Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and scaly skin. It can be severe and may cause scarring. Here are 13 tips to improve or prevent eczema scarring.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy patches. In more severe cases, the skin can look leathery, dry, and scarred (lichenification). Eczema can also be uncomfortable, and there are several different types.

While this condition has no cure, treatments are available to reduce symptoms and soften scar tissue.

Treating eczema scars varies in difficulty depending on their severity. The key is to return moisture to prevent itching, lichenification, and cracking of the skin. A number of treatments are available to improve symptoms and avoid scarring. In some cases, treatment can also help reduce scarring.

Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. While homeopathic remedies can help reduce symptoms, more severe cases of eczema may require traditional medical treatment.

Read on for 13 home remedies to treat and stop eczema scarring.

Though a simple recommendation, not scratching is essential to preventing scar tissue formation. Eczema irritates your skin and can cause it to crack. This irritation can intensify the itchiness of your condition.

Scratching can not only damage your skin but can also increase lichenification.

Moisturizing your skin and avoiding triggers can reduce itchiness from eczema and prevent further scarring.

Oatmeal baths can treat skin disorders and improve skin health. Oatmeal contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and irritation and rejuvenate the skin.

Oatmeal can also be used as an exfoliant to return moisture to the skin, remove dead skin cells, and reduce scarring. Soak your body in an oatmeal bath for 5 to 10 minutes daily to treat eczema scarring. You can also apply an oatmeal-based lotion to your skin.

Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. However, not all types of honey have the same qualities. Manuka honey is a more concentrated form of honey with an extra boost of antibacterial components. Studies have recognized Manuka honey for its wound-healing properties and tout its uses as a topical treatment for wound infections.

To reduce eczema scarring, you can apply Manuka honey directly to your rashes or mix it with sugar to make a daily sugar scrub. Repeat for better results. If your symptoms worsen, talk with your doctor about alternative treatment.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins and nutrients needed to regenerate skin cells. It is also known for its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. ACV is also used as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin and stimulate healthy skin growth. People report benefits from ACV, but more research is needed.

For eczema scarring, dilute a small amount of ACV with water. Apply the solution to your skin and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash the ACV mix off with water and repeat this treatment daily for faster results.

You can also add apple cider vinegar to your bath water or use it in wet wraps to exfoliate your skin and soothe eczema symptoms. Before using this product, be sure to dilute it to prevent skin irritation properly.

Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties and also promotes skin health. It contains essential fatty acids needed to build healthy skin cells and reduce scar marks. It can also help to relieve itching and irritation.

Studies have recognized hempseed oil as a beneficial treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. According to research, hempseed oil can strengthen your skin, help it withstand various infections, and improve elasticity.

For eczema treatment, apply hempseed oil diluted with a carrier oil directly to the affected area. For deeper penetration, massage the oil into your skin.

Chamomile is another medicinally recognized plant. It is known specifically for its antioxidant properties, which can help fight scarring from skin conditions.

Chamomile promotes skin health by tightening the skin and improving complexion. A controlled study revealed that chamomile cream was equally effective in treating eczema as a prescribed hydrocortisone cream.

To treat eczema scars, rub over-the-counter (OTC) chamomile cream into your scars daily. You can also brew chamomile tea and massage the tea leaves into your skin.

Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce skin irritation and improve scar appearance. According to a 2019 study, aloe vera increases collagen content and can change the collagen composition of wounds.

To treat eczema, you can extract fresh aloe from the plant leaves and apply it to your skin. Leave the oil or gel on your skin overnight, but rinse it off in the morning.

Lavender oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial components. It’s also used as an essential oil to soothe and reduce stress. As a skin treatment, lavender has been shown to speed wound healing.

In a 2016 study, researchers applied lavender oil to circular wound areas on rats for alternating days. Results showed that the lavender oil not only increased wound recovery but also decreased the wound area compared to the control subjects.

To reduce scarring from eczema, apply or massage lavender oil to the affected area. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first, as the pure essential oil is too strong for your skin. You can also drink it as a tea.

Shea butter contains hydrating properties that can help soften and reduce scarring. It can also increase skin moisture to treat the drying effects of eczema. Shea butter is rich in vitamins and has long been recognized as an effective remedy for skin disorders, specifically for keloid treatment.

To treat eczema scars, apply raw shea butter to your skin. Repeat daily use for faster results. If your skin becomes irritated after use, consider an alternative treatment and discuss your options with your doctor.

Turmeric is an herb known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound rich in antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. An older study from 2015 suggests that turmeric cream may speed wound healing and reduce scarring for wounds from a Cesarean delivery.

To treat eczema scars, apply a mix of honey and turmeric to the affected area. Let the mask sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. You can also drink turmeric tea.

Staying well-hydrated can help keep your skin moist, healthy, and flexible. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in water.

Keeping the air around you moist may also help your skin stay moist. An excellent way to increase the moisture level in any room is to use a humidifier. Especially in dry climates and during winter months, a humidifier can help relieve itching. It may help prevent new scarring by helping prevent scratching.

Sun exposure can prevent scars from fading and can darken them. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect your skin, help prevent discoloration of scars, and help scars fade.\

Eczema’s itchy patches can cause you to scratch, which can cause scarring. Here are 13 home remedies to help prevent or improve scarring from eczema. Always talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about your eczema skin care.

If you have eczema, you may be concerned about the possibility of scarring. Prevention is the most effective way to avoid scarring.

The most effective way to avoid scars is to keep your skin moisturized and avoid scratching. These 13 home remedies can help with both and may lessen the appearance of existing sores and skin injuries.

Talk with a dermatologist about how you can improve the appearance of any scarring you have from eczema.