Shea Butter for Eczema

Butyrospermum parkii

Shea butter is extracted from the nut of the shea tree, a plant native to western and central Africa. Shea butter may be eaten and used as cooking oil, and is widely used in lotions, cosmetics, and soaps because of its moisturizing properties. It is perhaps the world's finest natural emollient. It is expensive but a little goes a long way. Look for shea butter that has not been bleached or over-refined. It should be yellow in color, not white.

Shea butter for eczema treatment

Method

Shea butter may be found in its pure form and in soaps and lotions. For best results, layer the products (bathe with shea butter soap, then apply pure shea butter to damp skin). Reapply shea butter throughout the day for continued moisturization. Start with small amounts of shea butter - it is very rich and seems greasy at first but when thoroughly rubbed in it leaves the skin feeling silky.

Why It Works

Shea butter is a rich emollient, able to penetrate the skin quickly and moisturize deeply with no greasy, pore-clogging residue. It contains high levels of Vitamins A, E and F, which hydrate and protect the skin. It also improves circulation, promoting healing and skin renewal.

Precautions

Always let a doctor diagnose your eczema; you need to rule out infection and other skin conditions that require medical care. In rare cases shea butter may cause an allergic reaction, particularly in those with nut allergies. Do not apply shea butter to broken skin. If you are suffering from a hot, itchy eczema outbreak, you probably want to avoid shea butter as it traps heat. It is best used as conditioner to keep skin supple.

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