How to Treat Eczema Naturally

Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a condition where your skin looks red, scaly, bumpy, and dry. While it isn’t life-threatening, eczema can be quite itchy and it’s understandable if you’re getting frustrated and looking for an alternative option. Take solace in knowing that once you find something that works for your skin, it’s probably going to be a good long-term solution for keeping your eczema at bay.

Here are 13 effective, all-natural ways to treat eczema.

1

Coconut oil

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    Virgin coconut oil is a proven natural option for your symptoms. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for people with eczema. Whenever you feel your symptoms flaring up, just rub a dollop of the coconut oil into your skin. This will help your skin retain moisture, and it should soothe any obnoxious symptoms you’re experiencing.[1]
    • Regular coconut oil is made by steaming and heating the coconut ingredients to bleach and filter them. Virgin coconut oil is made straight out of dry coconuts, so it’s actually the purer and “more natural” product.[2] Since all of the studies on eczema have pointed to the efficacy of virgin coconut oil, you’re better off picking that fancy stuff up instead of using regular coconut oil.[3]
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2

Sunflower oil

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    This is an inexpensive and natural way to help repair your skin. Like virgin coconut oil, sunflower seed oil can help decrease inflammation, which may give your skin a boost when it comes to repairing the eczema damage. This should help you feel a lot better. Just work a dollop of the oil into your skin whenever you feel the urge to scratch.[4]
    • Beyond sunflower seed oil and virgin coconut oil, there is no evidence that any other natural oil will help improve your symptoms. Olive oil in particular, which is a popular home remedy, may actually exacerbate your problem.[5]
3

Honey

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    Work some manuka honey into your skin to get rid of lesions faster. Believe it or not, manuka honey naturally fights off inflammation and bacteria. If you’re looking for a totally holistic treatment, pick up some manuka honey from your local organic grocer or farmer’s market. When your eczema flares up, work a small scoop of the honey directly into your skin. Your lesions should go away much faster than they would otherwise, and you may get some relief from the scratching.[6]
    • You can also use medical-grade honey if you prefer.[7] Unfortunately, the standard honey you buy in a regular grocery store probably won’t provide any relief. It has to be 100% manuka or medical-grade honey.
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4

Aloe vera

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    For some minty relief, work a dollop of aloe vera into your skin. Any aloe vera treatment should relieve some of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Whenever your eczema flares up, rub a small dollop of aloe vera into your skin. The mentholated feeling should shut down the urge the scratch, and aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory[8] so your skin should heal faster.
    • Some people don’t like the minty sensation of aloe vera. If you’ve never used it before, try testing a small drop on your wrist when you’re at the store before you buy a bottle.
    • If you’ve been scratching a lot, wait for your skin to heal a bit before applying aloe vera. The minty sensation combined with scratched skin may actually make you feel worse.
5

Calendula ointment

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    Try calendula to soothe itchiness and revitalize your skin barrier. Calendula is an oil extracted from marigold flowers, and it’s full of antioxidants, which are great for your skin. Pick up any calendula ointment from your local pharmacy and read the instructions on the label to apply it to your skin. The ointment should reduce the appearance of any lesions, and your eczema breakouts may disappear a lot faster than they’d normally would without the ointment![9]
    • Calendula and aloe vera appear to be equally effective when it comes to soothing irritating skin. If you don’t like the mentholated feeling of aloe vera, this is a great alternative!
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6

Licorice extract

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    Licorice extract is a proven performer when it comes to reducing itchiness. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may soothe your skin and reduce your urge to scratch.[10] Look for a topical moisturizer that contains licorice extract at your local pharmacy or skin care store, and read the label carefully. Apply the moisturizer, cream, or gel to your skin by following the instructions on the product.[11]
    • You can also mix a pure extract with a carrier oil like sunflower or coconut oil to make a 2% solution at home.[12] It’s typically going to be safer to buy a regulated product with licorice extract in it, though.
7

Colloidal oatmeal

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    An oatmeal bath is a relaxing and calming way to soothe your symptoms. Pick up a package of colloidal oatmeal from your local pharmacy or beauty supply shop. Fill your bathtub with water and pour in a grape-sized amount of oatmeal into the bath. Stir the ingredients until they’re mixed together, then soak for 10-15 minutes. Once you’re done bathing, cover any affected skin with your moisturizer of choice.[13]
    • Colloidal oatmeal is unseasoned, flavorless oatmeal that’s been finely ground. This isn’t the same kind of oatmeal you eat for breakfast though, so don’t pour that Quaker Oats into your bath![14]
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8

Wet wrap

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    Wet wraps can soothe your skin and alleviate your symptoms in a pinch. Grab a clean towel or washcloth and soak it in cool water. Wring the excess water out and lay the wet wrap directly on your skin for however long you’d like. This should provide effective and immediate relief. Moisturize your skin when you’re done to keep it from drying out![15]
    • You can also use cold compress wrapped in a cloth if you prefer. Some people get more relief from the wetness while other get relief from the cold, so try both to see what works for you![16]
    • You can also rub a lotion or cream of your choice over the affected skin, then tie a moist piece of gauze around the eczema. This is a good way to attack your symptoms using two solutions at once![17]
9

Hydrocortisone cream

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    Anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone should provide fast relief. Pick up any anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone. Follow the directions on the label to apply it to your skin. Usually, you just rub a dollop of the cream into your skin after you get out of the shower or dampen your skin. Use it twice a day to get the best effect from it![18]
    • Low-dose hydrocortisone creams are available over-the-counter, but if you want stronger stuff, you’ll need to see a doctor to get a prescription.
    • Hydrocortisone may sound inorganic, but it’s actually a natural hormone your body produces in the adrenal glands. The hydrocortisone you find in medical creams is often made synthetically, but it’s identical to the hormone your body produces. The ingredient in your cream may not technically be natural, but it’s a naturally-occurring compound.[19]
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10

Humidifier

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    Eczema causes your skin to dry out, so a boost of humidity may help. It’s hard for your skin to repair itself if it’s super dry, so naturally moisturizing your skin by hydrating it is a great way to fight eczema over time. Buy a portable humidifier and set it in your home office or bedroom. Keep it running to ensure that the air in your home is humid. This should help improve your symptoms over time.[20]
    • If your eczema is triggered by certain foods or stress, this probably isn’t going to help that much. It certainly can’t hurt anything though, so it’s still giving it a shot. Ask to borrow a friend’s humidifier if you want to see if this helps and give it a weeklong trial run to see how your skin feels.
11

Vitamin D and B12

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    Taking a vitamin D and B12 supplement may curb your symptoms. An over-the-counter daily vitamin may help your skin repair itself and prevent it from drying out. Pick up a daily vitamin D supplement, and a daily vitamin B12 supplement. Take them with food once a day to make sure you meet your daily requirements.[21]
    • While vitamin B12 may help, vitamin B6 appears to have no impact whatsoever. Just keep that in mind when you’re shopping for supplements.[22]
    • This may be counterintuitive, but topical vitamin creams—while they’re helpful for a lot of other skin conditions—may actually cause eczema to flare up.[23]
    • Unfortunately, as of right now, there aren’t any commercial B12 products that are 100% natural. These creams are often mixed with emulsifiers and preservatives to maintain the compounds in the cream. Still, these B12 creams are harmless, so you really shouldn’t worry about it.[24]
    • The vitamin D may be more efficient if you take it alongside a vitamin E supplement as well.[25]
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12

Relaxation

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    Stress and anxiety can trigger eczema and make it worse, so take a load off! Treat yourself to a warm bath after a long day, engage in hobbies that help you calm down, or start meditating once a day. Evaluate your weekly schedule and try to pinpoint the most stressful aspects of your life. Brainstorm ways to lessen or get rid of these stressors altogether, as stress can make your eczema symptoms worse.[26]
    • Want a proven treatment for eczema? Take a vacation! Studies have actually shown that spending a relaxing weekend to yourself in a foreign country can actually combat your itchy skin.[27]
13

Prevention

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    If you have any triggers, staying away from them is the best treatment! Certain foods can trigger eczema, so if you have a food insensitivity, stay away from those dishes. Strong fragrances, household cleaners, and cigarette smoke are irritating for a lot of people with eczema, so keep your home as odor-free as you possibly can.[28]
    • Use unscented soaps and moisturizers to avoid irritating your skin.[29]
    • Avoid wool and polyester clothing. Instead, opt or loose-fitting breathable fabrics, like cotton.[30]
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    My grandson has nummular eczema on the back of his legs. Is there any remedy to use until we can get him to the doctor?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

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    Nummular eczema can be sensitive to heat, clothing (eg. wool), laundry detergent and bathing too often.  Nummular eczema also seems to be related to other allergies and sensitivities to metals (nickel, mercury).  Try to get your grandson to use plant-based soaps for bathing and see if you can minimize his exposure to all chemicals. Try different plant-based oils (eg. coconut, argan, jojoba, castor) to moisturize his skin--but try the plant oil on a small area first, just to make sure he isn't allergic to it.
  • Question
    I was born with this condition and asthma. I have tried loads of remedies. I have noticed that after I have used a product for a few years my body seems to laugh and say, "Hello, this is not going to help you anymore."
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

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    It may feel as if your body is laughing--but it is likely that it is just developing a sort of tolerance to various products.  But, in the same way that your body develops a tolerance, it may "forget" that it developed that tolerance and the products or methods that used to be helpful may become helpful again. Go back to those older remedies and see if they will work for you again.
  • Question
    I have an eczema on my foot, and sometimes it causes bleeding. When winter approaches it starts healing, but in the summer it becomes red itchy and bloody. What can I do?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Eczema can be sensitive to temperature and humidity. Is it possible that during the winter, perhaps because you wear socks, your feet are drier? Make sure that your feet are not sweating during the hot summer months. Wear cotton socks and change them often. Make sure you keep your feet dry, but moisturized. Always let your feet air dry, as well!
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  2. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418133/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
  8. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451482/
  9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22606064/
  1. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14522625/
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remedies
  5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373175/
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remedies
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remedies
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424899/
  10. ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydrocortisone
  11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  14. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  15. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/complementary-and-alternative/
  16. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  17. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  18. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  19. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/
  20. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  21. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/
  22. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  23. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  24. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
  25. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  26. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
  27. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remedies
  28. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31328306/
  29. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479370/

About This Article

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Co-authored by:
Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 2,666,660 times.
4 votes - 95%
Co-authors: 131
Updated: March 6, 2022
Views: 2,666,660
Categories: Featured Articles | Dermatitis (Eczema)

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

You can get some relief from eczema by changing the products you use and utilizing soothing natural remedies. One of the easiest ways to reduce the severity of eczema is to use only non-irritating products to use on your skin. Choose soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents that are marked as non-irritating and avoid products that have added fragrances, as these can cause dry skin which leads to eczema flare-ups. To treat eczema as it flares, use aloe vera gel to soothe your skin. Simply snap a leaf off an aloe vera plant and smear the gel over the eczema or purchase aloe vera gel in store. Another way to help treat eczema at home is to have an oat bath, as oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching compounds. Fill an old sock with organic, steel-rolled oats and let the water run through it as you fill the tub. For more ideas on how to treat eczema naturally from our Naturopathic Doctor co-author, like dietary changes you can make, read on!

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