How To Use Coconut Oil For Eczema

Eczema – not a life threatening problem but a distressing and uncomfortable skin condition.

What Triggers Eczema?

Due to inheritance or weak immune system, your skin may produce less oil than it has to. This reduces the skin’s ability to lock the moisture.

With less moisture, the skin cells widen. The space between the cells provides access to bacteria and irritants. Thus eczema flares up…

Though there is no complete cure, by strengthening the skin and retaining the moisture, we can reduce the symptoms to a great extent.

Well, you can achieve this with the amazing properties of “Coconut Oil”.

How Does Coconut Oil Help with Eczema?

• The anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties in coconut oil reduce inflammation.
• It contains caprylic acid, capric acid and vitamin E and K which prevent itching, flaking and infection from spreading.
• By penetrating deep into the skin it locks the moisture in the cells and protects it from environmental and free radical damages.
• When consumed internally, the lauric acid is converted into monolaurin which acts as a shield against virus, bacteria, fungus and other micro-organisms.
• Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil is easy to break down for our body and use as energy. This helps to support the immune system.
• It contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) or medium-chain triglycerides (GCT) which restore the protective outer layers of the skin.

If you want to try it, Grab a Free jar of fair-trade Organic Coconut Oil from Thrive here.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Eczema?

1. Coconut Oil as Moisturizer

It can be used for eczema on hands, legs, neck and other affected areas. It moisturizes the skin and prevents the skin from drying out.

• Spread a thin layer of coconut oil on affected areas and leave it on till the skin absorbs it completely. Applying immediately after bath can provide better a soothing effect.
• Repeat 3 times daily.
• Alternatively, you can apply before going to bed and leave it overnight.

2. Coconut Oil Bath

This process helps to heal eczema in hard to reach places like back or buttocks.

Process 1:

• Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water.
• Add 1 cup of coconut oil to it and mix well.
• Soak and relax in it for an hour.
• After this, pat dry using a soft cloth or towel.

Process 2: With Oatmeal

• Grind 1/2 cup oatmeal into a fine powder.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Fill your bathtub with warm water and add both the ingredients in it.
• Soak in it for an hour.
• Pat dry with soft cloth or towel.

3. Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil

This process is safe and effective for toddlers and people with very sensitive skin.

• Take a jar and add 6 tablespoons coconut oil (liquid state), 2 tablespoons each of rosemary oil and vitamin E oil.
• Mix the ingredients well and cover the jar with a tight lid.
• Apply this lotion on affected areas 2 times a day.

4. Coconut Oil with Lavender Oil

• Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 2 drops of lavender oil.
• Apply it on affected areas and leave it on till the skin absorbs it completely.
• Repeat 2 times a day.

5. Anti-Itch Ointment

• Combine few drops of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of African shea butter.
• Apply a thin layer on eczema affected areas.
• Repeat 2 times a day.

6. Coconut Oil Body Scrub

This process will help to exfoliate the dead skin cells which coconut oil helps our skin to produce natural oils.

• Mix 1 part coconut oil and 2 parts sugar.
• Gently massage the mixture on affected areas.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat 3 times a week.
• Alternatively, you can use brown sugar.

7. Soothing Butter with Coconut Oil

• Using a double boiler, melt down2 tablespoons beeswax, 4 tablespoons jojoba oil.
• Once they are melted, add 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and stir until completely melted.
• Set the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons shea butter and let it melt.
• Stir well and remove from the flame.
• Pour the mixture into an airtight jar and stir in 2 drops of lavender oil.
• Apply a small amount of the mixture on affected areas and let it dry.
• Repeat 2 times a day.

8. Homemade Eczema Cream

This cream is safe and effective for toddlers as well.

• Using a double boiler, melt 1/4 cup each of coconut oil and shea butter.
• Once the oils meltdown, remove from the flame.
• Let the mixture cool down slightly.
• When the mixture is warm enough, add 15 drops lavender essential oil and 5 drops tea tree oil.
• Store this mixture in the refrigerator if your house is warm.
• Spread a small amount of it on affected areas 2 times daily.
• For extra benefits, add 1/2 tablespoon honey.

9. Body Butter with Coconut Oil

• Using a double boiler, gently warm 1/2 cup coconut oil.
• When it melts, remove from the heat.
• Allow it to cool slightly and add 20 drops each of lavender oil, cedarwood oil, frankincense oil.
• Stir well and pour into a small glass container and store out of direct sunlight.
• Apply a small amount of it on affected areas.
• Repeat 2 times daily.

10. Eczema Moisturizer

• Finely grind 1/4 cup of oats.
• Over very low heat, melt 3/4 cup coconut oil.
• Add few drops of rosemary oil and ground oats.
• Mix well and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Once the ingredients are combined well, remove from the heat and pour the mixture into a glass container.
• Set it aside to let the mixture harden.
• Apply the moisturizer on affected areas regularly.

11. Eczema Salve

This solution is safe for children and people with sensitive skin as well.

• Using a double boiler, add 3 tablespoons beeswax pellets and let it melt.
• Once it is melted, add 1/4 coconut oil, 1/2 cup avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of shea butter.
• Once all the oils are melted and incorporated well, remove from the flame.
• Pour into a jar and place in refrigerator to harden.
• Apply a small amount of the mixture on affected areas.
• Repeat the application daily.

12. Coconut Oil Mask

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of coconut oil, turmeric, and raw honey.
• Clean the affected areas with water and apply the mixture.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Pat the skin dry.
• Repeat 2 times a week.
• Alternatively, you can avoid turmeric or honey (anyone) if you are allergic to pollen or curcumin.

13. Coconut Oil Lotion Bars

• Using a double boiler, melt 1 ounce beeswax and 3 ounces each of coconut oil, shea butter.
• Once the oils melt completely, pour into the molds.
• Let it set aside to harden.
• Remove from the molds and store in a container or zip lock bag.
• Apply the lotion, right after having a bath.
• Repeat daily.

14. Coconut Oil for Eczema

Chemicals present in commercial soaps can be harsh and cause more damage to eczema affected areas. Below is the recipe for soap which is good for eczema.

• Using a double boiler, melt down 2 pounds of Melt and Pour Soap Base.
• Add 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil to it.
• After both the ingredients completely melt down, remove from the flame.
• Add essential oils and fresh herbs of your choice and stir well.
• Pour into molds and set it aside to harden.
• Remove from the molds and store in airtight container.
• For bathing, use this soap instead of chemical based ones.

15. Coconut oil for Eczema on Scalp

This process gives relief from dandruff, itching, flakes and other discomforts caused by eczema.

• Slightly warm 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Using your fingers, gently massage oil into the scalp.
• Leave at least for 1 hour or overnight.
• Use a mild shampoo to wash your hair.
• Repeat 3 times a week.

16. Treating Eczema in Infants

This daily process can be followed to treat eczema in infants.

• Add few drops of coconut oil to your baby’s bath.
• Pat dry and apply a thin layer of coconut oil on eczema affected areas.
• Leave it on and dress them in clean and loose fitted clothing.
• Repeat the application of coconut oil 2 – 3 times throughout the day.
• Make sure to apply before going to bed.

17. Coconut Oil in Diet

Consumption of coconut oil helps to strengthen the immune system.

Process 1:

• Consume 2-4 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.
• Or use coconut oil to prepare dishes.
• Or you can also add it while preparing smoothie or drinks.

Process 2: As Vinaigrette

• In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup liquid virgin coconut oil, 1/4 cup of your favorite vinegar, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, pepper as per your taste.
• Mix the ingredients well and use it as dressing for salads.
• You can use the remaining for future use. Make sure to warm it a bit before using.

Which type of Coconut Oil is Effective on Eczema?

Not every coconut oil is safe and effective. When you are looking out for the effective one, you should consider only virgin, unrefined, cold compressed and organic coconut oil.

Why…?

Refined coconut oil is prepared from dried coconut meat and during preparation various chemicals are used for extended shelf life.

Virgin coconut oil is prepared from fresh meat without any chemicals added.

So it has many nutritional benefits and safe than refined ones.

What if coconut oil application is leading to skin breakouts? Is it because of allergic reaction?

For most of the people, coconut oil is safe and doesn’t cause any irritation or breakouts.

But due to over-usage of steroid creams for a very long time, skin gets super sensitive. The skin breaks out due to the heat created by the application of coconut oil. This can happen even with other oils as well.

Stop topical application of coconut oil until your skin is no longer sensitive. To achieve this you have to stop using steroid creams as well.

The useful way of getting all those nutrients and benefits of coconut oil is to consume it.

Tips and Precautions:

• Perform a patch test before starting regular treatments.
• Avoid coconut oil if you are allergic to it.
• Consuming more amounts of coconut oil can lead to high blood pressure, an increase in cholesterol levels and blockage of arteries. So limit your consumption.
• Topical application of coconut oil is safe for pregnant and lactating mothers.
• Replace your commercial moisturizer, makeup remover, and lotions with coconut oil.
• Avoid scratching as it can worsen the infection.
• Avoid wearing tight or silk clothes which worsen the itchy feeling. Always opt for loose and smooth clothes which help the skin breathe properly.
• Avoid using harsh soaps and shampoos as they dry out your skin and worsen eczema.
• Avoid dishwashing, long showers, swimming and frequent hand washing.
• Eat a nutritional diet and take vitamin D3 supplements to boost your immunity.

Was this article helpful? Do you have any other remedy that works best for eczema? Write to use in the comments section below.

Quotation: homeremediesforlife.com