Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been shown to treat eczema in children more effectively than mineral oil. An eight-week study proved that the kids had less redness and showed improved eczema symptoms. Apart from that, they had more moisturized skin.
VCO is just like virgin olive oil, meaning, it was processed less than regular oils. Based on medical research, VCO has more germ-fighting and inflammation-soothing powers than other kinds of coconut oil.
More than thousands of studies proved that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods. It offers many healing benefits and uses to people. It is the reason why the coconut tree is called the "lifeline of health."
Apart from using VCO for cooking, it can also be used in other ways, like as hair treatment or as makeup remover.
Virgin coconut oil for babies
While it is safe for adult use, many are curious if it is also safe for babies. Studies show that extra virgin coconut oil is safe for premature babies' paper-thin skin. It has proven to protect and thicken their delicate skin. In fact, there are several ways that you can use VCO on babies like to ease itchiness from diaper rash or to relieve pain from teething.
It is no wonder that babies benefit from the wonder oil too. See below to know how to apply virgin coconut oil to treat baby eczema.
Treating baby eczema with coconut oil
Choose the best quality of VCO to use on your baby. Many of those sold in the market are good for cooking and as a food supplement. Make sure to double-check the ingredients so that you are using pure coconut oil without harmful chemicals or dyes.
Before you apply the VCO, give your little one a warm bath. Wash her with a gentle baby shampoo then pat her dry. Warm a small amount of the VCO, at about 78 degrees Fahrenheit, or heat in the microwave for about ten seconds.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your baby. Infants with eczema are more sensitive because when their skin breaks, germs could get in easily.
Test the VCO on the inside of your wrist to make sure that it is not too hot before you apply it to your baby. If it becomes too cold, it will be hard to apply. Just rub some between your palms to melt it. Then, gently massage the oil onto your infant's skin.
Using VCO with wet wraps
Using coconut oil with wet wraps helps seal in more moisture so it helps heal eczema faster.
To do so, get a new, soft, and unbleached cotton or flannel cloth then cut them into strips. Boil water in a pot then let it cool until warm enough. Apply VCO on your baby based on the steps written above.
Dip the strips into the warm, sterile water then squeeze excess water. Place the damp cloth strips over the skin of your baby with VCO. Repeat until you have wrapped all the areas with eczema and VCO.
Leave the cloth strips on your little one's skin until they are almost dry. You may also wait until your baby wiggles and takes them off on her own.
See also: Alabama Mom Makes Eczema Soap to Successfully Treat Son's Skin Condition
