Eczema can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and confusing, especially when flare-ups seem to appear out of nowhere. One day, your skin feels manageable, and the next, it’s dry, itchy, inflamed, and impossible to ignore.

This blog breaks down how to treat eczema naturally. Maybe you’ve tried medication, and you haven’t seen the results you were hoping for, or you’ve had adverse effects. Or perhaps you just prefer a natural solution to your condition. Either way, this blog will help you better understand eczema and make informed, skin-safe choices that support healing and long-term relief.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist for diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance specific to your condition.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, inflamed, and irritated. It’s common in both children and adults and tends to flare up periodically.

A flare-up could look like:

• Intense itching

• Dry, sensitive skin

• Red or inflamed patches

• Rough, scaly, or cracked skin

• Oozing or crusting during severe flare-ups

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema doesn’t have a single cause. It’s usually linked to a combination of factors. A weakened skin barrier is one—it allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, causing the itching sensation.

Eczema is often related to genetics—you commonly see multiple family members suffering from eczema.

Sometimes, environmental factors will trigger eczema flare-ups, such as:

• Soaps and detergents

• Fragrances

• Stress

• Weather changes

• Allergens (like pollen or pet dander)

Switching to non-toxic products can often prevent or treat eczema (but more on that in a minute!)

How is Eczema Traditionally Treated?

There are medical treatments for eczema that are sometimes necessary for moderate to severe eczema or persistent flare-ups.

Those treatments are typically:

• Topical Corticosteroids

• Non-Steroidal Prescription Creams

• Antihistamines

• Light therapy

• Biologic injections

• Oral immunosuppressants

However, many people want to try to treat eczema naturally, especially if it’s a mild case. If that’s you or someone you know, we have some tips for you.

7 Tips to Treat Eczema Naturally

To treat eczema naturally, focus on supporting the skin barrier and reducing irritation. Try these ideas to heal your eczema.

1. Moisturizing and Barrier Support

Keeping skin hydrated is the foundation of eczema care. Several natural oils can reduce itchiness:

• Shea butter

• Coconut oil (best for some—can irritate others)

• Jojoba oil

• Beeswax-based balms

• Colloidal oatmeal (creams or baths)

Remember, fragrance can also be an eczema trigger. Look for products labeled fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Also, choose organic sources for these products.

2. Gentle Skincare Habits

Harsh skincare products can increase skin irritation. It’s best to have a simple hygiene routine if you suffer from eczema symptoms.

For example:

• Use lukewarm water (not hot)

• Limit baths/showers to 10–15 minutes.

• Pat skin dry and moisturize within 3 minutes

These simple adjustments are likely to improve your skin health.

3. Switch to Non-Toxic Products

Switch to non-toxic, dye- and fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and other skincare products. Low-quality products often contain eczema irritants that can trigger flare-ups. As much as possible, opt for organic, simple, and all-natural ingredients.

4. Natural Soothing Remedies

It’s tempting to itch in the midst of a flare-up. Oatmeal baths and a cold compress can calm itching in a pinch. Pure, alcohol-free aloe vera can also reduce inflammation, a cause of the itchiness.

5. Diet and Lifestyle Support

For some people, eczema is influenced by internal factors. You always hear that your outside reflects what’s going on on the inside.

Eat more anti-inflammatory foods (omega-3s, fruits, vegetables) and work with a professional to identify potential food sensitivities. These can lead to eczema outbreaks.

It’s also important to manage stress, which is a major eczema trigger. Implement habits to manage stress, such as setting and enforcing boundaries, journaling, or meditation.

6. Install a Shower Filter

An NSF-certified shower filter, like the Weddell Duo, can remove irritants found in shower water, such as chlorine, PFAS, particulates, and more. It is clinically tested to improve skin hydration and scalp health.

While a shower filter is not a medical treatment for eczema, improving water quality can be a supportive step in reducing everyday skin irritation.

Read this blog to learn why shower filters are necessary.

7. Change Clothing Textiles

According to this study, wool is a known eczema irritant. Clothing touches your skin all day long and can really irritate symptoms. You also sleep in sheets for 6+ hours a night and use towels after the shower and throughout the day to dry your hands. The cumulative impact of textiles on eczema shouldn’t be ignored.

Switching to cotton or silk clothing, bedding, and towels can help reduce eczema symptoms. What you wash your clothing in can be equally important. Use fragrance-free, non-toxic detergent to wash your clothes, sheets, and towels.

It Is Possible to Treat Eczema Naturally

While medication is sometimes necessary, many people with mild to moderate eczema find relief by focusing on natural strategies that support the skin barrier and reduce everyday irritants. The key is to heal your body from the inside out. Focus on hydration and using non-toxic products to support your skin health.

Relief with natural remedies is possible. It just takes a more conscious approach.

FAQs About How to Treat Eczema Naturally

What is the fastest way to heal eczema?

There’s no overnight cure, but the fastest way to calm an eczema flare is to focus on reducing inflammation and repairing the skin barrier:

What foods trigger eczema?

Food triggers vary by person, but the most common eczema-triggering foods include dairy, gluten, soy, shellfish, highly processed foods, sugar, artificial dyes, and preservatives. Food triggers are more common in children than in adults. Eliminating foods should be done carefully and ideally with professional guidance.

Can eczema cause bruising?

Eczema itself doesn’t cause bruising, but it can mimic bruising or indirectly lead to it. If bruising appears without a clear cause or is frequent, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.

What oils worsen eczema?

Some oils can trap heat, clog pores, or irritate inflamed skin, especially during flares. Oils that may worsen eczema are essential oils, olive oil, castor oil, and synthetic oils. Oils are best used sparingly, and many people tolerate creams or ointments better than oils.

What can I drink to stop itching?

Drinks won’t cure eczema, but they can support hydration and reduce inflammation. The best drinks for eczema itching are water, chamomile tea, green tea, turmeric tea, and aloe vera juice. Limit or avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and excess caffeine.

References

1.Bendsoe N., Bjornberg A., Asnes H. Itching from wool fibres in atopic dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 1987;17(1):21–22. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1987.tb02638.x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3652686/

Team Weddell Water: We’re a passionate group of experts and self-care enthusiasts dedicated to revolutionizing the way you experience water. Based in Orange County, California, our team combines the expertise of PhD engineers, researchers, and health advocates to create innovative water filtration solutions like the Weddell Duo, ensuring cleaner, safer water for everyone.

Thanks for reading Clean Water Report! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support an evidence-based publication to help you evaluate how clean your water really is.

Subscribed