8 Home Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or AD, is a type of eczema that affects people of all ages, although it’s more common in infants and children than in adults. It causes redness, swelling, itching, and severe irritation on the skin. According to the National Eczema Association, Atopic dermatitis can affect up to 20 percent of children before age 5 in the United States alone. This makes AD one of the most common childhood disorders in this country and the second most common chronic skin condition in children.

Treatment 1: Oatmeal Soak

Mix equal parts of water and oatmeal together to form a thick paste. Pour over your inflamed skin and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer. Do not use if you have an allergy to oats or have sensitive skin. Treatment #2: Aloe Vera: Take a fresh leaf from an aloe vera plant, split it open, and rub it directly onto your skin. Let dry before applying moisturizer. It can sting at first but will quickly calm down once applied. If you don’t have access to an aloe vera plant, look for a bottle of pure aloe vera gel in any drugstore or health food store; just be sure to check that it’s 100% pure aloe vera gel without any added ingredients (some brands add preservatives).

Treatment 2: Coconut Oil

Many people have reported that coconut oil has helped to relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid and a potent immune booster. This means it can help decrease inflammation, allowing your skin to heal. For best results, apply coconut oil directly to your skin every day. It’s also helpful if you’re able to be in warm, humid conditions for several hours a day (so take baths or spend time in saunas). To prevent dryness and irritation on areas that don’t get wet (like hands), try adding shea butter to your coconut oil before applying it topically.

Treatment 3: Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known to treat a number of conditions, including acne and dandruff. It is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent that helps fight infection, according to DermNet NZ. Tea tree oil can be used to help keep atopic dermatitis under control. It should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old due to toxicity concerns (there have been a few reports of severe reactions in infants). To use tea tree oil: For adults and children over 2 months of age, put two drops of tea tree oil into 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive, coconut, or jojoba) and rub them into the affected areas before bedtime each night. Wash hands after application; it may also be beneficial to avoid contact with the eyes.

Treatment 4: Aveeno

This is a topical cream that can relieve atopic dermatitis symptoms. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient in Aveeno is dimethicone, a silicone compound that forms a protective barrier over the affected skin. Dimethicone coats dry skin and help to prevent water loss; it also acts as an emollient to soothe inflammation and discomfort associated with atopic dermatitis. Dimethicone may help treat mild dryness due to atopic dermatitis or other chronic conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Treatment 5: Banana Boat Sunscreen

If you don’t feel like making your own sunscreen, but can’t afford a more expensive brand, consider using store-bought products to keep your atopic dermatitis under control. Banana Boat sunscreen spray is a cheap alternative to other brands, which can cost as much as $40 per ounce. All you have to do is spray it on once in the morning and once after a shower before bed. This easy routine will keep UV rays from causing flare-ups throughout each day and night.

Treatment 6: Baking Soda Scrub

Baking soda is a great all-natural solution. Baking soda has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it’s gentle enough to use as a scrub on your skin. You can also combine baking soda with other ingredients to make your own natural products. You can use baking soda as toothpaste or combine it with lemon juice to create an exfoliating face mask.

Treatment 7: Eucerin Daily Protection Lotion SPF 30+

The first two steps are aimed at soothing, but after your skin has been repaired and is no longer flaking or painful, it’s time to protect it. It’s easy to forget that sun damage can be just as dangerous as chemical peels—especially if you’re going outside a lot. That’s why we recommend Eucerin Daily Protection Lotion SPF 30+. It goes on smooth without feeling greasy and keeps your skin safe from UVA/UVB rays. If your skin is really sensitive, try using an umbrella or walking under a tree; it may not keep out all of the rays, but at least you won’t get burned.

Treatment 8: Zinc Oxide Creams

These creams are a good choice if you have more than mild symptoms. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which can help to improve itching and reduce redness. This cream is often used in conjunction with other topical treatments, especially corticosteroids (see below). In addition, it’s usually a good idea to use a moisturizer over the top of zinc oxide products because they can be very drying on their own. Zinc oxide can also cause sun sensitivity so make sure to wear sunscreen when going outside. It’s important to note that there isn’t enough evidence that zinc alone helps atopic dermatitis, but there is some evidence that applying a combination of hydrocortisone and zinc may be helpful. Talk with your doctor about whether or not these options are right for you.