18 All-Natural Home Remedies for Eczema

2. Sleep With a Humidifier

Dry air can make eczema worse, especially at night. Low humidity pulls moisture from the skin, which increases dryness and itching. This problem often occurs during winter or in homes that use indoor heating. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air. When the surrounding air contains more humidity, the skin loses less water to the environment.

This helps the skin stay hydrated and feel less tight or irritated. Many people with eczema notice more itching at night. Dry, irritated skin can increase the urge to scratch, and scratching during sleep may damage the skin and lead to redness or swelling. By improving air moisture, a humidifier may help reduce nighttime dryness and discomfort.

For best results, place the humidifier in the bedroom and run it overnight. Experts often recommend keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. This range provides enough moisture for comfort without creating excess dampness that could encourage mold growth.

3. Try Meditating

Stress often makes eczema worse, and many people notice more itching and flare-ups during tense times. When you feel stressed, the body releases chemicals that can increase inflammation. This reaction may make the skin more red and itchy. Meditation helps calm the mind and lower stress levels. By slowing the breath and focusing attention, meditation allows the body to relax.

A simple routine can help you begin. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and take slow, steady breaths. Focus on the feeling of air moving in and out, and gently bring your attention back if your mind wanders. Even five to ten minutes of meditation each day may help reduce stress.

Some people use guided meditation apps or calming music, while others prefer quiet breathing or repeating a simple word. Children can also benefit from relaxation exercises. A parent can guide them to take slow belly breaths or imagine a calm place. This approach may help reduce scratching linked to anxiety or frustration.

4. Hit the Gym

Regular exercise can help people with eczema manage stress. Stress often triggers flare-ups and can make itching worse. By lowering tension and promoting relaxation, a steady workout routine may help reduce stress-related skin irritation and improve sleep.

Exercise also improves blood circulation. Better circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin tissues, which supports normal skin repair. However, heat and sweat during exercise can irritate sensitive skin. Planning ahead can help reduce discomfort during workouts. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and avoid rough fabrics or tight gear. Keep a towel nearby so you can gently pat away sweat.

Choosing a cool workout setting can also help prevent overheating. An air-conditioned gym or other mild environment may feel more comfortable. After exercising, shower using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Once the skin is dry, apply a thick moisturizer within a few minutes to help restore lost moisture and support the skin barrier.

5. Swap Out Alcohol

Alcohol can make eczema symptoms worse for some people. When the body breaks down alcohol, it can trigger inflammation that may increase redness, itching, and flare-ups. Alcohol can also dry out the skin, which may add to irritation. Over time, frequent drinking may slow the skin’s natural repair process.

Some people notice more skin discomfort the day after drinking. Alcohol may also disturb sleep, and poor sleep can make itching harder to control. Reducing alcohol intake can help limit these effects. Good choices include water with fresh lemon or cucumber, herbal teas served hot or cold, sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, or simple non-alcoholic mocktails.

Keeping alcohol out of the home may reduce temptation. When spending time with friends, choosing activities that do not center on drinking, such as meeting for lunch or going for a walk, can help support the habit. If reducing alcohol feels difficult, support from a health professional, support group, or a trusted friend may help.

6. Use a Creamy, Thick Moisturizer

A thick, creamy moisturizer helps protect dry, irritated skin. It forms a barrier on the surface that traps water and reduces moisture loss. This supports the skin’s natural defense layer, which often weakens during eczema flare-ups. Creams and ointments usually work better than thin lotions. Lotions spread easily but often do not lock in enough moisture.

Thick creams work well during the day, while heavier ointments provide extra protection for very dry or rough skin, especially at night. Choose fragrance-free and dye-free products when possible. Simple formulas lower the risk of burning or stinging on delicate skin. Skin often loses moisture quickly after bathing, so timing matters.

Pat the skin dry with a towel, then apply moisturizer right away to help seal in water. Use gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth when applying the product. Avoid rubbing hard because friction can irritate sensitive areas. Applying moisturizer several times a day can help keep the skin soft and comfortable.

7. Choose a Gentle Laundry Detergent

Clothing and bedding stay in contact with the skin all day and night. If detergent or chemical residue remains on the fabric, it can trigger itching and redness. People with eczema often react to strong fragrances, dyes, and harsh ingredients in regular laundry products.

Choosing a gentle, fragrance-free detergent can help lower this risk. Look for labels such as “free and clear,” which usually mean the product contains no added perfumes or dyes that may irritate sensitive skin. It is also best to avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Many leave a coating on fabrics that can rub against the skin and increase irritation.

Proper washing habits can further reduce discomfort. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove leftover chemicals from manufacturing. Using an extra rinse cycle can help remove more detergent from fabrics. Water temperature also matters. Hot water can remove soap residue effectively, but it may shrink some fabrics.

8. Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure come from traditional Chinese medicine. Both methods focus on selected body points that are believed to influence balance and body functions. In acupuncture, a trained practitioner inserts very thin, sterile needles into the skin at specific locations. The needles usually remain in place for several minutes.

Many people feel mild tingling or a dull ache during treatment instead of sharp pain. A qualified practitioner should perform acupuncture to lower the risk of infection or injury. Researchers believe acupuncture may help the body release natural pain-relieving chemicals. These chemicals may calm nerve signals and reduce inflammation. Because eczema often causes itching, some people report less discomfort after several sessions.

Acupressure uses the same general areas but does not involve needles. Gentle pressure is applied with fingers or a small tool. After learning the correct method from a trained provider, some people practice it at home. Some also use these therapies along with moisturizers and other eczema treatments.

9. Green Tea

Green tea contains plant compounds called polyphenols. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help calm red, irritated skin linked to eczema. Some people use green tea to support skin comfort in two ways: drinking it or applying it to the skin after it cools.

Both methods are simple and low cost. Drinking one to three cups of green tea a day may provide anti-inflammatory compounds that support skin health from within. Green tea does not cure eczema, but these compounds may help reduce flare-ups in some people.

Green tea can also be applied to the skin. To use it topically, steep a green tea bag in hot water for several minutes and allow the tea to cool completely. Place a clean cloth in the cooled tea and gently press it on the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes. This may help soothe itching and reduce mild swelling.

10. Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal mixed into water or lotion. People use it to help calm dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Eczema often weakens the skin’s protective barrier. This allows moisture to escape easily and can lead to dryness, redness, and itching.

Colloidal oatmeal helps by forming a light protective layer over the skin. This layer holds in water and softens rough patches. It also contains natural compounds that soothe irritation. These compounds may improve skin comfort. Many people notice relief after a short soak or regular use of oatmeal-based skin products. Common ways to use colloidal oatmeal include adding the powder to a lukewarm bath.

Some people apply creams or lotions that list colloidal oatmeal as an active ingredient. Others use oatmeal-based body washes made for sensitive skin. For a bath, sprinkle the powder into running water and soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. The water should feel warm rather than hot because heat can worsen itching. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply a plain moisturizer right away to help keep moisture in the skin.

11. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of a wildflower plant. It contains gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Some people with eczema may have lower levels of this fatty acid in their skin. Gamma-linolenic acid may help support the skin barrier. A stronger skin barrier may help reduce dryness and itching linked to eczema. People use evening primrose oil in two main ways.

Some take it as capsules by mouth. Others apply it directly to the skin as an oil. For topical use, perform a patch test first to check for irritation. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin and wait about 24 hours. If redness or itching develops, stop using the product. Some small studies suggest evening primrose oil may help mild eczema, especially in children. However, other research shows little or no clear benefit.

When taken by mouth, evening primrose oil may cause mild side effects such as upset stomach, headache, or nausea. It may also raise the risk of bleeding in people who take blood-thinning medicines. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or living with a long-term health condition should speak with a healthcare professional before using it.

12. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel comes from the bark and leaves of a shrub native to North America. People often use it as a natural astringent that can tighten the skin and reduce mild swelling. Witch hazel contains plant compounds called tannins.

These compounds have mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help reduce redness and calm irritated skin. Some people with eczema use witch hazel to ease itching or soothe small irritated areas. Its astringent action may also help dry mild oozing patches by slightly shrinking skin tissue.

Choose alcohol-free witch hazel products. Formulas that contain alcohol can dry out the skin and may worsen eczema symptoms. To apply it, place a small amount on a cotton pad and gently dab it on the affected area. Test it first on a small patch of skin to check for irritation. If burning, stinging, or increased redness appears, stop using the product.

13. Calendula Cream

Calendula comes from the marigold flower. People have used it for many years to help calm irritated skin. In cream form, it may help soothe dry, itchy patches linked to eczema. Eczema often causes red, inflamed skin that feels rough and cracked.

Calendula contains natural plant compounds that may help reduce mild swelling and support skin repair. Many people apply calendula cream to clean, slightly damp skin because this helps hold moisture on the surface. Calendula cream is often used one to three times a day, depending on how dry the skin feels. Regular use may help support the skin barrier, which often becomes weaker in people with eczema.

Before using it more widely, test a small amount on one area of skin first. Even natural products can irritate sensitive skin. Calendula cream does not replace medicated treatments during severe eczema flares. Some people use it during mild flare-ups or between stronger treatments to help keep the skin comfortable.

14. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel comes from the leaves of the aloe plant. People often use it to soothe dry, irritated skin because it feels cool on contact and absorbs quickly. Eczema often causes dry, itchy patches on the skin. Aloe vera contains water and natural plant compounds that help soften the skin and reduce tightness. This may help calm mild irritation.

Aloe vera may also support the skin’s natural barrier. A healthy barrier helps keep moisture in and protects the skin from outside irritants. This matters because eczema-prone skin often loses water easily. Some people apply a thin layer of pure aloe gel to affected areas one to three times a day. Products with few added ingredients are usually preferred because they lower the chance of irritation.

Fragrance-free options often work best for sensitive skin. Before regular use, test a small amount on healthy skin to check for sensitivity. If redness or stinging appears, stop using it. Aloe vera can also be used alongside basic eczema care, such as gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing.

15. Avoid Hot Baths

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. For people with eczema, this can increase dryness and itching because their skin already loses moisture easily. Long, hot baths can also weaken the skin’s outer protective layer.

When this happens, irritants such as soap, sweat, and dust can enter more easily and trigger redness or flare-ups. Heat may also worsen itching very hot water raises skin temperature and can increase the urge to scratch, which may further irritate sensitive skin. Instead of hot baths, choose short baths or showers with lukewarm water.

Aim for about five to ten minutes. Using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser during bathing may also help reduce irritation and protect sensitive skin. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing. Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to help seal in moisture.

16. Moisturizing Tips

Moisturizing plays a key role in eczema care. It helps protect the skin barrier and reduce dryness that can lead to itching and flare-ups. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer at least twice a day. Many people benefit from using it three to four times daily, especially during dry or cold weather. Smooth it on within a few minutes after bathing to help hold water in the skin.

Choose thick creams or ointments instead of thin lotions. Thicker products protect dry or cracked areas more effectively. Products labeled for sensitive skin often work best. Avoid dipping fingers into large tubs of cream, use a clean spoon or a pump bottle to keep the product clean. Do not share moisturizers with others. After moisturizing, wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton to help the skin stay cool.

17. Phototherapy

Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet light to treat eczema. It is often used when creams and basic skin care do not provide enough relief. Most clinics use narrowband UVB light. This type of ultraviolet light targets the skin and helps reduce inflammation linked to eczema.

During treatment, a person usually stands in a light box or uses a hand-held device for smaller areas of skin. Sessions often take place two to three times a week and last only a few minutes. The light dose begins at a low level and increases gradually over time.

This careful adjustment helps lower the risk of burns or skin damage while allowing the skin to respond safely. Some people also use home UVB units with proper guidance. Possible side effects include mild redness, dryness, or a sunburn-like reaction.

With long-term use, there may also be a higher risk of early skin aging, so treatment progress should be checked and adjusted as needed. Many people notice smoother skin after several weeks of steady sessions.

18. Avoid Corticosteroid Creams

Many people use topical corticosteroids to control eczema flare-ups. These creams are often used to reduce redness and itching during periods of active inflammation. However, frequent or long-term use can cause problems. Over time, topical corticosteroids may thin the skin, making it easier to bruise or develop stretch marks.

Repeated use may also make the skin respond less effectively, which can lead to stronger doses and a higher risk of side effects. Children face higher risks because their skin absorbs medicine more easily. Applying corticosteroids to large areas of skin or to sensitive areas, such as the face, can also increase the chance of side effects.

Some products sold as “herbal” eczema creams may contain hidden topical corticosteroids. Labels do not always clearly show these ingredients, so some people may use steroid medicines without knowing it. For daily skin care, many people use simple habits such as applying emollients often, moisturizing after bathing, and avoiding known eczema triggers.