Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, according to the NHS. It most often appears in children before their first birthday, but could also develop in later life. Symptoms vary between small patches of dry skin, and large areas of red and inflammation skin all over the body. You could relieve your eczema symptoms by regularly using coconut oil, it’s been claimed.
Coconut oil is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, according to the National Eczema Association.
The moisturiser contains lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that helps to get rid of bacteria, viruses and other infections.
“Many health websites tout coconut oil as a miracle product that can do anything from soothing dry, cracked skin and hair to whitening our teeth and freshening our breath,” it said. “And there’s some truth behind the hype.
“Lauric acid is used to develop monolaurin, which is an antimicrobial agent that can fight bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and other pathogens.
“In other words, when you hear people talk about coconut oil having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to eczema, they are correct.”
You could also reduce your eczema symptoms by using sunflower oil as a moisturiser, it added.
Sunflower oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory that works to reduce itchiness and rehydrate skin.
Use the oil twice a day, and apply it directly to the skin, said the charity. The best time to use moisturiser is straight after getting out of the shower.
Similarly, jojoba oil works equally as well as both coconut and sunflower oil, revealed nutritionist Yuri Elkaim.
Jojoba oil is a liquid plant wax that acts in a similar way to sebum – the skin’s natural moisturiser.
“Jojoba is not actually an oil but a liquid wax that penetrates the skin cells very deeply and has a similar structure to sebum,” said the nutritionist.
“For the best results clean and dry your hands and then gently massage the jojoba oil into the affected areas.”
If you’re struggling to find any of these moisturisers around your home, you could also try using honey to relieve eczema symptoms.
Honey lubricating creams or ointments can help to reduce the itchy signs of eczema, it’s been claimed.
If you’re struggling to find any effective treatments for eczema, speak to a pharmacist for the best advice on over-the-counter medication.
But, keeping nails short and wearing light clothing over affected areas could help to reduce damage from habitual scratching.
Speak to a doctor if your eczema symptoms won’t go away. They may prescribe you a corticosteroid cream.