Why You Should Try a Coconut Oil Bath for Eczema

As discussed in previous posts, both baking soda baths and apple cider vinegar baths are a safe and effective alternative to bleach baths, a common therapy recommended by dermatologists.

This week, we’re sharing a different type of bath alternative: coconut oil baths! Discover this soothing and nourishing therapy that can help relieve itchy skin.

Coconut Oil for Eczema

For years, coconut oil has been praised for its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. This makes it a perfect natural remedy for eczema, as it can help heal irritated skin.

In fact, one study showed that when applied topically 2x daily for 4 weeks, staphylococcal (the bacteria that causes staph infections) colonization decreased by 95% in patients with atopic dermatitis [1].

Coconut oil is also known to contain lauric acid that can help help fight a variety of illnesses and skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis and more. There are also several other benefits in using coconut oil for eczema like its vitamins and minerals.

Note: There is much debate around whether coconut is indeed a tree nut. However, it seems to be that most allergic reactions to coconut have occurred in individuals without a tree nut allergy. If you believe your child may be allergic to tree nuts, we suggest reaching out to a medical practitioner for better advice. 

Coconut Oil in a Bath

Adding this natural, non-toxic ingredient to a lukewarm bath can also be beneficial for eczema prone skin. Not only does it provide all properties listed above, but it can help restore skin’s moisture that is normally stripped with hot baths and soaps.

To get started with a bath in coconut oil, we suggest using a coconut oil that is either cold-pressed and unrefined, or pressed. Coconut oils are not all made the same and there are a variety of brands that continue to add preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Next, make sure to heat up the coconut oil in a pot (or in the microwave) in order to melt it down into a liquid. This will be the easiest and most effective way to add it to your bath.

Pour 1/4 of coconut oil in a lukewarm bath and soak for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you want some added benefits, we also suggest adding epsom salt or colloidal oatmeal to your tub.

Alternatively, you can try this Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema that contains colloidal oatmeal, coconut milk powder, baking soda and dead sea salt.

Lastly, make sure to rinse off skin and gently pat skin dry.

Post-Coconut Oil Bath

Although coconut oil can be extremely moisturizing during a bath, you’ll want to keep skin well nourished post-bath as well.

Using a natural emollient like this Conqueror Eczema Balm is a perfect addition! Not only does it contain coconut oil, but aloe vera, shea butter, beeswax and many other ingredients provide long lasting hydration and relief.

For additional coconut oil products, check out this Aloe Vera Eczema Skin Soothing Spray. This spray can be used on the face and the entire body for soothing and cooling relief. It’s exceptionally useful for more red, inflamed eczema when cooled.

Lastly, for more advanced forms of eczema, we always suggest wet and dry wrapping. Although wet wrapping is a lengthy process, dry wrapping can be used more long term.

Make sure to check out our Remedywear™, clothing for eczema for all your dry wrapping needs.

Resources

1. Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2008 NovDec;19(6):308-15