Home Remedies and Treatments for Eczema

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or skin inflammation, that happens when the skin’s natural protective barrier isn’t functioning as it should. That means moisture gets out, while irritants and allergens get in, overstimulating the immune system and causing itching, dryness, irritation and infection.

If you suffer from eczema, you’ll know that flare-ups of these symptoms can cause serious discomfort, and they can be notoriously difficult to keep under control. Doctors can prescribe various medicines to help, like topical steroids or antibiotics. But if you’re also looking for quick, natural solutions to relieve the discomfort of eczema, here are some home remedies you can try today.

Oatmeal baths

When it comes to sensitive skin, colloidal oatmeal has long been renowned for its soothing and healing properties. Made from finely ground and boiled oats, colloidal oatmeal has been shown in various studies to moisturise eczema-prone skin, relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and repair the skin barrier. 

You can find colloidal oatmeal in lots of sensitive skin products. Alternatively, you can buy it from health and beauty stores and add a few cups to a warm (not hot) bath, or mix it into your lotion or moisturiser. 

Aloe vera

This gel-like substance from the leaves of the aloe plant is perhaps best-known as a sunburn remedy, but its cooling, soothing properties can also help with eczema. 

Aloe vera is known to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve skin discomfort, as well as antimicrobial properties that may help to protect against skin infection. There’s also some evidence that it promotes skin healing, which can help with skin recovery after a flare-up. 

Aloe vera is readily available in stores. But if you have an aloe plant at home, you can simply snap off a leaf, squeeze out the gel, and massage it into the affected skin. 

Essential oils 

Some essential oils can be too harsh for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. However, tea tree oil has a natural anti-inflammatory effect that may be helpful for eczema flare-ups, and it may also help to protect against skin infection and support healing. 

Tea tree oil should be diluted in a carrier oil, like coconut oil, before applying it to your skin. You should also patch-test it on a small area of unaffected skin first. Apply a small amount of diluted oil, wipe away, then cover the area for 24-48 hours. If it doesn’t irritate your skin, you can apply it to affected areas using a soft cotton pad.  

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an increasingly popular home remedy for skin complaints, including eczema. While there is no concrete evidence that it can treat eczema symptoms, people anecdotally report that it has given them some relief. 

With that in mind, be sure to check in with your doctor or dermatologist before trying apple cider vinegar. If they give you the go-ahead, you can either add a few cups of vinegar to a warm bath or swipe it over your skin with a cotton pad. If you’re applying it directly, remember to dilute the vinegar in water, as it’s very acidic and can irritate or even burn your skin. 

Bleach 

You might be alarmed at the thought of bathing in bleach! But despite first impressions, this home remedy is actually backed by experts at The Global Network for Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis and the UK’s National Health Service. They state that bleach at very low concentrations is not harmful, and can in fact help to kill bacteria that can aggravate eczema symptoms and lead to infection. 

They do caution that you should never apply undiluted bleach directly to your skin. Instead, add half a cup to a full bathtub and bathe for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse in fresh water afterwards, pat skin dry, and apply your emollient moisturiser right away. 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a popular moisturising ingredient that may have a number of specific benefits for eczema sufferers: 

• It’s rich in fatty acids that can help to strengthen the skin barrier. 

• It reduces moisture loss in the skin and improves hydration. 

• It increases a protein called filaggrin in the skin, which is thought to help with skin hydration and pH balance. 

• It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help soothe irritation and promote healing. 

• It also has antibacterial properties to guard against infections. 

There are lots of coconut oil-based moisturisers and lotions available, but raw coconut oil by itself is perhaps the easiest, most affordable way to get the benefits. Choose virgin coconut oil and buy organic if you can, as some cheaper brands may contain chemical additives that can irritate your skin. Then simply warm up a small amount in your palms and massage it over the affected skin. 

Sunflower seed oil 

Much like coconut oil, sunflower seed oil contains lots of fatty acids that can be beneficial to eczema-prone skin. It’s been shown to promote skin barrier repair and reduce moisture loss from the skin. It’s also an anti-pruritic, which means it helps to ease itching. 

Sunflower seed oil is readily available from grocery stores and health stores. Look for cold-pressed oil – again, organic if possible --  and avoid added ingredients. Then simply massage it into your skin or add it to your moisturiser after a shower. 

Although there is no cure for eczema, combining tried-and-tested home remedies with eczema-friendly products, such as  Sanex Hypoallergenic Shower Gel for Eczema Prone Skin, may help you find some relief from the symptoms of this condition. As with any treatment option, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor or dermatologist first to make sure it’s right for you. With their help, you can safely add these home remedies to your overall management plan.

The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the below recommendations have a contrary result to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dermatologist. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.