The Best Research-Backed Natural Eczema Treatments

Up to 10% of adults in the United States are affected by eczema, most commonly atopic dermatitis. 

Experts know that it can be the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and stress. But there is still so much that we don’t understand about the condition, including its treatments.

Every person with eczema may benefit from a different therapy or combination of therapies. Though pharmaceuticals like topical steroids can help to significantly reduce or alleviate symptoms, there are natural remedies that can help too. 

Keep reading to learn more about which natural and at-home remedies may help to keep your eczema symptoms at bay. 

Natural vs Pharmaceutical Eczema Treatment

Living with eczema can feel like managing one surprise turn after another. Triggers and symptoms can pop up unexpectedly, and some treatments that you hope to work can fail to resolve symptoms, while others that you’d never expect to work can provide much-needed relief. 

Many people with eczema find relief with pharmaceutical treatments, including topical steroids. However, pharmaceutical treatments may not always be enough to keep you feeling comfortable. 

In some cases, using both natural and pharmaceutical treatments can provide the most comprehensive support for soothing and preventing eczema symptoms. 

And for milder cases of the condition, natural treatments alone may be enough to manage flares.

When to Choose Natural Eczema Treatments

If you experience mild eczema flares, you may choose to experiment with natural and at-home eczema treatments before turning to a pharmaceutical like topical steroids.

But if you’re experiencing severe symptoms or symptoms that are resistant to your usual go-to treatment methods, reach out to a dermatology expert for guidance.  

Best Natural Eczema Treatments

For this article, the term “natural” refers to a non-pharmaceutical treatment option. 

While these remedies are often used alongside prescribed treatments, some have limited evidence supporting their role in soothing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. 

Moisturizing Remedies

Frequent moisturizing is one of the most common and effective recommendations for treating eczema. Regularly applying moisturizer, lotion, or certain oils to your skin can help lock in moisture and repair your skin’s barrier. 

In addition to drugstore lotions or moisturizers, other natural types of moisturizers can also help to soothe your symptoms:

• Virgin coconut oil: Evidence shows that virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a rich moisturizer that can reduce inflammation, improve skin barrier function, and improve eczema symptoms, particularly in children. ‍
• Shea butter: Shea butter is a type of fat that comes from the shea tree, a plant indigenous to Africa. Studies show that moisturizers and other treatments combining shea butter with additional ingredients can help to treat eczema symptoms.
• ‍Aloe vera: The gel of the aloe vera plant has been shown to help with several skin conditions, including wounds and sunburns. Some evidence shows that it may help with preventing the onset of dryness and eczema, too. 

Whichever moisturizing option you choose, it's important to apply moisturizer to clean, slightly damp skin. A good rule of thumb is to moisturize within 3-5 minutes of exiting the shower or bath.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema

There isn’t enough research to conclude that one particular diet will prevent eczema flares in everyone with the condition. 

However, experts believe that some foods can trigger an inflammatory response, which is why experimenting with diet may help to alleviate eczema symptoms. 

Some people may experience a benefit by following a diet rich in antioxidants or low in gluten or dairy, for starters. Potential beneficial foods may include:

• Berries.
• Nuts.
• Tomatoes.
• Mushrooms.
• Avocados.
• Leafy greens.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Fish.
• Whole grains.
• Extra-virgin oil.

Foods that you may want to avoid include:

• Processed deli meat.
• Red meat.
• Deep-fried foods, like french fries.
• Foods high in added sugar, like soda or candy.

If you’re unsure where to begin, working with a dermatology expert can help you to understand whether or not certain foods have an effect on your symptoms.

Herbal & Natural Supplements

There is little research supporting the use of herbal or natural supplements to treat or manage eczema.

However, there is some evidence to support the use of a vitamin D supplement. One review from 2015 suggests that vitamin D may help to support the immune system and improve skin barrier function.   

Natural Bath Treatments

Research shows that adding colloidal oatmeal powder to your bath can help to hydrate your skin and reduce the dryness, scaling, roughness, and itchiness associated with eczema.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between colloidal oatmeal and regular oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal will dissolve completely in water, unlike regular oatmeal. 

It’s also important to apply an eczema-friendly moisturizer immediately after exiting the bath to ensure that your skin doesn’t lose too much moisture after bathing. 

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Eczema

Every person’s eczema triggers are unique, which is why it can be helpful to investigate which lifestyle changes may benefit your symptoms.

One of the easiest, and sometimes most effective, lifestyle changes for managing eczema is investigating your household detergents, soaps, and other personal hygiene products. Avoiding products with fragrances and dyes can help to reduce future flare-ups.

Learning how to manage stress is another lifestyle change that can improve eczema in the long run. 

When to See a Dermatologist for Eczema

Natural remedies can help to soothe eczema at home, but if your strategies aren’t working to resolve your symptoms, it’s best to reach out to a skincare expert for help.