How to make your own eczema relief bars

I often get asked about eczema, and I know many people who struggle with it personally. I’ve talked before about how there is often a connection to a dietary problem for those struggling with eczema and while it is definitely important to address diet, there are some topical solutions that can help offer relief. These eczema relief lotion bars are one of the best options I’ve found for topically helping eczema

The ingredients in basic lotion bars make them helpful for eczema in many cases. Mango butter, shea butter and cocoa butter have a natural SPF and nourish the skin while beeswax helps coat the skin and protect it from drying out. For those with eczema, I’ve found that another ingredient can offer additional benefit: fermented cod liver oil. Fermented cod liver oil has fat soluble vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids to help the skin heal and to nourish it from the outside-in when the digestive system may not be functioning optimally to facilitate nutrient absorption from food. These lotion bars are gentle enough for a baby and are excellent at soothing and nourishing skin.

Equipment and Tools: A double boiler or a glass mason jar sitting on a wash cloth in the bottom of a small saucepan; A plastic or wooden spoon for mixing; Plastic deodorant containers - You can reuse deodorant containers, but some of them are not solid on the bottom and it will leak through so check this before you start; Newspaper or rags that can be thrown away (to clean out pan/jar - see instructions)

Ingredients: 1/3 cup mango butter (shea butter and cocoa butter work too) 3 tablespoons beeswax pastilles (measured dry) 1/4 cup fermented cod liver oil

Instructions: 1. Combine the butters and beeswax pastilles in the top of the double boiler or in a mason jar sitting on a wash cloth in a small saucepan. 2. Put about an inch of water in the bottom of the double boiler or in the saucepan and bring to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir the top mixture carefully until all ingredients have melted. NOTE: Be careful not to get any water in to the butters/oil mixture as it can ruin the bars. 4. Once all ingredients have melted, remove from heat and add fermented cod liver oil. 5. Stir and quickly and carefully pour in to the plastic deodorant molds. If possible, transfer to the refrigerator to harden or let sit on the counter for four –to six hours or until completely cooled. Important Note: Do not put the pan or jar in the sink as is or attempt to wash as you would regular dishes. Wipe out the double boiler or pan as much as possible with old newspaper or rags that can be thrown away and then wash in hot soapy water as soon as possible.

Use lotion bars on dry skin only. They are not meant to be used in the bath or shower. Rub a thin layer over skin as often as needed. These lotion bars are not sunscreen but they do have a natural SPF of about 5 and are great for mild sun exposure. The tubes make this easy to apply to children or babies.

EXPLORE Katie’s blog which is full of great tips and advice at wellnessmama.com

READ Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell-McBride for more information on the link to gut health

SUPPLIES Fermented Cod Liver Oil is available from red23.co.uk in the UK.