Do you ever feel like you’ve tried everything to soothe your eczema, yet the itching, redness, and dry patches keep returning? I know exactly how that feels because I’ve been battling eczema for years. I’ve gone through countless treatments, from drugstore creams to prescription topical steroids, which do provide relief—at least temporarily. However, I often wonder about the long-term impact of relying on those prescriptions. What happens to my skin if I keep using them year after year?

Like many others, I’ve started looking for natural alternatives to fill the gaps between flare-ups or when I need something gentler on my skin. One remedy I kept hearing about is Manuka honey. It’s been praised for its antibacterial and healing properties, but is it really as effective for managing eczema as people say?

As someone who’s always on the lookout for better ways to manage this condition, I decided to explore how Manuka honey could fit into my skincare routine. If you’re also curious whether this natural remedy could be the missing piece in your eczema care, you’re in the right place.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and dryness, which can lead to cracked, scaly, or red patches on the skin. It primarily occurs due to a weakened skin barrier, making it difficult for the skin to retain moisture and defend itself against external irritants. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, but there are other forms like contact dermatitis and nummular eczema, each with its own triggers.

Managing eczema often means understanding what causes flare-ups, as it varies from person to person. Here are some common triggers that can make eczema worse:

• Environmental Factors. Environmental conditions like dry air, cold weather, hot and humid climates, pollen, and pet dander can often trigger eczema. Additionally, exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning products or detergents can aggravate the skin.
• Stress. Emotional stress and anxiety can lead to eczema flare-ups.
• Irritants. Many everyday products can irritate sensitive skin, including soaps, shampoos, or lotions that contain fragrances. Wearing fabrics like wool or synthetic materials and exposure to cigarette smoke can also trigger eczema symptoms.
• Allergens. Allergens such as dust mites, mold, and animal dander are common triggers for eczema. These allergens can inflame the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.
• Dietary Triggers. Certain foods can also contribute to eczema flare-ups, particularly for individuals with food sensitivities or allergies. Common dietary triggers include dairy products, eggs, soy, gluten-containing foods (like wheat), and nuts, especially peanuts.

By understanding these triggers, it becomes easier to manage eczema and minimize flare-ups. Alongside traditional treatments, some people explore natural remedies like Manuka honey to keep their symptoms under control between episodes.

The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Eczema

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that comes from the nectar of the Manuka tree, native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey is prized for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, which make it a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema.

What sets Manuka honey apart is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its powerful antibacterial effects. The higher the MGO level, the stronger the honey’s healing potential. Manuka honey is often labeled with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating, which measures the concentration of MGO and other beneficial compounds. A higher UMF rating indicates better quality and more potent healing properties.

Health Properties

• Anti-inflammatory Properties. Eczema is characterized by inflammation that leads to redness, itching, and discomfort. Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory effects can help calm these symptoms, reducing swelling and redness on the skin. This makes it particularly helpful during flare-ups when the skin is irritated and inflamed.
• Moisturizing and Hydration. One of the biggest challenges with eczema is keeping the skin adequately moisturized. Manuka honey acts as a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and locks it in. This helps soothe dry, cracked skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier, preventing flare-ups.
• Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Effects. Eczema-prone skin is often more susceptible to infections due to cracks and breaks caused by scratching. Manuka honey’s potent antibacterial properties, primarily due to its high levels of MGO, can help prevent and treat skin infections. By keeping bacteria at bay, Manuka honey can reduce the risk of further irritation and complications.
• Promotes Wound Healing. Eczema can cause the skin to crack and bleed, leaving it vulnerable to more serious damage. Manuka honey has been shown to promote faster wound healing and tissue regeneration. It can help repair broken skin, soothe irritation, and reduce scarring, making it an excellent choice for eczema sufferers who experience more severe symptoms.
• Soothes Itching. The persistent itch associated with eczema can be incredibly frustrating. Manuka honey helps by calming the skin and reducing the urge to scratch. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects create a soothing environment that promotes healing.
• Protects the Skin Barrier. Regular application of Manuka honey can help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. A healthy skin barrier is crucial for keeping moisture in and irritants out, which is particularly important for managing eczema. By nourishing the skin and reinforcing this protective layer, Manuka honey helps prevent future flare-ups.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that Manuka honey has gained attention as a natural solution for those dealing with eczema. But how exactly does it help with eczema symptoms? Let’s explore the specific benefits in the next section.

How to Use Manuka Honey for Eczema

While Manuka honey offers a variety of benefits for managing eczema, knowing how to use it correctly is key to getting the best results. Below are several ways to incorporate Manuka honey into your skincare routine to help soothe and manage eczema symptoms.

1. Direct Application to Eczema-Affected Areas

Manuka honey can be applied directly to eczema patches for targeted relief. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Clean the skin: Start by gently cleansing the affected area with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
• Apply a thin layer: Use clean fingers or a sterile applicator to apply a thin layer of Manuka honey directly to the eczema-affected area.
• Cover the area: Cover the area with a sterile bandage or gauze for best results. This allows the honey to stay in place and work without getting rubbed off.
• Leave it on: If needed, keep the honey on for at least 20 to 30 minutes or longer. Some people leave it on overnight for deeper moisturization.
• Rinse off: Gently rinse off the honey with warm water and pat the skin dry. Apply a gentle moisturizer afterward to lock in hydration.

2. Homemade Manuka Honey Mask for Eczema Relief

A soothing mask made from Manuka honey and other skin-friendly ingredients can provide extra hydration and relief. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties)
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the Manuka honey and coconut oil in a small bowl until well combined.
  2. Apply the mixture to eczema-prone areas or patches of dry skin.
  3. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the honey to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation.
  4. Gently rinse off with warm water, then pat the skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer.

3. Manuka Honey Bath for Full-Body Relief

For those with widespread eczema, incorporating Manuka honey into a bath can provide soothing relief for the entire body.

• How to do it:
  1. Fill a bathtub with warm (not hot) water to avoid further irritating the skin.
  2. Dissolve 2 to 3 tablespoons of Manuka honey into the bathwater, stirring it to ensure it is evenly distributed.
  3. Soak in the honey-infused water for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing your skin to absorb its hydrating and antibacterial properties.
  4. After your bath, gently pat your skin dry and immediately apply an eczema-friendly moisturizer to lock in the moisture.

4. Manuka Honey as a Spot Treatment

If you experience smaller, localized eczema flare-ups, you can use Manuka honey as a spot treatment for quick relief:

• Dab a small amount of honey onto the affected area using a cotton swab or clean fingers.
• Cover with a bandage if necessary and leave it on for several hours or overnight before rinsing it off.

5. Using Manuka Honey with Moisturizers

For added hydration and protection, you can mix Manuka honey with your regular eczema-friendly moisturizer. This helps deliver the honey’s antibacterial and moisturizing benefits throughout the day:

• Mix a small amount of Manuka honey (about half a teaspoon) with your favorite hypoallergenic moisturizer.
• Apply it to your entire body or specific eczema-prone areas after a shower or bath to lock in moisture.

Manuka Honey Brands We Like

If you’re looking to try Manuka honey for its eczema-relief benefits, it’s important to choose high-quality, certified options. Here are some of the top brands available on Amazon that are trusted for their authenticity and potency:

Manukora Raw Manuka Honey

• UMF Rating: 20+
• MGO: High antibacterial properties
• This honey is known for being pure, raw, and non-GMO, making it an excellent choice for both consumption and topical use on eczema. It is also certified to be free of antibiotics and glyphosate, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Manukora honey is fully traceable from hive to jar, so you can trust its source and production methods.

Comvita Manuka Honey

• UMF Rating: 20+
• One of the most popular and long-standing Manuka honey brands, Comvita is sourced from New Zealand’s forests and is UMF certified. It’s highly potent and often used for medical-grade applications due to its high UMF rating, which ensures a strong antibacterial effect. Comvita is a trusted option if you’re looking for a honey that can support both your skin health and immune system. .

Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey

• K-Factor: 16+
• Wedderspoon doesn’t follow the UMF system but uses its own K-factor rating to ensure quality. This honey is non-GMO, unpasteurized, and free of antibiotics and pesticides. It’s a great choice for people who prefer a more affordable but still high-quality alternative, ideal for mixing in recipes or applying directly to the skin.

Important Tips for Using Manuka Honey for Eczema

While Manuka honey can be an effective natural remedy for eczema, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your skin. As with any treatment, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so following these tips will help you get the best results while minimizing the risk of irritation or adverse reactions.

• Patch Test: Before using Manuka honey on a large area of your skin, do a patch test to ensure you’re not allergic. Apply a small amount on a small, eczema-free area, and wait for 24 hours to check for any irritation or reactions.
• Use Certified Manuka Honey: Look for Manuka honey with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO (Methylglyoxal) rating to ensure it has the potency needed to provide its antibacterial and healing effects.
• Consult a Doctor: If you have severe eczema or are unsure about trying a new treatment, consult with a dermatologist before using Manuka honey as part of your skincare routine.

Manuka Honey Creams and Lotions We Like

Don’t want to make your own Manuka honey salve or add it to lotions? Here are several highly recommended products.

• Advanced Clinicals Manuka Honey Cream: A moisturizing formula for both face and body, featuring Manuka honey, chamomile, aloe vera, and collagen to hydrate and repair dry or sun-damaged skin.
• UpWellness Manuka Miracle Cream: Combines Manuka honey with calendula and sunflower oil to soothe dry, flaky skin and support skin repair.
• Deluvia Manuka Honey Cream: Offers deep hydration with a blend of Manuka honey and aloe vera, ideal for calming irritated and dry skin.

Potential Risks and Considerations for Using Manuka Honey for Eczema

While Manuka honey offers a natural alternative to manage eczema symptoms, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and considerations before incorporating it into your skincare routine. Like any treatment, what works well for some may not work for others, and certain factors should be considered to ensure safe and effective use.

Potential Interaction with Other Treatments

If you’re using prescription treatments like topical steroids or medicated creams for eczema, consult your doctor before adding Manuka honey to your routine. While natural remedies like Manuka honey can be beneficial, they should not replace prescribed treatments without professional guidance. Using both together may offer complementary benefits, but it’s always best to check with a dermatologist to avoid any negative interactions.

Risk of Infection in Severe Eczema

For individuals with severe eczema or open, oozing sores, applying any topical product, including Manuka honey, should be done with caution. While Manuka honey has antimicrobial properties, introducing any new substance to broken skin carries a risk of infection or further irritation. Always consult with a healthcare provider if your eczema is severe before trying new remedies.

Honey for Infants

Although Manuka honey is considered safe for topical use in most adults, it should not be used on infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of botulism. Even when used externally, there is a small chance of contamination, which could harm babies. If your child has eczema, consult a pediatrician for safer treatment options.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Managing eczema can feel like an ongoing challenge, especially when flare-ups strike without warning. While prescription treatments have their place, many of us look for natural solutions to help soothe our skin and maintain its health. Manuka honey, with its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, offers a promising option to complement your existing eczema care routine. From direct application to homemade masks, there are several ways to introduce this natural remedy into your skincare regimen.

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Have you tried Manuka honey or other natural remedies to relieve your eczema? If so, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experiences!

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