4 Home Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis Itch

For many people dry, itchy skin is the main — and most troublesome — symptom of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. But scratching can irritate skin and make the condition worse.

Following your treatment plan is the best way to manage atopic dermatitis symptoms, but if you’re still struggling to find itch relief, a solution may be close to home (literally!).

“Eczema can be difficult to treat, as the skin barrier is altered and needs to be repaired and protected from further damage,” explains Beth Goldstein, MD, a dermatologist at Central Dermatology Center in Chapel Hill and Sanford, North Carolina.

A complementary home remedy can often assist this process and result in less itchy, dry, flaky skin, according to Dr. Goldstein.

Goldstein says that many of her patients prefer to avoid steroid treatment for eczema because of the side effects, and choose to experiment with complementary and alternative treatments. The hope is that natural remedies will work in tandem with dermatologist-prescribed treatment to keep symptoms under control.

“These remedies may not quite do the trick but are reasonable to try,” says Goldstein.

Here are some of the remedies for atopic dermatitis recommended by dermatologists. Keep in mind that you should always consult your own dermatologist before trying any treatment.

1. Use natural oils to moisturize skin

“Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, because it is rich in triglycerides,” explains Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “One of its main constituents is lauric acid, which imparts antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconut oil also has antioxidant properties.”

2. Apply oatmeal to soothe itching and irritation

“Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various dry skin conditions,” says Dr. King. “Colloidal oatmeal is a natural complex of lipids, proteins, peptides, and starches that soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin.”

“What makes it effective at soothing the skin are the cellulose and fiber from the oats,” King explains. “These make a skin-softening emollient that is effective against irritation and redness that comes from conditions such as eczema.”

3. Try honey to reduce symptom severity

Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that may be effective when applied to skin, according to King.

“It’s a humectant, so it helps to hydrate the skin, and it aids in wound healing by maintaining a moist wound environment and providing a protective barrier,” she says. “Honey’s organic acid content provides gentle exfoliation.”

While there has been limited research regarding honey’s effectiveness in helping control symptoms of eczema in general and atopic dermatitis specifically, some research supports its use as a home remedy; authors of a 2023 review reported that, based on the existing evidence from case reports, clinical trials, and in vitro studies, honey is a safe and cost-effective treatment option for atopic dermatitis—the scientific equivalent of “worth a shot.”

4. Dab or soak with apple cider vinegar for potential pH benefits

If you have atopic dermatitis, your skin’s pH — the balance of acidity and alkalinity — is elevated, causing irritation and dryness. Apple cider vinegar’s acidity may help restore the skin’s natural pH balance and ultimately improve atopic dermatitis symptoms when added to a bath or applied to the skin using a wet wrap, according to the NEA.

Avoid scratching to prevent skin damage

While there’s plenty you can do to reduce symptoms of eczema, avoiding long-term effects like skin damage may sometimes require the difficult task of doing nothing; whenever possible, try to avoid scratching. It is no easy challenge — an entire field of research is dedicated to addressing why we itch — but studies show that skin damage caused by scratching may only further exacerbate the itch-scratch cycle.