With a large number of people today affected by eczema, it is surprising how little information is available on natural eczema treatments. Eczema, or dermatitis, is a common skin condition that is mainly characterized by the inflammation which leads to skin damage and nerves` irritation. The latter in its turn is causing the unbearable itching – often a predominant feature. Other symptoms include redness, pimples, flaking, and crusts. Although this disease can affect people at any age, in 85-90% of the cases it occurs in the first 5 years of life. Also, it is largely hereditary – children of people with eczema have a 30% “chance” to get it as well.
The cause of eczema is not entirely clear and is often associated with the immune system disorder due to low infectious pressure in the western world nowadays. In many cases, people suffering from eczema will also have hay fever and asthma.
We have created an ultimate guide to 40 remedies and natural treatments for eczema and hope that at least one will be helpful for you or your child. Most of them are also approved by the National Eczema Association.
Oils as an effective natural eczema treatments
1. Rosehip oil
When it comes to the oils to treat eczema, rosehip oil definitely stands out. This amazing oil has many wonderful properties: anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-sun damage and of course it is a great oil to use on skin with eczema. We have a whole article dedicated to rosehip oil.
2. Calendula oil
Calendula oil is not produced through the common distillation process. Its flowers are infused in a neutral carrier oil. As a result, it can be used as a healing substance against cuts, bruises and also eczema. Check out our favorite Herb Pharm Certified Organic Calendula Oil. To assure optimal extraction of Calendula’s bioactive compounds, the flowers are hand-harvested while in full bloom and are carefully shade-dried.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil made its way to our kitchens, bathrooms and to our everyday life as if it’s always been there. I cannot imagine cooking Thai wok without coconut oil anymore. And how great it is for hair treatment and even teeth whitening. No kidding! That’s another topic we have in plans for our blog, stay tuned!
But it also does wonders with the nourishment of the dry skin, which you want to avoid if you have eczema. The following Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is great for cooking too.
4. Tamanu oil to treat eczema
Tamanu Oil is not very famous but it is definitely worth your attention. It belongs to one of the best natural eczema treatments. This precious oil is rare so it’s quite pricey, but you should give it a try since it has unique anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal eczema.
5. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids. Their deficiency may be one of the causes of the inflammatory process in the skin, leading to developing atopic eczema. Although there are controversial theories on whether evening primrose oil brings a significant difference in curing eczema, it is still widely used as an alternative treatment and this supplement is available in health food stores.
6. Borage seed oil
This oil is famous for containing a large amount of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, that has restorative and moisturizing properties.
7. Manuka oil
Manuka is famous as an additive to the honey which makes it even more precious thanks to the manuka’s healing properties. But not many people know that manuka oil is also great for skin treatment, helping to cure eczema, acne and even feet fungus. You can apply raw manuka honey on affected areas, or buy manuka oil and mix it up with other soothing ingredients to create your own eczema healing ointment.
If you just can’t get used to the stickinessof oils on your skin, here is one of the best eczema creams which include Manuka honey.
Organic Manuka Honey Eczema Cream
GMO-free natural eczema cream that is rich in soothing agents. Contains Certified Organic – New Zealand Manuka Honey (UMF 16+).
Has creamy balm formulation, it is thick and moisturizing, easy to apply, but not overly greasy like typical oil-based balms and is the best eczema cream to apply to severely dry, irritated skin and will not burn or sting even the most painful blemishes or open wounds.
CONSUMER REVIEWS: 1) Cleared mild to severe eczema on hands. 2) Cleared eczema on the face of a 1yr old child. 3) A dramatic difference with only one application on itchy skin.
8. Sunflower oil
Yes, this conventional oil, available in every supermarket and probably is already present in your pantry, has healing properties. It is rich in linoleic acid and is proven to cure eczema better than for example olive oil.
