I have searched online (Google) several times looking for natural remedies for eczema. I have had eczema my entire life (41 - gasp - years) and I have had to resort to steroid creams time and time again. It hadn't occurred to me until fairly recently that there might be other options. So I researched. Time and time again I found reference to Bergamot essential oil. I bought some.
In order to keep my skin from become so itchy it was impossible not to scratch, especially during the night, that I was using my prescription steroid cream every night before bed. I never used a lot, but I applied it every day, without exception. If I forgot it when traveling, I was in a panic.
About six weeks ago (a guess, but it's something like that) I decided to give Bergamot essential oil a trial run. Being fairly new to essential oils, I am always cautious about using them without a carrier (mild, blending) oil. I mixed several drops of Bergamot oil in with an ounce or two of sweet almond oil. (Sweet almond oil is very mild. It is often recommended for use on children.) I began to apply the mix to all of my patchy areas. (I have many...sighs....) I have not used ANY steroid since. Not once! People who suffer with chronic eczema know how amazing this can be. About a week (maybe a bit more) ago I stopped using the blend, as I thought it might be making me sneeze. I did continue to use sweet almond oil as lotion. About a week after discontinuing the Bergamot, my skin informed me that it was unhappy. Afraid of what that could result in, I started using the Bergamot oil blend again. My skin immediately calmed down, and has started to heal. Mind you, I've never, ever been eczema-free, and I don't imagine I ever will be. But I have been six weeks without a prescription cream, and I am overjoyed. Of course, I always use my other cautions and am careful about what I handle, and I put oil on after washing my hands, and so forth. But wow. =)
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6 years ago