Eczema is a chronic skin problem that results from inflamed skin that is itchy and red. While most people have eczema in limited areas, it can affect your whole body. Eczema describes several skin conditions, including:

• Atopic dermatitis- the most common form of eczema results in dry, scaly skin and rashes that come and go.
• Seborrheic dermatitis- flaking skin that is dry and itchy, common on the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, and parts of the face. This type is generally caused by excess Candida albicans yeast cells on the skin.
• Contact dermatitis- an allergic or irritating reaction to something on your skin. This is common in people with sensitive skin and allergies to foods, pets, plants, and medications.
• Dyshidrotic eczema- blisters on the hands and feet are characteristic of this form of the disease.
• Other forms of this disease include nummular eczema, neurodermatitis, and stasis dermatitis.

Your doctor will be able to help you understand which form of the skin condition you have.

Because different things cause each form of this skin disease, it is difficult to pinpoint the best treatment until you understand what is causing your eczema. Those with chronic types of eczema often find that even minimal contact with irritants can cause a flareup on the skin. While the cause of the flare may differ, eczema is the result of hypersensitivity in the immune system which produces an aggressive response to specific proteins in the body which it believes to be pathogens that are trying to invade. The immune system falsely believes that these proteins are attempting to cause illness, so it unleashes an inflammatory response that results in rashes and other symptoms.

Treating Eczema

To stop an eczema flare, you must stop the allergic response and reduce the inflammation, itching, and swelling that cause the outbreak. Conventional medicine treats this condition with a combination of oral medications to minimize the immune system response and topical treatments to keep the skin moisturized. However, taking these medications long-term can result in adverse effects and can be expensive.

Using natural remedies is an excellent way to treat eczema, as several herbal treatments have the properties to both reduce inflammation and reduce itching while also helping to heal your skin. Oregano oil is not only antimicrobial to kill any infection on the skin, but it also calms irritation and inflammation to help your skin heal quickly.

How Oil of Oregano Works

Extracted from the Origanum vulgare plant, oregano oil is becoming a popular choice in alternative medicine for its many healing properties. Unlike the traditional form of this herb that is used in cooking, the wild species of oregano that is used to produce this essential oil has different properties that make it an excellent choice for many illnesses and conditions. The essential oil is made by distilling the leaves from this plant that grows wild in the mountains surrounding the Mediterranean.

Today, oil of oregano is widely used to treat skin conditions as well as fevers, colds, and stomach problems. Researchers and doctors have studied it for use in various applications, and we now know that one of its greatest properties is its ability to skill many different microbes, including parasites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

Oregano oil is especially good at inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, a yeast that naturally grows on the skin and inside your body. This yeast can quickly become overgrown, though, and this results in not only eczema flares but also gastrointestinal problems, vaginal yeast infections, and infections like thrush. Because this oil is so effective at stopping this yeast from taking over, it can be used to treat eczema effectively.

The compound in oregano oil that is responsible for its antimicrobial properties is called carvacrol. In lab tests, this natural compound has been shown to help control pain, reduce inflammation, and fight pathogens. By keeping your skin free of germs while also controlling the immune system response that creates the flareups, oregano oil is the perfect, natural choice for tearing your eczema.

Treating Eczema Using Oregano Oil

Treating your eczema with oregano oil is easy as well as inexpensive. There are several options for how to use this treatment. One thing that is important to remember is that this essential oil should never be applied in an undiluted form on your skin. It can cause irritation to your already inflamed skin in its undiluted form. Here are a few options for using oregano oil to calm your eczema.

Topical Use

Start by combining five milligrams of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil, with three drops of oregano oil. After mixing thoroughly, rub this into the affected area at least twice per day. If you notice that irritation or redness is worsening, discontinue use.

Oral Use

Another option is to take oregano oil orally. The taste of this essential oil is strong, so start by placing two to four drops of this oil under your tongue or dilute it in water or juice. You can do this daily to prevent flares or to keep chronic eczema under control.

Combined Use

For best results, you may want to use both methods at the same time to control your flareups and heal your skin quickly. You can also talk with your doctor about using oregano oil in combination with conventional treatments to speed healing and treat your inflamed skin.

Final Thoughts

For anyone searching for a way to control your eczema and heal your irritated, red, scaly skin, look no further than oregano essential oil. With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it is the perfect solution for treating eczema naturally. If you are tired of flaky, itchy skin and want to get your eczema under control for good, try oregano oil today.