Using Honey to Soothe and Treat Eczema Symptoms

The Potential Benefits of Using Honey for Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It can range in severity from mild to severe. While there is no known cure for eczema, many natural remedies may help manage symptoms, including using honey. Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that may benefit eczema-prone skin in various ways.

Honey's Antibacterial Qualities

Research shows that medical-grade honey kills antibiotic resistant bacteria that may infect eczema skin lesions. Applying honey can protect open wounds and prevent infection, allowing them to heal faster. The antibacterial activity comes from hydrogen peroxide naturally produced by the honey through an enzyme reaction.

Reducing Inflammation and Irritation

Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help calm and soothe the redness, swelling and itchiness of eczema flare-ups. Consuming honey may also have immune-boosting effects to prevent eczema symptoms from worsening over time. The anti-inflammatory activity primarily comes from phenolic compounds in honey.

Improving Moisture and Hydration

The sugars and humectants in honey attract and retain moisture in skin when used topically. This helps repair, soften and hydrate the dry, cracked skin associated with eczema. Skin barrier function improves with increased hydration, preventing irritation from external triggers.

How to Use Honey for Eczema

Using raw, organic honey is best as it has the highest amounts of beneficial antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. There are several ways honey can be incorporated into an eczema skin care routine:

Honey Masks and Compresses

For quick relief of itchy, inflamed skin, apply a honey mask to affected areas for 10-15 minutes then rinse off. Soak clean cloths in a diluted honey solution and use as compresses to soothe skin during eczema flares. This helps decrease redness and swelling.

Honey and Oatmeal Baths

Add 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes to moisturize and condition dry skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory benefits of its own to target eczema irritation. These soothing baths can be taken 1-2 times per week.

Overnight Honey Balms

For deeper overnight treatment, clean and pat skin dry before bed. Apply a thin layer of honey balm made with beeswax, honey and natural oils like coconut or jojoba. Cover with soft cotton gloves or socks and leave on overnight allowing the honey to thoroughly absorb.

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Use honey as an ingredient in your regular face and body lotion to boost moisture retention throughout the day. Combine honey with gentle oils like almond oil and thick emollients like shea butter for an ultra-hydrating eczema lotion.

The Antimicrobial Effects of Honey

Most types of honey generate hydrogen peroxide which gives it antimicrobial ability. When honey is diluted with wound fluid, an enzyme found in beeswax called glucose oxidase gets activated, producing hydrogen peroxide through a chemical reaction.

Killing Bacteria

The hydrogen peroxide formed can damage bacterial cell walls and destroy certain strains of bacteria. Research shows that honey can even inhibit antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus from growing.

Preventing Infection

By controlling bacteria, honey prevents wounds and lesions associated with eczema from becoming infected. It creates an antibacterial environment that allows skin inflammation and cracks to heal.

Reducing Biofilm Formation

Some bacteria form biofilms which act as protective shields, causing chronic wound infections. Honey has been found to counteract these biofilms, breaking them down so antibiotics can work better to eradicate bacteria.

Risks and Precautions When Using Honey

While using honey can benefit eczema-prone skin for many, there are some potential risks and precautions to consider as well before applying:

Allergy

Rarely, people can be allergic to the pollen or bee proteins in honey. Try a skin patch test before widespread use and stop immediately if signs of allergy develop.

Infection Risk

The moisture from any eczema treatment could activate dormant bacterial spores. Use sterile medical grade honey and be diligent about wound care hygiene methods if applying to broken skin.

Stinging Sensation

Pure honey has low pH which may cause temporary stinging on sensitive, damaged skin at first. Consider diluting with water initially until skin adjusts, or opting for a prepared honey balm formula instead.

The Takeaway

While more research is still needed, many eczema patients find that using antibacterial honey brings symptom relief due to its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Implementing raw manuka honey into your eczema treatment plan may aid in moisture retention, infection prevention, and inflammation reduction after flare-ups. However, monitor skin closely and discontinue use if any adverse reactions develop.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.