Turmeric can be used in many ways and may help with mild eczema by taking a supplement or applying it topically. Here’s what the limited research says.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow spice native to India. It’s a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

It contains the compound curcumin, which has been widely shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Historically, it’s been used to treat an array of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.

So, can turmeric truly help with eczema, and is it safe? Read on to find out.

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Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 2 to 10% of adults and 15 to 30% of children.

Eczema presents as dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, resulting from a dysfunctional skin barrier that leads to excess water loss. There are many types of eczema, but all are characterized by dry, itchy, and discolored patches on the skin.

The underlying cause of eczema is unknown, but a person’s genetics and environment appear to be linked to its development.

Common treatments include special moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory creams during flare-ups to minimize itching and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

Many people also turn to herbal remedies for relief, including turmeric.

Due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, many wonder whether it can alleviate eczema symptoms.

Although the spice has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for skin disorders, there is little research specifically on turmeric and eczema.

In an older 2009 study of 150 people with eczema, using a turmeric-containing cream for 4 weeks resulted in a nearly 28% decrease in skin scaling and 32% decrease in itchiness compared to baseline scores. However, it should be noted that this study was company-sponsored and included other anti-inflammatory herbs.

In a 2024 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, a daily 250 mg turmeric extract capsule was found to be safe and effective in improving facial skin health. However, the people in the trial dealt with skin blemishes, not necessarily eczema.

Apart from these studies, there is little additional research on the use of turmeric or curcumin for treating skin conditions.

Although research on turmeric and eczema is limited, turmeric is generally considered safe to consume in recommended amounts, though caution is advised during pregnancy.

Food and supplements

It’s generally recognized as safe when used as directed. Keep in mind that curcumin in turmeric has low bioavailability. So, consuming ground turmeric may not provide a therapeutic dose.

Adding black pepper to turmeric dishes and supplements may help, as this spice contains a compound called piperine that can increase curcumin absorption. Still, it’s unknown how much curcumin might reach your skin.

Dietary fats, water-soluble carriers, volatile oils, and antioxidants may also enhance the absorption of curcumin, according to some older research.

Taking it orally may cause adverse effects in some people, such as nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation.

Topical application

Due to turmeric’s popularity, many cosmetic companies use it as an ingredient in their products.

In studies on other skin conditions, topical application of turmeric-containing products enables adequate curcumin absorption.

However, these products are specifically formulated for enhanced absorption, and applying pure turmeric to your skin will not have the same effects. Because of the spice’s strong yellow pigment, it’s not exactly desirable to apply pure turmeric anyway. It may also cause hives or itching.

More research is needed to determine whether topical products containing the spice’s active ingredients are safe for use. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Intravenous

Some people may have used turmeric intravenously, in an effort to bypass digestion and get a higher dose into the blood supply, but this route has led to serious reactions, including death.

Even with small doses, this type of intravenous treatment may cause unwanted side effects, such as headache, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea.

Safety in children

Supplementing with this spice has been studied primarily in adults, so it’s unknown whether it’s safe for children.

It’s best to speak with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional before using turmeric products for eczema, especially on children.

Ground turmeric has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and is generally safe to use. Try adding this spice or curry powder to your dishes for a kick of flavor.

However, despite its potential health benefits, more research is needed to support the use of turmeric, or its active ingredient curcumin, to treat eczema.

If you’re looking to try turmeric for eczema, avoid intravenous treatment due to serious safety concerns.

Always speak to a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a chronic condition.

You may also want to talk with your healthcare professional about other treatment options for eczema.