Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, is safe to use on babies and children. It may help improve their symptoms, as well as moisturise their sensitive skin.
Although it’s not a cure-all, coconut oil may effectively reduce eczema symptoms by soothing skin, easing irritation, and reducing the risk of infection.
Eczema, often referred to as contact dermatitis, is a skin condition marked by redness, itching, and scaly patches that sometimes weep. It’s a chronic condition that may come and go over the course of many years. Its symptoms often start to occur in children under age 5, continuing to flare up and recede throughout adolescence and adulthood. There is no cure for eczema, but its symptoms can often be alleviated or controlled.
Coconut oil is extracted from harvested, mature coconuts. Around half of the fat content in coconut oil comes from lauric acid, a healthy form of saturated fat that’s also found in breast milk. Coconut oil has a myriad of health benefits when taken internally or used topically on the skin.
Supporters claim coconut oil provides various health benefits.
Healthy skin
Applying a coconut extract to human skin may enhance its protective barrier functions and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Some foods may help boost skin health. Eczema reduces the skin’s ability to become and remain hydrated. A study, reported in the International Journal of DermatologyTrusted Source, found that the topical application of virgin coconut oil improved hydration in the skin of children with eczema.
Reduces bacteria
The lauric acid in coconut oil helps reduce the presence of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin. This helps to eliminate the risk of infection caused by scratching itchy skin. According to an abstract reported in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, lauric acid has antimicrobial properties, making it effective at reducing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Lauric acid also makes coconut oil highly absorbable, increasing its moisturizing benefits.
Reduces inflammation and pain
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and it may also help to reduce the discomfort associated with eczema. An animal study, reported in Pharmaceutical BiologyTrusted Source, indicated that virgin coconut oil reduced fever, inflammation, and pain in rats with ear edema.
Reduces oxidative stress
A study reported in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic ResearchTrusted Source indicated that antioxidants may be beneficial in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. A separate study, reported in Food and FunctionTrusted Source, found that the antioxidant properties of virgin coconut oil helped reduce oxidative stress in rats.
How to use coconut oil for eczema
There are a few do’s and don’ts you should note before you begin using coconut oil for eczema.
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature. To make it easier to apply, put a little bit on your hands and rub them together. This will liquefy the oil, allowing you to spread it liberally onto your skin.
Apply coconut oil to your skin when it’s slightly damp at least twice daily. You can use coconut oil on skin that is currently exhibiting eczema symptoms, and also between outbreaks. This will help keep it moisturised and reduce the likelihood of inflammation.
If you’re applying coconut oil to eczema on your eyelids, use it very sparingly so it doesn’t get into your eyes. Try using a Q-tip for application. Coconut oil is not harmful to eyes.
Always put coconut oil on your skin overnight, for maximum absorption.
Coconut oil is a safe and effective natural treatment for eczema. It has antimicrobial properties, which make it effective at killing bacteria on skin. It’s also highly moisturising and may reduce inflammation as well as discomfort.