How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Eczema

Co-authored by Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 26, 2021 References

If you have eczema (atopic dermatitis), you might feel like you've tried everything to stop the itch and moisturize your skin. This can be tricky since a lot of skincare products have ingredients that trigger flare-ups. This is why aloe vera can be so helpful. Aloe vera may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can soothe irritation and prevent infection in really dry skin. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.} Plus, people have used aloe vera to heal and soothe irritated skin for centuries ^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} . To try it out for yourself, check out our suggestions for effectively using fresh or storebought aloe.

1

Perform a patch test so you know you're not allergic.

If you have eczema, you've probably learned that certain things can set it off. Unfortunately, aloe vera gel could cause a flare-up or you may be allergic to it ^{[3]
X
Research source} . To find out, rub aloe vera gel onto a small patch of your skin and wait 24 hours. Watch the area to see if you develop hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing—signs that you're allergic and need emergency medical attention ^{[4]
X
Research source} .
- Talk with your doctor or dermatologist if you think you're allergic to aloe vera, but you'd like to try natural eczema treatments.
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2

Spread storebought gel on the area for quick treatment.

Read labels carefully and avoid any that have fragrance or alcohol. Buy a product from your pharmacy, health store, or online that lists aloe vera as the first ingredient. Some products also have moisturizing oils or vitamins added. For quick relief, massage it directly onto the irritated skin twice a day. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Aloe vera gel is most effective at treating eczema in its earliest stages—when your skin seems dry and itchy. However, it may still help if you're dealing with chronic eczema ^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} .
- Storebought aloe may contain preservatives to increase the shelf life and prevent bacterial overgrowth. It might also contain fragrances which can lead to skin contact allergies and further inflammation, especially in those with atopic dermatitis. ^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}

3

Rub an aloe leaf on your skin for the most relief.

The fresh gel moisturizes your skin and can prevent infection. Using fresh aloe may not be practical, but it's easy if you've got a healthy plant at home. Just cut a large leaf from the base of the plant and slice the spines from the sides. Then, lay the leaf flat and slice it in half horizontally so you see the gel. Rub the leaf directly onto your irritated skin to coat it in the gel. ^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you want to prepare a lot of aloe at once, slice open several leaves and scoop the gel into a clean airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 1 week ^{[9]
  X
  Research source} . As a bonus, the cool aloe vera gel will feel fantastic on your dry, itchy skin!
- You can apply aloe vera gel to your skin as often as you like throughout the day.
- Research suggests that fresh aloe vera gel is more effective because the gel degrades quickly so using it straight from the source is best. ^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.} ^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
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4

Use an aloe vera and olive oil cream or lotion.

This combination moisturizes your skin and makes it look less scaly. Importantly, research showed that an aloe vera and olive oil product protects the skin from moisture loss and that using it regularly even improved the quality of life for participants. If you're dealing with rough patches of skin that are hard to keep moisturized, try the aloe vera and olive oil combination. ^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- If you can't find an aloe vera lotion or cream that also has olive oil, mix a few drops of olive oil into a spoonful of aloe vera gel and rub it onto your dry skin.

5

Wrap a layer of wet clothes on the affected skin to help it heal.

Wet wraps are fantastic for treating severe eczema. Apply aloe vera gel or lotion to your skin and then soak clothes or strips of cloth in warm water. ^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Eczema Association
Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education
Go to source} Wring them out and put them on your skin. Then, cover them with dry clothes or cloth strips and leave them on your skin for several hours or overnight so your skin stays hydrated. ^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Eczema Association
Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education
Go to source}
- Do this at least once or twice a day until your eczema improves ^{[15]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Eczema Association
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education
  Go to source} .
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6

Apply aloe directly to your itchy, irritated scalp to hydrate it.

Flaky skin on your scalp can be more than dandruff. It might be seborrheic dermatitis, but the good news is that aloe and aloe products like aloe shampoo can manage these flare-ups on your scalp. Specifically, aloe can relieve itchiness and prevent scaly patches from spreading on your scalp. ^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you don't feel like buying aloe vera shampoo, it's fine to mix aloe vera gel into your usual shampoo. Try combining equal portions to see if you notice an improvement.

7

Lock in moisture within 3 minutes of bathing.

Use aloe vera or aloe products on your damp skin. When you jump in the shower or bath, you hydrate your skin. The only problem is that the moisture leaves your skin after you're out of the water. Plan on drying off and moisturizing within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower. ^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Eczema Association
Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education
Go to source}
- If you use prescription medication to treat your eczema, apply it first. Then, work moisturizer onto your skin.
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8

See a dermatologist if your eczema gets worse.

Don't let severe eczema interfere with your life or ruin your sleep ^{[18]

X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} . Aloe vera can soothe your skin, but you do have to apply it regularly. If you use aloe vera but don't see an improvement in your skin, or if your eczema is making it hard to function or sleep, schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.
- If you see red streaks, yellow scabs, or pus, your skin might be infected so it's really important to get medical attention.

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Question

Can aloe vera make eczema worse?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

There shouldn't be a problem if you're using the natural plant gel without added chemicals. Over-the-counter aloe vera usually isn't pure and can cause allergies or further inflammation.

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What should you put on eczema?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

If you don't want or can't use aloe vera, try using Epsom salts to exfoliate the skin affected by the eczema, relieving the inflammation.

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Question

Can Vaseline help eczema?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Yes, it can surely help. Vaseline is a great moisturizer that can be used to treat areas prone to inflammation such as the ones with eczema.

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Although eczema and psoriasis both cause itchy, irritated skin, they are different skin conditions. You can try treating psoriasis with aloe vera although it may not be as effective.

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Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist

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How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Eczema

Steps

Perform a patch test so you know you're not allergic.

Spread storebought gel on the area for quick treatment.

Rub an aloe leaf on your skin for the most relief.

Use an aloe vera and olive oil cream or lotion.

Wrap a layer of wet clothes on the affected skin to help it heal.

Apply aloe directly to your itchy, irritated scalp to hydrate it.

Lock in moisture within 3 minutes of bathing.

See a dermatologist if your eczema gets worse.

Expert Q&A

Tips

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