The ‘miracle cure’ for eczema that’s probably already in your kitchen cupboard
Sunflower oil can be used as a moisturiser to help manage eczema because it keeps the skin soft and supple
ANYONE who has eczema is no stranger to the constant dry skin and itching.
Chances are you'll try anything just to stop it flaring up - but it turns out a "magic cure" could already be in your kitchen cupboard.
Sunflower oil can help keep the symptoms of eczema at bay and some studies have even found it has anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for keeping any redness and swelling at bay.
When it comes to treating eczema, the most important thing is to keep the skin moisturised.
This can help prevent the skin becoming dry, flaky, irritated and itchy.
"The most important part of treating eczema is moisturising," Dr Anton Alexandroff, spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists, told The Sun Online.
"Sometimes you'll need something else, like a topical steroid, but usually you just need a good moisturiser.
"Sunflower oil is a moisturiser and is actually included in some moisturisers.
"There are some research papers that suggest some patients saw some anti-inflammatory results [when using sunflower oil] but I've not seen any clinical studies that prove it's better than other moisturisers.
"But it's fine to try and see if it works for people."
Most children suffer eczema at some point, but the condition usually clears as they grow up, Dr Alexandroff explained.
But adults that suffer the condition tend to have it far worse - the condition is recurring and usually worse than childhood eczema.
FIND OUT MORE What is eczema, what are the signs and causes and how can you treat the painful skin condition?
Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a common dry skin condition.
Though common it is rare for two sufferers to experience the same symptoms and discomfort. It is a highly varied condition and comes in many forms.
In mild cases, a sufferer's skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy.
But, in more severe cases there can be weeping, crusting and bleeding sores as a result.
The constant compulsion to itch can leave the skin split and bleeding and also leaves it open to infection.
That's why keeping the skin moist is vital.
If you've tried using sunflower oil but you've not seen any results, Dr Alexandroff suggests using ointments.
"Ideally people should be using ointments, but some people find that too greasy for the skin," he added.
"In that case you can use more water-based moisturisers like lotions or creams, but you'll have to use it more often.
"It's also important not to soaps and shower gels - you should wash with moisturisers.
"Soap and shower gel just dry out the skin and cause eczema to flare-up.
"Bubble baths are also really bad for eczema, but on the other hand bath oils and additives are really good."
MORE ON ECZEMA
According to the British Association of Dermatologists: "Complete emollient therapy is the mainstay of treatment for all patients with eczema - this means regular application of a moisturiser [also known as an emollient] and washing with a moisturiser instead of soap.
"These should be applied several times every day to help the outer layer of your skin function better as a barrier to your environment.
"The drier your skin, the more frequently you should apply a moisturiser. Many different ones are available, varying in their degree of greasiness, and it is important that you choose one you like to use.
"Moisturisers containing an antiseptic may be useful if repeated infections are a problem."
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