Eczema affects millions worldwide. While prescription medications are often required for severe cases, many individuals seek natural remedies to manage their symptoms. Dermatologists have approved several natural remedies that can relieve eczema while improving the skin barrier function. 

Understanding Common Eczema Symptoms and Triggers

Eczema is among the chronic skin conditions that manifest through common symptoms, including itchy skin and dryness. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to control eczema effectively.

Eczema symptoms can vary from mild irritation to severe, broken skin, possibly leading to skin infections. Identifying your symptoms and what triggers flares can help you tailor your treatment plan.

Dermatologist-Approved Natural Remedies for Eczema

Here are the natural remedies that can help manage symptoms.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for eczema due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Virgin coconut oil, in particular, is rich in fatty acids that help repair the barrier.

Dermatologists recommend applying coconut oil directly to dry skin to soothe irritated skin and relieve itchy eczema. For severe dryness, you can mix it with shea butter. Use coconut oil immediately after bathing to lock in moisture for the best results.

2. Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal, made from finely ground oatmeal, is widely recognized for its ability to soothe inflamed skin. It’s a key ingredient in many home remedies for eczema. Adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath can help relieve itching and reduce the severity of eczema symptoms. 

A colloidal oatmeal bath can help soothe inflamed skin, relieve itching, and protect the skin barrier. For an enhanced effect, you can combine colloidal oatmeal baths with other remedies, such as coconut oil, to moisturize the skin and reduce the severity of the eczema flare.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another dermatologist-approved remedy for treating eczema. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can provide significant relief for those with itchy skin.

Applying aloe vera gel directly to eczema-affected areas can help reduce inflammation and provide much-needed hydration to irritated skin.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for eczema that has received backing from dermatologists. Adding apple cider vinegar to your skin routine may help restore the skin’s natural pH balance, which is often disrupted in individuals with eczema.

When used as a diluted solution, apple cider vinegar can help relieve itchy eczema and prevent infections. However, it’s important to test it on a small area of the skin first to avoid any allergic reactions.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial properties, can be a beneficial natural treatment for those suffering from atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. When diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, it can be applied to eczema patches to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

However, individuals with sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as tea tree oil can sometimes cause irritation.

6. Evening Primrose Oil and Mineral Oil

Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation and improve the skin’s barrier function. This oil has been used as an alternative treatment for eczema for many years, with some studies suggesting that it can provide eczema relief and reduce skin irritation.

Taking evening primrose oil supplements or applying the oil topically may help manage eczema symptoms.

7. Bleach Baths

Bleach baths are a dermatologist-recommended treatment for those with moderate to severe eczema. A diluted bleach bath can help reduce the bacteria on the skin that often trigger flares.

According to the National Eczema Association, bleach baths can also help prevent skin infections, making them an effective addition to an eczema treatment plan. However, follow the correct dilution instructions to avoid damaging the skin barrier. 

8. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a dermatologist-approved remedy for eczema due to its ability to lock in moisture and protect the skin from irritants. Gently rub petroleum jelly to dry skin and eczema patches. This can prevent reactivity by keeping the skin hydrated and reducing flare-ups.

This remedy is particularly effective for individuals with dyshidrotic eczema, which affects the hands and feet.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil is another natural remedy that can help treat eczema. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, olive oil can be used as a moisturizer for itch relief and promote healing.

However, some dermatologists caution against using olive oil on sensitive skin, as it may cause irritation in some individuals. Always perform a patch test before applying olive oil to large areas of the skin.

How do I cure my eczema naturally? 

Harsh chemicals and harsh soaps make contact dermatitis and eczema worse. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products and consider using eczema mittens to prevent scratching and further breaking the skin.

Sunflower seed oil and borage oil are also excellent for maintaining skin hydration and reducing inflammation, which can heal wounds associated with eczema. Additionally, incorporating vitamin D supplements and focusing on stress reduction techniques can help boost immune system function.

Essential oils like lavender or chamomile can relieve itchy skin, but always ensure they are diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Maintaining dryness and cleanliness is key to preventing eczema flare-ups for individuals with skin folds or areas prone to sweating.

Recommendations from the National Eczema Association: Manage Atopic Dermatitis with Natural Remedies

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, often characterized by eczema symptoms like persistent itching and inflamed patches of skin. Managing atopic eczema involves a combination of avoiding triggers and incorporating home remedies for eczema. These are just a few dermatologist-approved treatments that can alleviate eczema symptoms and prevent eczema flares.

Preventing and Reducing Eczema Flares

Eczema is a complex skin condition that requires a multi-faceted approach to manage. While prescription medications are often necessary for severe eczema, incorporating home remedies provides additional relief. 

Always consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your eczema and skin condition. This will help prevent an allergic reaction. Your skin specialist can also recommend alternative treatments. By combining these home remedies with conventional eczema treatments, you can effectively manage your symptoms and improve your overall skin health.

FAQs

Can skincare cause eczema?

According to the National Eczema Society, there definitely are certain skincare products that can cause facial eczema, usually targeting sensitive areas like the eyelids and around the mouth. However, if you have not identified which ingredients contain possible irritants to atopic dermatitis, it’s best to stick to skincare products labeled for sensitive skin whether it’s a face wash, body wash, or moisturizer. 

Often, those who suffer from eczema will have extra sensitive skin, so harsh skincare and beauty products that contain large amounts of alcohol, strong chemicals, or fragrance can be possible irritants. Makeup is one big potential irritant for plenty of skin types, not just those with contact dermatitis, which is why professionals usually give advice along the lines of sticking to a bare makeup routine or makeup that serves as skincare products. By doing this, you can let your skin breathe even with cosmetics on.

What skincare is good for eczema?

Sticking to a basic skincare routine suited for sensitive skin is the best way to go. Someone who has rosacea or eczema-prone skin shouldn’t further exacerbate their already sensitive face with a boatload of treatments, serums, exfoliators, etc. unless these products are formulated to be friendly for those with eczema or recommended by your dermatologist.

How do I treat eczema flare-ups?

Skincare products that can soothe the symptoms of eczema should also be a staple in any routine. If you experience rosacea or skin redness, flaky skin, or irritated skin, then having a soothing cream on hand might be necessary in order to calm down the skin in times of need.

One important piece of advice when dealing with eczema flares is to resist the urge to irritate your skin further. That means no scratching an itch, no peeling the fakes off, and just get your hands off your skin. If you’re of the skin type that is a little on the sensitive side, then you know your skin health is already a little fragile, so it’s best to be gentle with your skin on all fronts. 

The tricky part about dealing with skin like this is always the trial and error when it comes to crafting a routine, but that’s what we’re here to help you with so you don’t suffer alone! 

A skincare routine for eczema, according to a fellow eczema sufferer

For those of us whose condition can potentially affect everyday life, having an effective routine is important.

As someone who suffers from frequent flares and has only recently discussed the condition with a dermatologist, having a simple skincare routine is super important. Other dermatologists who suffer from the same condition likewise recommend similar ideas when crafting a regimen for eczema-prone skin. Without further ado, here’s a skincare routine for eczema sufferers:

1. Do Use a Gentle Skin Cleanser

What should I wash my face with if I have eczema?

2. Don’t skip the moisturizer to keep the skin barrier hydrated

Washing our face with a cleanser and water can be super stripping, so it’s vital to moisturize right after to lock in the moisture within our skin barrier. Peter Lio, Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University, states that this type of product might be the most important of all. 

Over-the-counter products and drugstore moisturizers usually work fine for people with eczema, but some of them may not be suited for sensitive skin. To avoid further eczema flare-ups, try to look for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. HA is a great dermatologist-recommended substance that binds moisture deep within the skin barrier. You should also watch out for ceramides in moisturizing products. Ceramides are long layers of lipids that naturally occur in our body and help retain moisture within.

3. Do add a soothing cream or serum

Dermatology team TheDermGroup recommends adding niacinamide serum or shea butter into your skincare routines to avoid rashes and protect the skin from an unwanted flare-up. While people who suffer from this condition want to avoid eczema flares in the first place, a soothing balm is super effective in treating persistent symptoms like redness, itchiness, and flakiness. Stocking up on soothing balms is always a good idea when it comes to treating this contact disease, so don’t be afraid to invest.

4. Don’t use harsh actives

Despite some doctors recommending the use of vitamin C and even makeup wipes in a certain article, Everyday Health advises otherwise. Dr. Jessica Wu, MD., emphasizes that retinol, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid, while great ingredients for exfoliation, can further aggravate eczema and cause skin to become more irritated.

5. Do use sunscreen

People with sensitive eczema-prone skin could potentially be irritated further by exposure to harmful UV rays. As per usual, sunscreen is a must! Just make sure it’s a product that is formulated for more sensitive types and doesn’t contain something that could potentially be a trigger, such as harmful alcohols.

6. Do try prescription creams

Another important part of having this skin ailment is trying a hand at using a prescription cream. This may come in a topical product such as a dermatologist prescription cream or even a topical corticosteroid cream. Having a product like this is great because it specifically targets eczema in all forms. While people might be intimidated to try them, the studies are pretty unanimous: prescription creams are a great way to treat your skin. Dermatologists will be more than happy to give their patients something to lessen the burden a little, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Tips on dealing with eczema

If you also suffer from eczema in places other than your face, then here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Try to use full-cotton clothing. Blended fabric can be a potential irritant to an already sensitive body, so if you can, seek out clothes that are 100% cotton from trusted, high-quality clothing brands.
2. Use lotion religiously. After you shower, apply a generous amount of lotion all over the body to seal in moisture and avoid dryness. You may use an oil-based one if preferred, as an oil can be both soothing as well as hydrating. It’s not a bad idea to give that coconut oil a shot.
3. Use warm or hot water when showering. If you have access to hot water or lukewarm water, then that is the best way to go. Cold water may aggravate the skin further while also stripping your body of natural oils.
4. Be prepared for changes in weather. Since weather is one factor that could possibly affect this skin disease, it’s good practice to anticipate any changes so you’re prepared to relieve the symptoms!

And that’s it! We hope we’ve shared some things to be mindful of when dealing with eczema-prone skin. While there’s no one-size-fits-all routine for skincare products, sticking to the mildest ones can do all sorts of good. 

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