You may be able to reduce symptoms of eczema by avoiding triggers, including perfumed soaps and detergents. Some home remedies, including colloidal oatmeal, may help.

If you live with eczema, you know what it’s like to search for relief from red, itchy skin. You’ve probably already tried a variety of products. But some items can leave your skin feeling drier and even more irritated.

Don’t give up hope yet! In addition to medications, there are many options you can try at home to help with your symptoms. The 10 natural remedies listed below may help replenish moisture and protect your skin’s natural barrier.

If you’re taking prescription medications for your eczema, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor before trying new home remedies.

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Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats. It helps calm and soften inflamed skin and is available in cream or powder form.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Add the powder to lukewarm bathwater and soak for 5 to 10 minutes to help soften rough skin and relieve itching.
  2. After your bath, pat your skin dry and apply a thick layer of hypoallergenic moisturizer that has a high oil content.

Evening primrose oil comes from the evening primrose plant. It’s used topically to soothe irritated skin.

When taken by mouth, it’s used to treat systemic inflammatory conditions such as eczema. Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid, which may play a role in preventing inflammation in the body.

Coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat. It may be used as a natural moisturizer.

According to the National Eczema Association, coconut oil’s antibacterial abilities can reduce staph bacteria on the skin, which helps prevent infection. This is important for people with eczema because patches of inflamed skin may crack and ooze, allowing bacteria to enter.

When applying it to your skin, choose virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil that’s processed without chemicals.

Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and can help keep moisture in and bacteria out. A 2024 study found that it may help relieve itching and improve eczema.

Sunflower oil may be applied, undiluted, directly to the skin, preferably after bathing while the skin is still damp.

Witch hazel is an astringent made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. The remedy is often applied to calm inflamed skin, dry up oozing areas, and relieve itching.

Some studies have found that it may help improve skin inflammation. However, further research is still needed to understand its full effects on the skin.

Several studies have shown that taking a vitamin D supplement can help ward off eczema flare-ups.

An older 2015 review notes that vitamin D is known to improve both the immune system and skin barrier function, so it makes sense that people with a vitamin D deficiency might be more likely to experience eczema.

After reviewing numerous studies, the review concluded that more well-conducted research was needed before any conclusions could be drawn. However, based on the studies and anecdotal evidence included in the review, it’s very possible that taking a vitamin D supplement could improve your symptoms.

Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant that originates from the Arabian Peninsula. As it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it’s thought to help alleviate symptoms of eczema.

Studies have found that it can treat wounds and dryness, and so it may also have the potential to help heal eczema.

Many people find that applying honey to the skin can help with the symptoms of eczema. Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and so is thought to be effective at treating eczema.

However, further research is still needed to understand its exact effects on skin conditions caused by allergies.

Stress is a common eczema trigger. Although it’s unclear exactly why, it’s believed that stress plays a role in developing inflammation. Learning to cope with stressful situations using relaxation techniques may help reduce eczema flare-ups.

Relaxation techniques that may help include:

Research has shown that what you eat can trigger an eczema flare-up. Certain foods are better for eczema than others. For instance, the following foods are commonly associated with eczema flare-ups:

Other foods might actually help, such as:

If you live with eczema, it’s important to avoid anything that may irritate or dry your skin and cause a flare, including:

  • perfumed soap or body wash
  • soaps with dyes
  • wool clothing
  • tight clothing
  • pollen
  • animal dander
  • perfumed detergents

Food allergies are also a common cause of eczema, especially in children. Your symptoms might improve by eliminating common foods linked to eczema, like those mentioned above.

A combination of self-care and the above natural remedies may be all you need to manage mild to moderate cases of eczema.

Severe eczema may require prescription topical steroids or antihistamines. If your eczema symptoms are impacting your daily life, consider speaking with a doctor. They can put together a treatment plan to help.