While not a panacea, many individuals with eczema find that coconut oil soothes the skin and relieves symptoms like dryness and itching. This skin condition can manifest itself as patches of dry, itchy, scaly skin.
The purpose of coconut oil treatment for eczema is to keep the skin hydrated. In fact, coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. Some medications can irritate sensitive skin. This prompts many people to seek natural remedies like coconut oil. Here's how you can use coconut oil properly for eczema, while avoiding the possible risks.
Coconut oil, eczema: Why use it to treat yourself?
Coconut oil is rich in :
- lauric acid,
- a beneficial fatty acid that is also available in breast milk.
Lauric acid is known as a natural remedy for many health problems including eczema. Although this oil cannot cure eczema, it can soothe the skin. It can reduce irritationirritation, the itching and the risk of infection.
Eczema is a disease that reduces the skin's ability to retain moisture. Results from a randomized double-blind clinical trial indicate that the application of l’huile de noix de coco vierge sur la peau for 8 weeks improves lskin hydration in children with eczema.
According to the findings of a 2018 study, l’huile de coco would also have properties anti-inflammatory properties and would help to protect the skin and fight against eczema.
Similarly, a 2013 study suggests that antioxidants contained in coconut oil help to treat skin conditions. The authors of a scientific review also observed thatoil can effectively reduce the presence of bacteriaand viruses and fungi. This remains crucial as people with this condition can be vulnerable to skin infections.
Coconut oil on eczema, what are the benefits?
A moisturizing effect
Eczema makes the skin dry. One study found that topical application of coconut oil improved skin hydration.
Coconut oil reduces bacteria
The lauric acid of l’huile de coco helps to reduce eczema, the presence of bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin. This eliminates the risk of infection caused by scratching itchy skin. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties, making it effective in mitigating bacteria, fungi and viruses. This acid makes the oil highly absorbable, which enhances its moisturizing benefits.
Coconut oil reduces itching
The itchiness associated with eczema is one of the most troubling aspects of this condition. This sensation also gives way to skin flakes that promote infection.
In addition to eliminating dryness and roughness of the skin, coconut oil has a soothing effect on itching. In fact, coconut oil is often used to relieve itching caused by insect bites and nettle stings.
How to apply coconut oil on eczema?
Apply coconut oil Warming up the oil just before bedtime is the best way to get children with eczema to sleep peacefully. In addition, it is helpful to apply a thin layer of coconut oil to exposed areas of eczema before leaving the house.
Chis protective layer prevents dust and other environmental pollutants from coming into direct contact with the sensitive area.
Coconut oil relieves inflammation and pain
Having anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can reduce the discomfort of eczema. An animal study indicated that the oil reduced fever, inflammation and pain in rats with ear edema.
Coconut oil soothes oxidative stress
According to a scientific study, antioxidants may be beneficial in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In fact, a separate study suggested that the antioxidant properties ofvirgin coconut oil reduced oxidative stress in rats.
Coconut oil for eczema, how to use it well?
Before using coconut oil foreczemaThere are a few precautions that should be taken. First of all, inform your doctor that you wish to add coconut oil to your treatment. Ask his or her advice on how to proceed. In case you are allergic to coconut, do not apply the oil to your skin.
Once you're ready to get started, choose:
- a high quality organic coconut oil ;
- virgin or cold pressed.
This ensures that the oil you put on your face has been extracted without the use of chemicals that could irritate the skin. Most scientific studies that have examined coconut oil and its benefits have included this type of oil in their analyses. You can find coconut oil in organic food stores or online.
Note that this product, coconut oil is solid at room temperature. To facilitate the application, put a little on your hands and rub the coconut oil on the eczema.
This will liquefy the oil and allow you to spread it liberally on your skin. Apply coconut oil to the eczema when it is slightly damp, at least twice a day.
Can coconut oil be applied to infants?
We recommend that you consult your physician before applyingcoconut oil on the infant or children. Of course, if the child is allergic to coconut, do not expose him or her to the oil. When using the oil on the skin of an infant or toddler:
- Be careful not to apply it near their eyes.
- Pay particular attention to areas prone to pushing, including elbows and knees.
The best time to applycoconut oil foreczema is after a bath or shower. Some individuals also prefer to add a little coconut oil to the bath.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3919411/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871