Can bitter leaf cure eczema?
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition wherein patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types can also cause blisters. It is all known as atopic dermatitis.
According to MedicalNewsToday, certain foods, such as nuts and dairy, can trigger symptoms. Environmental triggers include smoke, pollen, soaps, and fragrances. Eczema is not contagious.
Some people outgrow the condition, whereas others will continue to have it throughout adulthood.
As as now, there is no proven treatment for all forms of eczema, rather doctors will only prescribe medications that will relieve your symptoms and prevent eczema flares… based on an individual’s age, symptoms, and current state of health. However, in traditional medicine or practice, there is this widespread belief that bitter leaf can cure eczema and many persons have come to believe this.. I have seen different posts on facebook and other social media handle pontificating (with directions) on how to use bitter leaf to cure or treat eczema.
Here is a passage I culled from a post on Facebook that says bitter leaf can treat eczema, ringworm, rashes and other skin diseases.
Bitter Leaf for Eczema
Apply the extracted juice of bitter Leaf over the affected area to treat Eczema.
Bitter Leaf for Skin Rashes
Prepare a juice from Biffer Leaf. Apply this juice as a paste on your skin to reduce Skin Rashes.
Bitter Leaf for Ringworm
Squeeze out the juice from the Biffer leaf. Apply a thin layer of this juice on your affected area. Repeat it once a day.
But how true is this? Can bitter leaf really be used to treat eczema, ringworm and other skin diseases?
Well, there is no doubt that bitter leaf has numerous nutritional value and health benefits but saying that it can cure eczema and other skin infections is TOTALLY FALSE. This is because, eczema is a type of allergic reaction that affects the skin and bitter leaf has not been scientifically demonstrated to have the ability to treat allergies..
Even though bitter leaf has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, it cannot CURE ECZEMA. In fact, rubbing bitter leaf on the part of your skin affected with eczema may worsen the allergy and even make cause secondary bacteria infection making it harder to manage (prolonging the duration of the eczema). …..So it is not advisable. In summary, bitter leaf CANNOT cure eczema and should not be applied to the part of the skin with eczema to avoid worsening of condition. Be warned.
Some medication that may help relieve your symptoms of eczema
Though eczema has no cure, some medicines like topical or systemic steroids, antihistamines, antifungals, antibiotics, antiviral, topical calcineurin inhibitors as well as photo therapy may really help in removing eczema and preventing future flares.
Thank you.
Dr Udomoh
