Coconut Oil for Eczema: Does It Work?

Coconut oil may help skin prone to eczema by boosting hydration, lowering inflammation, and relieving discomfort.

Coconut oil may successfully lessen eczema symptoms by calming skin, reducing inflammation, and lowering the chance of infection—though it's not a panacea.

Eczema, often known as contact dermatitis, is a skin ailment characterised by scaly, red, and occasionally weeping patches. It's a chronic illness that might flare up and disappear over many years. Children under the age of five are frequently the first to experience its symptoms, which then worsen and then go away throughout puberty and maturity. Eczema cannot be cured, although its symptoms can frequently be managed or lessened.

Mature coconuts that have been harvested are used to make coconut oil. Lauric acid, a beneficial type of saturated fat present in breast milk, accounts for almost half of the fat in coconut oil. When applied topically to the skin or eaten internally, coconut oil offers a host of health advantages.

Benefits of coconut oil for eczema

Hydrates

The skin's capacity to become and stay moisturised is diminished by eczema. According to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, children with eczema had better skin hydration when virgin coconut oil was applied topically.

Reduces bacteria

Coconut oil's lauric acid aids in lowering the amount of germs, fungi, and viruses that are present on the skin. By doing this, the chance of infection from scratching itchy skin is reduced. Lauric acid is useful in decreasing bacteria, fungi, and viruses because of its antibacterial qualities, as per an abstract published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. Additionally, the high absorbency of coconut oil due to lauric acid enhances its moisturising properties.

Reduces inflammation and pain

Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, coconut oil may also aid in lessening eczema-related discomfort. According to an animal study published in Pharmaceutical Biology, virgin coconut oil helped rats with ear edoema feel less pain, inflammatory response, and fever.

Reduces oxidative stress

Antioxidants may help treat atopic dermatitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Rats' oxidative stress was lessened by virgin coconut oil's antioxidant qualities, according to a different study that was published in Food and Function.

How to use coconut oil for eczema

Before you start using coconut oil for eczema, there are a few things you should know about the dos and don'ts.

First off, when you start using your present medical treatment, don't quit it. Inform your physician that you want to include coconut oil in your regimen and get their advice on the best course of action.

Applying coconut oil to your skin is not advised if you have a coconut allergy. Some individuals with allergies to hazelnuts or walnuts also have coconut allergies. We call this cross-reactivity.

When you're ready to give it a try, pick an organic, premium coconut oil that is labelled as virgin or cold pressed. This guarantees that no chemicals that can irritate your skin were used in the extraction of the coconut oil you apply to your face. This kind of oil was employed in the majority of research investigations that looked at coconut oil and its possible health advantages. Coconut oil is generally accessible and is carried by most supermarkets. It is also available online and in organic food stores.

 

Solid at normal temperature is coconut oil. Apply a small amount on your hands and rub them together to facilitate application. This will melt the oil so you may apply it thickly on your skin.

At least twice a day, apply coconut oil to your skin when it's somewhat damp. Coconut oil can be used on skin that is eczema-symptomatic right now as well as in between flare-ups. This will lessen the chance of inflammation and help keep it moisturised.

Use coconut oil sparingly to prevent it from getting into your eyes if you have eczema on your eyelids. A Q-tip might be useful for application. The eyes are not harmed by coconut oil. It might be advantageous. It does, however, coat your eyes, making vision blurry. Therefore, only use it right before bed.

For optimal absorption, apply coconut oil to your skin overnight.

Risks and complications

Coconut oil is usually regarded as safe to use. Before using this or any other at-home medication for your ailment, you should consult your doctor.

FAQs

Does coconut oil help with eczema?

Lauric acid, a good fatty acid found in breast milk, is abundant in coconut oil. Lauric acid is a component of several natural treatments for various medical conditions, including eczema. Although it cannot treat eczema, coconut oil can calm the skin, lessen itching and irritation, and minimise the chance of infection.

Can eczema eat coconut?

It is therefore dangerous to advise coconut to this population because it can exacerbate their eczema symptoms, including increased itching, bleeding, and infections. Don't eat coconut until salicylate sensitivity has been confirmed and ruled out.

The takeaway

An excellent and secure natural remedy for eczema is coconut oil. Because of its antibacterial qualities, it effectively eradicates microorganisms from the skin. It may help lessen soreness and inflammation and is incredibly moisturising.