Some people prefer to use home remedies for eczema instead of steroid treatments or other eczema medications. People should be careful when opting to use and herbal remedy or one of the home remedies for eczema. Home remedies and herbal remedies typically lack scientific testing to determine their effectiveness and safety.

Evening primrose extract is a home remedy for eczema. The scientific name for evening primrose extract is gamolenic acid. The theory behind using evening primrose extract is that it is thought to increase the fatty acid content of the dry skin caused by eczema. This is not usually accepted by medical professionals since the dry skin of eczema is not caused by a loss of fatty acids, but rather a loss of hydration or a loss of the ability for skin to remain hydrated.

Studies on the effects of evening primrose extract have failed to prove its effectiveness. Due to this lack of evidence to support its use as treatment for eczema, products containing evening primrose extract are no longer allowed to be marketed as eczema treatments in the United Kingdom.

Turmeric is a common home remedy for eczema. Some people take turmeric supplements or add the spice to their food or tea. Other dietary supplements, minerals, and vitamins like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins are often used as home remedies for eczema. A person should check with their physician before using dietary supplements.

The use of shortening such as Crisco shortening is a home remedy for eczema that has been recommended by dermatologists. After bathing, the person should pat the skin dry. Shortening should be applied to the skin. The shortening acts as a barrier to keep the moisture in the skin.

Some home treatments for eczema involve making a paste to apply to the rash. Mashed papaya seeds are sometimes applied to an eczema rash for a home treatment. Some people make a paste of one tablespoon of turmeric and one tablespoon of bitter neem leaves. One home treatment for eczema involves crushing nutmeg and adding a few drops of water to make a paste to apply to eczema rashes.

Chinese herbal remedies for eczema have not been proven effective. Much information about the effectiveness of Chinese herbal remedies has been tainted since there have been several instances in which corticosteroids were illegally added to Chinese herbs that were sold as natural herbal remedies for eczema. Some Chinese herbal remedies are also thought to cause serious side effects on the heart and liver. This is one example of why it is important to consult a physician before using home remedies for eczema.