How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Eczema

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. 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. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist if you think you're allergic to aloe vera, but you'd like to try natural eczema treatments.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. Do this at least once or twice a day until your eczema improves.

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. 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.

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. If you use prescription medication to treat your eczema, apply it first. Then, work moisturizer onto your skin.

See a dermatologist if your eczema gets worse.

Don't let severe eczema interfere with your life or ruin your sleep. 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.