No one likes to have skin diseases because of the irritation and discomfort they cause, and eczema comes with a lot of itching, making the skin appear dry.
Eczema impairs the skin’s ability to protect itself from the environment; using lotions, creams, and ointments to strengthen this protective layer frequently reduces discomfort.
But it might also work if you have a container of honey in your pantry.
The naturally occurring sugar is a humectant.
This implies that it has the ability to draw and hold moisture in your skin.
I will cover the information you need to identify the best honey for eczema.
Benefits of Honey
For millennia, honey has been used in traditional medicine.
It was used to cure burns and wounds by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.
It is also a component of Ayurveda, an Indian traditional medicine system.
Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities are found in honey.
Additionally, some research suggests it may help prevent cancer.
This is because it contains substances known as polyphenols and flavonoids.
According to experts, these antioxidants halt the mechanism that causes cell damage.
The data supporting honey as an eczema treatment is not very strong.
However, a few tiny studies suggest that it might be useful in the following ways:
- Treat or prevent skin infections
- Accelerate wound healing
- Reverse bacterial resistance
- Regulate overactive immune cells
- Ease ear pain and itching.
Manuka Honey for Eczema
Manuka honey is the subject of a lot of scientific discussion.
Made by honeybees in New Zealand and Australia, it contains a significant amount of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Researchers believe that the reason it is more antimicrobial than other types is because of this component.
However, further study is required to determine the implications for skin care for eczema.
How it works:
For injured skin, medical-grade honey works best. That type is applied to wounds.
It’s sterile, unlike the honey you eat.
It has therefore been treated to eradicate specific harmful microorganisms.
It lessens your vulnerability to infection.
To make your own honey dressing, follow these steps:
- Hands up.
- Apply a layer of high-quality medicinal honey to the areas that itch.
- Apply a bandage or sterile gauze to the area.
- Proceed for the night.
- Rinse off first thing in the morning.
For a week, do this every night.
However, make sure to test a small area of skin beforehand.
Let it sit for a few minutes and check for any additional swelling, redness, or itching.
Can Honey Help with Eczema Symptoms?
According to some research, those who have eczema may benefit from honey’s medicinal qualities.
For instance, a tiny 2017 study (Trusted Source) discovered that using manuka honey for seven days in a row greatly healed the lesions caused by atopic dermatitis.
According to the experts, honey’s antimicrobial qualities might be able to reduce skin irritation.
It is explained that 70–90% of individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis have Staphylococcus aureus germs colonizing their skin.
Inflammatory toxins produced by S. aureus have the potential to cause infections.
According to a review, honey has been acknowledged by scientists all over the world for its ability to treat wounds and burns on the skin.
Honey may also have antibacterial qualities, influence the immune system, and aid in tissue healing.
According to the review, honey may be used to treat atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
But further study is needed to determine how honey affects other kinds of eczema and other skin conditions.
Best Manuka Honey Cream for Eczema
Manuka honey is thought to have enhanced antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, according to experts.
This is due to the fact that Manuka honey has natural compounds, such as methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, and other active ingredients, that other types of honey do not.
How to apply:
Manuka honey can be used to treat eczema by doing the following:
- Using clean hands, apply a thin layer of honey to the affected area in the evening.
- Apply gauze or a bandage to the affected region.
- Clean the area in the morning after carefully removing the dressing after leaving it in place over night.
It should be noted that the majority of research on the health benefits of manuka honey is done in vitro.
This indicates that they are carried out in a controlled environment, such as a test tube or petri dish.
Thus, when people take Manuka honey in real life, the outcomes could not be the same.
Manuka Honey’s Safety and Risks for Eczema
The cost of Manuka honey is one of its drawbacks.
People should be sure they are buying real medical-grade Manuka honey because it can be costly.
To accomplish this, a consumer should search for the product’s Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) mark.
This shows that the beekeepers, producers, and exporters licensed by the UMF Honey Association are the source of the honey.
Additionally, a number should be visible next to the UMF mark.
This shows how many important indicators, such as methylglyoxal and dihydroxyacetone, there are for Manuka honey.
The ideal UMF is 10 or above.
Other home remedies for eczema include:
Apple Cider Vinegar
This well-liked home medicine is used by people for a variety of ailments, including skin diseases like eczema.
Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA).
It accomplishes this by battling microorganisms and regulating the skin’s acidity. However, no studies have been done to support its ability to treat eczema.
Since vinegar can harm soft tissue, the NEA suggests using caution.
Coconut oil
The symptoms of eczema may be lessened by moisturizing dry skin with this oil.
Additionally, it might lessen inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia leaves are used to extract tea tree oil, which possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities.
These might lessen the eczema symptoms.
Oatmeal in a colloidal form
Taking a bath or applying a lotion containing colloidal oatmeal can help reduce eczema symptoms.
The cooked and pulverized oats provide it with its possible skin-healing effects.
It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities as well.
Types of Eczema
Eczema comes in a variety of forms. Every one of the forms has specific triggers that might impair the barrier function of your skin. Eczema types include:
Allergic contact dermatitis
This skin rash appears after coming into contact with an allergen or substance that the immune system identifies as alien.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Skin irritation on the palms and soles of the feet is referred to by this word. Its distinguishing feature is blisters.
Neurodermatitis
Scaly skin patches appear on the head, forearms, and lower thighs as a result of this illness.
It happens when there is localized irritation, like after being bitten by an insect.
Discoid eczema
Often referred to as nummular eczema, it manifests as inflamed skin spots that are itchy, crusty, and scaly.
Stasis dermatitis
There is lower leg skin discomfort. It is feasible to have more than one kind of eczema at the same time..
Who is Affected by Eczema?
Everyone, at any age, can get eczema.
Usually beginning in early childhood, symptoms continue throughout adulthood.
In the event that dermatitis, allergies, or hay fever run in your family.
You can be more prone to getting eczema if you have asthma.
Eczema Symptoms
Symptoms of eczema include:
Dry skin, itchy skin, skin rash, bumps on the skin, flaky, scaly, or crusty skin, swelling.
Eczema symptoms might appear anywhere on your skin.
The most typical areas to get eczema symptoms are on your hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, ears, and lips.
Causes of Eczema
Eczema is brought on by a number of factors; these include:
Your immune system
Your immune system can overreact to minute allergens or irritants known as triggers in your environment if you have eczema.
Your immune system interprets minor irritants as dangerous foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses when you come into contact with a trigger.
Your genes
You are more likely to get dermatitis or eczema if there is a family history of the illness.
You run a higher risk if you have a history of allergies, hay fever, or asthma.
Common allergens include pet hair, pollen, and foods that trigger an allergic reaction.
Environmental factors
There are numerous things in your surroundings that can irritate your skin.
Examples include smoking, breathing in pollutants, using harsh soaps, wearing wool, and using some skin care products.
Dry air can affect the skin, making it dry and sensitive.
Emotional triggers
Your emotional well-being may have an impact on your skin’s health, which may lead to an escalation of eczema symptoms.
You may experience more frequent eczema flare-ups if you have high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.
If you are not allergic to any foods, then there are no foods that can develop eczema or make it worse.
Eczema cannot be spread or transmitted from person to person.
Eczema On Other Parts of the Body
Eczema on Eyes
Eczema frequently manifests on the eyelids or in the area surrounding the eyes.
Eye eczema may be brought on by an allergy, or it may be one of the many potential symptoms of atopy, a genetic environmental hypersensitivity (together with asthma).
Eczema on Neck
Head and neck dermatitis, or neck eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder that can be brought on by a number of factors.
These include an overactive immune system, an excess of Malassezia yeast, or a hereditary predisposition.
Eczema on Lips
Atopic dermatitis is occasionally linked to it. It may result in painfully cracked, scaly, or dry lips. It is an extreme case of chapped lips.
Breast Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, often known as breast eczema, is a disorder that results in dry, discolored, itchy, and lumpy skin.
Eczema Herpeticum
A widespread viral infection called eczema herpeticum is characterized by fever and clusters of scratchy blisters or erosions.
Eczema Medications
For treatment of eczema signs and symptoms, doctors may recommend a variety of drugs, including:
Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments
These medications work by reducing inflammation, which should help with the two main eczema symptoms—itching and swelling.
You can apply the eczema creams directly to your skin. For some people, taking medication at the indicated strength may be beneficial.
Oral drugs
If topical therapies are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe oral drugs such as immunosuppressants or systemic corticosteroids.
These can be taken orally or as injections and ought to only be used for brief periods of time.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the symptoms could worsen if these medications are stopped, provided the patient does not have a prescription for another medication.
Antibiotics
Doctors will prescribe medicines if a bacterial skin infection coexists with eczema.
It’s crucial to continue taking care of a skin region even after it has healed because it might quickly irritate again.
Nummular Eczema on Black Skin
One type of eczema that affects adults more frequently is nummular eczema.
The eczema rash typically appears as circular lesions on the lower legs.
Small, itchy pimples on the arms or torso are one of the signs of this eczema.
Black people are more likely to have this type of dermatitis, which can make the hair follicle stand out
Eczema in Babies
A common skin ailment that affects newborns and young children is baby eczema.
Areas of your baby’s skin affected by eczema become scratchy, dry, and rough.
Your baby’s face is the area where eczema symptoms appear most frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manuka honey good for eczema?
Acne symptoms may be alleviated by using manuka honey.
According to research, manuka honey has a number of qualities that could help with eczema symptoms.
These consist of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities.
Manuka honey may also aid in promoting the processes required for tissue healing.
What does eczema honey do?
It helps reduce minor skin irritation and itching caused by rashes and eczema while providing temporary protection.
All skin types can use our skin-soothing cream, which can be used anywhere on the body.
Your skin is shielded and conditioned by the moisture barrier that the cream forms after it melts into the skin.
What is the fastest way to heal eczema?
Applying a corticosteroid ointment and enclosing the medication with a layer of moist and dry gauze is a successful, intensive treatment for severe eczema.
Which serums work well for dermatitis?
By bolstering the skin’s innate defenses, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum helps to reduce sensitized reactions.
This serum, which is made with purslane, balloon vine, and panthenol, can calm irritated skin unlike anything else.
Can eczema be cured with honey?
Although there is no proof that honey helps eczema, some studies suggest that because of its immunomodulating qualities, it might be useful.
Honey of the medical grade is specifically designed for topical use.
Before applying honey to your skin, you should consult a doctor if you have a pollen or honey allergy.
Is eczema contagious?
Eczema cannot be spread. One cannot ‘catch it’ from another.
Although the precise origin of eczema is unknown, scientists do know that environmental factors and genetic factors interact to create the condition in some people.
What does eczema look like?
Each individual who has been diagnosed with eczema may have a varied appearance. The color of an eczema rash might be purple, brown, or gray if you have a dark skin tone.
The color of an eczema rash can be pink, red, or purple if you have fair skin.
What causes eczema?
allergies to certain foods, such as those to cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, or wheat. Some materials, such wool and synthetic fabrics, are worn adjacent to the skin.
Women may notice that their symptoms worsen in the days leading up to their period or when pregnant due to hormonal changes.
How do you cure eczema permanently?
Eczema cannot be cured, and although there are therapies, none of them can completely get rid of your symptoms.
Since eczema is a chronic disorder, it may suddenly disappear and reappear.
The symptoms of dry, itchy skin can be effectively reduced by treatments.
What is eczema?
This skin ailment makes your skin dry, itchy, and rough.
Disclaimer
This information is not meant to replace medical care from a licensed healthcare or beauty expert; rather, it is meant for educational and self-awareness purposes.
