Home Remedies for Eczema
Home remedies help to manage eczema and reduce frequent flare-ups. Combining them with medical treatment provides long-term relief.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes itching, redness and inflammation. This condition appears in different forms, such as dry and scaly skin accompanied by swallowing. While the exact reasons behind eczema are still unknown, genetic disposition and environmental factors are the primary contributors to its development. Some of the common triggers include allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, as well as irritants like certain soaps, fabrics, and even stress. Even though eczema is difficult to manage, some home remedies have proved wonders and provided relief.
Understanding Eczema
To find the cure for eczema, one needs to first understand this condition in detail, starting with the knowledge of its sub-types.
Atopic Dermatitis: It is the most common form of eczema that is mainly observed in childhood. Usually, genetics, allergies and a compromised immune system lead to this condition.
Contact Dermatitis: This subtype of eczema is mainly triggered by contact with allergens and irritants, such as pollen, pet dander, soaps, and detergents.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: This type of eczema mainly affects the hands and feet and causes blisters, rashes and burning sensations.
Nummular Eczema: This coin-shaped round eczema is extremely itchy and mostly stems from dry skin, insect bites, or skin injuries.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This subtype mainly affects oily parts of the skin, such as the face, upper chest, and scalp. It is easily identified by dandruff-like scales.
Stasis Dermatitis: Poor blood circulation is the main cause of this eczema, which appears mostly in the lower legs and leads to swelling, skin discolouration, and redness.
Neurodermatitis: This sub-type of eczema mostly arrives on small patches of skin and makes them itchy and scaly.
Importance of Home Remedies
Eczema, being a recurring skin condition, requires a proactive approach to cure. In this regard, the home remedies play a key role. Here is why one should consider home remedies to cure eczema –
It reduces the dependency on the medication, which may have side effects.
Best for long-term management of eczema as it has no permanent cure.
It provides a safer and more sustainable way of treating eczema.
The easily available ingredients used for home remedies make them a cost-effective option.
Effectively soothes itching, moisturises the skin, and reduces inflammation.
Top Home Remedies for Eczema
Home remedies have proved effective over the years for eczema treatment. So, here are some leading options –
Coconut Oil: This natural item has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, effectively reducing eczema flare-ups. Also, the healthy fatty acids deeply moisturise dry and cracked skin.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera's excellent cooling and anti-inflammatory properties ensure instant relief from itching and reduce redness. Its natural moisturising properties keep the skin hydrated without clogging the pores.
Oatmeal Bath: This home remedy quickly calms skin itching and irritation, making it ideal for severe cases of eczema. It also contains beta-glucans, which strengthen the skin barrier.
Honey: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of honey are excellent for preventing additional infections. Also, it expertly reduces inflammation and quickly heals cracked or irritated skin.
Shea Butter: This natural product contains good amounts of vitamin A and E that deeply nourishes the skin and protect its outer layer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar prevent infection and soothe the skin.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
Diet is another important part of eczema management at home. With the right nutrition, people can easily improve their situation. Here are the foods that alleviate symptoms –
Omega-3 Rich Foods: Salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, etc help reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso support gut health, which plays a role in immune function and skin conditions.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and other antioxidant-rich foods protect skin cells from oxidative stress and promote healing.
Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, celery, etc. help maintain skin moisture, preventing dryness and irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Turmeric, ginger, green tea, and chamomile tea are known to reduceskin inflammation and soothe irritation.
Besides eating the right food, one needs to drink ample amounts of water for effective eczema management. This practice helps keep the skin hydrated, reduces the toxins in the body, and controls flare-ups. Incorporating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges further supports skin health.
Furthermore, certain supplements can also enhance skin health and reduce eczema symptoms. Here is the list –
Omega-3 fatty acids
Probiotics
Zinc
Vitamin D and E
Gamma-Linoleic Acid
Multivitamin
Collagen
Flavonoids
Lifestyle and Environmental Modifications
To achieve the best result in eczema management, one needs to adopt some lifestyle modifications. Here are the highlights –
Voluntarily Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers is essential to preventing flare-ups. Common triggers of this condition are harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander), and extreme weather conditions.
Managing Stress: Stress has proved to be the worst nightmare for individuals suffering from this condition. Therefore, stress management becomes imperative for easing symptoms. People can practise meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and regular physical activities to control stress.
Choosing the Right Clothes: Wearing light and breathable fabrics is important for managing eczema flare-ups. So, individuals suffering should try to avoid wearing rough, tight, and synthetic fabrics.
Maintaining a Skin-Friendly Environment: Not letting the skin dry is a crucial part of eczema management. So, individuals living in dry areas can try using a humidifier in their room, which manages the moisture in the environment. They should also focus on cleaning the room and keeping it dust-free.
Precautions When Using Home Remedies
The home remedies for eczema management have no side effects, but individuals should still practice some precautions. Some natural ingredients, such as essential oils, honey, or aloe vera, may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. This is mostly due to their interaction with other food items and medication. However, when the irritation occurs, stop using the remedy and rinse the affected area with cool water.
Therefore, before using any new home remedy, conducting a patch test is crucial. Apply a small amount of the product on the inner forearm or behind the ear, and wait for 24 to 48 hours to observe any signs of irritation. If no redness or discomfort occurs, the remedy is likely safe to use on larger areas.
Home remedies have proven effective in treating eczema. But if they don’t, one needs to consult a dermatologist.
When to See a Doctor?
Even though eczema is a recurring skin condition, it is not life-threatening. With home remedies and over-the-counter medication, it can be managed easily. However, in some cases, individuals need to see a doctor, which includes –
Severe inflammation
Excessive swelling
Unexplained fever
Pus-filled blisters
Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor will prescribe medicine and give advice on using home remedies. Combining both home remedies and medical treatment is, therefore, the best way to manage eczema. A comprehensive approach can reduce the symptoms and provide long-term benefits.
Conclusion
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that requires consistent care and management. While home remedies offer effective relief, lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and professional medical intervention play a crucial role in controlling symptoms. By combining natural treatments with medical advice, individuals can effectively manage eczema, reduce flare-ups, and improve their overall skin health for long-term well-being.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Paulomi Vartak
Dermatologist
2 Years • MBBS, MD (DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY AND LEPROSY)
Pune
Pramodini Urology Foundation and stree clinic, Pune
