Home Remedies for Eczema

The best home care for eczema is a steady skin-care routine. It is less exciting than a "remedy," but it works better than anything else you can do at home.

The core routine

• Moisturise liberally, at least twice a day. Use a thick, fragrance-free emollient (ointment or cream). Apply it within a few minutes of bathing, while skin is still slightly damp.
• Bathe in lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Hot water and long showers dry the skin. Pat dry, do not rub.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or soap substitute, not ordinary soap or bubble bath.
• Keep nails short and smooth to limit scratch damage. Cotton gloves at night can help.
• Wear soft cotton and avoid wool and rough fabrics. Wash new clothes before wearing, and use a mild detergent with a second rinse.
• Keep cool. Heat and sweat set off itch.
• Cold compress or a cool damp cloth can calm itch for a short time.

Reduce triggers

• Dust the room with a damp cloth, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and keep pets out of the bedroom if they trigger flares.

Things to be careful about

• Coconut oil, mustard oil, ghee, aloe, neem paste, turmeric and other kitchen applications may soothe some people but can sting, cause allergy or clog skin. Test a small area first and stop if it gets worse.
• Do not use hot steam or very hot water on eczema skin.
• Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating.
• Do not use old or borrowed steroid creams, or put strong steroid creams on a child's face or folds without a doctor's advice.

See a doctor if the skin is weeping, crusted, painful, or not improving.