Is Turmeric bad for eczema?

Turmeric is not bad for eczema. Turmeric is believed to be an effective remedy for eczema. It provides relief to the signs without causing any side effects. Today, there are many skin care products in the market, especially those that are made to be used for specific skin conditions. While the use of topical products is widespread, natural ingredients are becoming more and more popular as a remedy.

Why use Turmeric for Eczema?

A look at how turmeric affects eczema

Eczema is a medical condition that is identified by irritation and inflammation of the skin. There are two common forms of eczema, namely atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema. Eczema often affects people who are likely to develop allergic reactions when exposed to certain compounds. The condition often improves as children age, but in some people, it continues for the rest of their lives.

Dermatologists recommend many topical creams for the condition. However, there are also natural remedies that are believed to help it stay under control. The areas of skin affected by eczema are inflamed, itchy, red and covered by crusts and scales. Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is an herbal Ayurvedic remedy that may help improve symptoms of eczema. If you consider taking turmeric for your condition, you should first talk to your doctor.Turmeric is an ancient, medicinal spice that is popular because of the therapeutic substances it contains.

Why use Turmeric?

Turmeric is believed to be a safe and effective remedy for eczema, as it provides relief to the symptoms without causing any side effects. According to people who use the natural ingredient, turmeric works better than topical lotions and creams produced and offered by huge skincare companies.

The most interesting thing about turmeric is that it is extensively used as a natural remedy for skin disorders. It is a seasonal plant that commonly grows in South Asia, and has been used not just a kitchen ingredient, but also a medicinal property for thousands of years.

The medicinal value of the spice is believed to come from its natural ingredient called curcumin. This polyphenol contains therapeutic substances such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These substances are believed to help lower the enzymes associated with inflammation in the body, especially those associated with eczema.

Turmeric is very rich in a natural chemical called salicylates (a natural pesticide), which can worsen eczema in more than 52% of people with eczema (Loblay and Swain 2006).When used for eczema, curcumin helps control enzymes causing the condition, while healing affected skin and improving the appearance. It is for this reason that turmeric powder is used in a couple of beauty treatments. Topical and oral use of curcumin products has proved to be beneficial in skin health improvement Studies are limited on this topic, and further research is required.

Curcuma longa/turmeric has been used for 4,000 years to treat a bunch of conditions and diseases ranging from inflammation to infections to indigestion. Curcumin, is a substance in turmeric, a potent antioxidant. While generally regarded as safe, some people can get unpleasant side effects from turmeric. Curcumin is potentially helpful for eczema and itching. Consult a medical practitioner prior to using herbs for medicinal purposes.Several forms of turmeric are available :

Turmeric root can be purchased directly from the store and can also be grounded into powder /a fluid extract can be made. Most of the turmeric products in the stores contain bromelain that promotes absorption of curcumin. The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin is boosted.Using turmeric as a spice and as part of the diet is the best way to get its benefits.If you use turmeric as a spice/powder do add black pepper in your diet too. As turmeric has low absorption otherwise.

How does turmeric help with eczema and skin irritation?

A lot of studies have been done concerning the use of turmeric in treating skin associated conditions. However, no research centers on turmeric’s impact on reducing itching. Nonetheless, eczema is a sign of almost all skin problems, and turmeric has various pharmacological values to reduce it. Turmeric herb is one of the best nutraceuticals due to its bioactive element, curcumin. Turmeric oil also has a therapeutic value. Turmeric assists in treating skin problems One of the main uses of turmeric is treating the skin as a medication or cosmetic. There are various factors why it is used for this purpose:

Turmeric minimizes skin swelling and inflammation - Curcumin which a compound present in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Thus it downregulates the action of inflammatory chemicals and immune cells.
Turmeric reduces skin infection
Turmeric herb or oil combats skin infection
Turmeric has anti-allergic activity - mast cells are a kind of immune cells that are engaged in allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. When an allergen attaches to human bodies, these mast cells are activated to fight this allergen; the mast cells release inflammatory chemicals. Curcumin reduces mast cell activation and histamine release, thus demonstrating anti-allergic action.
According to medical evidence, one of the best values of turmeric is its skin regenerating potential.
As antioxidant turmeric helps prevent harm resulting from reactive oxygen species, and it downregulates the action of the vital proteins causing the swelling and inflammation.
By modifying the various biochemical procedures, it fastens up the wound healing process and renews skin surfaces.
Turmeric has antimicrobial activity - turmeric has wide spectrum antimicrobial value. This property can be used in curbing any infection that is resulting in eczema or skin rash. Turmeric creams comprising turmeric have antifungal activity as powerful as that of ketoconazole, a common antifungal treatment.
Turmeric can assist with cancer-associated dermatitis - Radiation-induced skin inflammation or radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy. Medical studies show that curcumin can reduce the severity of radiation dermatitis. A cream comprising turmeric and sandalwood oil is discovered to minimize radiodermatitis significantly in seven weeks of treatment.

How to use turmeric for eczema?

There are different ways to use turmeric for eczema, and one is to combine it with other natural ingredients such as milk. Doing this is believed to help fight bacterial infections, and thus reduce itching and redness. Turmeric powder added to boiling water can also be used as a solution to fight itching and rashes.

Nowadays, the use of curcumin supplements is becoming more and more popular. There are a lot of health benefits associated with the use of the natural ingredient, such as for arthritis pain relief.Here are six ways to use turmeric for eczema and itching.

Turmeric with Coconut Oil

The best remedy is by combining turmeric with extra-virgin coconut oil. Like turmeric, coconut oil is antimicrobial and helps fight all infections in the patches caused by eczema. Also, fatty acids in coconut oil rehydrate the skin and relieve itching with immediate effect.Things you’ll need:

Add 1½ tsp of extra-virgin coconut oil to a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and combine the two to form a lump-free paste. Apply the paste to the afflicted areas and leave it on for 30 minutes. Cover the area with a bandage to prevent getting any turmeric stains on your clothes. Rinse the paste off with cold water and dry your skin.Repeat twice or thrice daily to see visible changes in 1 to 2 weeks. Continue use until your eczema patches are completely healed. It should take 4 to 6 weeks.

Turmeric with Water

Turmeric alone can be applied to reduce inflammation linked with eczema. Make a turmeric paste with some water so that it sticks to your skin. Mix a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste. You can make more according to the area you need to treat. Put on a thick layer of the paste on the affected skin. Cover it with a bandage to avoid getting turmeric stains on your clothes. Leave the paste on for 3 to 4 hours, then wash it off. Pat your skin dry and put on some coconut oil.Repeat once daily for about 4 to 6 weeks or until your skin is back to normal.

Turmeric with Apple Cider Vinegar

Turmeric can also be mixed with apple cider vinegar. The enzymes present in unfiltered apple cider vinegar work as antiseptic and antimicrobial agents to eliminate the root cause of eczema. Apple cider vinegar will also help lessen the itching by neutralizing the pH of your skin.Things you’ll need:

Put 1½ teaspoons of turmeric powder in a bowl.Add in enough apple cider vinegar to form a thick paste and apply it onto the itchy skin patches and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The apple cider vinegar might cause a stinging sensation, but it will recede quickly. Rinse with cold water and dry skin. You can put on some virgin coconut oil if your skin feels dry. Repeat twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks to help with eczema and lessen itching.

Turmeric with Milk

Turmeric mixed with milk forms a soothing concoction to alleviate the discomfort of eczema. While the turmeric kills the microbes on the skin, the lactic acid present in the milk works as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce the redness and itching.Things you’ll need:

Mix 1½ teaspoons of turmeric powder with a tablespoon of milk to make a smooth paste. Smear it onto the eczema patches, and let it dry completely. Rinse and dry your skin. Put this paste on twice daily for at least two months to treat your eczema completely.

Turmeric with Aloe Vera

Since eczema is marked by itchy skin, aloe vera in combination with turmeric can bring immense relief. Aloe vera is loaded with amino acids that will help rehydrate and revitalize the skin and also encourage healthy skin turnover. Both turmeric and aloe vera antimicrobials to treat the infection and reduce the inflammation.Things you’ll need:

Combine one teaspoon of turmeric powder with one of fresh aloe vera gel. You can extract aloe vera gel if you have an aloe plant. Mix the two thoroughly to get a lump-free paste. Apply the mixture to the affected skin, and leave it on until it is completely dry. Rinse with warm water and dry your skin. Repeat twice every day for 6 to 8 weeks.

Turmeric for Eczema: Tips to keep in mind

Precautions to take while using turmeric for eczema and itching

1. High dosage of turmeric can harmful and can cause side effects like diarrhea, gallbladder contraction, and bleeding. Hence, take only the needed dosage under the guidance of a physician.

2. If you have gallstones consult your doctor before using turmeric.

3. If you are taking medications to lower blood sugar levels, then be careful about turmeric dosage as turmeric boosts the effect of diabetic medications and reduces blood sugar levels drastically.

4. Stop taking turmeric two weeks before surgery as its blood thinning effect interferes with the blood clotting process during and after surgery.

5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume turmeric supplements.

6. Avoid turmeric supplements if you are using anti-diabetic medications

7. If you are suffering from gall bladder issues, avoid turmeric

8. Do not use turmeric supplements to treat eczema before surgery

9. Turmeric used in food is considered safe, but in case of supplements or dietary turmeric, you can face initial gastric discomfort in case you have tried to use it before.

Associated Risks with taking turmeric

Liver toxicity and stomach upset are possible when recipients take turmeric in large doses or for extended periods. People with liver disease should avoid taking turmeric. People with diabetes should take extra caution before taking turmeric since it can lower blood sugar levels. Turmeric also may interfere with blood-thinners.