Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammation of the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. Eczema makes the skin red and inflamed, bumpy and dry, flaky and patchy. The blistered skin can thicken and become rough and cracked. This condition is extremely frustrating for many, as it can last for a person's lifetime.



Eczema most commonly appears on the knees, wrists, eyelids, scalp, knuckles, and elbows. However, it can appear anywhere on the body.

Causes of Eczema The causes of eczema could be internal as well as external. Possible causes and contributing factors include:

Use of certain soaps, detergents, shampoo, disinfectants, etc.
Viruses, bacteria, fungi and other free radicals.
Reaction dairy products, nuts, soy products, eggs, etc.
Exposure to extreme cold or hot temperatures.
Sweat and humidity.
Hormonal changes.

A family history of allergies or similar infections. Eczema is generally treated with prescribed steroidal moisturizers, which stop the problem from spreading but does not heal the skin internally.

Note: Do consult your dermatologist immediately once you see the flare-ups. If you are trying any of these homemade creams, make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients used in the recipes.

Eczema Cream Recipes

Using a DIY homemade cream will help your skin heal from within and relieve the pain and discomfort associated with eczema, without any side effects that might come with steroidal creams.
Here are Oatmeal recipe that use natural ingredients to get relief from eczema.

Method: Oatmeal Cream

Oatmeal has an anti-inflammatory property that calms the itchiness due to dry and flaky eczema patches. It is believed to have an antihistamine effect when applied to the skin affected by eczema.

It is also rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent pollutants and free radicals from damaging the skin. It actually stimulates the synthesis of the collagen and helps with the best possible metabolism of the fatty acids.

Using ground oats will release and expose the skin to its more active components. Oats are rich in beta-glucans and starch, which hold moisture in the skin, hydrating it from within. It consists of phenol compounds that also offer protection against the ultraviolet (UV) sun rays.

Coconut oil is very gentle on the skin and hence can be used for babies and adults with sensitive skin. It is very rare for someone to be allergic to coconut oil. However, you should perform a patch test to ensure that you're not allergic to it.

Shea butter has rich emollients, vitamin E that works as an antioxidant for the skin, fatty acids like cinnamic acid, which provides extra moisture and nourishment to the skin, and vitamin A that helps reduce the inflammation on the skin.

A therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil helps heal the redness and dryness caused by eczema. Also, it makes your cream smell pleasant.

Things you'll need:

Coconut oil, melted or soft ¼ cup
Pure Shea butter 2 tablespoons
Ground oats 2 tablespoons
Vitamin E 1 capsule
Lavender essential oil 2 or 3 drops

Step 1. Melt coconut oil and pure Shea butter in a double boiler



Set up a double boiler and put ¼ cup of extra-virgin coconut oil.
Add 2 tablespoons of pure Shea butter to the double boiler.
Melt the ingredients on low heat.

Step 2. Add ground oats, lavender essential oil, and vitamin E oil



Grind some dry, uncooked oats in a blender until you have a fine powder.
Measure 2 tablespoons of the ground oatmeal and gradually add it to the melted liquids, while stirring to prevent lumps.
Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
Puncture 1 capsule of vitamin E and squeeze the liquid into the mixture.
Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil as well.

Step 3. Whisk everything together



Blend all the ingredients well using a whisker.
Transfer the cream to an airtight container.
Store up to a year in a cool and dark place.