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] X Research source 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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can also use medical-grade honey if you prefer. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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.
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.
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!
You can also mix a pure extract with a carrier oil like sunflower or coconut oil to make a 2% solution at home. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It’s typically going to be safer to buy a regulated product with licorice extract in it, though.
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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source 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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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] X Research source
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.
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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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] X Trustworthy Source National Eczema Association Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education Go to source The vitamin D may be more efficient if you take it alongside a vitamin E supplement as well. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Use unscented soaps and moisturizers to avoid irritating your skin. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Avoid wool and polyester clothing. Instead, opt or loose-fitting breathable fabrics, like cotton. [30] X Trustworthy Source National Eczema Association Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education Go to source
