Aloe Vera For Eczema: 5 Recipes That Actually Work

November 26, 2022

Having the urge to constantly scratch your skin is not only irritating but also distracting to the people around you.

Itchy skin could be a symptom of several things – eczema, psoriasis, or xerosis to mention a few. But eczema is one of the most common skin conditions that people suffer from these days.

Luckily, it’s symptoms can be alleviated by using at-home regimens like aloe vera. Aloe can help soothe skin that has been inflamed, reddened, and irritated by eczema.

In this post, we are going to discuss how you can use aloe vera for eczema to lessen its symptoms. We will also list a few ingredients you can combine with aloe vera to make it even more effective on your skin.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a condition that makes parts of your skin to become itchy, red, inflamed, flaked, and rough. The affected area may appear thickened and dry too.

Sometimes, the itching from eczema will begin before the rash develops. The parts that will be most affected are the face, hands, wrists, back of the knees, or the feet.

Eczema affects about 15% to 20% of children and 5% of adults in the US. In people with fair skin, the affected area will appear reddish-brown. In darker-skinned people, eczema will cause overproduction or underproduction of melanin, making the affected parts darker or lighter.

What Causes Eczema?

So far, there hasn’t been a study that satisfactorily shows what exactly causes eczema. However, some experts argue that the condition occurs when the immune system overreacts to an irritant in the body. This defense mechanism is what allegedly causes eczema symptoms.

Also, eczema is prevalent in people who have a history of psoriasis and other allergies and skin conditions. Besides, a defective skin barrier could let moisture out and irritants in, and this could result in eczema.

Make Sure You Are Actually Dealing With Eczema

Red, itchy skin doesn’t always mean you have eczema. Sometimes, these symptoms could be from psoriasis, another skin condition that causes inflammation, flaking, and itching.

One way to tell the difference between the two is; eczema is damp while psoriasis is dry. Eczema can have fluid leaking from the inflamed skin cells, resulting in red, moist skin.

But the only way to be completely certain is to see a dermatologist. Never start using aloe for eczema or any other home remedy for skin conditions without knowing for sure what you are dealing with.

Related: Aloe Vera For Dandruff

Why You Should Try Aloe Vera For Eczema

One of the benefits of aloe vera gel is healing skin conditions. This is because, aloe vera gel has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly useful in treating skin issues like eczema. Inflamed, broken skin has a higher risk of becoming a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

Aloe vera has been shown to contain polysaccharides too, that aid in stimulating skin healing and growth. It is also rich in antioxidants that have immune-boosting properties.

The gel of aloe vera has shown impressive results in treating acne, burns, dandruff, cold sores, rashes, frostbite, psoriasis, sunburn, and razor burns. The symptoms of eczema are similar to those produced by these conditions. It’s no wonder aloe vera is believed to be an effective treatment option for eczema too.

Related: Aloe Vera For Acne Scars

How Aloe Vera Helps Eczema

Experts recommend aloe for eczema for several reasons. Read on!

Keeps The Skin Hydrated

Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer. It increases the water content in your skin, keeping it hydrated and vibrant.

The ability of aloe vera gel to lock in water in the epidermis is attributed to the gel’s high sugar content that acts as a humectant. Hence, it can attract and hold water in the skin. When your skin has more water content, the ‘stiff’ feeling of eczema is reduced.

Minimizes Infections

Infections can aggravate eczema, so reducing them can go a long way in reducing the overall symptoms of eczema too. This is especially true in children whose skin is more vulnerable to getting itchy and mucky and whose immune system is still developing.

Experts suggest that aloe vera can hinder the growth of candida albican and streptococcus bacteria, strains that cause most infections in humans.

Soothes Itchy Skin

The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera are extremely effective in calming scratchy skin. Using aloe for eczema can help soothe the skin and reduce itching.

Increases The Effectiveness Of Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is one of the most commonly used treatments for eczema. Aloe vera has been found to enhance the absorption of this cream into the skin. This suggests that using aloe vera in conjunction with the prescribed medication for eczema can be more beneficial than using the medication alone.

Even though more research is required to verify this finding, hydrocortisone/aloe vera creams are already available in some drugstores.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Eczema

You can aloe vera on its own or mix it with a few ingredients to treat eczema. If you have an aloe plant at home, just pluck a few leaves and make aloe vera gel at home. Alternatively, just head to your local drugstore and get bottled aloe gel.

To use aloe for eczema, the first thing you need to do is clean the area with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. This will unclog the skin pores and allow the skin to absorb as much aloe vera gel as possible.

Once the area is clean, pat it dry and spread the gel over it evenly. Keep in mind that aloe vera gel can feel gummy at first. Wait for it to dry before putting on clothes.

You can apply aloe vera again during the day for relief. Experts recommend reapplying twice a day. Your doctor, however, may recommend more applications depending on the severity of your condition.

Related: How To Make Aloe Vera Gel

5 Incredible Aloe Vera Recipes For Eczema

1. Aloe Vera And Coconut Oil

There is a reason why aloe vera and coconut oil are major ingredients in skincare products these days – they both have healing properties and can work miracles on your skin. A combination of these two ingredients will leave your skin hydrated and moisturized.

Method

Put one-third cup of aloe gel and a half cup of coconut oil in a clean bowl.
Mix gently until there are no lumps.
Transfer the mixture to a lockable container and store it in the refrigerator. This will give your burning skin the cooling effect it needs.
Put a few drops of the paste in your hands and spread it over the affected areas. You can use a clean piece of cloth, cotton balls, or just your fingertips.

2. Aloe Vera Gel And Turmeric

Turmeric has incredible anti-inflammatory effects. Combined with aloe, which has similar properties, it may help treat eczema.

Method

Put 1 tablespoon of aloe gel and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a clean bowl.
Mix thoroughly to obtain a smooth paste.
Apply the mixture to the affected areas and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then rinse off with clean, lukewarm water.
Apply two times a week for about 6 to 7 weeks.

3. Aloe Vera And Olive Oil

Olive oil is an amazing ingredient when it comes to dealing with dry, inflamed, flaky skin. It has therapeutic benefits that can help eczema as well. Using a combination of olive oil and aloe for eczema is one of the surest ways to alleviate the conditions’ symptoms and keep your skin hydrated.

Method

Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe gel with 4 drops of olive oil in a clean bowl.
Stir to obtain a thick, smooth paste.
Apply gently on the affected parts of your skin once, daily.

4. Aloe Vera And Honey

Honey is excellent in reducing inflammation. It has great antifungal and antibacterial properties too. Aloe vera/honey combo can help soothe redness, itchiness, and dryness resulting from eczema. It can also help reduce the bacteria and fungi causing infections on your skin.

Method

Put 1 tablespoon of aloe gel and 1 teaspoon of raw honey in a clean bowl.
Mix the ingredients to form a thick mask.
Spread evenly over the affected areas and wait for about 20 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Repeat once a week.

5. Aloe Vera And Green Tea

Green tea is jam-packed with antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it perfect for soothing and cooling inflamed skin. Aloe vera and green tea form an anti-inflammatory powerhouse that calms skin redness and irritation caused by eczema.

Method

Put 1 tablespoon of aloe gel and 1 teaspoon of green tea in a bowl.
Mix to obtain a workable paste. If the mixture gets too thick, add some water.
Wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and warm water and pat it dry.
Spread the paste gently over it and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Repeat once a week.

Related: Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire

The Side Effects Of Using Aloe Vera For Eczema

Aloe vera is safe when used topically, but it can cause mild allergic reactions like itching and burning in some people. Before you use aloe vera for eczema, therefore, apply the gel to a small healthy section of your skin and wait for a few hours to see if there will be any allergic reactions. If you don’t experience any itching, reddening, or burning, you can proceed to use it on the affected areas.

Stop applying and see a dermatologist if you think aloe vera is infecting your eczema. If you notice pus, increased inflammation, increased redness, or pain, or if your skin feels hot to touch after using aloe vera, your eczema is infected and you should seek medical assistance immediately.

Aloe vera is safe to use on children, but it is always wise to consult your pediatrician before any application, just in case. Also, if you are planning to ingest aloe vera, talk to your doctor first. Oral administration of aloe is meant for gastrointestinal conditions, not eczema. Never give aloe vera juice or any oral form of aloe vera to children.

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FAQs

Q: Can Aloe Vera Make Eczema Worse?

Yes, aloe vera can make eczema worse, but this is a very rare occurrence and only happens in people who are allergic to aloe vera. If your skin is allergic to onion, garlic, or tulips, chances are it is allergic to aloe vera too and you should not use aloe vera for eczema.

Before applying aloe on the affected skin, do a patch test on a small, healthy part of your skin to see if it reacts to aloe vera. If you notice inflammation or burning, do not use aloe on your eczema, as it could probably make it worse.

Q: Can Aloe Irritate Skin?

Quite the opposite. Aloe vera helps reduce skin irritation. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm burning and irritation. Aloe vera will only irritate if your skin is allergic to it.

Q: What Is The Best Treatment For Eczema?

Creams, foams, ointments, and solutions made with hydrocortisone are the best treatment for eczema. They quickly reduce the inflammation and itching caused by this condition. Your doctor will prescribe different strengths of these treatments based on the severity of your rash. For thick, scaly skin, for instance, you may be required to take a more potent treatment.

Related: Aloe Vera For Rash

Q: What Is The Best Home Remedy For Eczema?

Aloe vera and coconut oil are the best home remedies for eczema. They moisturize dry, flaky skin, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that cause infection. Other ingredients that have been found to manage the symptoms of eczema include, olive oil, green tea, turmeric, and honey.

Globo Surf Overview

Eczema is a common skin condition and can affect people of all ages. It causes burning, scaling, and itching of the skin, and other symptoms that can make you quite uncomfortable.

But aloe vera has been found to provide the best relief from eczema symptoms. The plant has excellent inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects that help relax inflamed skin and keep infection-causing fungi and bacteria at bay.

You can use aloe vera as is or mix it with other ingredients like coconut oil, green tea, olive oil, honey, or turmeric to treat eczema. But before putting any of this stuff on your skin, do a spot test to make sure there will be no allergic reactions. If your eczema worsens after using aloe vera, stop using right away, and seek medical assistance.

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Eczema