Eczema Relief at Home: What Works (and When to Call the Doctor)

Last updated on October 6th, 2025 at 03:44 pm

The following content is for informational purposes only. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you or someone you love has eczema, you know treating it can be frustrating. It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out exactly what works for you–and what doesn’t. To make things even trickier, doctors don’t know the exact cause of eczema. It may be linked to things like genetics, your immune system, and environmental triggers—but there aren’t concrete answers.

And in addition to the the painful, itchy flare-ups, there’s the social side of having eczema. If your patches are visible, some people may assume eczema is contagious and keep their distance.

However, there’s good news too–there are natural ways to help calm eczema at home and find relief faster.

Natural Treatments to Control Eczema Rashes

Many people believe that if they do everything “right,” they can avoid flare-ups altogether. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.

Even if you work hard to avoid all your eczema triggers, flare-ups can still happen. That’s why it’s important to have reliable treatments ready to use at the very first sign of one.

There will also be times when your at-home treatments aren’t enough, and you’ll need to see a doctor or dermatologist who’s up to date on current eczema treatment options.

Knowing how to care for your skin at home—and having a trusted doctor for when home remedies fall short—can make all the difference.

Let’s take a look at some things you can try for eczema relief at home.

Swap your Moisturizing Lotion for Cream

Even if you use moisturizing lotion religiously after showering, your skin can feel dry and itchy within hours. This is because lotions have a lower oil content compared to creams and ointments.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a cream or ointment immediately after bathing, as well as whenever your skin feels dry. A good moisturizing cream will help to keep your skin hydrated, which reduces symptoms.

Take an Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal has a long history of use in dermatology. It has an excellent safety profile and has proven to be very effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.

Scientists have only recently uncovered why oatmeal is so beneficial—it turns out it has both anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties.

For the best results, you’ll want to use colloidal oatmeal rather than regular oatmeal—the finer texture dissolves more easily in water. And skip the hot or very warm baths, as they can dry out your skin and make irritation worse. Instead, use lukewarm, or even slightly cool, water.

For an extra treat, add ingredients like honey and dried orange slices to create a soothing orange honey oat bath soak. Not only can this help ease discomfort, but the calming scent may also help reduce stress.

Use a Wet Wrap

Wet wraps can be an excellent way to treat eczema at home. As the name suggests, wet wrap therapy consists of using ointment and then wrapping a thin, wet (but not soaking) layer of fabric, like gauze, over the affected areas. Follow this up with a layer of dry cloth, which traps in the moisture to increase skin hydration and enhance the effectiveness of your ointment. 

Children may find wet wraps bulky or uncomfortable, so start with short periods and gradually increase the duration.

Apply a Cool Compress

It almost seems too simple, but a cool compress is a great remedy for eczema flare-ups. This treatment is backed by science as research shows that a cool cloth on the skin constricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and discomfort.

To make a cool compress, you just soak a clean cloth in cool or cold (but not extremely cold) water, and then wring out the excess before applying it to your skin. Repeat this several times until the area is cool to the touch and your itching has subsided. You can use a cream or ointment afterward to seal in the moisture.

Make a Mint-Aloe Gel

Mint leaves contain menthol, which helps soothe inflamed skin. Blend fresh mint leaves and strain to get the juice, then mix with aloe gel before applying.

Studies show that menthol can increase trans-epidermal water loss though, so apply a thin layer of moisturizer over your gel to keep your skin hydrated.

When to Call a Doctor

Even with the best at-home care, symptoms can worsen, or your skin may become infected from scratching. If this happens, contact your doctor. Prescription-strength treatments, like topical steroids or oral medications may be necessary.

Wrapping Up

Managing eczema takes patience, but with a combination of at-home treatments and guidance from a trusted doctor, flare-ups can be minimized, and your skin can feel more comfortable.

By incorporating remedies like moisturizing creams, oatmeal baths, wet wraps, cool compresses, and soothing gels, you can take control of your eczema and help your skin feel its best.

Also read:
The Basics and Benefits of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Winter Skin Care 101: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy & Hydrated Naturally

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