There’s little research to support the use of homeopathy to treat eczema. Still, some people say homeopathic therapies like graphites or sulfur may relieve symptoms or reduce flares.

Many people with eczema find it challenging to manage the condition. Because eczema is chronic and causes intermittent flare-ups, some people seek different interventions — including alternative treatment approaches like homeopathy.

But can homeopathy treat or cure eczema?

Homeopathy is a form of complementary or alternative medicine that uses small, diluted doses of a natural substance that causes symptoms to treat those symptoms. The belief is that if large quantities of a substance cause symptoms of a disease, a small, properly diluted amount can help the body heal itself.

Some people tout homeopathy as a remedy for eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 223 million people worldwide. But there’s hardly any solid scientific evidence that supports the use or effectiveness of homeopathy for treating eczema.

Read on to find out what research says about the use of homeopathy for eczema, if homeopathic products are FDA-approved, and the potential risks of using homeopathy for eczema.

One of the earliest studies on homeopathy for eczema was a 2009 study by German researchers. The study compared the effects of homeopathic remedies versus placebo in young adults ages 18–35 with eczema. The study found no significant difference between the group that received homeopathy and the group that received a placebo.

A later review of studies analyzed evidence from controlled clinical trials for homeopathic treatment for all types of eczema. The research indicated that no evidence from the controlled trials proved the efficacy of homeopathy for treating eczema.

A more recent, small 2022 preliminary study noted a slight improvement in eczema symptoms among people who used homeopathy compared to placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. This means the researchers weren’t confident that the slight improvement they observed wasn’t by chance.

Some homeopathy advocates believe homeopathy can help relieve stress and anxiety, which triggers eczema flare-ups in some people. But a systematic review has shown inconsistent results for its effectiveness in treating anxiety.

What do the experts say?

The U.S.-based National Eczema Association and U.K.-based National Eczema Society both caution that there’s not enough research to support using alternative treatments like homeopathy.

Other international organizations like the Polish Dermatological Society also don’t recommend using homeopathy for treating eczema.

Although the National Eczema Association cautions that there’s not enough research to support alternative therapies like homeopathy, it notes that about half of people with eczema use these treatments.

Here are some homeopathic remedies some people believe can help with eczema:

Dulcamara

Dulcamara, also called woody nightshade, is a shrubby perennial plant from the Solanaceae family. It’s a medicinal plant touted for treating skin conditions. While scientific evidence for this is sparse, 2021 research indicated that the plant is rich in alkaloids, has antibacterial properties, and is traditionally used for relieving mild recurrent eczema.

Graphites

Graphite is a carbon compound similar to coal. Some people use it to treat dry, cracked, itchy, red skin, as occurs in eczema. A 2020 case report revealed that graphite helped reduce eczema symptoms after several weeks of treatment.

Pine tar (pix liquida)

Studies suggest a potential benefit of using pine tar to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. People produce pine tar by high-temperature carbonization of the pine tree wood. A 2022 study suggested it may help relieve eczema symptoms, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of infection.

Sulfur

Homeopaths consider sulfur valuable for treating skin conditions like eczema and acne. A 2020 review of studies indicated that minerals like sulfur could reduce inflammation, regenerate the skin, and soften and hydrate hard or dry skin.

Other remedies

Other homeopathic remedies with little to no scientific backing include:

Are homeopathic products FDA-approved?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve any homeopathic product for treatment because the agency has not determined that such products meet effectiveness, safety, and quality standards.

An older review of case reports reported the following side effects of homeopathy:

Also, keep the following in mind when using homeopathic products:

  • No government body or agency legally regulates homeopathic practitioners. This means a person without qualifications can claim to be a homeopath.
  • There’s no strong scientific evidence that homeopathy is safe or effective for eczema.
  • Some homeopathic products may contain high amounts of substances that are not good for your health.
  • A homeopathic product may interfere with your doctor’s prescribed medication, reducing its efficacy or causing side effects.

Some natural treatments that may help manage eczema include:

  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), may help reduce skin itching, wheal size, and allergic reaction in people with eczema.
  • Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a plant rich in antioxidants that can help heal wounds, regenerate damaged skin, and retain skin integrity.
  • Coconut oil: Some people with eczema may benefit from coconut oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, hydrates the skin, reduces itching, and reduces the chances of infection.
  • Colloidal oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is oat grain ground into a fine powder. It can help your body retain moisture and relieve dry, itchy skin.
  • Honey: Researchers have observed several properties of honey that may help people with eczema, but more research is needed.
  • Massage therapy: A gentle, 20-minute massage using a moisturizer may help reduce eczema symptoms by reducing stress and encouraging blood flow.
  • Sunflower seed oil: Sunflower oil contains vitamin E, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and sesamol which are all good for your skin. It can help repair your skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can reduce eczema symptoms because it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

The FDA and other health bodies don’t recommend the use of homeopathic remedies to treat eczema because there’s no strong scientific proof of its safety or efficacy.

Opting for clinician-approved medications like antihistamines and steroids may be safer. Consider speaking with a doctor or dermatologist before trying any new complementary or alternative therapy for your eczema.