Natural treatments for atopic skin

Atopic skin is a skin disease characterised by dry skin, which can cause scaling, irritation and itching. The main cause is usually genetics, but allergies and environmental and dietary factors can also play a role. Although it is a chronic disease, natural treatments for atopic skin are now available to help prevent and alleviate the symptoms.

Dermatitis can occur occasionally or persistently, and in both cases it is important to treat it. There are numerous treatments, both natural and medicinal, to prevent its symptoms.

Natural treatments for atopic skin

These remedies help to control the symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. The most effective treatments are:

• Applying aloe vera gel, which has moisturising, antibacterial, healing and immune-boosting properties. When applied, it prevents infections, which are common in dry and cracked skin, and it promotes healing and aids recovery. You can obtain it directly from the plant or in creams, but in the latter case you should make sure that they do not contain certain other ingredients such as alcohol, colouring agents or fragrances.

• Apple cider vinegar. People with dermatitis tend to have less acidic skin, which can weaken the skin’s defences. To balance the skin’s acidity you can dilute apple cider vinegar in water (1 cup of warm water with a tablespoon of vinegar) and apply it with cotton wool or a gauze pad. Furthermore, thanks to its antibacterial properties, it helps to prevent infections.

• Colloidal oatmeal, i.e. oats that have been ground and boiled to harness their moisturising properties. You can add the preparation to a tub of warm water and take a bath, or apply products that contain it to your skin.

• Regular baths to keep the outer layer of your skin hydrated (moisturised). You should run these baths at least once a day, for 10-15 minutes, with lukewarm water, and use moisturising cream when you get out.

• Coconut oil, which helps to moisturise the skin, fights inflammation and improves the skin barrier. Apply cold virgin coconut oil directly to the skin after bathing and up to a few times a day, especially before bedtime to keep the skin moisturised overnight.

• Honey. When applied directly to the affected area, its antibacterial action helps to prevent infection, moisturise the skin and speed up healing.

• Looking after your diet, as there are foods that can cause or treat inflammation. For this reason, you should add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, such as: leafy green vegetables, fish, berries, olive oil, pomegranates, lentils, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.

• Keep rooms at mild temperatures, i.e. avoid extreme temperatures, both in winter and summer, and stay in cool environments.

• Wear cotton clothing, avoiding fabrics like nylon or wool.

• Take food supplements with regenerative properties, which help to improve your skin’s health.

For example, Keriba Duo, which, because it contains natural extracts obtained from whole pomegranates and olives, which are rich in natural antioxidants, it promotes cell regeneration in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin,as well as improving the skin symptoms of atopic dermatitis by reducing inflammation and itching.