Back
UsesNatural TherapiesHerbs and Supplements to Be Used With Cautionrevision

Uses

  • Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is irritation to the outer layers of the skin. It causes an itchy, red rash. Scratching makes the rash worse.

It is treated with skin care, medicines, and UV light therapy. Some people turn to natural therapies to further manage symptoms.

Natural Therapies

Likely Effective

  • Vitamin D is in foods, pills, and can be made by our bodies using sunlight. It is likely to ease symptoms of eczema, especially in winter. D1

May Be Effective

  • Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of coconuts. It may ease symptoms of eczema when applied to the skin. A1
  • Vitamin E is in foods and can be taken as a pill. It may ease symptoms of eczema when taken as a pill. D1, D3-D6

May Not Be Effective

  • Chinese herbal medicine uses herbs to bring balance and harmony to the body. It may not ease symptoms of eczema. B1-B3
  • Probiotics are live microorganisms. Recent studies show that they may not help ease symptoms of eczema. (Note: Probiotics should not be taken by people who have a suppressed immune system or acute pancreatitis.) C1-C19

Unlikely to Be Effective

  • Primrose oil is from a flowering plant. It has not been shown to ease symptoms. D2

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about all herbs or supplements you are taking. Some may interact with your treatment plan or health conditions. Some supplements discussed here have certain concerns such as:

  • Probiotics should not be taken by people who have a suppressed immune system or acute pancreatitis.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.