Eczema and Coconut Oil

Both of my boys have eczema in the fall and winter.  Although Casey's is associated with his food allergies, he also just plain-old has eczema.  His is really itchy, and his legs in the colder months are frequently covered in scabs and bloody patches.  Evan doesn't have food allergies, but he also has had eczema in the fall and winter.  Not only are his legs covered in rough patches, but there are also a few patches on his back and arms.  They're not itchy, luckily, though.

If this is the same story that you have at your house, I don't have to tell you the vast number of creams, lotions and concoctions that we have tried over the years.  Sometimes in a misguided attempt to be "natural" we've even made matters worse (as a baby we used shea butter and almond oil on our undiagnosed nut-allergic son!).  Everyone has something to suggest -- friends, neighbors, doctors -- to make things better.

Add me to the list!  We recently turned to an old buddy, coconut oil, as suggested by my good friend, Julie. She is a lover of all things coconut oil, and she has turned me into a convert. 

We have been rubbing generous amounts of coconut oil into my sons' skin, and we have seen a vast improvement!  Their skin is softer and less scabby.  Because it's kind of greasy, we apply it at night before bed.  They go to sleep smelling slightly tropical, but all fragrance is gone in the morning. 

I don't know if this will help you if you're struggling with eczema, but it might be worth a try.  (Obviously, this is not an option if you have a coconut allergy.)  At least for us, spring is coming, and that will also bring some relief!


Happy Cooking!
Kim



My new book,  Ancient Grains: A Guide to Cooking with Power-Packed Millet, Oats, Spelt, Farro, Sorghum & Teff (Superfoods for Life), is available now! Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen- & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.