shea butter in a warm bath and soak yourself in it for 10 minutes. After showering, dry your skin by dabbing yourself with a dry and soft towel. Avoid rubbing your skin with the towel as this may irritate the skin. The more irritated the skin is, the itchier it becomes. Moisturize your skin with shea butter as soon as you step out of the shower/bath; don’t let the skin dry out. Take time to rub it in gently on the irritated sections. To rub it in, use your finger tips. Avoid scratching at your skin as this irritates the skin more. If you notice your skin is dry or itchy in the course of the day, rub in some more shea butter. Shea butter is easily absorbed by the skin hence can be applied at bedtime. The secret here is to keep your skin moisturized at all times.  You can repeat this routine as often as possible as shea butter has no side effects, it is safe for all ages and skin types.

Slice Of Nature fair trade Shea butter is 100% natural, with all the healing and moisturizing properties, raw in natural state, untainted and unaltered.

This blog is aimed at providing suggestions for the management of a healthy skin and/or mild cases of eczema and is not a replacement to physician advice. It is important to seek your physician’s advice if symptoms are persistent.   

SliceofNature

Managing an oily scalp

Just like the skin, the scalp has sebaceous glands which produce sebum (oil) that helps keep your scalp moisturized and is protective to the scalp. This sebum is healthy as it prevents bacteria and fungi from penetrating the pores. However, overproduction of sebum will lead to an oily scalp and greasy hair as a result. Greasy hair will attract a lot of dust leading to a build up of dead cells, dirt and bacteria that will clog and infect the pores causing scalp infections and spoiling your overall look.

Causes of oily scalp

Although there are always exceptions, an oily scalp can be caused by the following: genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, stress, poor diet, weather as well as lack of regular and consistent scalp and hair cleansing resulting in the build-up of oil and dirt.

Caring for an oily scalp and greasy hair

• Shampoo your hair on alternate days; at most 3 times a week just to keep the scalp and hair clean and well groomed. Shampooing too little provides a good breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Shampooing too much irritates and strips off the oils on the scalp. By stripping the oils away, the sebaceous glands instinctively replenish the lost oils and you end up creating a bigger problem as the scalp also becomes very sensitive.
• Use warm water to shampoo, not cold or hot water. Hot water damages the outer layer of the scalp (epidermis). Rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing; leaving any remnants behind will also irritate the scalp.
• Steer clear from harsh hair products; they have a drying effect on the scalp as they strip off the oils and moisture on the scalp. Use mild shampoos with a low or balanced pH or one that is specifically made for oily scalp/hair. You can also use an antiseptic while shampooing to control the bacteria and fungi multiplying on your scalp. For this purpose, dilute a few drops (3 to 5) of leleshwa (African wild sage) with your preferred shampoo, treatment or conditioner and apply as usual.
• Condition your hair regularly. Opt for a deep moisturizing hair and scalp conditioner which will not leave your scalp oily. For this case, opt for a conditioner with natural and organic moisturizers like the home made avocado treatment. To oil your scalp, opt for natural oils that will help in reducing oil production in your scalp like shea butter and argan oil. However, apply and massage it in moderation to avoid overdoing it.
• Reduce your stress levels. Stress leads to hormonal imbalances which will lead to over production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to cope with stress eg. taking a walk, dancing, yoga, singing etc. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, essential oils/omega fats, minerals, fibre and vitamins and maintain a high consumption of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. A healthy diet and lifestyle will always reflect on your skin/scalp.
• Lastly, when shampooing, combing or brushing your hair; be gentle with your scalp. Applying too much force when shampooing will irritate and strip off the oils on the scalp. Brushing too much and too often moves the oils from the scalp to the hair and this will prompt the glands to compensate with more oils.

This blog is aimed at providing suggestions for the management of a healthy scalp and/or mild cases of an oily scalp and is not a replacement to physician advice. If symptoms persist, it is important to contact a physician.

SliceofNature