6 Highly Effective Ways to Use Turmeric for Eczema and Itching

Have you tried every treatment you could find to cure your eczema, only to be disappointed with negligible results?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is one of the inflammatory skin conditions that are difficult to treat, as there is no definitive cause behind it. It leads to dry, inflamed, and itchy skin patches that cause a lot of discomforts.

But what if we told you that an effective treatment is conveniently sitting right there in your pantry? Yes, it’s the mighty turmeric spice. If you’re doubtful, give it a try and see what happens.

A native of South Asia, turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb to treat an array of health conditions. The active compound curcumin found in turmeric is responsible for its excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

When used for eczema, curcumin helps control the enzymes responsible for causing the condition, while also healing the affected skin and improving its appearance. It is for this very reason that turmeric powder is also used in a number of beauty treatments. Oral and topical use of curcumin products has proved beneficial in improving skin health. However, studies are limited and further research in required on this topic. (1)

Manage Mild Eczema at Home with Turmeric

Here are the 6 ways to use turmeric for eczema and itching.

Method 1: Turmeric with Coconut Oil

The best remedy is to combine turmeric with extra-virgin coconut oil. Like turmeric, coconut oil is antimicrobial and will help fight off any infection in the eczema patches. Also, the fatty acids in coconut oil will rehydrate the skin and relieve itching immediately.

A 2008 clinical trial published in Dermatitis showed that virgin coconut oil was effective for proactive treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema) colonization. (2)

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Extra-virgin coconut oil (antimicrobial) – 1½ teaspoons
  

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric and coconut oil & apply it to the eczema patches

• Add 1½ teaspoons of extra-virgin coconut oil to 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder.
• Mix the two well to form a lump-free paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes. You can cover the area with a bandage so you won’t get turmeric stains on your clothes.
• Rinse it off with cold water and pat dry your skin.

Repeat 2 or 3 times daily to see visible improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. Continue using it until your eczema patches are completely healed. It should take 4 to 6 weeks.

Method 2: Turmeric with Water

Turmeric alone can be used to reduce inflammation associated with eczema. All you need to do is make a turmeric paste with water so that it sticks to your skin.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply a basic turmeric paste on the affected skin

• Mix 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste. You can make more according to the surface area you need to treat.
• Apply a thick layer on the affected skin. To avoid getting turmeric stains on your clothes, you can cover it with a bandage.
• Leave it on for 3 to 4 hours, then rinse it off.
• Pat your skin dry and apply some coconut oil.

Repeat once daily for 4 to 6 weeks or until your skin is back to normal.

Method 3: Turmeric with Apple Cider Vinegar

Turmeric can also be combined with the much-coveted apple cider vinegar. The enzymes found in unfiltered apple cider vinegar work as antiseptic and antimicrobial agents to eliminate the root cause of eczema. Apple cider vinegar will also help reduce the itching by neutralizing the pH of your skin.

A 2016 study published in the Annals of Dermatology showed that application of topical acids on mice helped inhibit the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) by maintaining the skin’s pH level and the natural skin barrier. (3)

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (antimicrobial) – 1½ teaspoons
• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (anti-inflammatory) – enough to form a paste

Single-Step Treatment: Combine turmeric and apple cider vinegar & apply it to the itchy patches

• Put 1½ teaspoons of organic turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add enough apple cider vinegar to form a thick paste.
• Apply it all over the itchy skin patches and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. The apple cider vinegar will make your skin burn, but the sensation will subside quickly.
• Wash off the paste with cold water and pat your skin dry. You can apply some virgin coconut oil if your skin feels dry.

Repeat twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks to use turmeric for eczema and itching.

Method 4: Turmeric with Milk

Turmeric and milk also form a soothing concoction to relieve the discomfort of eczema. While the turmeric kills the microbes infecting the skin, the lactic acid in milk works as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce the redness and itching.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (antimicrobial) – 1½ teaspoons
• Milk (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Apply a turmeric and milk paste to the inflamed skin

• Mix 1½ teaspoons of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of milk to form a smooth paste.
• Apply it to the eczema patches, and let it sit until the paste dries completely.
• Rinse your skin with water and pat it dry.

Repeat twice daily for at least 2 months to treat your eczema completely.

Method 5: Turmeric with Aloe Vera

Since eczema is characterized by itchy skin, aloe vera in combination with turmeric can bring immense relief. Aloe vera is rich in amino acids that will help rehydrate and revitalize the skin and also promote a healthy skin turnover. Both turmeric and aloe vera will also work as antimicrobials to treat the infection and reduce the inflammation.

Though turmeric has proved to be helpful in treating skin conditions because of its curcumin content, it is advised to do a patch test before using it. It may cause allergic reactions in some. Further research on the usage of turmeric in dermatology is also required. (4)

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Organic turmeric powder (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric with aloe vera gel & apply

• Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. You can learn how to extract your own aloe vera gel if you have an aloe plant.
• Mix the two well to get a lump-free paste.
• Apply the blend to the affected skin, and leave it on until it is completely dry.
• Rinse the area with warm water and pat dry your skin.

Repeat twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks to use turmeric for eczema and itching.

Method 6: Turmeric with Indian Lilac (Neem)

Last but equally effective is a blend of turmeric and Indian lilac, also known as neem. The leaves can be ground into a paste and mixed with turmeric to form a healing herbal remedy for eczema. Similar to turmeric, neem has excellent antimicrobial properties that can treat chronic skin infections like eczema and psoriasis.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Indian lilac (neem) paste (antimicrobial) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix turmeric and Indian lilac paste

• Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of Indian lilac paste (ground neem leaves) to it.
• Mix the two well.

Step 2. Apply the paste on your eczema patches

• Apply the paste to the inflamed skin patches.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

Repeat twice daily until your eczema patches are completely healed.

Tips to keep in mind

• When suffering from eczema, avoid using harsh soaps and cosmetics.
• Use organic turmeric powder only, as the commonly found packaged turmeric powder often contains preservatives.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
• You can also take turmeric supplements, but only after consulting with your doctor.
• Turmeric is a great healing agent, but it likely will stain your skin. Check out our easy remedies to get rid of a turmeric stain on your skin.

Resources:

1. Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://ucdavis.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/effects-of-turmeric-Curcuma-longa-on-skin-health-a-systematic-rev. Published October 19, 2016.

2. Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19134433. Published November 2008.

3. Lee NR, Lee H-J, Yoon NY, Kim D, Jung M, Choi EH. Application of Topical Acids Improves Atopic Dermatitis. Annals of Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5125949/. Published December 2016.

4. Chaudhari SP, Tam AY, Barr JA. Curcumin: A Contact Allergen - PubMed Central (PMC). The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4689497/. Published November 2015.