Eczema afflicts more than 31 million Americans. Eczema triggers are vast and include extreme weather, soaps and detergents with chemical additives, fabrics, metals, and more. Some symptoms are dryness, sensitivity, discoloration, scaly patches, swelling, and rashes. Itchiness, the most common symptom, can lead to excessive scratching causing blisters and skin infections. Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent form of eczema and develops due to an overactive immune response resulting in the hallmark dry and itchy skin symptoms. There are many natural remedies for eczema to try before symptoms escalate:
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic powerhouse and quickly penetrates and hydrates the skin reducing symptoms like dryness and itch. Coconut oil contains a nutrient-rich fatty acid called lauric acid. Lauric acid is antimicrobial and can fight viruses, fungi, yeast, and bacteria reducing potential eczema related infection. It also contains antioxidants boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
2. Honey
Honey may reduce eczema symptoms through its antimicrobial properties by functioning as an antibacterial agent preventing eczema related infections. Staph bacteria colonize the skin of up to 90% of people with atopic dermatitis, potentially leading to infections, so antiseptic remedies are critical. Research suggests eczema and atopic dermatitis symptoms may significantly reduce after applying manuka-honey to the affected areas consistently for one week. Regular store-bought honey may contain bacteria or pesticides potentially worsening eczema symptoms or infection, so it’s important to use a medical grade product.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an Australian native essential oil known for its skin-healing effects. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of this oil can reduce eczema flare severity by lessening irritation and itching, preventing infection, and soothing the skin. To treat eczema, tea-tree oil is diluted or mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or avocado oil before being applied to the skin. Pure tea-tree oil is drying and irritating to the skin, so never apply 100% tea tree oil to eczema affected areas.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera can soothe dry and damaged skin. Its remedy properties are threefold: hydration, inflammation reduction, and infection prevention. Aloe promotes moisture retention and is rich in antioxidants which reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. It also boasts antimicrobial effects promoting quick healing of any eczema-related cracks or open wounds. Stronger skin integrity reduces risk of infection. To use aloe vera as an eczema remedy, clean the affected area and gently rub the gel into the skin.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an eczema remedy is basic chemistry. ACV is an acetic acid. This matters because healthy skin has an acidic barrier that protects it from nature’s elements, guards against bacteria, and maintains moisture. In eczema, the skin’s pH is too high, or alkaline. By applying ACV, a mild acid, the skin’s natural acidic barrier can be restored. ACV can be used in a diluted bath or wet wrap.
6. Oatmeal baths
Oatmeal soothes irritation and itching, protects skin, and helps maintain the skin’s protective acidic barrier. Oatmeal baths are prepared by adding colloidal oatmeal to a tub full of water. Regular oatmeal sinks in water, while colloidal oatmeal—regular oatmeal ground into fine powder—suspends in the water. When the oatmeal suspends, or floats, in the bath water, it maximizes skin exposure to alleviate eczema symptoms.