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Research has found this to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit eczema. However, further research is required to determine the efficacy. There is currently insufficient research available on the effectiveness of turmeric as a treatment for eczema. However, current evidence suggests turmeric has potential as a treatment for certain skin conditions. This article examines the beneficial properties of turmeric for eczema, examples of turmeric products, potential side effects, and drug interactions. It also discusses alternative treatments and other uses for turmeric. Properties in turmeric that benefit eczema Share on PinterestSTUDIO TAURUS/StocksyTurmeric has various properties that could be beneficial in the treatment of eczema. These include:anti-inflammatoryantioxidantantimicrobial A 2016 review found 10 studies that showed significant improvement in the severity of skin diseases after treatment with curcumin. Early evidence suggests oral and topical turmeric supplements and products may benefit skin health. However, they noted that more studies are necessary to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and dosages. 2019 research confirmed that curcumin may help control the mechanisms involved in inflammation and infectious skin disorders. The research also found that turmeric acid can inhibit T-cell activation, which plays a part in eczema. In animal studies, oral administration of this phytocomponent p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), an acid in curcumin, showed a decrease in proinflammatory markers found in eczema, as well as decreased inflammation and thickening of the skin. Researchers are conducting several studies to explore the use of turmeric in other inflammatory skin disorders. However, current studies are small or biased, not double-blinded. There are also limitations in the oral bioavailability of turmeric — how much a person absorbs it, how effective it is, and the metabolism of it as a compound. Experts need to perform further research using turmeric that is bioavailable and compare it to a placebo. This will allow them to determine the actual benefits of turmeric in eczema and its effectiveness in decreasing inflammation. Examples of turmeric products People can use turmeric for eczema in the following ways:adding to a variety of food and tea recipestaking as a supplementapplying it topically Examples of products include: Golden milk A popular way to consume turmeric is in golden milk or turmeric milk. The drink contains nondairy milk, turmeric, and other spices. People can buy golden milk from health food stores or make their own at home. The following ingredients are for 1 serving of golden milk:½ cup nondairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk2 inches (in) of sliced fresh turmeric root1 in sliced fresh ginger root1 tbsp coconut oilpinch black pepper1 tbsp maple syrup or honey A person makes golden milk by:combining the ingredients in a potbringing ingredients to a gentle simmer straining before serving Supplements Turmeric supplements are available at health stores, pharmacies, and online. They come in various forms, including:tabletscapsulestincturesfluid extracts The maximum recommended dosage varies between a daily intake of 3 milligrams per kilogram to 4–10 grams. Topical A person can apply topical preparations directly to the affected areas of the skin for eczema treatment. Topical turmeric products are available in various forms, including:ointmentserumscreamgel Potential effects The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes curcumin as a safe compound. Side effects Turmeric is unlikely to cause negative side effects on the skin. They may cause temporary staining of the skin but is not harmful. However, some people showed allergic reactions to the spice, including contact dermatitis or hives in atopic dermatitis, or people with a history of multiple allergies. Overall, turmeric has not shown many side effects unless consumed in very high doses or concentrations. 2020 research did observe some potential negative effects associated with consuming the spice, including:promoting lung cancer in miceaffecting fertility and inhibiting the movement of spermcausing digestive disorders, such as:nauseaabdominal paindiarrhea Doctors do not recommend turmeric for individuals who are allergic to Zingiberaceae plants, also known as the ginger family. A person should speak with their doctor or dermatologist before using turmeric as an alternative or complementary therapy for eczema or any condition. If someone experiences an allergic skin reaction from the spice, they should consult a medical professional. Drug interactions and precautions Turmeric may interact with certain medications, which a person should discuss with their doctor if they plan to use turmeric regularly as a treatment. Synergistic effects Some drugs may be more effective when taken with turmeric than alone. These include:antihypertensiveanticoagulants, such as :warfarinaspirinenoxaparinclopidogreldipyridamoleticlopidine antibioticsanti-inflammatorieschemotherapy drugs A doctor should monitor any person taking the above drugs for any effects. Interactions Possible interactions with drugs include:Blood thinning medication: Although turmeric increases the effects of anticoagulants, this can increase the risk of: hemorrhagesbleedingbruisingInsulin: Turmeric can lower blood sugar levels, which can therefore cause an even lower blood sugar in people on insulin or other antidiabetic medication.Blood pressure medication: Turmeric can enhance the effects of antihypertensive drugs, lowering blood pressure.Antacids: Turmeric can inhibit the effectiveness of antacids, such as:famotidine (Pepcid)cimetidine (Tagamet)omeprazole Doctors also do not prescribe turmeric to people with gallbladder issues. This is due to the possible risk of turmeric stimulating gallbladder contractions that may cause gallstones. Alternative treatments Alternative natural treatments for eczema include:Coconut oil: This oil is antibacterial and can reduce the risk of infection.Sunflower oil: This contains fatty acids, which can help maintain the skin’s protective barrier and prevent water from leaking out of the skin. Additional research has corroborated that sunflower oil decreases water loss but is limited as it was a small sample size. This oil also has antibacterial properties for the skin.Colloidal oatmeal bath: According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this bath additive can help relieve eczema symptoms. Diluted apple cider vinegar: This method may help alleviate some symptoms of eczema, although more research is necessary to confirm its efficacy. Due to the high acidic content, it could potentially injure the soft tissues of the:mouththroatstomachkidneysAloe vera: Extracts from the aloe vera plant can help soothe dry skin and aid wound healing. Aloe vera is also antibacterial, which could help treat infections. Topical vitamin E Vitamin E has nutrient antioxidant properties, which may help reduce eczema symptoms in the short term. A 2015 study compared the result of people’s mild to moderate eczema on 400 international units (10 micrograms) of vitamin E or placebo for 4 months. Treatment showed improvements in:itchingrednessswellingexcoriation However, researchers did not observe this effect 3 months after ending treatment. There are no side effects reported in the study from the topical use of vitamin E, but there are some reports of people experiencing:contact dermatitisburningitching People should speak with a dermatologist to explore possible alternative treatments and their benefits and risks. Find out more home remedies for eczema. Other uses Turmeric has other potential users, and it may be beneficial in the management of:inflammatory conditionsanxietymetabolic syndromearthritishyperlipidemiaexercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness Summary Although more research is necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of turmeric as a treatment for eczema, current evidence suggests that it has potential as a treatment for skin diseases. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of curcumin — a turmeric compound — may help treat eczema symptoms. Researchers are undertaking studies to find out which type of turmeric compound has increased bioavailability and absorption. A person can ingest turmeric as a spice in foods or drinks, as an oral supplement, or apply it topically. The FDA classifies turmeric as safe. However, the spice may interact with certain medications, which can increase the risk of complications in some cases. People should inform a doctor of any medications they are taking before using turmeric as a supplement. Last medically reviewed on September 15, 2022Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.5 new-ish complementary, alternative treatments for eczema. (2021).https://nationaleczema.org/blog/5-new-ish/Amalraj, A., et al. (2016). Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - A review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388087/Agrawal, R., et al. (2011). The role of regulatory T cells in atopic dermatitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4547455Complementary and alternative treatments. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/complementary-and-alternative/Dwiyana, R. F., et al. (2019). The beneficial effect if 20% sunflower seed oil cream on mild atopic dermatitis in children.https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ijpps/article/view/30707Eczema (atopic dermatitis). (2017).https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema-atopic-dermatitisGet the facts: Apple cider vinegar. (2021).https://nationaleczema.org/blog/get-the-facts-acv/Get the facts: Turmeric. (2020).https://nationaleczema.org/blog/get-the-facts-turmeric/Hewlings, S. J., et al. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its' effects on human health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remediesNelson, K. M., et al. (2017). The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin.https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975Notice to US Food and Drug Administration of the conclusion that the intended use of curcumin is generally recognized as safe. (2018).https://www.fda.gov/media/132575/downloadSharifi-Rad, J., et al. (2020). Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: Bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354/Vaughn, A. R., et al. (2016). Effects of turmeric (curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27213821/Vaughn, A. R., et al. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science [Abstract].https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1Vollono, L., et al. (2019). Potential of curcumin in skin disorders.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770633/What is eczema? (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/Zagórska-Dziok, M., et al. (2017). Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of aloe vera - A review.http://www.jpccr.eu/pdf-74577-12479?filename=Evaluation%20of%20clinical.pdfFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Clare Wightman MS, PAC, Dermatology, Medical Research — By Peter Brown on September 15, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageDo probiotics for eczema work?Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Eczema is a common form of dermatitis that can interfere with daily life. 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