Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil can help relieve inflammation and itchiness.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness. It often presents as dry, itchy patches on the skin that can become swollen, cracked, and even blistered.

Making your own eczema creams allows you to avoid harsh chemicals and harness the natural power of plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. These powerful botanicals are known for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, providing effective relief for eczema symptoms.

Yes! Topical homemade creams can be beneficial for eczema because they contain natural ingredients with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and oatmeal can help hydrate and soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and promote healing.

Homemade creams also allow you to customize the ingredients to suit your specific needs, avoiding potential irritants or allergens that may be present in commercial products.

For example, research shows that shea butter, derived from the kernels of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), contains beneficial components such as triterpenes, tocopherol, phenols, and sterols. These compounds possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, you may need to use over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams. These creams contain stronger concentrations of active ingredients such as corticosteroids or immunomodulators, which can help reduce inflammation and control symptoms more effectively.

Before applying your homemade cream, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. You can also gently exfoliate and use a toner if you prefer.

Here are a few recipes for homemade creams for eczema:

Soothing oatmeal cream

Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and has been used for centuries to alleviate various skin conditions, including eczema. It contains compounds such as beta-glucans that can help calm inflammation, reduce itching, and provide relief to dry and irritated skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal (soothes itching and inflammation)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (moisturizes, contains anti-microbial properties, and provides a protective barrier)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (has antibacterial and healing properties)
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional: calms irritation and promotes relaxation)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine oatmeal (If desired, you can also grind it into powder in a blender.)
  2. Add coconut oil.
  3. Mix in honey.
  4. Add lavender oil.
  5. Stir all the ingredients until well combined.
  6. Apply a small amount of the homemade cream to the affected areas of your face and gently massage it into the skin.
  7. Leave the cream on for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate the skin.
  8. Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
  9. Store the remaining cream in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

    Aloe-olive eczema balm

    Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness and itching while providing a cooling sensation. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer, hydrating the skin and improving its barrier function. It contains antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and soothe dry, itchy skin.

    A 6-week study in 2020 compared the effectiveness of Olivederma (a combination of aloe vera and virgin olive oil) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid medication) in treating eczema among 36 participants.

    The results showed that both Olivederma and betamethasone significantly reduced the severity of eczema, but Olivederma showed a greater improvement in disease severity compared to betamethasone.

    Olivederma led to decreased eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses) and serum IgE levels (an immunoglobulin associated with allergic reactions) ― these levels were significantly increased in the group using betamethasone.

    Ingredients:

    Instructions:

    1. In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the cocoa butter.
    2. Once the cocoa butter has melted, add olive oil to the mixture and stir well.
    3. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
    4. Add the aloe vera gel to the mixture and stir until well combined.
    5. If desired, add rosehip oil for additional soothing properties.
    6. Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container and let it cool completely.
    7. Once cooled, the cream is ready to use.

    Baby butter balm

    When it comes to caring for a baby’s sensitive skin with eczema, it’s important to prioritize gentle and safe ingredients. Be sure to test the cream on a small patch of skin before applying it over the affected area.

    Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade eczema cream for babies:

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 cup shea butter (moisturizes and soothes dry, itchy skin)
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties)
    • 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal (relieves itching and inflammation)

    Instructions:

    1. In a small heat-safe bowl, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave.
    2. Once melted, let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
    3. Add the ground oatmeal to the melted mixture and stir well.
    4. Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container and allow it to solidify at room temperature.

    Essential oil safety

    When using essential oils for your skin or eczema, it’s important to exercise caution. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.

    Always dilute essential oils properly, perform a patch test before use, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or specific conditions.

    Some oils, like cinnamon and citrus oils, should never be used in skin products. Even when diluted, essential oils should not be used with babies or toddlers.

    Eczema is a common skin condition, and people have found many ways to reduce their symptoms at home. You might try some of the options below, or learn more about natural remedies for eczema here.

    • Moisturize regularly: Apply gentle moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.
    • Use mild, fragrance-free soaps: Choose gentle, nonirritating soaps or cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
    • Use cool compresses: Apply cool, damp compresses to itchy areas to soothe the skin and alleviate itching.
    • Oatmeal bath: Grind oatmeal into a fine powder and sprinkle it into warm (not hot) bath water. Soak in the bath for about 10–15 minutes and gently pat your skin dry afterward. Apply a moisturizer to seal in moisture.

    Homemade creams for eczema offer a natural and customizable approach to managing symptoms. By using soothing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter, you can provide moisturization and relief to inflamed skin.

    These homemade remedies can be a safe and effective addition to your eczema care routine, helping to alleviate itching, redness, and dryness. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s important to seek help from a dermatologist. They can help make a plan for your particular needs.