Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a blanket term describing inflammation of the skin. Older adults who experience this condition often try a variety of treatments to find relief, and oftentimes taking the natural approach offers the most effective results. Here’s a list of some natural remedies your senior loved one can use to alleviate eczema symptoms.
1. Probiotics
Eczema outbreaks are closely tied to diet and digestive health. When your loved one eats certain foods or has too much unhealthy bacteria in the intestines, he or she will have a higher risk of an eczema outbreak.
Probiotic supplements are designed to balance the bacteria in the intestines to prevent inflammation and discomfort. These supplements come in the form of pills taken before meals or beverages that can be consumed throughout the day.
2. Vitamin D Supplement
Most of our vitamin D comes from sunlight, but seniors with eczema often have a difficult time staying in the sun for long periods. A vitamin D deficiency can increase the frequency of your loved one’s outbreaks and make them more painful. This particular supplement has been shown to boost the immune system and fight off the bacteria that cause skin irritation.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals that provide the essential nutrients he or she needs for optimal health. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of respite care. Orlando seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
3. Lavender Oil & Coconut Oil Blend
Lavender is an essential oil often used as a topical treatment to soothe and hydrate damaged skin cells. When combined with coconut oil, lavender oil makes an excellent home remedy for irritated and inflamed skin. These two ingredients can be mixed weeks in advance and stored in a small bottle in your loved one’s purse or car.
Seniors with mobility limitations or health issues may find it difficult to care for their skin properly. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Orlando families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Acupuncture
Almost anything that raises stress levels also increases the risk of an eczema outbreak. Acupuncture provides a wide variety of physical and emotional benefits, including stress relief. Many practitioners believe acupuncture suppresses the production of various natural hormones that cause stress and anxiety.
5. Aloe Vera with Vitamin E
The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant is one of the most effective soothing agents in nature. When combined with vitamin E, this mixture can quickly hydrate and heal damaged skin. Your loved one can even make this remedy at home with a small aloe plant and crushed vitamin E pills. Skin care is just one of the many everyday tasks that can be challenging for some seniors. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Specialists today.