Honey for Eczema: Why You Should Try It?

Updated on December 31st, 2019
honey for eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can recur. It is associated with itching, swelling, and pain. Honey is the cure for effective management of disease, even as experts recommend raw honey for eczema. A form of dermatitis, eczema, requires medical care. However, honey can prove beneficial as a natural treatment, too. Itchy, red, flaky skin in eczema or atopic dermatitis can be warded off using raw honey.

Eczema is generally found in babies and children, although it can persist into adulthood. Honey is a soothing antiseptic used since ancient times for curing wounds and skin infections. Honey for eczema can soothe and lubricate the skin, besides combatting infection and inflammation.

Why Try Honey for Eczema?

honey benefits
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Honey for eczema(1), particularly Manuka honey, has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties. Specifically, manuka honey from New Zealand has been found to block the growth of microbes. This action interferes with wound healing. It prevents inflammation characteristic of eczema. Eczema is an atopic dermatitis condition causing inflammation and rashes. It occurs in children around 10-20 percent of the time and adults, 1-3 percent.

In the case of eczema, honey for babies above eight months of age is a non-medical, 100% natural cure. However, Colorado State University research cautions younger infants should not be given honey because of botulism or bacterial risks.  Besides, honey prevents CCL26 release. This action determines the severity of eczema symptoms.

It promotes the inhibition of mast-cells degranulation for controlling eczema spread. Specific anti-inflammatory compounds in honey for eczema lower the swelling. Honey is a natural moisturizer. It wards off dryness, causing eczema. It coats the skin due to high viscosity and prevents the spread of the infection, too.

[Read: Natural Treatments for Eczema]

Ways to Use Honey for Eczema

Besides honey-based creams, lotions, and ointments, you can try raw honey with various natural ingredients for the best outcomes.

1. Honey and Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon

For this remedy, you will need two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and an equal amount of raw, unprocessed honey. Mix the two ingredients and apply this paste to the infected area. Keep the paste on for 20 minutes. There may be a burning sensation on the skin but bear with it for best outcomes.

[Read: Herbs for Eczema]

2. Honey with Juices

Add honey to juices such as apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for curing eczema. For the most effective outcomes, consume this mixture in the morning, ideally. Take one tablespoon of lemon juice along with one tablespoon of honey. Add this to a single glass of lukewarm water and stir well before consuming it. You can even try two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for equally beneficial results.

[Read: Buckwheat Honey Benefits]

3. Honey Mixture for Dressing

Honey works for treating wounds and contains critical antibacterial properties. As such, honey for eczema is an effective cure. For eczema sufferers, make honey ointment at home from a mixture of beeswax, honey, and olive oil relieves itchy symptoms of the disease. Research shows those who use such honey mixtures for dressing can reduce their eczema symptoms. Make this mixture from cold-pressed olive oil, beeswax, and unprocessed, natural honey.

Honey for eczema comes with a lot of benefits. It is a natural antiseptic which heals wounds. It brings down swelling and inflammation in eczema patients because it is an anti-inflammatory product. Honey is antimicrobial, which makes it ideal for combatting bacterial infections leading to eczema(2). Research shows bacterial pathogens aggravate lesions in eczema patients. Honey can keep such symptoms at bay and heal your eczema.

[Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema]


FAQs

1. How to Apply Honey for Eczema in Ways That Heal the Rash?

Eczema is a painful condition, and honey can be applied along with other natural ingredients like olive oil, cinnamon, and beeswax for optimal benefits. Honey for eczema can be used directly in raw, unprocessed form for optimal benefits.

2. Is Honey Good for Eczema?

Honey is excellent for eczema because it acts in three different ways to prevent symptoms from advancing. Firstly, it wards off swelling and eczema lesions, as honey is a potent anti-inflammatory substance. Secondly, it blocks the growth of microbes and bacteria that cause rashes and itching in eczema patients. Thirdly, it acts as a natural antiseptic, healing the pain and wounds caused due to eczema. Honey is a natural moisturizer, making it perfect for curing dryness of the skin caused by disease.

3. Is Eczema Honey Safe for Babies?

Eczema is a condition found in infants and children generally. As such, raw, unprocessed honey is safe for topical use, and honey can be had orally for children aged eight months or above. But, according to research from Colorado State University, infants below this age are susceptible to bacteria and botulism due to raw honey. Therefore, only use honey as a cure for babies above eight months of age.

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