Research on the effects of olive oil for eczema is mixed. Some studies suggest it may help relieve inflammation and pain, while others found that it may damage the skin barrier and worsen symptoms.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause very itchy, dry, scaly, and discolored skin.

Researchers suggest that it’s related to skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier is the outer layer of skin that helps prevent water from evaporating, keeping the skin hydrated and protected against environmental irritants.

Topical emollients are a popular treatment for improving the skin barrier and relieving symptoms.

Some research suggests that olive oil-based emollients may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits that could apply to eczema.

However, the research is limited and mixed.

For instance, other studies and some healthcare organizations suggest that olive oil may further damage the skin barrier, aggravating symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about the research on using olive oil for eczema and other treatment options.

Research on the effects of olive oil on eczema is mixed.

According to a 2021 review of 21 studies, olive oil may have several antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may contribute to improving eczema. For instance:

  • oleic acid may contribute to wound healing
  • polyphenols may help reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and relieve pain
  • vitamins and other squalene properties could keep skin moisturized and reduce inflammation
  • antimicrobial properties could help reduce Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)

Similarly, researchers from a 2020 study note that olive oil may provide a protective coating on the skin that could:

  • keep the skin moisturized
  • slow down transepidermal water loss (TWL), which is the rate at which water leaves your skin
  • reduce symptoms of rough, dry, and scaly skin

Despite these positive findings, other studies report other results.

Some older research in humans suggests that olive oil may do more harm than good for eczema.

For instance, the authors of a 2017 review reported some anti-inflammatory benefits of olive oil in animal studies. In human studies, however, they found that olive oil applied to the skin damages the skin barrier and increases TWL.

Olive oil may significantly reduce the integrity of the outer layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. This may also worsen symptoms of dryness, itchiness, and skin discoloration.

Healthcare organizations like the National Eczema Association and the National Eczema Society don’t recommend using olive oil for eczema. This is because of its effects on the skin barrier, which may be due to oleic acid.

According to a 2013 review, the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid dictates how effective a natural oil is in hydrating and protecting the skin. Oils with low oleic acid and high linoleic acid ratios are the most effective.

Linoleic acid, in particular, has been shown to hydrate and protect the skin and reduce irritation and inflammation.

Olive oil has a relatively low linoleic acid and oleic acid ratio. As a result, topical use of the oil can damage the skin barrier and worsen eczema symptoms.

Can olive oil stop itching?

Limited research has examined the effects of olive oil on itching in eczema.

However, healthcare organizations like the National Eczema Association don’t recommend olive oil for eczema because it could damage the skin barrier and worsen symptoms.

While olive oil appears to have little benefit in treating eczema, some other natural oils show promise.

According to the National Eczema Association, the following oils may help improve skin barrier function and relieve symptoms like itching:

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully support the use of these oils for eczema. Speak with a doctor if you have eczema. They could recommend the best treatment plan for you.

While olive oil might not be the best natural treatment for eczema, there are many other natural oils that can provide symptom relief.

Often, people with eczema look for complementary treatments to manage their symptoms. It can take some trial and error to find the right treatment to relieve symptoms.

Before trying a natural or complementary treatment for eczema, consider what triggers it and whether you have any known allergies. It’s also important to speak with a doctor or dermatologist about which treatments may be the most effective for you.