Home Remedies for Eczema

Individuals suffering from eczema know all too well about the vicious itch-scratch cycle the condition can cause.

An unbearably uncomfortable condition, eczema is used to describe a variety of skin conditions that can cause swelling in the skin along with the appearance of cracks, blisters and dried scaly patches on the skin surface.

Although there are different kinds of eczema, the most common of them is atopic eczema which is known to attack children although it can occur in adults as well.

Being a chronic condition, there is no cure for atopic eczema, but only ways to curb the symptoms and keep them under control.

How is Eczema Caused?

Sadly, not much is known or has been revealed as to what exactly causes eczema in individuals.

While research has attributed it to be a skin condition that is caused by an overactive immune system responding to skin irritants.

There is no definite reason as to why an individual may suffer from eczema aside from the fact that the condition may be passed down the family from one member to another.

The Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema is pretty easy to identify. It usually appears in the form of dry, flaky and itchy skin on the face, neck, scalp, hands, feet, legs, elbows and inner creases of the knees.

Some of the other symptoms associated with the condition include redness, cracks, rashes, thickened skin and swelling.

In some cases, the rashes may turn into blisters which ooze sebum and burst even when slightly disturbed.

These blisters can take more than a week to heal and can cause a big area of the skin they are located in, to become leathery and itchy.

Some individuals also develop round shaped bumps on their skin (referred to as coin shaped eczema).

Excellent Home Remedies for Eczema

Unfortunately, eczema is a chronic condition which means there is no permanent cure for it. The only way to treat it is to keep its symptoms under control.

That’s where these home remedies can help you out.

When compared to synthetic alternatives which can have more side effects than benefits, these home remedies work on curbing the symptoms of eczema while also strengthening your skin in the process.

1. Aloe Vera for Eczema

It is a staple ingredient in many skin creams and lotions thanks to its deep nourishing properties.

Aloe Vera has healing compounds that lend a cool sensation to the skin, thus providing instant relief from the itchiness caused by eczema.

Find out how to use Aloe Vera to combat your eczema issues here.

Method I: Plain Aloe Vera Gel

The good thing about Aloe Vera is that it’s healing gel can be easily obtained from the plant.

If you grow an Aloe Vera plant at home, simply cut off one of its leaves and collect the translucent gel that oozes out of the cut portion.

What you need:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Use a cotton ball to spread the Aloe Vera gel on the affected areas of the skin evenly.
  • Wait for the gel to dry (this normally takes about an hour or two) and follow up with another coating of gel on the same area.
  • Repeat the process at regular intervals throughout the day until the itchiness and inflammation subside completely.

Method II: Aloe Vera and Turmeric Paste

Combine the skin friendly properties of Aloe Vera with the skin healing properties of turmeric to create a quick DIY remedy for eczema that is great at healing rashes, scales and cracks in a timely and effective manner.

What you need:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tbsp.
  • Turmeric Powder – A pinch

What you need to do:

  • Mix the ingredients nicely to form a thick paste.
  • Apply this paste evenly on the affected skin and wait for about 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off the paste with cool water and pat dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply another coating of this paste in the evening and repeat the process after 20 minutes.
  • Continue doing this twice a day until the skin has healed to an extent.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

Apple cider vinegar has been used from time immemorial to heal skin inflammation and other skin issues like burns and cracks. You can use it as a topical applicator as well as an internal cure to treat the symptoms of eczema and keep them under control.

Check out some ways to use apple cider vinegar for eczema here.

Method I: Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

Create your own apple cider vinegar tonic within minutes with this easy DIY home remedy. This tonic can be used as an internal tonic to treat the condition from within the body.

What you need:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
  • Water – 2 cups
  • Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Mix the apple cider vinegar in the water and stir nicely.
  • Add the honey to the solution and stir.
  • Drink this solution thrice a day before meals until the rashes and cracks on the skin reduce to an extent.

Note: You can also choose to add the apple cider vinegar to any fruit juice of your choice rather than adding it to water.

Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar Ointment

The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar help to heal the swelling in the skin caused by eczema.

You can use this DIY apple cider vinegar ointment as a topical applicator for the problem. You can also use ACV for hair loss treatment.

What you need:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 3 tbsp.
  • Water – 3 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Mix the water and apple cider vinegar.
  • Pour the resulting solution into a small vessel.
  • Dip a cotton ball into the ACV solution and place it on the cracks, scales and rashes gently.
  • Wait for the solution to dry naturally. Apply another coating of the solution on the affected areas after about 4 hours or so.
  • Continue doing this until the symptoms disappear.

Note: Do a swab test on a part of your skin that is unaffected. If you notice a tingling or burning sensation, do not use this remedy. Also refrain from using apple cider vinegar if the cracks and rashes are bleeding.

{ Also Read: Home Remedies for Acne }

3. Baking Soda for Eczema

You can also resort to using baking soda to get relief from eczema and its symptoms. Baking soda has antimicrobial properties (1)that work to help your body fight off any infections that might try to sneak in through the cracks in the skin.

What you need:

  • Baking Soda – 1 ½ cups
  • Water – 3 gallons

What you need to do:

  • Mix the baking soda in the water until it dissolves completely.
  • Dip a washcloth into the baking soda solution and place the same on the itchy skin. Remove the washcloth after about 15 minutes and rinse the area with cool water.
  • Repeat this process regularly throughout the day for desirable results.

{ Also Read: Baking Soda for Blackheads }

4. Chamomile for Eczema

Chamomile happens to be another effective remedy for eczema which can curb the symptoms of the condition to an extent without causing any side effects as opposed to standard medications used for the same purpose.

You can use chamomile as a tea or as a bath supplement to handle the pain, itchiness, inflammation and dryness caused by eczema.

Method I: Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been found to have soothing properties (2) that can reduce the inflammation caused by eczema. It also helps reduce itchiness and dryness in the skin.

What you need:

  • Chamomile Tea Bags – 3 to 4
  • Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

  • Heat the water until it reaches its boiling point.
  • Dip the tea bags in the water for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bags and allow them to cool down to a comfortable temperature. Place the tea bags on the cracks and scaly patches for about 20 minutes. Remove the bags and pat the area dry with a soft towel.
  • Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day for desirable results.

Method II: Chamomile Bath

Chamomile contains an alcohol called a-bisabolo (also called levomenol). This substance  has been known to reduce inflammation as well as prevent infections from attacking the affected skin via its antimicrobial properties.

What you need:

  • Chamomile Tea Bags – 4 to 5
  • Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

  • Heat the water and dip the chamomile tea bags in it. Allow the tea bags to steep in the water for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the bags from the water. Add this water to a bathtub filled with warm water. Stir nicely to blend the tea with the bathtub.
  • Soak in this chamomile tea solution for about 30 minutes. Do this twice a day to get relief from eczema and its worrisome symptoms.

5. Coconut Oil for Eczema

Let’s move onto another oil that is known to be very effective in treating eczema. Coconut oil works by forming a protective barrier around your skin at the surface level.

This allows your skin cells to retain moisture which would otherwise be drained by the condition. These are the ways in which you can use coconut oil for eczema.

Method I: Plain Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has what one would call an immunomodulation effect on the skin. This helps curb the symptoms of eczema without any harmful side effects.

Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help curb the itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema while preventing germs from attacking the affected areas of the skin naturally (3).

What you need:

  • Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Rub some of the coconut oil onto the affected skin and allow it to dry.
  • Keep on applying coconut oil on the rashes and cracks throughout the day for best results.

Method II: Coconut Oil Bath

Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin, thus quickening the healing process. It is also an emollient and aids in helping the skin retain its moisture in order to remain supple and hydrated.

This, in turn, prevents the skin from cracking or breaking up.

What you need:

  • Coconut Oil – 1 cup
  • Vitamin E Oil – ½ cup

What you need to do:

  • Fill the bathtub with warm water and add the oils to it. Mix nicely.
  • Soak in this water for about 30 minutes or so. Repeat twice a day for extended relief from itchiness and inflammation.

Note: You can also choose to add ½ cup of ground oatmeal powder to the bathwater for added benefits.

{ Also Read: Easy and Effective Ways to Use Coconut Oil For Nail Fungus }

6. Cornstarch for Eczema

Who would have thought that the rather simple cornstarch we grew up with could actually pose a threat to eczema and its symptoms?

And yet, here we have the kitchen ingredient we loved to play with as children, acting as a great remedy for the chronic skin condition.

Cornstarch can be made into a soothing, skin healing paste which will keep your skin itch and inflammation free while it heals.

What you need:

  • Cornstarch – 1 tbsp.
  • Olive Oil – 2 to 3 tsp.

What you need to do:

  • Mix the cornstarch and the olive oil to make a paste.
  • Apply an even layer of this paste over the affected area and wait for 20 minutes.
  • Wash off the paste with warm water and pat the area dry with a soft towel. Follow up with a moisturizer on the affected areas of the skin.
  • Follow this remedy twice or thrice a day to get immense relief from the itching and inflammation caused by the condition.

Note: Although it can be soothing, corn starch can dry your skin a bit. So ensure to add the oils mentioned in the remedy to balance out this dryness and make the remedy more effective.

7. Green Clay for Eczema

Green clay is a very effective home remedy for eczema. It is rich in magnesium and contains a whole lot of other minerals like iron, potassium and calcium, etc (4).

which not only help to curb the symptoms of eczema considerably, but also work to strengthen your skin from deep within.

If you are able to get your hands on some green clay, try making this paste at home to treat weeping blisters and crusts on the skin.

What you need:

  • Green Clay – ½ cup
  • Witch Hazel Extract – ¼ cup

What you need to do:

  • Add enough witch hazel extract to the green clay to make a creamy paste.
  • Apply this paste on the blisters and cracks. Allow it to dry naturally for about 30 minutes.
  • Rinse off the paste with cool water and pat the area dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply this paste at least thrice on the affected areas to heal them quickly.

Note: You can substitute the witch hazel extract with water. Store any leftover paste in an airtight container for future use.

{ Also Read: How to Stop Hair Breakage Naturally at Home }

8. Honey for Eczema

Honey’s nourishing properties can be great for skin that is prone to eczema breakouts.

Honey is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that work wonders in reducing the swelling caused by eczema on the skin.

Here are two ways in which you can use honey to handle your eczema woes.

Method I: Plain Honey

Dabbing some honey on the affected areas is one sure shot remedy that can curb the symptoms of eczema quickly.

The antiseptic properties of honey help the skin heal quickly while its anti-microbial properties prevent infections.

What you need:

  • Raw Honey – 2 to 3 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Apply some honey evenly on the affected skin.
  • Wrap a bandage over the area and allow the honey to dry for about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the bandage and rinse off the honey with cool water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel.
  • Follow this remedy twice every day to curb the symptoms of eczema in a quick and efficient manner.

Note: Honey can get quite sticky. Hence, use this remedy on small areas.

Method II: Honey Pack

Use this honey pack which includes another skin nourishing ingredient cinnamon to control the symptoms of eczema and prevent flare ups.

What you need:

  • Honey – 2 tbsp.
  • Cinnamon Powder – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Mix the cinnamon powder and honey nicely to form a thick paste.
  • Apply this thick paste evenly on the cracks and scaly patches on the skin.
  • Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse off the paste with cool water.
  • Repeat this process once every day until the itchiness and inflammation on the skin reduce.

Note: You may notice a slight burning sensation on the skin after applying this pack. If the sensation continues or worsens, rinse off the paste immediately.

{ Also Read:Honey for Curing Diabetics }

9. Horsetail for Eczema

Horsetail is one herb that can really bring down the symptoms of eczema in a very short span of time.

The anti-inflammatory herb contains lots of silicon, the building material for the skin’s collagen.

This enables it to help strengthen the skin tissues while regenerating new skin tissue in the place of damaged ones.

When used for eczema, it can also reduce the inflammation, itching and irritation caused by the condition.

What you need:

  • Dried Horsetail – 2 tbsp.
  • Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

  • Boil the water and place the horsetail in it.
  • Allow the mixture to boil for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Wait for the mixture to cool down afterwards.
  • Dip a towel into the solution and wring it to remove excess liquid.
  • Place the damp towel on the affected areas of the skin. Wait for 10 minutes before removing the towel, dipping it into the solution and placing it on the skin again.
  • Do this at least thrice a day for 15 minutes each time until the skin has healed completely.

10. Jojoba Oil for Eczema

If coconut oil does not do anything for your eczema problem, you may consider switching to jojoba oil which has proven to be equally effective in treating the condition and its symptoms.

This is how you do that with the oil which has more of a liquid wax consistency. Jojoba oil along with vitamin e oil can also helps you treat white dots on lips.

Method I: Plain Jojoba Oil

The great thing about jojoba oil is that it has properties that are very identical to the natural oil sebum present in your skin.

This allows the liquid wax to easily penetrate your skin while not appearing greasy on the surface at all.

It retains the skin’s hydration levels to prevent the formation of cracks and scales on the surface.

What you need:

  • Jojoba Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Apply the jojoba oil evenly on the affected areas of the skin.
  • Keep applying the jojoba oil on the skin at regular intervals throughout the day for relief.

Method II: Jojoba Oil Face Mask

Jojoba is enriched with antioxidants that help fight off the free radicals that may otherwise harm the body and skin.

It is also an effective antibacterial agent, offering ample protection to your skin from germs and other pathogens that may cause infections in the affected areas.

What you need:

  • Jojoba Oil – 1 tsp.
  • Honey – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Cleanse the affected areas with water. Pat the areas dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply a generous amount of honey on the rashes, scales and cracks. Allow it to dry for about an hour or so.
  • Rinse off the honey mask with water and pat the areas dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply the jojoba oil on the affected areas and allow it to dry naturally.
  • Follow this remedy twice a day or so until the skin heals properly.

11. Milk for eczema

It may be hard to treat oozing cracks and blisters on the skin with natural remedies. This is where milk comes into the picture.

A cold milk compress can do wonders for your skin, allowing it to heal quickly while bringing down the itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema to a bearable level.

Method I: Milk Compress

Trust a cup of cold milk to come to your rescue when nothing else works. Use this remedy to combat the symptoms of eczema in a quick and efficient manner.

Milk is also useful for dark circle under eyes as it contains lactic acid present in milk also speeds up the recovery process by removing the dead skin cells and allowing new cells to grow in their place.

What you need:

  • Cold Milk – 1 cup

What you need to do:

  • Dip a cheesecloth or cotton ball into the milk and apply it on the affected skin.
  • Wait for about 5 minutes and reapply the milk on the wounds again. Continue doing this twice or thrice a day until the itchiness and inflammation come down considerably.

Method II: Milk Bath

Finding it difficult to treat the rashes, blisters and scaly patches located on the back of your body?

Make use of this milk bath to up your skin’s defense mechanisms right away while treating the affected skin on your back efficiently.

What you need:

  • Warm Milk – 2 cups

What you need to do:

  • Fill the bathtub with warm water. Add the milk to the bathwater and stir gently.
  • Soak in this milky bath for about 30 minutes following which you can rinse off the milky solution from your body with warm water.
  • Continue following this remedy twice a day until the skin on your back has healed completely.

Note: Do not use soap during or after taking the milk bath as the chemicals in the soap can irritate the skin considerably.

{ Also Read: Home Remedies for Dandruff }

12. Oats for Eczema

Soaking in a bathtub filled with oats has been proven to be very effective in combating the symptoms of eczema.

Given here are two remedies (including the bath) that can help you use oats to treat the condition and its symptoms.

Method I: Oatmeal Bath

Oats are known for their moisturizing properties and can help soothe your skin during the healing process.

If nothing else seems to work for you, remember the basics and opt for this oatmeal bath which can help you treat eczema in hard to reach places like the back.

What you need:

  • Oatmeal – 1 cup

What you need to do:

  • Pour the oatmeal into a cheesecloth and tie it into a small bundle.
  • Fill the bathtub halfway with warm water.
  • Tie the oatmeal bundle right underneath the faucet of your bathtub and run the water until the bathtub is full.
  • Soak in the milky bath water for about 15 minutes. Pat your skin with a soft towel and follow up with a moisturizer.
  • Follow this remedy every day for best results.

Method II: Oatmeal Mask

Studies have revealed that applying oatmeal paste on the affected areas of the skin has the same benefits as that of an oatmeal bath.

Oats also contain anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve the inflammation and itchiness caused by eczema.

What you need:

  • Oatmeal -1 cup
  • Water – ¼ cup
  • Honey – 2 tbsp.
  • Yogurt – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Heat the water until it is just about to boil. Keep aside.
  • Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and add the hot water to it. Allow the oatmeal to soak up the water for about 15 minutes.
  • Use a spoon to mash the oatmeal nicely. Add the honey and yogurt to the mix and stir nicely until all the ingredients have blended nicely.
  • Allow the mixture to cool down. Apply a small amount of this mask on the rashes, cracks and sores on the skin.
  • Wait for the mask to dry (an hour or so) and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Pat the skin with a soft towel.
  • Repeat once or twice a day depending on the severity of the symptoms.

13. Olive Oil for Eczema

Oils have their own way of healing blisters, burns and fissures on the skin. They can penetrate deep within the epidermal layer and heal your skin from within.

And olive oil is one of the most sought after oils for the same purpose.

Olive oil can help you control the symptoms of eczema to a great extent while also preventing flare ups in the future.

Here are some ways you can use it for eczema.

Method I: Plain Olive Oil

Olive oil is packed with the goodness of Omega 3 fatty acids. These acids play a vital role in reducing inflammation while nourishing the skin from deep within.

What you need:

  • Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Heat the olive oil to warm it up just a little bit.
  • Gently apply the olive oil directly onto the rashes, cracks and scaly patches with the help of a cotton ball.
  • Wait for a few hours and reapply the olive oil on the affected areas. Continue doing so until the inflammation, pain and burning sensation reduce altogether.
  • You can also choose to apply some olive oil to your scalp before showering if you are suffering from scalp psoriasis.

Method II: Olive Oil Salve

Try making this DIY olive oil salve at home to treat eczema and its symptoms effectively.

It is anti-fungal, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent, allowing you to reap the benefits of a wholesome remedy that not only curbs the symptoms of eczema, but also prevents infections from setting in on the cracked areas of the skin.

What you need:

  • Olive Oil – 2 cups
  • Beeswax – ¼ cup
  • Calendula Flowers – 2 tbsp.
  • Dried Comfrey Leaf – 2 tbsp.
  • Dried Plantain Leaf – 2 tbspp.
  • Dried Rosemary Leaf – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Heat the olive oil and add all the herbs to it (the comfrey leaf, plantain leaf, calendula flower and the rosemary leaf).
  • Continue heating the oil for about 3 hours until the herbs infuse into the oil and the latter turns deep green in color.
  • Strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to drain out any remnant oil. Discard the herbs.
  • Heat the oil again and add the beeswax to it. Continue heating on low flame until the beeswax melts and blends with the olive oil – herb mix completely.
  • Allow the mix to cool down and pour it into an airtight container. Apply some of this salve on the rashes and scaly patches from time to time to reduce the pain, itchiness and inflammation in the area.
  • Continue doing this at regular intervals throughout the day until the rashes and patches disappear from the skin.

Note: This olive oil salve can also be used to treat bee stings, poison ivy rashes and insect bites.

{ Also Read: Natural Remedies Using Essential Oils for Psoriasis }

14. Tea Tree Oil for Eczema

Like olive oil, tea tree oil can help reduce the side effects of eczema while preventing them from recurring again as well.

Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that prevent germs from entering the body via the cracks in the skin.

If you are wondering how to use tea tree oil for eczema, here are some remedies you can try out.

Method I: Tea Tree Oil Lotion

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil help to curb the inflammation and irritation caused by eczema.

Furthermore, it penetrates deep within the skin to provide a more effective remedy that works in strengthening your skin as well.

What you need:

  • Tea Tree Oil – 5 drops
  • Coconut Oil – 1 tsp.
  • Olive Oil – 1 tsp.
  • Lavender Oil – 5 drops

What you need to do:

  • Mix all the oils together and store in an airtight container.
  • Use a cotton ball to apply this oil mix on and around the rashes, scales and cracks on the skin.
  • Do this twice or thrice a day for extended relief.

Note: Do not attempt to use tea tree oil alone as it can cause a burning sensation when it comes in contact with the affected areas of the skin.

Method II: Tea Tree Oil Bath

Soaking in a tea tree oil bath can also offer immense relief from eczema and its symptoms. The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil ensure that you recover from these conditions quickly as well. You can also use tea tree oil to get rid of Lice.

What you need:

  • Tea Tree Oil – 15 drops
  • Olive Oil (or) Almond Oil – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Fill the bath tub with warm water.
  • Add the oils to the water and stir gently.
  • Soak in this bath for about 20 minutes every day until the symptoms of the condition reduce to bearable levels.

15. Sea Salt for Eczema

The idea of rubbing salt on the wounds on your skin may sound quite scary at first. However, studies have revealed that spraying some sea salt mist on the affected skin can ease the itchiness and inflammation in the area.

With that in mind, here are some ways you can use salt to treat eczema.

Method I: Salt Spray

This remedy allows you to treat oozing blisters effectively. In addition to closing the wounds, this remedy can help keep skin inflammation at bay.

What you need:

  • Sea Salt – 1 tsp.
  • Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

  • Heat the water until it becomes warm enough. Stir nicely until the salt dissolves in the water.
  • Pour the salt solution into a spray bottle and shake nicely.
  • Spray liberally on the affected areas of the skin for relief. Repeat whenever needed for prolonged relief from the itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema.

Method II: Sea Salt Bath

Soaking in a salt filled bath can also prove to be extremely beneficial for the skin. Furthermore, it can help you curb the symptoms of eczema in the hard to reach areas of the body.

What you need:

  • Sea Salt – ¼ cup
  • Epsom Salt – ¼ cup
  • Baking Soda – ¼ cup
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/3 cup
  • Lavender Essential Oil (or) any essential oil of your choice – 10 drops
  • Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

  • Boil the water nicely. Add the sea salt, Epsom salt and the baking soda to the water. Stir nicely and set the solution aside to cool down a bit.
  • Fill up the bathtub with warm water. Add the apple cider vinegar to the bathwater.
  • Pour the prepared sea salt solution into the bathwater. Add in the essential oils. Stir gently to blend the ingredients.
  • Soak in this bath water for about 30 minutes. Repeat the process twice a day for desirable results.

16. Shea Butter for Eczema

Nothing is better than Shea Butter when it comes to healing the cracks and dry scales on your skin.

The soothing properties of the butter ensure that you endure as little pain and discomfort as possible while the skin heals.

There are two ways you can use shea butter to treat eczema.

While the first one comes in the form of a lotion, the second one is a DIY soap that you can use over long periods to treat eczema and its symptoms.

Method I: Shea Butter Lotion

This lotion for eczema combines the goodness of several healing ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, beeswax and of course, shea butter.

The non-saponifiable fatty acid content of shea butter is the secret behind its exemplary healing properties.

These fatty acids play a vital role in healing, repairing and softening damaged skin, thereby being the main reason shea butter is great for eczema prone skin.

What you need:

  • Shea Butter – 2 tbsp.
  • Beeswax – 2 tbsp.
  • Coconut Oil – 6 tbsp.
  • Jojoba Oil – 4 tbsp.
  • Lavender oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Melt the beeswax and jojoba oil completely in a vessel kept over low flame.
  • Once the melting process is complete, add the coconut oil to the mix and stir nicely until it has blended in with the mix.
  • Add the shea butter to the mix and continue to stir until the butter melts completely. Remove the vessel from the flame and allow the mix to cool down.
  • Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Apply a generous amount of this mix on the affected skin twice or thrice every day to curb eczema and its symptoms.

Method II: Shea Butter Soap

If you have eczema prone skin, you may probably want to make this DIY shea butter soap to treat the condition and its symptoms in the long run.

This soap will work wonders on your skin and work to control the itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema in the long run.

What you need:

  • Shea Butter – 1/3 cup
  • Beef Tallow – 1/3 cup
  • Beeswax – 2 tbsp.
  • Lavender Essential Oil – 20 drops

What you need to do:

  • Add the shea butter, beef tallow and beeswax to a glass jar. Place this jar inside a saucepan filled with water. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat it until the water in it starts simmering.
  • As the glass jar begins to heat up, stir the ingredients inside it nicely.
  • Continue to stir until all the ingredients have melted and blended completely.
  • Remove the jar from the flame and add in the lavender essential oil.
  • Pour the mix into soap molds and store in a dry, cool place for six months or more (this allows enough time for the soap to set and harden nicely.
  • When needed, cleanse the skin nicely with some warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
  • Rub the soap softly on the skin. There is no need for water as the heat generated by your body will be more than enough for your skin to absorb the soap’s nourishing properties.
  • Continue to use this soap twice every day until the symptoms of eczema disappear.

17. Vegetable Glycerin for Eczema

Some may not have desirable results with oils. In this case, you can opt for another kitchen ingredient that provides equally effective results against eczema and its troublesome symptoms.

Vegetable glycerin is not the regular glycerin you are accustomed to though. Vegetable glycerin is plant based in the sense it is derived from the fats and oils found in palm oil, coconut oil and so on.

It is very pure and it can easily restore the moisture in dried, inflamed and itchy skin.

Being a humectant allows it to easily draw and trap moisture underneath the skin, thereby keeping the latter hydrated for longer periods.

Applying it on the affected skin can help hydrate the skin in the area and in doing so reduces the dryness, itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema considerably.

What you need:

  • Vegetable Glycerin – 3 to 4 tbsp.
  • Water – 3 to 4 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Mix equal quantities of vegetable glycerin and water.
  • Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle and shake it to blend the ingredients.
  • When needed, spray a little amount of this solution onto the affected areas of the skin and allow it to dry naturally. Repeat whenever required to reduce the itchiness and inflammation on the skin.

Note: You can work with different ratios of the ingredients, including 1 part of glycerin and 2 or 3 parts of water.

However, it is recommended that you start with a lower ratio and wait for your skin to get adjusted to the same until you can use a higher ratio.

{ Also Read: Skin Care Benefits Using Glycerin }

18. Vegetable Shortening for Eczema

In case you do not know what it is, vegetable shortening is a kind of fat which is rendered from vegetable fats via an industry process.

It looks like a solid white block and can be of great help when curbing eczema’s most worrisome symptoms, including the itchiness, inflammation and flakiness.

What you need:

  • Vegetable Shortening – 4 to 5 tbsp.

What you need to do:

  • Melt the vegetable shortening until it become greasy.
  • Apply the ingredient on the cracked skin and cover the area with a plastic wrap. Secure the same with a surgical tape.
  • Wait for about 4 hours before removing the wrap. Follow up with a fresh coating of vegetable shortening and a new wrap. Continue this remedy until the cracks and rashes disappear.

Guidelines to help you achieve desirable results with home remedies

As always, it is a known fact that the home remedy you choose to follow for a condition can work effectively only when complemented with certain guidelines as well as some changes made to your existing lifestyle.

Here are some of those guidelines which can help you handle the symptoms of eczema effectively, and prevent flare ups in the future.

Note down the triggers: If your skin is prone to eczema attacks, start by keeping a regular log book that will help you keep track of flare-ups as and when they occur.

In addition to noting down the date, write down your diet that day as well as any foreign product your skin may have come in touch with that day (including new soaps, detergents, perfumes or medications, etc.).

Continuous maintenance of this log book will help create a pattern which will, in turn, help you narrow down the triggers that cause your flare ups.

Stay away from triggers: Once you have zeroed in on the triggers causing your eczema flare ups, you need to work on avoiding these triggers at all costs.

In most cases, eczema flare ups are caused by certain foods like soda, sugary foods, processed foods, oily foods and fast foods.

Staying away from these foods can therefore, help curb flare ups to an extent.

The symptoms of eczema can also worsen when exposed to water, soaps, perfumes, detergents, etc.

Do not take showers for long periods and avoid exposing the affected areas of the skin to water for long periods (2 to 3 hours or so).

Keep your skin hydrated constantly: Eczema can make your skin dry, further worsening the cracks and dried patches.

Maintain constant hydration in the skin by applying heavy duty moisturizing creams on the skin. Avoid water based creams as they can aggravate the itchiness and inflammation.

Eat Eczema fighting foods: There are certain foods that can help you fight the symptoms of eczema effectively.

Adding these foods to your regular diet can therefore, prove to be beneficial in treating eczema.

Accordingly, some foods you can consume for the same purpose include cold water fishes like salmon, cod, and halibut, flaxseeds, nuts, bananas, apples, eggs, oatmeal, green onions, broccoli, berries and citrus fruits, etc.

Don’t shower for long periods: As mentioned earlier, it is considered wise to shower every other day if you have eczema.

Bathing for long intervals can strip the skin of its natural protective oils, thus making it dry and scaly. This can aggravate the symptoms of eczema considerably.

Also make it a point to take bath in warm water and not in hot water as this can affect your skin as well.

Avoid scratching the wounds and cracks: As unbearable as they can get, avoid scratching the affected skin at all costs.

If you are not able to withstand the urge to itch, cover the affected area with a bandage.

If you find yourself scratching your skin sore while sleeping, wear cotton gloves or a pair of socks at night.

Be patient for results: Remember, eczema is a chronic condition meaning you will not be able to cure it 100%.

You may also not be able to see results immediately. So make it a point to remind yourself to remain patient and wait for the condition to heal naturally in its own time.

Get in touch with a doctor: It is considered wise to consult with a doctor before taking any medications for eczema.

Consult with a dermatologist if you notice the condition worsening in spite of following these home remedies.

Summary

An extremely itchy and uncomfortable condition to deal with, eczema and its symptoms can be handled effectively with the help of home remedies.

Make sure you try out these remedies before choosing to take medications for the condition.

Chances are you will have better luck in controlling the symptoms of the condition as opposed to standard medications that may cause more side effects than benefits.

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