7 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Eczema to Fix that Itch

A great no-nonsense solution to soothing itchy skin and preventing eczema from spreading.

You’ve been told countless times by your doctor to not scratch those dry patches. Their warning is for good reason too. Scratching can increase risk of infection, further inflammation, and spread eczema over your body. But fighting the urge to scratch is easier said than done!

Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. You’ll commonly notice it by the red, dry patches of skin that it causes, and of course, that unbearable itch. Excessive scratching may lead to fluid leaking from skin or more serious infections. It commonly affects children, but is also seen in adults. It’s notorious for causing flareups even years after it clears up. That’s because eczema is incurable.

While coconut oil isn’t a direct cure for eczema, it’s an effective treatment that helps to ease the symptoms of eczema sufferers. It’s safe to use for children, and doesn’t come with the side effects that over-the-counter treatments have. Soothing that itch can go a long way in lessening symptoms and aiding in recovery.

Health benefits of coconut oil for eczema

Over-the-counter treatments for eczema are often effective for quickly reducing inflammation and itchiness. They’re your first resource when you visit a doctor about your skin condition. However, they shouldn’t be used longer or in higher doses than recommended. They also can’t be applied on certain body parts such as your eyes. That means that  hydrocortisone and other steroids may only provide temporary relief. They can negatively interact with other medications, and may not work for every person.

On the other hand, coconut oil has natural properties that help nourish skin. They help target the root of the problem that caused the eczema flareup in the first place. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, and moisturizing benefits of coconut oil make it safer to use for eczema in the longterm.

1. Coconut oil is antimicrobial

Coconut oil is packed with antimicrobial lauric acid. Most forms of eczema lead to dry flakey skin that’s easily weakened by scratching. This increases the opportunity for open sores and the risk for infection by harmful fungi and bacteria. Coconut oil helps ward off these invaders from your skin.

2. Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory

Eczema is thought to be caused by inflammation, when your body has an overactive response to an irritant. That’s why you might notice your eczema flaring up, even after the symptoms have quelled down. Virgin coconut oil has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory for skin.

3. It’s moisturizing

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that are necessary for healthy skin barrier function. This ensures that your skin isn’t overly dry or oily, and is at a healthy balance. It helps to soothe dry patches caused by eczema. By moisturizing and helping to strengthen skin, it’s been able to treat children with eczema.

How to use coconut oil for eczema

Like with any new treatment and product, be sure to first talk to your doctor before attempting to treat eczema.  Don’t use coconut oil if you’re allergic to coconuts, or have reacted negatively to it.

Next, what type of coconut oil should you be looking for? For best results, we recommend using a high quality organic coconut oil that’s free of synthetic chemical ingredients like preservatives and pesticides. For example, an extra virgin coconut oil. That means it’s extracted from coconuts without using excessive heat or chemical solvents. This form of coconut oil is usually cold-pressed, and retains the highest amount of nutrients.

Finally, if you aren’t already using coconut oil as a cleanser, always wash your face or skin first. You want to avoid trapping any dirt or excess bacteria into your skin, especially if your skin is broken from scratching.

1. Cleanse
   

   Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil makes a wonderful cleanser that’s gentle and soothing. Try it as a makeup remover by massaging a quarter-sized amount of virgin coconut oil on your face. Feel free to use it around your eyes (did you know that coconut oil is beneficial for eyelash growth too?).

   You can also try a ready-to-use Coconut Oil Moisturize Cleansing Milk to cleanse your face. You can use it safely twice a day without further irritating your eczema.

2. Moisturize

   The fatty acids in coconut oil make it highly moisturizing. Simply rub a handful of coconut oil into dry patches of skin to lessen flaking and other eczema symptoms. It’s safe to use all over the body (it’s been shown to be as safe as mineral oil), which is wonderfully convenient, particularly for kids.

   For a more luxe treatment, you can apply the Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm over skin (and even blend it with mineral powder to create a soothing foundation!).

3. Soothe eczema

   Rub a small amount of coconut oil into the spot that’s bothering you. It’ll quell the itch for a while, and also help disinfect if you accidentally scratched it. Coconut oil also makes a great carrier oil! Feel free to add it to a small roll-on applicator, and mix in a few drops of an essential oil of your choice.

   Prefer less hassle? Keep a Coconut Water Hydro-Mist with you for convenient on-the-go soothing, and use several times a day.

4. Coconut oil mask

   Struggling with eczema on your face? It can do a real number on your self esteem. It might be useful to try a more intensive treatment, such as a Coconut Charcoal Face Mask that contains coconut oil and turmeric for immediate results.

   When used as a mask, coconut oil can penetrate your skin more deeply, soothing itchy spots and calming inflammation. The turmeric helps to lessen redness and irritation. Just leave it on for 5-7 minutes, rinse off with warm water, and follow with a natural moisturizer.

5. Coconut oil body wash

   Who says you can’t enjoy the battle against eczema in a state of luxury? If you’re worried about eczema spreading over your body, or simply need a de-stress session, treat yourself to a coconut oil bath. Add 1/4 cup of coconut oil to a warm bath (hot water can trigger even more flareups).

   Prefer a shower instead? A luxe Lavender Coconut Oil Body Wash can do the trick. Lavender oil is known to relieve stress and calm skin too. Prefer a bar soap? Try a Shea Butter and Oatmeal Coconut Oil Bar Soap to deeply soothe and soften skin.

6. Hair mask

   People with eczema can suffer from scalp problems too. Constant scratching is especially an nightmare when it literally causes your hair to fall out! Try your own hair mask at home with just one ingredient. Apply coconut oil onto your scalp generously, and thoroughly massage it into every corner. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head with a towel to allow the coconut oil to deeply penetrate your skin. Rinse after 15 minutes.

   St. Tropica also offers a Coconut Oil Hair Mask with organic virgin coconut oil to repair damage and promote hair growth. Simply heat it up in a microwave for 20 seconds, massage into scalp, and leave on for at least 20 minutes (St. Tropica even suggests leaving it on overnight! Just wear a shower cap).

7. Coconut oil mascara

   If you’re fighting eczema on your scalp, unfortunately that means the flakes can easily fall onto your eyes and lashes. That means it’s your job to find eye makeup that won’t further irritate your eyes, and help prevent the spread of eczema to your eyelash follicles. Apply an Organic Coconut Oil Mascara to help keep your lashes lush and fresh, while keeping eczema at bay.

   Coconut oil is safe to use around the eyes. Did you know that you can even use coconut oil to condition your eyelashes too?

Given that eczema is commonly a long term skin condition with bothersome symptoms, a natural remedy like coconut oil may be effective in making the condition less of a struggle. Just make sure to always follow your doctor’s recommendations, and stop use if you begin to see bad side effects. Let us know how coconut oil worked out for you!

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