Some itches you’re not meant to scratch – and eczema is one of them. Do yourself a favour and try out this soothing gel to relieve sore and irritated skin.
This clear-coloured gel has been used for centuries for its antibacterial and anti-fungal effects.
Also known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, the plant-derived gel has something else up its bark.
For instance, it contains polysaccharides, which may help to stimulate skin healing.
So what is this miraculous gel that could help to soothe your eczema? The answer is aloe vera.
Medical News Today reported that “aloe vera is a natural moisturiser”, proven to “hydrate and soothe eczema-damaged skin”.
Published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, researchers investigated the medicinal plant.
“The chemistry of the plant has revealed the presence of more than 200 different biologically active substances,” it was reported.
Based at the Biochemistry Department at The M S University of Baroda, India, the researchers confirmed aloe vera’s “antibacterial and antimicrobial activities”.
The researchers also confirmed its “wound-healing” and “immune-boosting” abilities.
People with eczema may have skin that cracks and bleeds, making it prone to infections.
Using aloe vera, however, with its antimicrobial properties may prevent such infections from taking place.
Moreover, aloe vera’s wound-healing abilities would help areas of broken skin repair more rapidly.
How to use aloe vera
As with many moisturisers, apply the gel directly to clean skin – applying after bathing is highly recommended to lock in moisture.
Eczema-prone skin is caused by a defective skin barrier, further explained by the National Eczema Association.
The charity noted how a defective skin barrier makes skin more sensitive to irritant, allergens and bacteria.
Moreover, it’s harder for eczema-prone skin to retain moisture, hence why moisturising is key.
“Keeping your skin’s moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema,” the organisation said.
When applying the moisturiser, doing so in downward strokes will help to prevent irritation.
Aloe vera can be found in many products available to purchase online and at the high street.
However, it’s advised to seek products that are “fragrance and dye-free”.
Furthermore, when testing a new product it’s good practice to apply a pea-sized amount to the pulse of your wrist or the crook of your elbow.
Make sure not to wash the area for up to 48 hours; this is to see if you are likely to have an allergic reaction.
If there’s no redness, rash or breakouts on the skin, the product can be used safely on your skin.
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