Which natural remedies help soothe eczema?

Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Treatments like moisturisers and steroids can help to relieve the symptoms, but many find natural remedies work too.

Natural remedies are products that are made from natural ingredients, such as oils from plants or vegetables. Although some of these products may help to soothe irritated skin, they might not work for everyone.

Before trying any new products on your skin speak to your doctor or skin specialist (dermatologist) to make sure they will not make your symptoms worse or have an affect on any of your treatments.

Best natural remedies

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is found in many cosmetic and hair products because of its moisturising properties. Natural coconut oil in its purest form - also called virgin coconut oil - may help ease the symptoms of eczema when put onto the affected area of skin. This is because it sits on top of the skin and prevents water loss, as well as moisturising the skin beneath.

One study found that 47% of patients with eczema who put 5 millilitres (ml) of virgin coconut oil to the skin twice daily had moderate improvement in symptoms, and 46% had an excellent response to the product¹. A separate study found that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help people with eczema².

Most studies have examined virgin coconut oil to explore the benefits, rather than coconut-scented products with added chemicals that may irritate the skin further.

Dr Derrick Phillips, skin specialist (dermatologist) and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, says that while adults with eczema may benefit from natural remedies, children’s skin is more sensitive. Therefore, you should stick to eczema products specifically formulated for infant skin that have been approved by your doctor.

"Adult skin is generally more resilient than children’s skin and may benefit from the hydrating effects of coconut oil,” says Phillips. “Babies have immature, sensitive skin that is easily irritated. It is important to only use products that have been specifically formulated for infant skin. Coconut and rosehip oils may cause irritation and aggravate infantile eczema, and should be avoided."

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Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is a natural product made from ground oats. With its high concentration of starches and beta-glucan - a type of soluble fibre so it dissolves in water - colloidal oatmeal helps the skin retain water. It has been used to soothe skin conditions such as atopic eczema, as well as the itchy rash caused by chickenpox.

Studies suggest that colloidal oatmeal helps to protect the skin barrier - which is weaker in people with eczema - and moisturises the skin while working as an anti-inflammatory³.

Natural colloidal oatmeal comes in powder form which you add to your warm - not hot - bathwater. Soak for 15 minutes and when you’re finished, pat your skin dry. Put on your usual emollient or moisturiser afterwards.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil, found in sunflower seeds, can help to produce ceramides, which are fats in skin cells that help keep moisture in your skin⁴. It also helps to protect the skin barrier and keep bacteria out. It can be put directly onto the skin.

However, not all vegetable oils are good for your skin. Research shows that olive oil can cause redness, rashes and irritation when put onto the skin because it contains irritating fatty acids such as oleic acids. It is also comedogenic, meaning it can clog your pores⁵.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel, from the witch hazel shrub, is an astringent - something that cleanses the skin, reduces inflammation and has antibacterial properties. Witch hazel dries out the skin, so it isn’t suitable for dry, scaly eczema. However it may help soothe eczema that is wet or weeping to help prevent infections⁶.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel comes from the leaves of the aloe vera plant and is used to treat many skin conditions, including sunburn and dry skin. It can help to cool and moisturise your skin, calm inflammation, provide temporary relief from itching and soothe soreness⁷. Aloe vera gel can also help broken skin to heal, which can be helpful if your skin is chapped from scratching.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, comes from the seeds of the dog rose plant. Research suggests this oil - when used in its cold-pressed form without any chemical changes made by heat - can have an anti-inflammatory, moisturising effect on the skin, which may make it an effective topical treatment for eczema⁸.

"However, rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, which has an exfoliative action that may aggravate inflamed, eczematous skin," adds Phillips.

Further reading

1. Evangelista et al: The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

2. Varma et al: In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil.

3. Sobhan et al: The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: A double-blind study.

4. Lin et al: Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.

5. Danby et al: Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult Skin barrier: Implications for neonatal skin care.

6. Piazza et al: Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema.

7. Radha et al: Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review.

8. Arora et al: Curative potency of medicinal plants in management of eczema: A conservative approach.