14 Best Ways to Get Rid of Eczema Naturally

Dry itchy skin, angry rashes, bumps, flakes, and swollen patches, eczema can turn everyday comfort into a constant battle. 

Beyond the irritation, untreated eczema worsens, thickens skin, disrupts sleep, and chips away at confidence. 

Ignoring it only fuels flare-ups. The good news? Natural, proven strategies can calm your skin, keep reading to discover the best ways to heal eczema naturally today inside.

• Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Use natural moisturizers like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil and drink plenty of water.
  
  

• Soothe and Heal Naturally: Aloe vera, honey, and calendula calm inflammation and support skin repair.
  
  

• Protect Your Skin Barrier: Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and extreme temperatures to prevent irritation.
  
  

• Reduce Flare-Ups from Within: Eat omega-3-rich foods, identify triggers, and manage stress for healthier skin.
  
  

• Maintain a Comfortable Environment: Use humidifiers and gentle daily routines to keep skin soft and resilient.

Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial to prevent eczema flare-ups because dry skin becomes itchy and irritated. 

Natural moisturizers like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil work well to lock in moisture. 

Apply them at least twice daily, especially after showers, to keep the skin soft. Drinking enough water also helps your skin stay hydrated from within. 

Using gentle, natural oils can calm redness and reduce itching. When skin dries out, it becomes more sensitive, so consistent hydration is the key to comfort and preventing eczema from worsening naturally.

Coconut oil has gained attention as a natural way to help manage eczema, thanks to its unique compounds. 

Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid, which provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce itch and prevent bacterial overgrowth. 

Applying a thin layer to slightly damp skin after bathing can maximize its moisturizing effects. 

Research supports its potential: a study published in the Journal of Dermatitis found that emollients containing coconut and sunflower seed oil-derived esters improved itch, reduced the need for topical steroids, and decreased harmful skin bacteria in adults with mild-to-moderate eczema. 

However, dermatologists like Dr. Shi caution that results can vary, while coconut oil may help prevent flares for many, it can trigger allergic reactions in some, and it isn’t ideal for treating severe flare-ups. 

It’s best used as a supportive, daily moisturizer alongside other treatments. Always patch-test new products and consult your doctor before introducing coconut oil into your routine.

Aloe vera soothes eczema by calming inflammation and reducing redness. It works naturally to ease itching while moisturizing dry patches. 

Fresh aloe directly from the plant is ideal, but pure store-bought gel also works if it contains no additives. 

Apply it two to three times a day for relief and faster healing. Aloe is gentle and safe for even the most sensitive skin, helping to repair damaged areas without irritation. 

Its natural compounds support skin regeneration and provide a cooling effect, making it an effective, simple remedy for anyone struggling with eczema flare-ups.

Oatmeal baths calm eczema by soothing itchy and inflamed skin. Use finely ground colloidal oatmeal for the best effect, as it disperses evenly in water. 

Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the skin to absorb its protective, moisturizing benefits. 

Oatmeal naturally relieves itching, reduces redness, and softens dry patches without chemicals. 

Avoid hot water, which can irritate skin further. You can safely take oatmeal baths a few times a week for continuous relief. 

This gentle, natural treatment protects sensitive skin, eases discomfort, and helps maintain moisture while calming flare-ups effectively.

Eczema flares often start with inflammation, so omega-3 fats help calm the skin from inside. 

These healthy fats support the skin barrier and lower redness and itching. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel give the strongest omega-3 boost, while flaxseeds and walnuts help plant eaters. 

Eating these foods several times a week nourishes the skin over time, not overnight. Many people notice fewer flare-ups and less dryness with steady intake. 

You can add fish to meals, sprinkle seeds on snacks, and choose simple whole foods to support natural eczema relief. This habit builds comfort and confidence during daily life.

Honey heals eczema naturally by moisturizing skin and fighting inflammation. Raw honey works best because it contains natural antibacterial properties that help prevent infections in cracked or irritated patches. 

Apply a thin layer directly to affected areas once or twice daily. Honey is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can calm redness and swelling effectively. 

Its natural sugars lock in moisture while promoting healing, making flare-ups less severe. 

Regular use strengthens the skin barrier and protects against irritation. Using honey consistently can improve skin texture and comfort, providing a simple, natural way to manage eczema symptoms without harsh chemicals.

Harsh soaps and detergents strip your skin of natural oils, making eczema worse by drying and irritating it. 

Ingredients like sulfates, fragrances, and alcohol can trigger flare-ups. Switching to mild, natural cleansers helps maintain the skin’s moisture and prevents itching. 

Even laundry detergents matter, so choose fragrance-free options for clothing and bedding. 

Gentle cleansing protects sensitive skin, reducing redness and inflammation while keeping the skin barrier strong. 

By avoiding harsh chemicals, you minimize triggers and support healing naturally. Simple swaps in soaps and detergents can make a huge difference in comfort and long-term eczema management.

Managing stress is a crucial, often overlooked way to prevent eczema flare-ups. Research highlighted in Annals of Dermatology shows that psychological stress, especially chronic stress from family, work, or unexpected events, can worsen atopic dermatitis, making symptoms like itching more intense. 

Dermatology Research and Practice explains that stress affects the skin’s immune system by altering both innate and adaptive responses, impacting how the skin defends itself and recovers from damage. 

Essentially, stress signals like cortisol and neuropeptides can trigger or amplify immune-mediated skin reactions, worsening eczema. 

The good news is that stress-reduction techniques have been shown to help. As reviewed in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, practices such as mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and even hypnotherapy can improve both skin symptoms and overall psychological well-being. 

By addressing stress alongside traditional treatments like moisturizers or topical therapies, patients can reduce flare-ups, break the itch-scratch cycle, and experience a noticeable improvement in their skin and quality of life.

Apple cider vinegar helps restore your skin’s natural pH, which often becomes unbalanced during eczema flare-ups. 

Applying it diluted with water can calm irritation and reduce redness while helping prevent future outbreaks. 

You can use it once daily as a gentle toner, but always test a small patch first to avoid burns or stinging. 

Regular use can strengthen your skin barrier, keeping it healthier and more resilient. It also supports a balanced microbiome, which is crucial for eczema-prone skin. 

Overall, this natural remedy promotes smoother, calmer skin when used carefully and consistently.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has been widely studied for its soothing effects on irritated skin, making it a popular natural option for managing eczema. 

Research, including reports in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, highlights that its antioxidants, like flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids, help calm inflammation by limiting overactive immune responses and protecting skin cells from free radical damage. 

Clinical trials support these benefits: a 2024 study found a herbal cream containing Calendula improved atopic dermatitis symptoms, while a 2026 trial showed that 1% Calendula extract in emollients enhanced skin hydration and accelerated barrier recovery. 

It has also been effective for infant diaper dermatitis and even radiation-induced skin irritation, showing its versatility in calming inflamed, dry, or sensitive skin. 

While Calendula may not cure eczema, it reduces redness, itching, and dryness, promoting faster healing. 

For safety, those allergic to daisies or ragweed should do a patch test first. Using high-quality, organic extracts ensures the best results while keeping skin gently nourished.

Shea butter deeply nourishes and soothes eczema-prone skin by locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier. 

Applying it after a shower helps reduce dryness and irritation, making itching less intense. 

Using it twice daily keeps skin soft, supple, and more elastic over time. Unrefined shea butter retains more vitamins and nutrients, offering extra healing benefits. 

Its natural anti-inflammatory properties calm redness, while consistent use improves skin texture and prevents flaking. 

People with sensitive skin find it gentle enough for daily use. Overall, shea butter restores comfort and helps eczema-affected skin look healthier and smoother.

Many eczema flare-ups are closely linked to certain foods, especially in young children. 

Research highlighted in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that over 60% of children evaluated for food-triggered atopic dermatitis showed a likely connection between their eczema and foods such as milk, eggs, and soy. 

Surprisingly, strict avoidance of these foods can sometimes increase the risk of immediate allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, emphasizing the need for careful management. 

Studies also suggest that the severity of eczema may be worsened by sensitivities to environmental allergens like dust mites and cat dander, with higher IgE levels correlating with more intense symptoms. 

To pinpoint dietary triggers, the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology recommends elimination diets, removing suspected foods for 4–6 weeks, followed by monitored food challenges to confirm any connection. 

Meanwhile, the Journal of Clinical Medicine notes that while food allergies may trigger flare-ups, eczema itself can predispose children to developing allergies, highlighting a complex interplay between skin health, immunity, and diet.

Dry air can be a major trigger for eczema flare-ups, especially during cold winters. Research highlighted in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology shows that low humidity weakens the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity to allergens. 

When the air is too dry, the skin loses moisture, becomes rough, and is more reactive, increasing the risk of atopic dermatitis flares. 

On the other hand, studies indicate that maintaining moderate indoor humidity can help protect the skin. 

For instance, using a humidifier to keep levels around 30–60% has been shown to improve hydration and reduce itchiness. 

The National Eczema Society recommends monitoring your home’s humidity and adjusting it seasonally, as both winter heating and air conditioning can dry out the air. 

While extremely high humidity isn’t ideal, a comfortable, balanced environment can support the skin barrier and help keep eczema flare-ups under control.

A gentle daily skin care routine protects eczema-prone skin and prevents flare-ups. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid stripping natural oils and irritating sensitive areas. 

Moisturize at least twice daily to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier. Avoid harsh scrubs, strong chemicals, and overly hot water, as these can trigger inflammation and worsen eczema. 

Natural, hypoallergenic products often soothe the skin without causing reactions. Consistency is key, daily care reduces redness, itching, and dryness over time. 

By following a simple, gentle routine, you keep skin healthy, comfortable, and less prone to uncomfortable eczema flare-ups.

Eczema is a common skin condition affecting 10% to 20% of children and 2% to 10% of adults worldwide. 

In the U.S., about 31 million people have some form of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent. 

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research shows that both genetics and the environment play key roles. 

Children with parents who have allergies are more likely to develop eczema, and specific gene mutations, like FLG, can weaken the skin barrier. 

Environmental triggers, such as air pollution, chemicals, or stress, can worsen the condition. 

Eczema is linked to an overactive immune response: a damaged skin barrier allows irritants and microbes to enter, prompting inflammation and intense itching. 

Immune molecules like IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 drive these reactions, creating the “itch-scratch cycle.” 

Although eczema isn’t contagious, infections can occur more easily. Understanding the interplay of genes, environment, and the immune system has led to targeted treatments that calm inflammation and restore the skin barrier.