Atopic dermatitis (AD), often just called eczema, is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin. It can be frustrating because it comes and goes without warning and can really affect quality of life. Many people turn to naturopathic medicine especially when conventional options like steroid creams or antihistamines don’t give lasting relief or cause unwanted side effects.
While some natural therapies don’t yet have strong enough evidence to be considered “proven,” there are other specific treatments that the research demonstrates as being more effective and therefore they are worth exploring for those that suffer with eczema.
If you're thinking about trying a natural treatment for eczema, it’s best to speak with a naturopathic doctor first to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific case.
Clothing Choices and Functional Fabrics
People with eczema often have sensitive skin that reacts to certain materials. Wool, for example, can make itching worse. On the other hand, soft cotton and silk can be gentler and even help creams soak in better. Some companies now make “functional fabrics” that are treated with things like silver, zinc, or natural oils.
These fabrics may help reduce bacteria on the skin and improve moisture. A review of 13 studies found these specialty textiles are generally safe, but the benefits are mild, and more research is needed.1
Climate and Environmental Factors
Where you live—and even the weather—can affect your eczema. People in humid, sunny areas tend to have fewer flare-ups. Studies show that places with higher temperatures and less indoor heating are linked to lower eczema rates. Some people try “climatotherapy,” where they spend time in healing environments, like seaside or mountain resorts.
These programs combine sunlight, fresh air, and skin treatments. A review of patients treated in clinics in Switzerland and Germany showed good results, including less inflammation and reduced need for steroids—even a year after treatment.2 One small study even tested whole-body cryotherapy (exposing the body to extreme cold, like –110°C) and found it helped with itching, but this isn't practical for most people.3 On the flip side, simple cold packs can help reduce itch at home.
Mineral-Rich Water Therapy
Soaking in mineral-rich water, like that found in the Dead Sea in Israel or the thermal springs in France, has long been used to help skin conditions. These waters may calm inflammation and help repair the skin barrier. In one study, people with eczema who bathed in the Dead Sea and got regular sun exposure saw big improvements in their symptoms.4
Another study combined Dead Sea salt baths with light therapy and found even better results.5 However, soaking in hard tap water (high in minerals but without therapeutic properties) may actually make eczema worse. A study testing water softeners found no improvement. So while natural mineral baths may help, it’s likely their effects are strongest when combined with other treatments like light therapy.
Bleach Baths for Bacterial Control
It might sound odd, but diluted bleach baths are now a common part of eczema care. This is because many people with eczema have high levels of harmful bacteria (like Staph aureus) on their skin, which worsens inflammation.
A small amount of household bleach (around half a cup in a full tub) can lower bacteria levels and reduce flares. Research shows this can significantly improve eczema symptoms, especially in people who get frequent infections. It's considered safe when done 1–2 times per week for a few minutes.6
Naturopathic Treatments for Eczema | ||
|---|---|---|
Therapy | How it Helps | What the Research Says |
Probiotics | Balances gut bacteria; may reduce inflammation | Some benefit seen in children and in mild or moderate eczema cases |
Topical B12 | Reduces inflammation when applied to skin | Early studies are promising |
Vitamin D | Supports immune function and skin health | May help especially in winter; stronger effect when combined with vitamin E |
Wet Wrap Therapy | Locks in moisture, reduces scratching, speeds healing | Works well short-term, especially with topical steroids |
Coconut Oil (Virgin) | Moisturizes, fights bacteria, reduces inflammation | More effective than mineral oil in children |
Naturopathic Treatments for Eczema
Keeping skin well-moisturized is essential. Eczema-prone skin loses water easily, so daily use of creams or ointments helps protect the skin and prevent flares. In fact, using moisturizers regularly can reduce the need for steroid creams. There are many types of moisturizers, some with special ingredients like ceramides (which help repair the skin barrier) or licorice root extract (which may reduce inflammation).
However, a study comparing expensive prescription creams to simple petroleum jelly found the cheaper option just as effective—and much more affordable. The key takeaway: the “best” moisturizer is the one a person will actually use. Texture, scent, and personal preference matter a lot.
Some plant oils can benefit eczema. Sunflower seed oil and coconut oil, in particular, stand out. Sunflower oil helps restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
At Aspire Natural Health, we help you go beyond temporary fixes to address the root causes of eczema. Through evidence-informed natural therapies like targeted nutrition, skin barrier support, probiotics & gentle topical treatments, we create a personalized plan to calm flare-ups, reduce itching, and support healthy skin without relying solely on steroids.
Beneficial Plant Oils for Eczema
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. And studies in children have shown that coconut oil can reduce eczema severity significantly more than mineral oil.7 In contrast, olive oil may actually damage the skin barrier and cause irritation, so it's best avoided for this purpose.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Wet wraps can quickly calm severe eczema flares. The method is simple: apply moisturizer or medication, wrap the area in damp cloth, then cover with a dry layer. This helps trap moisture, reduce itching, and allow the skin to heal. Research shows wet wraps are especially helpful when used with topical creams during short treatment periods.8 However, they can sometimes cause folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), especially if the skin is already colonized with bacteria.
Naturopathic Treatment for Eczema
Low vitamin D levels are common in people with eczema, especially in winter. Studies show that supplementing vitamin D during colder months can improve symptoms.9 Combining vitamin D with vitamin E may work even better. Other nutrients like zinc, selenium, or vitamin B6 can also show consistent benefits when taken as a supplement. And, topical vitamin B12 creams may help, though more research is needed.
The gut-skin connection is gaining attention, and probiotics (friendly bacteria) may help manage eczema—especially in children. Some strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve, have been shown to reduce the severity of eczema symptoms in several studies. Probiotics seem to be more helpful for prevention in high-risk babies or for milder eczema cases.
We still don’t know the best strain, dose, or how long to use them, but they’re considered safe and worth trying under a naturopathic doctor’s guidance.
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
Also, Naturopathic medicine approaches that include herbal formulas and acupuncture, have been used for many years to manage eczema. Some studies show these methods can reduce itching, redness, and even the need for steroid creams.10 Acupuncture may reduce itching by calming the nervous system and acupressure, where patients press on certain points themselves, has also shown benefit in small trials.
Many people turn to naturopathic medicine especially when conventional options like steroid creams or antihistamines don’t give lasting relief or cause unwanted side effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can naturopathic treatments completely cure eczema?
No. Eczema is a chronic condition for many people. Naturopathic treatments aim to reduce flare-ups, improve skin health, and address underlying triggers, but they typically do not provide a permanent cure.
Q2: Are natural oils safe for all eczema patients?
Not always. While coconut and sunflower oil can help, olive oil may irritate the skin. Always do a patch test first and consult with a naturopathic doctor before starting.
Q3: How long does it take to see results with probiotics for eczema?
It can take several weeks to months. Probiotics work gradually by supporting gut health, which may influence inflammation and skin barrier function.
Q4: Can children use naturopathic eczema treatments?
Yes, many naturopathic treatments like moisturizers, certain oils, probiotics, and vitamin D are safe for children, but dosing and product choice should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Q5: Are bleach baths safe for sensitive skin?
When diluted properly (about half a cup in a full tub) and used 1–2 times a week, bleach baths are generally safe. However, they should be avoided if there are open wounds or if the patient is allergic to chlorine.
Find Lasting Relief from Eczema Naturally
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for eczema. Naturopathic medicine is suitable as a part of a broader plan that includes moisturization, trigger management, and sometimes medication. While many of these therapies need more research, they offer relief especially when chosen carefully by a naturopathic doctor and used consistently. If you're thinking about trying a natural treatment, it’s best to speak with a naturopathic doctor first to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific case.
