Top 12 natural remedies for eczema
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on January 21, 2019 — Written by Jennifer Berry
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Bleach bath
Oatmeal
Baths
Coconut oil
Honey
Tea tree oil
Diet
Gentle soaps
Avoid heat
Wrap up warm
Babies and childrenA systematic review from 2015 looked at the effects of aloe vera on human health. The researchers reported that the gel has the following types of properties:
antibacterial
antimicrobial
immune system-boosting
wound-healing
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa) Contribute to the Effectiveness of Oats in Treatment of Itch Associated With Dry, Irritated Skin
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains healthful fatty acids that can add moisture to the skin, which can help people with dry skin and eczema.
Also, virgin coconut oil may protect the skin by helping combat inflammation and by improving the health of the skin barrier.
A randomized clinical trial looked at the effects of applying virgin coconut oil to the skin in children. The results show that using the oil for 8 weeks improved the symptoms of eczema better than mineral oil.
Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and people have used it to heal wounds for centuries.
Conclusions of a review confirm that honey can help heal wounds and boost immune system function, which means that it can help the body fight off infections.
Another review states that honey is useful for treating a variety of skin ailments, including burns and wounds, and that it has antibacterial capability.
Applied directly to eczema, honey could help prevent infections while moisturizing the skin and speeding healing.