Do you struggle with patches of dry, itchy skin caused by eczema? Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a common dermatological condition that affects more than 31.6 million people in the United States alone. [1] While it is not life-threatening, the symptoms eczema produces can be debilitating and impact your quality of life.
While many people seek relief from eczema symptoms in the form of prescription medications or topical treatments, there may be some simpler solutions.
Easiest Ways to Treat an Eczema From Home
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is regarded as one of the most effective and popular natural remedies for many skin conditions, including eczema.
This is because the gel produced by the aloe vera plant contains soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds called anthraquinones promote healing within the skin and reduce the discomfort caused by an eczema outbreak.
In the past, you may have heard of people using aloe vera to soothe a bad sunburn or to moisturize dry skin. When applied topically to an eczema breakout, aloe vera gel can reduce inflammation and ease pain or discomfort.
Pure aloe vera gel can be found in many stores, but you can also supply your own by growing an aloe vera plant in your home. [2]
2. Cold Compress
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Patients who struggle with eczema find that a basic cold compress is one of the most effective ways to relieve their eczema symptoms. Applying cold pressure to an eczema breakout can help reduce common symptoms like itching, redness, pain, and irritation.
To try this, wrap ice in a soft washcloth and hold it directly on the affected skin for five to ten minutes. You can also find ice packs or cold compresses in most medical supply stores or pharmacies.
3. Coconut Oil
Another natural treatment for managing eczema symptoms is coconut oil. Coconut oil has intense moisturizing properties, which makes it a great source of hydration for your hair and skin. A 2013 study found that applying coconut oil to the skin could reduce eczema symptoms in children with mild to moderate dermatitis breakouts. [3]
To relieve the dry, itchy skin caused by an eczema breakout, you can massage 100% pure virgin coconut oil into the skin. It is important to use pure coconut oil, as some products have added ingredients that can further irritate the skin.
4. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a common household item that most people keep on hand for dry, cracked lips and skin. Fortunately, it can also be used on eczema breakouts.
A 2017 study by JAMA Pediatrics found that petroleum jelly can act as a preventative to atopic eczema when applied to a baby’s skin. When used in adults, it serves as a barrier that protects irritated skin from dryness and bacteria. It may also act as an antifungal solution. [4]
5. Colloidal Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the most commonly used and effective treatments for dermatological conditions. This is because oatmeal contains natural soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2015 study found that when applied to the skin of eczema patients, colloidal oatmeal lotion can reduce itching and inflammation. [5]
To experience the benefits of colloidal oatmeal, you can use a natural lotion or moisturizer that contains a high content of this ingredient, or you can add a cup of finely ground oatmeal directly to a warm bath for soaking.
6. Gentle Cleansers
While most people try to use products that are beneficial and nourishing to their skin, many do not realize that a lot of these products contain harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good. Some of the most popular creams, moisturizers, body washes, and cosmetics contain toxic ingredients that can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
To reduce your eczema outbreaks and ease any existing symptoms, opt for gentle cleansers with natural ingredients. These mild cleansers will be softer on the skin, not stripping it of its natural moisture or adding any harsh irritants that could cause itching and discomfort.
7. Witch Hazel
You may have heard of witch hazel as a toner or astringent for your facial skin, but it can also act as an eczema treatment when applied to breakouts. The Mount Sinai Hospital suggests witch hazel cream as a natural solution for the itching and irritation caused by an eczema flare-up. [6]
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
The benefits of apple cider vinegar become more well-known as people continue to use this natural remedy for a variety of concerns. Apple cider vinegar has been used for everything from a hair wash to a weight loss solution, and it may also act as an effective eczema treatment.
According to the National Eczema Association, apple cider vinegar can balance the pH levels in the skin of eczema patients. This is beneficial because people with eczema often have elevated pH levels, which is a significant factor in the severity of their symptoms. [7]
9. Stress Reduction
One of the leading factors when it comes to eczema breakouts is stress. Patients find that their eczema is far more likely to act up when they are going through a period of extreme stress or upset. A simple way to reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up and manage existing symptoms is by decreasing stress levels.
Practices like meditation, yoga, and healthy eating can all help reduce overall stress and inflammatory responses throughout the body. This can help relieve some of the discomfort caused by your eczema and prevent further breakouts.
10. Calamine Lotion
Have you ever used calamine lotion to ease the itching and discomfort caused by contact with poison ivy? This lotion contains both zinc oxide and iron oxide, both of which work to reduce itching. While it is most often used for poison ivy breakouts, calamine lotion can also alleviate the itchiness caused by eczema.
The Mayo Clinic advises eczema patients to apply a small amount of calamine lotion directly to the affected skin before applying their regular moisturizer. Calamine lotion can be purchased over the counter from most pharmacies and many other stores. [8]
References:
[1] https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-eczema#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320105/[4] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2588412
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/
[6] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/eczema
[7] https://nationaleczema.org/get-the-facts-acv/
[8] https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-the-itchy-irritation-of-eczema/