Eczema is a skin condition causing itchy, red, dry, cracked and sore patches to develop on the skin. The condition is usually long-term, but symptoms can improve significantly over time and can sometimes clear up completely. Eczema is common and can affect both adults and children, but treating it is not always that easy. Various topical creams and ointments can be bought over-the-counter to treat eczema symptoms, while doctors can prescribe stronger remedies.
The effectiveness of certain treatments depends on the individual and how severe their eczema is, so it may be necessary to try out a number of different treatments until you find one that works for you.
Some people find natural remedies more effective in treating the condition, especially if you want to avoid putting chemicals on your skin.
One everyday cooking oil that has been found in some studies to effectively treat eczema is sunflower seed oil.
According to the National Eczema Association, sunflower seed oil can stimulate the body’s natural ceramide production.
“Ceramides are skin barrier bolstering fats that are naturally produced in our bodies,” explains the National Eczema Association.
“Many cosmetic companies enhance their moisturisers with ceramides as a way to replenish the level of these fats via topical absorption.”
So this means sunflower seed oil can help improve the skin’s barrier and therefore protect the skin.
In addition, sunflower seed oil is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it can reduce inflammation in people with eczema.
According to the National Eczema Association, one study examining sunflower oil distillate found patients who used sunflower oil along with a topical steroid for three weeks had significantly less lichenification.
Lichenification refers to skin that becomes thick and rough from rubbing and scratching.
“While more studies are needed, this small trial demonstrated a beneficial outcome for a treatment that is safe for many patients to try,” said the eczema expert.
In another study in premature babies with poor barrier function – similar to that of eczema patients – sunflower seed oil applied topically three times a day led to a 41 per cent reduction of bacterial reduction.
“The study suggests that sunflower seed oil could enhance skin barrier function and help heal the skin, thus protecting it from bacterial invasion,” said the National Eczema Association.
The eczema expert recommends applying sunflower oil to skin twice a day, with one of those times being shortly after bathing while skin is still wet.
“There are many alternative treatments [for eczema] that can be tried and it can be overwhelming,” said the company.
“With care and effort, many patients can find helpful alternatives and complementary treatments that keep the eczema in check.”