The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Honey
Posted by Connie (HoHoKus, NJ) on 03/16/2006
★★★★★
I had a kind of eczema in the corner upper eye lid which refused to go away for months. After trying many different remedies, I decided to try honey after reading about its healing properties. One application did it, it was amazing!!!!
Rice Water
Posted by noel (california) on 01/05/2025
★★★★★
saw a post on Twitter about soaking white rice (or any type of rice) in water for 24 hours? then applying the water to your eczema. Not sure if it works, but some replies were positive, and saw some reddit posts talking about it too. I'm not 100% sure on how long to soak the rice; some people say 30 minutes while others say 3 days, while others mentioned bathing in rice water. I soaked about 1 Tablespoon of white rice in about 3-4 Tablespoons distilled water for 6 days and it kind of smelled kinda rancid but seems to still work okay, but you might not want to soak it more than a couple days.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Vera (Colorado) on 02/19/2025
Noel, we talked a while back, and I suggested high dose biotin, as biotin is often a cure for seb. eczema. You sounded interested at that time. Have you tried it since?
Boric Acid for Ear Eczema
Posted by Catherine (MO) on 03/17/2021
★★★★☆
For ear eczema:
I have had luck with a liquid solution of boric acid. I add powder to a small bottle of distilled water. It provides almost immediate relief and if used regularly, keeps things clear. It does not eliminate it, it always comes back, but has worked better than the many remedies I have tried.
Vitamin D, Eliminate Dairy
Posted by Missm (New York) on 07/31/2020
I also had issue with dairy, and had scalp and eye issues. Look up demodex mites, and also malassezia yeast.
Eliminating dairy and oils on skin can clear these issues up.
Homemade Thieves Oil
Posted by Lu (United States) on 04/23/2020
★★★★★
Homemade thieves oil I did not find this remedy listed in there eczema section and I had nothing short of miraculous results.
I had a small, approximately dime sized patch of eczema on my elbow. Even my doctor told me there was nothing to do about it except "manage" it. Among the natural cures I tried: ACV, lavender oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, OTC eczema remedies, oregano oil: these are the ones I remember. NOTHING helped and I had this patch for YEARS which I would sometimes scratch to the point of bleeding. Homemade thieves oil applied neat daily knocked it out completely in under two weeks and have had no sign of remission for well over a year now. I just want to share this in case it helps anyone else.
You can buy thieves oil but I googled a DIY recipe and made it at home: essential oils of cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Kefir + Colostrum
Posted by Jennifer (United States) on 09/13/2019
★★★★★
Milk kefir and bovine colostrum both cure eczema. They are gut healers. My husband had eczema, and we finally found a cure. It's cheaper and better to make your own milk kefir. I found a facebook group offering free milk grains to make your own kefir, you just have to pay the shipping. Since kefir grains multiply, you can share them with others who need help. It's simple to make as well, and you can flavor it any way you like. We like to add a little sugar, frozen grated lemon, and strawberries to ours. Also, for the skin, if he broke out we would use first the dmso, then colloidal silver and aloe vera gel. You can skip the colloidal silver if you don't make your own; because otherwise it's too expensive to purchase. These seem to stop the itching.
Parasite Connection
Posted by lioness (USA) on 09/05/2019
Hi, I had some kind of eczema/dermatitis off and on this summer on a different finger at different times. I've had this kind of dermatitis before but this summer it was worse and the itch was really super annoying. Nothing helped it until I remembered a remedy that I heard a naturopathic doctor talk about for poison ivy. That remedy is: - rub sea salt (dry or slightly damp) into the blisters (they will break) - rinse with water - final rinse with hydrogen peroxide poured from bottle - keep uncovered - will dry out and - will not spread. I did everything but the hydrogen peroxide rinse each time. The itch was gone immediately, it dried out and healed. It's the only thing I tried that worked You may have something similar?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mch (Sd) on 12/29/2018
Thank you for the suggestion. I've wondered about gluten before, but haven't yet eliminated those three. I'm more than willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for taking time to post.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Deirdre (LA) on 09/05/2018
★★☆☆☆
Last summer, 2017, I started to get eczema on the top of one foot which seems to be caused by any shoe material. It was quite minor, just a few itchy spots here and there. However, this summer has been particularly brutal with itching and the spots keep appearing in different areas on my foot, depending on which sandal I wear. Hot weather and any sugar consumption definitely make it worse.
I have tried almost all the remedies on Earth Clinic's eczema section one at a time this summer to no avail. These remedies include topical borax paste, topical magnesium, Art's indigo powder in cetaphil remedy, lugol's iodine, baking soda paste, sea salt poultice, Himalayan salt poultice, topical apple cider vinegar, and finally essential oils like lavender, tea tree oil and mint. Most of those remedies soothe the area but nothing gets rid of it. Also to note: any remedy mixed in a cream lotion or oil like coconut oil makes the rash itch fiercely and spread.
The best remedy so far has been holding a qtip dipped in lugol's iodine on each itchy spot for about a minute as it takes away the fierce itch for about 12 hours. However, it also stains my foot and takes a couple of days to disappear. I am going to switch to decolorized iodine and try that next.
I was wondering if anyone had additional suggestions of remedies I can test.
Art, I am on day 2 of Pine Bark Extract supplements. That is the first supplement I am trying internally to treat this condition.
Thanks so much for any and all advice! D
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cathy (San Jose) on 09/06/2018
There is an outstanding product line called Forces of Nature and they carry a product for Eczema. Worth a try ...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by KT (Usa) on 10/26/2018
Cod Liver and Evening Primrose Oils
Posted by Healed37 (San Diego ) on 12/18/2017
Mine doesn't recommend with food so I don't take with food & have been fine.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 06/17/2017
Dear Hb,
I am so sorry to hear about your baby's eczema!
I would take her off strawberries for a while, especially if they are not organic.
If it would be possible for you to make goat milk kefir fresh, that is the first thing I would be trying. If not, some high quality plain yogurt (maybe with some of the fruits you give her.) I think Fage is a good one.
Topically for relief, if you could find a plantain or calendula salve at your health food store it may provide some relief. It isn't hard to make and I can walk you through how to do that if you think you would want to make your own.
I would also try some baths with baking soda or Epsom salt or raw organic apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup if a tub of warm water.
Did the eczema begin when you began the formula? Have you tried any other types? What does the pediatrician think is the cause?
I hope you find relief for her soon!
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rachel (Chicago) on 06/19/2017
I thought of two more things to help after making my last comment. One is -- you are giving her formula. Are you using tap water, or fluoridated water to make her formula? Because both of those have fluoride, and tap water also has chlorine -- and fluoride and chlorine cause eczema, because the body is trying to detox these toxins through the skin. I take gallon containers to my local grocery or health food store and refill them with water that has been filtered, run through reverse osmosis, and treated with ultraviolet light. When I move to a new area, I try all the sources of this kind of refillable water -- to find which location has the best tasting water. I would use this kind of water to make baby's formula with.
Secondly, I would give her organic coconut oil -- probably in her formula. I read Adelle Davis' book called Let's Eat Right To Keep Fit, and in it she writes of a baby that had eczema, and she fed the baby vegetable oil, because he had been on a low fat diet. The baby was ravenous for the vegetable oil, and it healed his eczema. I'd put coconut oil in baby's formula, because it is the BEST vegetable oil of all, and also kills viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi! As for how much coconut oil to give a person, I just follow my instincts, although you might want to online search on that as well. It's been a long time since my kids were babies.
Hair Dye
Posted by Mapu (Hawaii) on 04/10/2017
Pls research the dangers of Hair Dyes. Also research Henna powder for a safer. Mountain Rose Herbs carry good quality Henna.
Emu Oil
Posted by Lam (Florida) on 01/08/2016
★★★★★
I've been going out of my mind tonight with several large patches of what look like eczema on my face. They've been itching like crazy. When I read about Emu Oil for Eczema at Earth Clinic, I remembered that I had a bottle of emu oil. Almost instantly after applying it, the itch stopped. INCREDIBLE!!!
Calendula
Posted by Sophia (Canada) on 12/01/2014
★★★★★
Please try a homeopathic cream using calendula. It seems to have healed the ezcema on my lips, eyelids and cheeks. I was recommended to take a liver support natural supplement; the one I'm taking has milk thistle.
Best of luck.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Posted by Mike G (Amherst, Ny) on 09/27/2014
★★★★★
I'm a natural health practitioner and have also referenced this site for testimonials from others cause I do what works - not studies and theories! I do phone consults anywhere if anyone needs guidance and want to chime in to give back... those challenged with eczema may want to try ozonated Olive Oil!! I had a stubborn dollar size patch behind my thigh for well over 7 or 8 years and nothing touched it and I tried it all and even made my own concoctions, used infrared saunas, lasers, etc. and the ozonated olive oil did the trick within days!!
Also highly recommend this ACV and BS cause I believe one of it's greatest benefits is detoxing from heavy metals and just look up on the sky and see what trails the planes are leaving and that we are breathing... much higher levels of heavy metals are being found in our soil and water tables and they don't come out with normal food intake without reaction of binding to eliminate. Hope this helps as many people as possible!! Thank you EarthClinic!!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Colloidal Silver
Posted by Jaimie (Cove, Ar) on 05/16/2014
Lawrence, I would say the CS because it calmed the itch but dont know for sure because I was (and still am) taking the ACV before I tried the CS. The combination did wonders for me though.
Petroleum Jelly, Honey
Posted by Jodie (Northern Ireland) on 01/11/2014
★★★★★
I'm a 16 year old girl, and I have had eczema almost all my life and I could never get anything help my eczema until a few months ago I was just looking in the internet, people were using Vaseline, honey ect so I thought to combine the both so I did. It has helped a lot and for a teenager it is hard having eczema! But to use this just get 375g petroleum jelly, it's the same as Vaseline, get honey put both into a microwave bowl it doesn't matter how much you use of both, and 3 teaspoons or water. Then put into microwave at least for one minute to make sure the Vaseline or petroleum jelly has melted and mix it threw and apply to eczema:) I hope it works for you guys! It has for me:)
Apple Fast
Posted by Chans (Nz) on 08/26/2013
★★★★☆
I have decided to do the 3-day apple fast after living with a severe eczema flare all over my body for the past 7 months.
I was diagnosed with discoid eczema and was prescribed a steroid cream which does help with the itch; however it has been very damaging to my skin so I have stopped using it.
About a month ago I decided to give up dairy products and see if that makes a difference. My skin improved significantly although it did not clear completely. So my plan is to do the 3 day apple cleanse and then become completely gluten and dairy-free along with taking a probiotic and fish oil supplements. I also apply plenty of moisturiser – ITMve found Cetaphil to be the most effective. Virgin coconut oil and QV lotion are also great hydrators.
I'm now into day 2 of my apple detox and I'm feeling pretty hungry! I only have to look in the mirror though to remind myself why I am doing this. I'm already seeing some improvement in my eczema and I'm not as itchy. Fingers crossed it continues to improve! I will update again at the end of my apply detox!
Borage
Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 02/21/2013
★★★★★
I had a terrible itchy rash on my arm for months. I tried countless things but nothing helped. I read about Borage Seed Oil on this website. I got some and took 3 capsules a day. In two weeks my rash was gone. (Improvement happened pretty quickly. ) I ran out last week and my rash started to come back. I got another bottle of Borage Seed Oil today! I have never been diagnosed with eczema, but that seems the most likely based on symptoms.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Maria (Sydney, Nsw, Australia) on 02/01/2013
★★★★★
Hi, Firtly I'd like to just say thankyou for the time and efforts to keep this wonderful website as it has helped so many of us.
Back to eczema, I know of two people whose eczema got significally improved with Colloidal Silver. The first one was a little girls whose arms were badly infected with it constatly itchy and red. When the mother finally decided to give it to her, it disappered completely and as far as I know no longer has that problem as I see her from time to time and has no visible eczema. Second person is my husband who has a small spot on the back of the shoulders and soon after appered an ongoing weeping spot on the ear.
Neither of us knew what this ongoing bleeding on the ear was caused by. My husband din't even make the time to go to the doctor, so finally after trying several things on this constant scab such as oxigen peroxide, iodine which didn't help. I suggested colloidal silver to which I am very familiar with and have taken for several years to control the Rickettsia virus.
After less than a month and with inconsistency of use (my husband is difficult when it comes to taking care of himself) his eczema stopped bleeding and the scab is gone. The other red patch of eczema is clearing up in colour slowly, but definitely not itchy at all.
Regards to you all!
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Claire (Duluth, GA) on 06/21/2022
Was this given topically or used internally?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Neukoln (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) on 01/27/2013
Hello Larry. I too get eczema. My belief is that we don't metabolise fatty acids properly - so taking them in the diet (and oral supplements) doesn't help that much. What I found does work... Or at least help... Is applying oils topically. Not just on the eczema area, but mainly on the thin skin of the body, after a bath, when it is more easily absorbed. I find that the skin all over my body - including areas that I don't apply oils to - are more moist. When I first started doing this 2 months ago, my skin would drink the oil, and it would soak in within 5 minutes. Especially on my hands. One day, I repeatedly applied oil five times I. E. Applied it once, and it soaked in, applied it again, and it soaked in... 5 times. The last time it took about 30 minutes to soak. These days each application leaves my skin moist for 3 or 4 hours.
My point is that it seems to take quite a long time before you build up your reserves. And I eat loads of nuts and seeds and salad oil and coconut oil (for cooking) - so I was getting a lot in my diet. However, the small amount (2 tsp a day) is more effective than the several Tbsps of oil I am eating in my diet.
The oils I use have been trial and error. I think it wouldn't be the same for you because you may be low in a different fatty acid/s to me. The important thing to stress is not to apply half a cup (ha! ) of oil to your skin. But to do small amounts (maybe half a tsp), several times a day. I think our bodies can better process it... Since we don't seem to fare well with oil metabolism... and it's less of a shock.
My suggestion to you is to perhaps start with hemp seed oil - because it has a good ratio of omega 3 to omega 6. I have a recipe for making a handcream - if you don't like the idea of rubbing oil on your hands/inner thigh/forearms/chest. It uses oil, water, emulsifying wax - and is easy to make. Good luck, and I hope this helps!
Baking Soda
Posted by Lis (Vermont) on 11/29/2012
★★★★☆
I have severe eczema on my calves, lower legs, a little on my thighs. probably due to stress and who knows what else. acupuncture helps. (i've had eczema in the past but never this bad). one thing i've learned helps speed healing and brings great relief: rubbing baking soda on affected areas in the shower, letting it sit for a minute, then rinsing off. also a cold rinse in the shower at the end helps.
i cant put any oils on, no help. WITCH HAZEL helps curtail itching when it starts, so I periodically throughout the day slap on some witch hazel. good luck everyone, I know it's frustrating! :)
Castor Oil
Posted by Beatrix (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/01/2012
★★★★☆
i have suffered from eczema for more than 5 years. I had chinese medicine (herbal tea of a kind) and my skin healed completely for about 4 months. Then winter came and my eczema got really bad. First it was the front of my neck then it spread all the way around. I tried using olive oil to moisturise the skin and it didnt really work. Then, a family friend whose son also suffered from eczema, recommended castor oil. I went and bought some from the chemist and applied it to my neck.
the next day I applied it to my neck when I woke up and when it dried up. I had to sleep with a towel on my pillow otherwise my pillow would soak up the oil. it worked within 2 days. my skin got softer (when my eczema was bad it would be hard), more moist, and it healed, but not completely.
the biggest setback was when I would scratch in my sleep without knowing and find blood on my pjs and hands. I found that the dead skin on my bed probably didnt help so I moved to sleep on the floor. this helped alot.
hoped this helped
Ayurveda
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 06/13/2012
Thanks Jennifer! The information on ayurveda for eczema is extremely useful. I think that I am a pitta type as well (I have hand eczema). I'm going to try your suggestions - I even have a few of the items on hand (coconut oil, rosewater, etc. ). Cheers and good health! Bess
Ayurveda
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 07/11/2012
★★★★★
To add to my remedies for eczema, one Ayurvedic remedy that very cooling and soothing for pitta eczema - especially on the face - is a turmeric & yogurt mask. It is very cooling and soothing on "hot" kinds of eczema. I use plain Greek yogurt without any additives, and you can find turmeric in the spice aisle of the grocery store. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash or tissue off. Be careful, because turmeric can leave permanent stains on clothing and towels.
Ayurveda
Posted by Crystal (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 09/05/2014
Thank you Jennifer. I am age 41 and now I have eczema on my right palm for 3 months and Nothing helps.. Until recently I tried to use sea salt, H2O2 and coconut oil. And now with your info, I will try your way and see how. Thank you for being the angel on earth.
