15 Best Home Remedies For Eczema
Shalu Bhati
Updated At 16 Sep 22
Want to know about home remedies for eczema? Then, this is the place for you.
Eczema is a common skin condition that can be found in over three million people. It also happens to be one of the most challenging skin conditions which can leave you red, inflamed and itchy. Due to a lack of awareness, it often becomes difficult to even differentiate eczema from a simple allergic reaction. What becomes even more of a struggle is living with it. But don’t you worry. We have come up with an informative guide on eczema where we will cover the 15 best home remedies for eczema among other related things.
We have specifically covered:
- What Is Eczema
- What Are The Causes Of Eczema
- Symptoms Of Eczema
- Home Remedies For Eczema
- Things To Keep In Mind
- Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema
What is Eczema?
If your skin gets red, scaly and itchy, then chances are that you are suffering from a skin condition called eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this skin condition can occur during infancy and often goes on through adulthood. It is characterized by irritated skin which is red, dry, scaly, itchy and inflamed.
Even though this is not life-threatening or contagious, eczema does pose a lot of other issues in life. It has a high psychological impact on those who suffer from it. Eczema impacts the quality of life a person wants to lead.
So what causes this skin condition and how can it be identified. Let’s find out.
Also check out out guide to find out how to remove wrinkles under eyes naturally as we cover 15 proven home remedies.
Key Causes And Symptoms
There are no fixed causes of eczema. It is said to most commonly occur amongst small children with a family history of allergies and asthma. In some cases, eczema goes away on its own once reaching adulthood while in some cases it becomes a life-long problem.
It is believed that eczema is caused when due to the weakening of the skin’s protective barrier. It can be triggered by a variety of factors like dust, pollen, smoke, pets, stress, dairy products, certain fabrics, chemicals in skincare products, etc. The immune system in response leaves skin inflamed.
Symptoms
There are seven types of eczema and all seven of them have different symptoms. However, atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema which is why when people are generally talking about eczema, they mean atopic dermatitis.
Following are some of the most common symptoms of eczema:
Rashes behind knees and elbows or on arms, neck, wrists or ankles
- Dry, scaly skin
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Inflammation
- Irritated skin
- Rough, cracked skin
- Blisters (in some cases)
These symptoms may vary according to age.
15 Best Home Remedies for Eczema
Just like there are no fixed causes of eczema, its treatment is not fixed either. Eczema cannot be cured completely. However, it can be managed using certain medications, home remedies, and lifestyle changes.
There is no one-remedy-for-all kind of treatment for eczema. It depends from person to person and the severity of eczema.
Following are 15 of the best home remedies for eczema:
1. Jojoba Oil
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon argan oil, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil
How to: Take a glass bowl. Add all the ingredients into it one by one. Mix well. Apply on affected areas and leave it. Reapply as and when required.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Jojoba oil mimics the oil that is naturally produced by our skin. This is why it works wonders for a myriad of skin issues especially eczema. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help in calming down the skin. This oil can also bring significant improvement in dryness, itchiness and other symptoms that come from eczema. Argan oil moisturizes skin and makes a thick and oily protective layer which then aids in healing red itchy patches of skin. Avocado oil has antioxidants and various skin-friendly vitamins which improve the eczema symptoms by a great deal.
2. Coconut Oil
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of rosehip oil, 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil
How to: Add all the ingredients to a glass bowl. Mix them up. Apply on affected areas with gentle motions. Let it stay on. Reapply as and when required.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Coconut oil is known for its many skin-friendly benefits. No wonder that it is also one of the most popular home remedies for eczema. This oil moisturizes hydrates, heals and soothes skin. It has anti-microbial properties which enable it to fight off irritation causing bacteria. Rosehip oil is another miracle worker when it comes to eczema. It is a good source of fatty acids and antioxidants. When used topically on the skin, it reduces inflammation and irritation to bring down discomfort.
3. Oatmeal
Ingredients: 1 cup of ground oatmeal, 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon pure rose water
How to: Take a glass bowl and add all the ingredients to it. Mix them thoroughly. Apply on affected areas. Let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry. Apply a gentle moisturizer immediately. You can also simply add the grounded oatmeal to your bathwater.
Frequency: Four times a week
Why it works: This is one of the most effective natural remedies for eczema. Oatmeal is a natural emollient that calms down red irritated and inflamed skin. It not just moisturizes the skin but also ensures that this moisture stays locked in. It also balances the skin’s pH levels. Eating probiotic-rich food has been known to help with eczema but using it topically has its benefits too. Yogurt is an excellent source of good bacteria and aids in fighting off skin infections. Lemon juice provides an acidic medium which is lacking in the skin with eczema.
4. Witch Hazel
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon witch hazel, 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil, 2 to 3 drops of vitamin E oil
How to: Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl. Apply on affected areas. Let it stay on.
Frequency: Four times a week
Why it works: This is one of the best home remedies for eczema. Witch hazel has astringent properties and has been used for soothing skin inflammation. It is a great topical remedy as it calms and soothes dry, itchy and irritated skin. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. It balances the skin’s hydration as well as pH levels. Vitamin E increases the effectiveness of the rest of the ingredients by multi-folds.
5. Avocado Oil
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1 teaspoon jojoba oil, 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
How to: Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl. Mix them well. Apply on affected areas and let it stay. Reapply as and when needed.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Avocado oil comes packed the goodness of antioxidants, fatty acids, and many skin-friendly benefits. It helps to heal the dry, irritated and itchy skin that comes with eczema. Jojoba oil works wonders for such skin as well. It has a soothing effect and brings down the inflammation. Vitamin E oil boosts the skin’s healing process and also increases the effectiveness of other ingredients.
6. Turmeric
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
How to: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Apply on affected areas. Let it stay on for as long as you can. Rinse off after 30 minutes with cold water. Pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer immediately.
Frequency: Four times a week
Why it works: Turmeric is a magical ingredient when it comes to calming down skin affected by eczema. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. It fights off the infection-causing bacteria, calms down irritation, brings down inflammation and gives a boost to the skin’s healing process. Aloe vera gel is another soothing ingredient that will help you get rid of all discomfort. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and boosts the protective barrier of the skin.
7. Sunflower Oil
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon virgin sunflower oil, 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil, 3 to 4 drops of vitamin E oil
How to: Mix all ingredients well. Apply on affected areas. Let it stay for as long as you can. Rinse off with cold water. Pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Here is another one of the most effective home remedies for eczema. Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to soothe red and itchy skin. It also works wonders when it comes to improving the hydration levels of the skin. Sweet almond oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and other antioxidants. It brings down the inflammation and calms irritated skin.
8. Aloe Vera
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 4 to 5 drops of vitamin E oil
How to: Mix the ingredients well in a glass bowl. Apply on affected areas. Keep it on. Reapply as and when required.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: This is one of the most popular home remedies for eczema. Aloe vera gel is known to have magical therapeutic properties. It soothes and calms down skin immediately on application to an extent that you could have only imagined. It brings down inflammation as well as treats red and itchy skin to reduce discomfort.
9. Honey
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to: Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mix well. Apply on affected areas. Rinse off with cold water after 20 minutes. Pat dry. Apply a gentle moisturizer.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Honey is another miracle worker for someone who is suffering from eczema. Honey is an excellent source of antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties that enable it to soothe the irritated skin. It brings down inflammation and moisturizes the dry skin.
10. Calendula Oil
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon calendula oil, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
How to: Add the ingredients into a bowl. Mix well. Apply onto affected areas and let it stay. Reapply when needed.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Calendula is another one of the most popular and effective home remedies for eczema. It reduces inflammation and restores the hydration level of the skin. Its antiseptic properties aid well in warding off the infections. It is also known for its healing properties as it improves blood circulation to the injured area.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
How to: Mix the ingredients well in a bowl. Gently apply on affected areas as and when needed.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Tea tree oil is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a wonderful treatment for acne. This oil has also proven to be greatly beneficial for eczema. It helps in bringing down inflammation significantly. It also is highly effective in treating itchiness.
12. Evening Primrose Oil
Ingredients: 7 to 8 drops of evening primrose oil, 1 tablespoon almond oil
How to: Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl. Apply gently to the affected area. Let it get absorbed into the skin and let it be. Reapply when needed.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. It is one of the oldest home remedies for eczema. This oil soothes irritated skin, brig s down inflammation and redness while also promoting skin’s health.
13. Vegetable Shortenings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or as needed
How to: Clean the affected area with cold water. Pat dry. Apply the vegetable shortening on the affected area like a moisturizer. In case of severe discomfort and irritation, wrap the affected area with a plastic wrap after applying the shortening.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Vegetable shortening is one of the best natural remedies for eczema and works wonders for those suffering from it. It is a popular home remedy as it soothes dry and itchy skin, calms down inflammation and reduces discomfort.
14. Bleach Bath
Ingredients: ½ cup of bleach
How to: Add half a cup of bleach into lukewarm bathwater which according to average bathtub size would be about 35 to 40 gallons. Soak yourself in it for about 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water. Pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Frequency: Two times a week
Why it works: A bleach bath is one of the most common home remedies for eczema. It not only kills off the bacteria but also brings down the inflammation and moisturizes the skin.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients: 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
How to: Add the apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bathwater which would be about 35 gallons. Soak yourself in it for about 15 minutes. Rinse off your body with cold water and pat dry. Apply a gentle moisturizer.
Frequency: Three times a week
Why it works: Apple Cider Vinegar has a mildly acidic medium which makes it extremely beneficial for those suffering from eczema. ACV aids in balancing the pH levels of the skin. It also has anti-microbial properties which allow it to kill off the infection-causing bacteria. It ultimately soothes inflammation and reduces itchiness.
Things To Keep In Mind
Here are some things that you must keep in mind to control your eczema symptoms:
- Have a bath with lukewarm water
- Do not use soaps or detergents with harsh chemicals
- Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of having finished a bath
- Wear soft fabrics and avoid wearing tight clothes
- Always pat skin to dry. Refrain from rubbing
- Use humidifier in cold or dry weather
- Avoid itching skin
- Identify what triggers your symptoms to manage them better
Frequently Asked Questions On Eczema
Q. Which are the most effective home remedies for eczema?
The most effective home remedies for eczema include using oil that not only moisturizes the skin but also soothes it and kills off the bacteria. Such oils include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil among others. Ensure that you are using virgin or cold-pressed oils for your eczema treatment at home.
Q. Which are the most effective hand eczema home remedies?
The most effective hand eczema home remedies include soaking of hands in a mixture of ACV in lukewarm water and then using ingredients like aloe vera gel, evening primrose oil or jojoba oil for moisturizing skin.
Q. Which are the most effective home remedies for eczema on legs?
Use oatmeal as an easy and effective home remedy for treating eczema on legs. You can either prepare a paste with oatmeal, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice and apply on affected areas or simply have a bath with colloidal oatmeal to see the best results.
Q. Which is the best natural cure for eczema?
Aloe vera gel is the best natural cure for eczema with its soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and healing properties.
