Can You Use Coconut Oil For Eczema?

If eczema has ever graced your skin with its red, flaky, and oh-so-itchy presence, you know it’s not just a surface-level annoyance—it’s a full-blown skin tantrum. And when the steroid creams start to feel like a one-trick pony, it’s natural to look for something gentle, nourishing, and preferably smelling like a beach. That’s where virgin coconut oil enters, waving its tropical flag.

But before you start dipping your elbows into coconut jars, let’s explore the real science behind why coconut oil is one of eczema’s most loved (and dermatologist-endorsed) natural remedies.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It makes your skin barrier weaker than your resistance to midnight snacks. This means your skin:

• Loses moisture easily
• Gets irritated by dust, soaps, or even the weather

• May crack, ooze, or invite bacterial infections
  

You’re not alone - eczema affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults globally. The itch-scratch cycle can drive anyone bananas. Thankfully, nature gave us a multitasking nut (well, technically a drupe): the coconut.

Why Coconut Oil For Eczema?

Coconut oil is not just an internet fad or your aunt’s answer to everything. It’s genuinely packed with components that scientifically help eczema-prone skin.

1. Deep Moisturising Power

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid. These fats act like little hydration heroes, sealing in moisture and preventing the dry, cracked texture eczema is infamous for. In simpler terms: it’s like giving your skin a warm, soothing hug—and it sticks around.

Pro Tip: Apply coconut oil right after a bath while your skin is still damp to trap moisture like a pro.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of eczema’s favourite pastimes? Inflammation. Lucky for us, coconut oil’s fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that applying coconut oil can reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, making flare-ups a little less fiery and a lot more bearable.

3. Fights Harmful Bacteria

People with eczema often deal with Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, which can worsen symptoms or trigger infections. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin—a natural antimicrobial agent that fights off bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. In a 2008 study, coconut oil reduced staph bacteria in children with eczema better than mineral oil. That’s not just cool—it’s clinical.

4. Supports The Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier is like a security guard for your body. In eczema, it’s basically asleep on the job. Coconut oil not only moisturises, but also improves the skin’s lipid layer, making it stronger and more resilient to allergens, irritants, and trans-epidermal water loss (a.k.a. chronic dryness).

5. Safe For Babies And Sensitive Skin

Unlike many medicated creams, coconut oil is gentle enough for infants and toddlers. Pediatric dermatology studies have used it on children with no major side effects. Just make sure you’re using virgin, cold-pressed oil—not a cosmetic blend with fragrance or additives.

What Does Science Say?

Let’s look at some legit numbers:

• A 2014 study in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that virgin coconut oil reduced eczema severity by 68% in children over eight weeks.
• Another study comparing coconut oil to mineral oil found that coconut oil provided superior hydration and bacterial control.
  
  

It’s not just a wellness trend. It’s science-approved.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Eczema

• Choose the right oil: Always use virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil. Avoid refined or hydrogenated versions that may contain preservatives or chemicals.
• Apply twice daily: Once in the morning, once at night, especially after a shower or bath.
• Combine with other treatments (if needed): Coconut oil plays well with others. You can use it along with prescription creams, just not at the exact same time. Space them out by at least 30 minutes.
• Use clean hands: To prevent infection, always apply with clean fingers or a sanitised spatula. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

When Coconut Oil May Not Be Ideal

While coconut oil works wonders for many, it’s not a universal miracle. Some things to keep in mind:

• If you’re allergic (rare, but possible): Patch test before use.
• If you have very oily or acne-prone skin: Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores. So skip it for your face if you’re breakout-prone.

• If you have broken, weeping skin: Don’t apply oil directly to an open wound. Use a sterile barrier cream or consult your doctor first.
  
  

Coconut Oil + Bonus Eczema Care Tips

For best results, combine coconut oil with these habits:

 

So, Should You Use Coconut Oil for Eczema?

If your skin is screaming for help and prescription creams aren’t your favourite lifestyle choice, virgin coconut oil might just be your holy grail. It moisturises, heals, protects, and makes you smell faintly of beachside bliss.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it won’t cure eczema forever—but when used regularly and mindfully, it can dramatically improve comfort, reduce flares, and support long-term skin health.

So yes—go ahead and give your skin a tropical escape, right from the comfort of your bathroom shelf.