November, 2017
Overview
Although it’s not a cure-all, coconut oil may effectively reduce eczema symptoms by soothing skin, easing irritation, and reducing the risk of infection.
Eczema, often referred to as contact dermatitis, is a skin condition marked by redness, itching, and scaly patches that sometimes weep. It’s a chronic condition that may come and go over the course of many years. Its symptoms often start to occur in children under age 5, continuing to flare up and recede throughout adolescence and adulthood. There is no cure for eczema, but its symptoms can often be alleviated or controlled.
Coconut oil is extracted from harvested, mature coconuts. Around half of the fat content in coconut oil comes from lauric acid, a healthy form of saturated fat that’s also found in breast milk. Coconut oil has a myriad of health benefits when taken internally or used topically on the skin.
Benefits of coconut oil for eczema
Hydrates
Eczema reduces the skin’s ability to become and remain hydrated. A study, reported in the International Journal of DermatologyTrusted Source, found that the topical application of virgin coconut oil improved hydration in the skin of children with eczema.
Reduces bacteria
The lauric acid in coconut oil helps reduce the presence of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin. This helps to eliminate the risk of infection caused by scratching itchy skin. According to an abstract reported in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, lauric acid has antimicrobial properties, making it effective at reducing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Lauric acid also makes coconut oil highly absorbable, increasing its moisturizing benefits.
