How to treat eczema with bentonite clay? What are the symptoms of eczema? What causes eczema? How many times a week can I use bentonite clay? What other clays are best for eczema? Can bentonite clay be used for babies’ eczema? And finally, what are the other benefits of bentonite clay for the skin?
I. What Is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which causes itching and the appearance of skin lesions, in the form of red patches, sometimes vesicular.
It is also a very common skin disease that can occur at any age. Its first distinctive sign is an often ferocious desire to scratch.
a) What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
Eczema is generally characterized by several clinical signs, including
- erythema or redness,
- vesicles causing oozing when they break,
- crusts caused by scratching,
- skin dryness,
- pruritus or itching which, in the long term, leads to lichenification.
b) How Does Eczema Manifest Itself?
Eczema takes the form of red patches with unclear contours. Therefore, it is difficult to give them an exact boundary that helps to differentiate it from psoriasis for example.
The appearance of the patches changes over time and indicates the severity of eczema. In the beginning, they are often swollen, sometimes with small blisters on the surface that open up, so they can ooze, then crust.
They can also thicken, become rough, and very dry, sometimes with painful cracks.
c) What Are the Different Types of Eczema?
There is not one, but many types of eczema. The two forms that one meets are:
*) The Atopic Eczema:
This is a genetic predisposition to develop eczema or allergic rhinitis. It is another form of dermatitis that develops very early in life, from 3 months, and affects babies and children.
This type of eczema causes regular flare-ups of eczema and then subsides over the years to disappear completely during childhood or adolescence, in most cases.
The duration of the condition can vary over time, from a few months to several years.
Eczema can in some cases be reminiscent of psoriasis or “nervous” urticaria, i.e. a skin rash of psychogenic origin. Emotions such as stress and anxiety can also cause eczema.
**) Dyshidrosis Allergic Contact Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Vascular Stasis:
This is an allergic reaction, which occurs when the skin has come into contact with an allergen and localizes where the contact has taken place.
This type of eczema is not favored by genetic terrain, as allergies are external causes. The allergens responsible can be cosmetics, fibers, cleaning products, and others.
If the responsible allergen can be identified quickly, the healing of this type of eczema is often easier than atopic eczema.
Allergies to pollens or other volatile allergens tend to cause rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis.
The two forms can also coexist in the same person, although they are determined by a different cause and their clinical presentation (symptom) depends on it. Eczema can be acute or chronic.
If you, a loved one or your child has any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The doctor will first make a diagnosis and then suggest an effective treatment to stop eczema.
II. Causes of the Disease Eczema?
There are many different causes of eczema, including
Genetic factors: if one of the parents has suffered from allergies, the child will likely develop this condition. Between 50 and 70% of children who have this form of eczema come from a family where at least one parent has suffered from atopy.
There are also allergens such as pollens, dust mites, animal dander, mold, synthetic fabrics, and wool.
Stress, perspiration, a too dry habitat, and some daily products: perfumes, soaps, detergents, and softeners.
III. How to Treat Eczema with Bentonite Clay?
To take full advantage of the benefits of bentonite clay, you can make a mask or a poultice, or use it as a facial treatment.
# Is Bentonite Clay Good for Eczema
When asked if bentonite clay is good for eczema, our answer is yes! If you suffer from eczema, bentonite clay can be of great help to you.
Bentonite clay is composed of calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. It is a type of clay that can produce a kind of electrical charge when mixed with water.
Through this process, it can absorb toxins from the body, improve blood circulation and purify the skin.
It can also accelerate the healing process, which helps in the treatment of eczema, blackheads, and boils.
# Bentonite Clay Mask for Eczema
The bentonite clay mask is very effective in relieving eczema. To apply it, first, turn the bentonite clay into a paste.
Once it has been made into a paste, you can apply the clay paste to a clean piece of cloth by mixing a tablespoon of bentonite clay with a cup of water.
This mixture is called a poultice. For the cataplasm, leave it on for 30 minutes, and for the mask, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse with clean water.
Note that the use of clay can cause an allergic reaction, so make an allergy test beforehand.
The test consists of placing a little clay paste on your skin and leaving it on for about thirty minutes. In case of itching, swelling, redness or avoid using clay.
This product is not recommended for pregnant women.
# Clay Bath for Eczema
To treat eczema, you can enjoy a clay bath. The clay bath is done as follows:
- Run hot water in the bathtub, then add one to four cups of bentonite clay, and finally whisk together.
- Place candles around your bath.
- Once the clay is well dispersed, add cold water until you reach a comfortable temperature.
- Relax by candlelight for 15 to 20 minutes in your clay bath.
- And voilà, enjoy a relaxing spa-like bath!
- Rinse your skin and the tub thoroughly.
- After the bath, make sure to moisturize with a cream, body butter, and lotion of your choice.
# Apple Cider Vinegar and Bentonite Clay
Apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive and multifunctional natural product. In the case of eczema, it will help regulate the pH of the skin and relieve irritation and itching very quickly.
To use it, “Mix ¼ of cider vinegar to ¾ of water and a good amount of bentonite clay powder.
Apply it with a compress to the areas affected by eczema.”
Apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay are very effective in relieving eczema.
# Vitamin E Oil and Clay Mask
To treat eczema, mix a dose of clay with double the amount of water. Be sure to use glass, plastic, or wood.
If you are making a mask for oily or acne-prone skin, you can add a few drops of vitamin E oil to the previous mixture, for its astringent and disinfectant power.
Then, let the mixture rest for half an hour and spread it in a thick layer. Finally, leave the mixture to act for fifteen minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
# Honey and Clay Mask
The clay and honey mask is an effective way to fight eczema. Mix a spoonful of green clay with 3 spoonfuls of honey.
Once the paste is smooth and homogeneous, you can apply the mask to the face by avoiding the contour of the eyes and the mouth.
Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Effective and soothing for the skin, as the honey moisturizes and the clay purifies, this mask promises soft skin for a long time!
The bentonite clay paste (clay + water) applied on eczema helps to purify and heal the irritated areas.
As a poultice, it relieves joint and muscle pain, aches, and pains, skin irritations, sunburns, minor burns, soreness, skin irritations, minor injuries, and rheumatism.
For the bentonite clay treatment to be effective in treating eczema, it must be applied 1 to 3 times a day until improvement is achieved.
IV. How Many Times a Week Can I Use Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay paste (clay + water) applied to eczema helps to purify and heal irritated areas. Applied as a poultice, clay relieves joint and muscle pain, aches, and skin irritations.
It also protects against sunburns, minor burns, aches, and pains, skin irritations, minor injuries, and rheumatism.
For the bentonite clay treatment to be effective in treating eczema, it should be applied 1 to 3 times a day until improvement is achieved.
IV. What Are the Other Best Clays for Eczema?
To effectively treat eczema, you can also use:
# Kaolin Clay
it soothes irritation and eliminates toxins. Apply it as a soothing and repairing mask for the body and face, avoiding the eye area or scalp.
It also helps to relieve and heal a baby’s diaper rash; Kaolin is well tolerated by the skin of toddlers.
# Green French Clay
It is healing, purifying, and detoxifying. Moreover, it is remineralizing, oxygenating, eliminates, and absorbs impurities.
V. Can You Use Bentonite Clay for Baby Eczema?
Bentonite clay is a very soothing powder for babies. It can be used when there is an irritation or in the case of eczema.
It can also be used as a mask to help speed up the healing of the irritated area.
VI. Other Skin Benefits of Bentonite Clay
# Skin Exfoliation
To get rid of the dirt on your skin trust bentonite clay. It is ideal for cleaning your pores and exfoliating dead skin cells.
Bentonite clay can bind to the bacteria and toxins that live in your pores. This binding allows it to unclog impurities that may be causing your breakouts and blemishes.
Bentonite clay absorbs dirt and oils and your pores will be free to breathe!
# Skin Detoxification
Since most toxins and impurities are positively charged, bentonite clay becomes electrically charged when introduced to unpleasant toxins.
Just with a little water, the clay binds and absorbs the chemicals as well as the heavy metals right out of your skin!
Once the clay has removed all the impurities from your cells, fresh oxygen can enter and make your pores beautiful and healthy.
# Absorption of Sebum
Acne is usually caused by excess sebum secretion. Bentonite clay helps in the treatment of acne, cleansing and tightening the pores of the skin.
It absorbs excess sebum, cleanses the skin, and treats acne.
# Soothes Itchy Skin
Whatever the origin of your itching, bentonite clay treats it quickly and effectively.
Bentonite clay is beneficial to your body, it helps expel many of those toxins and can increase immunity and reduce inflammation.
# Reduces Acne and Scars
Bentonite clay reduces scarring; while acne is one problem, scarring left after acne treatment is another.
Bentonite clay effectively treats pimples and also removes the residue that causes scarring.
# Cleans the Skin of Bad Bacteria
Bentonite clay removes dead cells from the top layer of your skin to clean it and help it breathe easily.
# Can Unclog Pores and Cleanse Oily Skin
Bentonite clay is ideal for cleansing, unclogging your pores deeply, and exfoliating dead skin cells.
# improves the health of dry skin
Bentonite clay has highly absorbent properties. It is used in care intended for acneic skins. Moreover, it has the characteristic to attract and retain the impurities and the sebum.
VII. Other Natural Remedies to Soothe Eczema at Home
# Make Salt Baths
To relieve eczema patches all over the body, our grandmothers used to add a handful of salt to their bathwater, just dip it in and relax.
To be dissolved in the bath, these perfumed and sometimes effervescent salts are made from natural ingredients including essential oils that have an invigorating or relaxing action or that play a complementary role in a slimming program.
# Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has recently become very famous for its amazing healing properties that can help cure many health problems including eczema.
Apple cider vinegar can also help get rid of acne, pimples, and other skin blemishes.
# Stop Wearing Rough Fabrics
If you have eczema, have your child wear cotton clothes. Avoid wool, nylon, and other rough fabrics that can be very irritating. Clothing tags can also irritate the skin. Cut them off.
# Moisten the Skin Continuously with a Humidifier
A humidifier helps you manage sensitive skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis, or dermatitis.
The humidifier adds moisture to the air and your skin barrier becomes stronger, preventing allergens from penetrating and reducing the risk of an eczema flare-up.
# Eat Probiotic Foods
When eczema is severe, the individual is subjected to a large dose of antibiotics, which are known to damage the good bacteria as well.
Consuming probiotics helps to maintain a balance of microflora in our body while treating severe eczema infections with risks.
# Do not Use Aggressive Perfumes and Cosmetics
Many cosmetic products contain allergens. This is the case with those that contain substances like p-phenylenediamine.
These allergens can cause reactions such as violent eczema attacks or asthma.
And if you have sensitive skin, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, then turn to organic cosmetic lines that are formulated to take care of the most demanding skin.
# Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables from the following classes helps with eczema: Vitamin A family (citrus fruits like oranges, apples, tomatoes, and lemons).
The vitamin E family (choose dried fruits such as hazelnuts or walnuts).
And finally the omega-3 family. These 3 families help to reduce itching and prevent your skin from drying out, they fight inflammation and eczema patches.
# Do not Expose Yourself to Extreme Temperatures
The main factor in the aggravation of eczema is not the cold directly but to the dryness of the surrounding air.
In very hot climates, the skin sweats a lot more to regulate body temperature and trigger an eczema attack.
When you have eczema, the best climate is a moderate climate, with a humidity between 50% and 60%, a temperature between 15 and 25°C, and a lot of sunshine!
# Eat Oatmeal
In case of eczema, it is recommended to eat oatmeal several times a month. Because oats have emollient, calming, and soothing properties in case of irritated or itchy skin.
# Bone Broth for Collagen
Bone broth acts as a healing agent to help soothe and repair many other skin conditions, including eczema and acne.
The nutrients in bone broth heal your skin by targeting and treating inflammation, irritation, or infection.
VIII. Other Questions About Eczema Treatment with Bentonite Clay
# Does Bentonite Clay Relieve Itching?
Bentonite clay relieves many skin problems, especially eczema. Antiseptic and purifying, it calms irritation and itching and promotes healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
It also helps to get rid of toxins and remineralizes the body thanks to the many minerals it contains.
So yes, bentonite clay relieves itching thanks to the many properties it contains.
# Can Clay Possibly Cause Eczema?
No! Clay cannot cause eczema; on the contrary, clay is just as important, if not indispensable, in the treatment of eczema. It can effectively relieve eczema. It is a very effective ally.
# Can I Use Bentonite Clay on Sensitive Skin?
Bentonite clay can be used by all skin types. It is ideal for dry, normal, sensitive, and mature skin.
It gives luminosity to the skin, softens the epidermis, and wrinkles appear reduced.
# Why Does the Bentonite Clay Mask Sometimes Cause Itching?
If you use bentonite clay for your skin, test it on a small hidden area of your skin before trying it on your face.
This mask can be itchy at times if you have an allergy.
# Should I Wash my Face Before Bentonite Clay Mask?
Some people think that washing before applying a clay mask can be too drying for sensitive or dry skin. Washing opens the pores.
Because of this, whatever you apply will be absorbed more quickly, which can cause more irritation with sensitive skin.
# What Do You Put on Your Face After a Bentonite Clay Mask?
After a bentonite clay mask, it is important to apply facial cream or suitable vegetable oil.
# Should You Moisturize After a Clay Mask?
After a bentonite clay mask, it is important to moisturize the skin. Rinsing alone is not enough.
Depending on the nature of your skin, you must choose a moisturizing and nourishing treatment to help strengthen the hydrolipidic film. This also applies to combination or oily skin.
# What Happens if You Leave Bentonite Clay on Too Long?
If you leave the bentonite clay mask on your face too long, it will penetrate the skin. The purpose of this penetration is to mop up excess sebum (absorption) while attracting and binding to impurities (adsorption).
In other words, the clay will eventually dry out the skin if you leave it on too long.
IX. Potential Dangers of Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay also presents potential dangers, namely:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Mercury chloride intoxication
- Severe allergic reactions
- Ingestion of clay during pregnancy may cause an increased incidence of toxemia.
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