What Is Eczema?

Dr. Robyn Gmyrek of Park View Laser Dermatology describes eczema as a general term for dermatitis, which refers to inflammation of the skin. “Eczema can occur from dryness, from an allergic reaction, or from irritation caused by a chemical exposure. Then there is a form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, which is considered to be a chronic form of eczema that has a genetic predisposition,” she explains.

This type of eczema flares periodically and can make certain areas of your skin red, itchy, and inflamed. Chicago-based dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung adds that most people with eczema have a genetic tendency to allergies or a gene mutation for certain skin proteins that maintain the skin barrier. “Eczema can also be commonly triggered by irritants such as harsh cleansers and wool, allergens including fragrances, nickel, dyes, and antibacterials or preservatives,” she says.

Avocado Oil for Eczema

You may have heard that avocado oil is effective at treating things like sun burns, wounds, and brittle nails, but Dr. Cheung maintains it can pose some serious benefits for those with eczema, too. Because atopic dermatitis occurs when your skin barrier is impaired, she says that the key to treating it is to decrease inflammation and hydrate the skin. “Avocado oil helps with both, as it is anti-inflammatory and acts as an emollient to soften skin and trap in moisture, thereby soothing the itchiness. The antioxidants and fats found in avocado oil also help to modulate skin barrier maintenance, collagen metabolism, and wound healing, all of which can help with treating eczema,” she says.

When it comes to the unbearable itch factor associated with eczema, avocado oil can provide relief. Says Dr. Gmyrek, “In theory, if avocado oil helps heal the skin lesions of eczema and repair the skin barrier, then the itch would improve as well. In addition, it contains linoleic acid, which has been shown in combination to help rebuild, stabilize, and maintain the skin barrier in atopic dermatitis lesions.” Avocado oil is also chock-full of vitamin E—an antioxidant that protects against free-radical damage—which reduces the risk of oxidative stress that could trigger an inflammatory condition like eczema.

How to Use Avocado Oil for Skin

Being a carrier oil, avocado oil can be used to dilute essential oils when used in its pure form. That said, you can also find avocado oil in everything from hair and scalp treatments to face creams and lip balms. Of course, if you have a known allergy to avocados, you should avoid avocado oil as a skin-care ingredient. If you’re unsure if you have a sensitivity, Dr. Gmyrek suggests doing a repeat open application test (ROAT), which is a way to test for an allergic reaction to topical products. “Put a small amount of the oil or product on your inner forearm skin daily for three to five days, and observe for redness or irritation, which indicates an allergy or irritation from the product. If this happens, do not use the product. If there is no irritation, discontinue use for a week and then do the test again, as sometimes it can be positive the second time. If there is still no redness or irritation, then it should be safe to use the product.”