Honey, poultice, oats... natural remedies against eczema.

Among the natural ingredients used to alleviate eczema, we also find green clay and aloe vera gel. These two compounds have anti-inflammatory and healing properties, allowing them to act on the redness and itching caused by eczema. As for the clay, which comes in powder form, it is often mixed with mineral water to create a smooth paste. The paste is then left to rest before being gently applied to itchy areas for about thirty minutes. It should be noted that while the properties of green clay have been demonstrated in studies, the effect of this type of poultice on eczema has not been scientifically proven.

The aloe vera gel can also be used to soothe eczema and is indeed considered a natural dressing. Applying pure aloe vera gel to lesions can accelerate healing while moisturising the skin. Its healing properties are largely due to the acemannan it contains, a polysaccharide that stimulates angiogenesis as well as the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Aloe vera gel is also capable of inhibiting the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing redness and itching.

Beyond its gustatory properties, honey is an excellent anti-inflammatory and healing agent. Studies have highlighted its benefits on eczema lesions and have shown that the application of honey helps to reduce them and alleviate itching sensations. Researchers have found that after two weeks of daily application, the SCORAD had decreased by 80%.

From a mechanistic perspective, honey stimulates the production of B and T lymphocytes, enabling the release of antibodies. Furthermore, the phenolic compounds and flavonoids contained in honey lead to the suppression of pro-inflammatory activities of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These molecules are notably involved in the production of prostaglandins, neurotransmitters that contribute to the vasodilation of vessels and sensitivity to pain.

Oats are another natural ingredient often used to soothe sensitive, irritated, or eczema-affected skin. Numerous studies have confirmed its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to beta-glucan, one of its key components. This molecule works by inhibiting the activity of several inflammation markers, such as interleukins 1, 6, 10 and 12 (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase (COX).

The effects of oats on eczema were investigated in a recent study where around thirty individuals applied a cream containing 1% oats for fourteen days, while another thirty individuals applied a standard cream without oats. At the end of the experiment, the scientists observed a 51% decrease in the severity score of atopic dermatitis in those who applied the oat-based cream. They also noted an improvement in the overall hydration of the skin as well as its barrier function.

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