Let me tell you, nail eczema is the worst!
At first I thought my nail was infected, like a bacterial infection or fungal infection.
I never knew you could get nail eczema.
After a Doctor confirmed it was nail eczema, I was able to chill a little.
It’s definitely treatable because it’s a very common skin condition.
One of the most common nail eczema treatments is through a prescription topical corticosteroids or other topical medications.
But you all know my stance on topical steroids…only because of it’s long term side effects.
So this article is for those of you looking alternative and holistic nail eczema treatment options.
Understanding Nail Eczema
Before we jump into the treatment strategies, let’s take a quick look at what nail eczema actually is.
You might think of atopic dermatitis, aka eczema as just flaky, dry skin, but nail eczema is a bit more complex.
Depending on the nail conditions, it can take between few weeks to few months to properly heal. It might feel like a long time but it will eventually heal!
It can show up as red, swollen, and scaly skin around your nails.
It sometimes comes with itchy skin, irritated skin, pain, and even cracked nails.
It can even cause the surrounding area of the nail to become inflamed.
But here’s the thing – nail problems isn’t just a surface-level issue; it’s often a reflection of what’s happening inside your body.
When your body’s internal balance is disrupted, it can manifest as external symptoms like nail eczema.
Your skin, including the delicate skin around your nails, is a window into what’s happening beneath the surface.
Nail eczema is often linked to underlying causes such as inflammation, immune system dysfunction, allergies and even environmental factors.
It’s essential to remember that nail eczema isn’t just about the nail bed or nail plate – it’s about addressing the root causes that are contributing to the discomfort.
The Holistic Approach: Healing from Within
Remember, we’re not just applying creams left and right and hoping for the best.
We’re taking charge of our body’s well-being by nurturing it from the inside out.
Here’s are six things you can do on the holistic healing journey.
1. Mind Your Diet
The cliche saying “you are what you eat” actually holds weight in terms of eczema.
The food you put into your body plays a significant role in your overall health, and that includes your skin – nails included!
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can work wonders in taming those nail eczema flare-ups.
Think fatty fish rich in omega-3s, vibrant leafy greens, and a rainbow of colorful fruits.
On the flip side, steer clear of processed sugars and dairy, as they can fuel inflammation and exacerbate your symptoms.
If you need a little support, here are 7 recipes I recommend my clients.
2. Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is crucial not only for your body’s overall function but also for maintaining healthy skin and nails.
Think of water as nature’s detoxifier – it helps flush out toxins, keeping your skin cells hydrated and happy.
So, don’t skip out on the H2O; your nails will thank you for it.
3. Embrace Essential Fatty Acids
Incorporate more of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into your diet.
These powerhouse nutrients are like fuel for your skin’s defense system.
They reduce inflammation, strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and keep those annoying eczema triggers at bay.
How can you get your dose of these healthy fats?
Wild caught fish, avocados, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds are fantastic sources that can give your nails the love they deserve.
4. Say No to Harsh Chemicals
When it comes to your nail care routine, it’s time to say goodbye to those harsh chemicals hiding in many nail polish and removers.
These can strip away your skin’s natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance, setting the stage for nail eczema flare-ups.
Opt for gentler, more natural alternatives to pamper your nails and keep them looking and feeling their best.
If your job requires you to wash your hands a lot, you are at a higher risk for hand eczema and nail eczema.
So it’s important to protect your hands and nails when washing your hands frequently with a gentler soap.
It’s probably a good idea to use rubber gloves when washing the dishes and cleaning to protect your hands and nails.
Using a gentler natural hand soap and using rubber gloves will help your nail eczema see significant improvements.
5. Stress Less
Ah, stress – the notorious troublemaker that seems to impact every aspect of our health.
Nail eczema is no exception.
Stress can trigger flare-ups and worsen existing symptoms.
Combat stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or even a simple deep-breathing exercise.
Taking time for yourself can make a world of difference in your nail eczema journey.
6. Seek Professional Guidance
Navigating the seas of nail eczema can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Healthcare Provider (if things are getting out of control) or a Certified Holistic Healthcare practitioner, like myself.
We can provide personalized advice and valuable insights tailored to your unique condition.
In the next section, get ready to explore a treasure trove of natural topical remedies that will become your secret weapons in battling nail eczema.
Natural Topical Nail Eczema Treatment
Now that we’ve laid the foundation with holistic strategies for treating nail eczema from within, it’s time to explore natural topical treatments.
These hidden gems will become your go-to for soothing and healing your nails, all while avoiding harsh chemicals that can worsen your symptoms.
PS. always patch test because I don’t want you getting an allergic reaction!
*This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase the product, I will receive a commission. These commissions help pay for website hosting, keeping it ad-free and to spread the word on clearing eczema!
1. Dead Sea Salt Soaks
This is my not so secret tool for healing all things skin.
Dead sea salt contains skin and nail beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium, and sulfur.
The benefits are:
- Natural exfoliator
- Purifies your pores
- Replenishes skin moisture
- Antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial
- Helps calm skin allergies and inflammation
All you need to do is soak your hands and nails in a bowl of warm water and some dead sea salt for 15 – 20mins.
2. Aloe Vera Cream or Gel
Aloe vera is a classic home remedy when it comes to natural skin soothers.
Its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties make it a fantastic choice for easing the itchiness and redness associated with nail eczema.
Simply apply pure aloe vera gel to your affected nails and let the magic happen.
3. Calendula Cream/Salve/Balm/Gel
One of my favourite ingredient of all time…calendula!
If you’re seeking a remedy with centuries of healing history, look no further than calendula.
Calendula possesses skin-soothing properties that can work wonders on your nail eczema.
Find a high-quality calendula-based cream and gently massage it onto the affected area for relief and support.
4. Oatmeal Soak
Create a soothing oatmeal soak by adding finely ground oats to lukewarm water.
Soak your nails in this calming concoction for about 15-20 minutes.
This oatmeal bath can help relieve itching and inflammation, leaving your nails feeling rejuvenated.
5. Tea Tree Oil Cream
Tea tree oil, with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, can be a game-changer in your nail eczema journey.
However, it’s potent, so be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before applying it to your nails.
This natural remedy not only helps prevent infections but also reduces inflammation.
Conclusion
Hopefully this post wasn’t too much of a nail biter for you!
I know eczema can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be.
If you can even do a couple of the things mentioned above, you can improve your nail health considerably.
Don’t be too hard on yourself either, nail eczema is actually a common problem for the general population.
But don’t let it get out of hand because it can affect your quality of life.
With the right nail eczema treatment plan, information and products, we can kick nail eczema in the butt for good!