The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Do Nothing
Posted by Wade (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/24/2008
★★★★★
I suffered from eczema my entire life - I head it all over my arms and legs as a kid, and continued to suffer from it on my legs (behind my knees), my arms, and hands. After trying countless prescriptions, lotions, oils, etc., I finally found my cure - do nothing. I found that by putting these ointments and lotions on my skin, even though it was dry, it makes my skin itchier and weakens the skin for when you scratch - and by the way, I could control my self and not scratch during the day, but my itching was so bad that I would scratch unconsciously at night - very very aggravating). So do nothing - and ever since I stopped using any lotions or ointments, my eczema is gone on my legs and arms. My hand unfortunately, I still have to watch because doing dishes, working on cars, etc. is much more demanding on my dry skin - so every so often I have to work on that. Yes my skin is still dry - so sorry ladies if you demand having soft smooth skin, cause that I don't know how to fix. I got the idea from my friend in med school, who pointed out that people's lips who use chapstick actually will produce less oil because of the artificial oils coming from chapstick. Same with my skin - the skin will balance oils, etc. once you stop putting stuff on there. Some of my boys also have my skin - and we've instituted the same policy - no lotions, just let the skin adjust. It takes months some times, but it is the best option I've found for the long term.
Iodoral Tablets
Posted by Debbie (Philadelphia, PA) on 04/23/2008
★★★★★
Hi there, I've suffered from mild to severe eczema for decades. Lately, it has gotten worse with my hands openly bleeding. A month ago, I started taking Iodoral tablets (iodine-potassium) because i was told it's good for my hypothyroid condition. But a surprising thing happened! My hands got a lot better within days! I don't know if it's the iodoral for sure, but that was the only new thing I introduced into my body then. Anyway, I hope this helps someone.
Borax
Posted by Middlebunny (Jersey City, NJ, USA) on 03/23/2008
★★★★★
I have had eczema occasionally for years. I'm not sure of the cause. My dermatologist used to prescribe elocon cream; however, this is no longer on the rx formulary for my health plan and too expensive to purchase without insurance. I began putting 1/4 teaspoon of borax (laundry soap) in 1 liter of water and drinking this while at work. I'm not a water drinker so I rarely finish the whole bottle and don't do it consistently (4 days on and 3 days off) as Ted recommended. Despite this, the eczema seems to be improving substantially. It is no longer itchy and seems to be fading away after about 6 weeks.
Vitamin B-Complex
Posted by Lisa (Lawton, OK) on 12/01/2007
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with eczema many years ago. The Dr. prescribed some medication, but I didn't want to take it because I was pregnant at the time. Tried Vitamin B-Complex after reading about the benefits. I took 1 in the morning and 1 at night and the eczema started to clear up after about 3 weeks. I then started taking just 1 pill a day and if I get lazy and don't take it for several days, I start feeling the "itch" starting. This might help Jordan with the "itchy bumps". I hope so. I'm somewhat of a petite person; I don't know if body weight would affect the amount of B-complex needed to see possible improvement.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eva (Fairfax, CA) on 11/13/2007
★★★★★
I stopped eating corn products and my eczema cleared up and hasn't really come back unless i eat nuts, especially walnuts.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Ryan (Chicago, Illinois) on 10/03/2007
★★★★★
I have had EXCELLENT success with ACV (2tbs) and Baking Soda (1/4 tsp or so) in a glass of water three times per day especially upon waking. I also mix a small thermos with another two doses and sip it during the afternoon. I definitely find it energizing and the psoriasis/eczema (whatever it is -- apples/oranges) I've had on my elbows ever since an extended fast is clearing up PRONTO. I'm very excited. I think I'll be a lifelong devotee. Ted -- you're awesome. I'm also taking a bit of borax occasionally and experimenting with the sodium thiowhateveritis. Best of luck to everyone.
Honey
Posted by seagull (Atlanta, GA) on 07/03/2007
★★★★★
i read the suggestion of using honey for eczema - i mixed honey with some vaseline for easier spreadability and then put on cotton gloves - altho it took several days - it worked!! the palms of my hands are almost clear now - were really bad. great idea - tx so much!!
Turmeric
Posted by SuSu (Sacramento, CA) on 02/03/2007
★★★★★
After taking turmeric, 1/4 heaping tsp, and then stopping, I realized that the eczema on my palms had disappeared and then returned when I quit taking the turmeric. I resumed and it's been gone ever since.
Alum
Posted by Josh (Elk Ridge, UT) on 01/12/2007
★★★★★
A friend of mine gave me the potassium alum stone with his story of severe eczema in Thailand. The generous people there gave him this stone to try and it cured his eczema. I've been using it as deodorant and it works very well; no chemicals or additives. I think you can get the stones at a health food store (or do a google search for them).
Get a clean spray bottle and break up about 1-2 Tablespoon size chunks of alum. Put this in about 1 cup of water and then fill your spray bottle with it. I spray a few sprays on my hair and massage it in my scalp. Some under arms for deodorant and then I give a few sprays all over my limbs and body, rubbing it into my skin. It has a weird texture; it seems to sink into your skin quickly - that's why the spray works so well. I'm thinking of trying an application in the evening as well and maybe by then I'll have more of a cure. Experimenting with the frequency... Let me know how this works for you. I used to have bad eczema in my hair that would flake all over; very embarrassing. I cured it by soaking my head with straight ACV and covering that with a shower cap overnight, but I don't like smelling like a pickle throughout the day. :) Now, the potassium alum has prevented it without the smell. Good luck to all, and hopefully we can cure our debilitating eczema.
Table Salt
Posted by Celene (West Springfield, MA) on 11/18/2006
★★★★★
I tried using a teaspoon of table salt, mixed with a little warm water to form a paste. I applied it to the side of my nose (where the crease is) because i have a very itchy patch of skin there that I can't seem to stop scratching! Putting salt on itchy skin works! It breaks the scratch/itch cycle, but eating garlic everyday will help also!
Avoid Garlic
Posted by Robyn M. (Adelaide, South Australia) on 05/11/2022
★★★★★
Suffering from Eczema - STOP eating Garlic
Try this it worked for my son (who has had eczema for 15 years) and myself (I have had eczema for 40 years) - stop eating GARLIC. We have spent thousands of dollars on cures to no avail. Check food labels for garlic, takeway foods etc. It took us about four weeks before we noticed a difference. Now if I do happen to have garlic, my hands flair a little but soon goes away. I so hope this helps.
Boric Acid for Ear Eczema
Posted by Catherine (MO) on 03/17/2021
★★★★☆
For ear eczema:
I have had luck with a liquid solution of boric acid. I add powder to a small bottle of distilled water. It provides almost immediate relief and if used regularly, keeps things clear. It does not eliminate it, it always comes back, but has worked better than the many remedies I have tried.
Vitamin D, Eliminate Dairy
Posted by Missm (New York) on 07/31/2020
I also had issue with dairy, and had scalp and eye issues. Look up demodex mites, and also malassezia yeast.
Eliminating dairy and oils on skin can clear these issues up.
Kefir + Colostrum
Posted by Jennifer (United States) on 09/13/2019
★★★★★
Milk kefir and bovine colostrum both cure eczema. They are gut healers. My husband had eczema, and we finally found a cure. It's cheaper and better to make your own milk kefir. I found a facebook group offering free milk grains to make your own kefir, you just have to pay the shipping. Since kefir grains multiply, you can share them with others who need help. It's simple to make as well, and you can flavor it any way you like. We like to add a little sugar, frozen grated lemon, and strawberries to ours. Also, for the skin, if he broke out we would use first the dmso, then colloidal silver and aloe vera gel. You can skip the colloidal silver if you don't make your own; because otherwise it's too expensive to purchase. These seem to stop the itching.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mch (Sd) on 12/29/2018
Thank you for the suggestion. I've wondered about gluten before, but haven't yet eliminated those three. I'm more than willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for taking time to post.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Deirdre (LA) on 09/05/2018
★★☆☆☆
Last summer, 2017, I started to get eczema on the top of one foot which seems to be caused by any shoe material. It was quite minor, just a few itchy spots here and there. However, this summer has been particularly brutal with itching and the spots keep appearing in different areas on my foot, depending on which sandal I wear. Hot weather and any sugar consumption definitely make it worse.
I have tried almost all the remedies on Earth Clinic's eczema section one at a time this summer to no avail. These remedies include topical borax paste, topical magnesium, Art's indigo powder in cetaphil remedy, lugol's iodine, baking soda paste, sea salt poultice, Himalayan salt poultice, topical apple cider vinegar, and finally essential oils like lavender, tea tree oil and mint. Most of those remedies soothe the area but nothing gets rid of it. Also to note: any remedy mixed in a cream lotion or oil like coconut oil makes the rash itch fiercely and spread.
The best remedy so far has been holding a qtip dipped in lugol's iodine on each itchy spot for about a minute as it takes away the fierce itch for about 12 hours. However, it also stains my foot and takes a couple of days to disappear. I am going to switch to decolorized iodine and try that next.
I was wondering if anyone had additional suggestions of remedies I can test.
Art, I am on day 2 of Pine Bark Extract supplements. That is the first supplement I am trying internally to treat this condition.
Thanks so much for any and all advice! D
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cathy (San Jose) on 09/06/2018
There is an outstanding product line called Forces of Nature and they carry a product for Eczema. Worth a try ...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by KT (Usa) on 10/26/2018
Cod Liver and Evening Primrose Oils
Posted by Healed37 (San Diego ) on 12/18/2017
Mine doesn't recommend with food so I don't take with food & have been fine.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 06/17/2017
Dear Hb,
I am so sorry to hear about your baby's eczema!
I would take her off strawberries for a while, especially if they are not organic.
If it would be possible for you to make goat milk kefir fresh, that is the first thing I would be trying. If not, some high quality plain yogurt (maybe with some of the fruits you give her.) I think Fage is a good one.
Topically for relief, if you could find a plantain or calendula salve at your health food store it may provide some relief. It isn't hard to make and I can walk you through how to do that if you think you would want to make your own.
I would also try some baths with baking soda or Epsom salt or raw organic apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup if a tub of warm water.
Did the eczema begin when you began the formula? Have you tried any other types? What does the pediatrician think is the cause?
I hope you find relief for her soon!
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rachel (Chicago) on 06/19/2017
I thought of two more things to help after making my last comment. One is -- you are giving her formula. Are you using tap water, or fluoridated water to make her formula? Because both of those have fluoride, and tap water also has chlorine -- and fluoride and chlorine cause eczema, because the body is trying to detox these toxins through the skin. I take gallon containers to my local grocery or health food store and refill them with water that has been filtered, run through reverse osmosis, and treated with ultraviolet light. When I move to a new area, I try all the sources of this kind of refillable water -- to find which location has the best tasting water. I would use this kind of water to make baby's formula with.
Secondly, I would give her organic coconut oil -- probably in her formula. I read Adelle Davis' book called Let's Eat Right To Keep Fit, and in it she writes of a baby that had eczema, and she fed the baby vegetable oil, because he had been on a low fat diet. The baby was ravenous for the vegetable oil, and it healed his eczema. I'd put coconut oil in baby's formula, because it is the BEST vegetable oil of all, and also kills viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi! As for how much coconut oil to give a person, I just follow my instincts, although you might want to online search on that as well. It's been a long time since my kids were babies.
Hair Dye
Posted by Mapu (Hawaii) on 04/10/2017
Pls research the dangers of Hair Dyes. Also research Henna powder for a safer. Mountain Rose Herbs carry good quality Henna.
Emu Oil
Posted by Lam (Florida) on 01/08/2016
★★★★★
I've been going out of my mind tonight with several large patches of what look like eczema on my face. They've been itching like crazy. When I read about Emu Oil for Eczema at Earth Clinic, I remembered that I had a bottle of emu oil. Almost instantly after applying it, the itch stopped. INCREDIBLE!!!
