Why and How to Use Turmeric to Treat Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. While it usually develops during childhood, it can develop at any age. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. While there is a range of natural skincare products and gentle clothing you can wear to treat eczema, you can also turn to natural remedies like turmeric.

In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about using turmeric for treating skin conditions like eczema, including:

• What is turmeric?
• Its effects on eczema and atopic dermatitis
• How to use it to treat eczema

Read on to learn more about how you can use turmeric to improve eczema symptoms.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. A perennial plant related to the ginger family, it contains an active, nontoxic ingredient called curcumin. This ingredient is found to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which enables it to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common and burdensome symptom of eczema is itchy skin. There are many types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis.

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it’s believed to be linked to genetic and environmental factors. Some common eczema triggers include pet fur, certain foods, certain fabrics like wool or polyester, ingredients found in soaps, shampoos, beauty products, dust mites, extreme cold or hot weather conditions, and certain metals like nickel.

Benefits found in Turmeric

Turmeric contains a variety of properties that can be beneficial in decreasing inflammation and treating eczema. These properties include:

• anti-inflammatory
• antimicrobial
• antioxidant

Since eczema is characterized by skin inflammation, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation. Meanwhile, its antioxidant properties help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. Finally, its antimicrobial properties help alleviate skin infections linked to eczema or a skin rash.

How to use Turmeric for Eczema

To benefit from this natural ingredient, you can use it both internally and topically. Here are some turmeric treatment options:

Golden milk

This is a popular and delicious way to consume turmeric. You can buy turmeric milk from most health food stores or make it at home using the following ingredients:

• ½ cup nondairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk
• 2 inches (in) of sliced fresh turmeric root
• 1 in sliced fresh ginger root
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• pinch black pepper
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

Turmeric supplements

Another way to benefit from this natural ingredient is by taking turmeric supplements. Curcumin supplements come in various forms, including turmeric capsules, tablets, and tinctures.

Topical turmeric

You can also apply topical preparations directly to the affected areas of the skin. A topical treatment can be an oil, ointment, serum, gel, or turmeric-containing cream.

Start Using Turmeric for your Eczema Treatment Today

Although further research is needed to determine the safety of turmeric as an official eczema treatment, current evidence suggests that it has potential as a treatment for skin diseases. Traditionally, it’s been used for treating various skin disorders like eczema and dry skin for thousands of years. Give it a try and enjoy a significant improvement in your eczema symptoms today.