Can Manuka Honey Help Soothe Eczema Symptoms?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Seeking gentle and effective relief, many individuals are exploring natural remedies, including Manuka honey. Celebrated for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, Manuka honey has a long history in traditional medicine for treating wounds and skin issues. But can this natural product truly ease the discomfort of eczema symptoms? Let’s examine the scientific evidence and practical applications of Manuka honey for eczema.

Understanding Eczema: More Than Just an Itch

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a complex, non-contagious skin condition arising from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It impairs the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity and inflammation. The primary symptoms are persistent itchiness, redness, and skin sensitivity. It’s important to note that “eczema” is an umbrella term encompassing various forms of dermatitis, each with distinct characteristics:

Atopic Dermatitis (AD): The most common and often chronic type, frequently beginning in childhood. It is often associated with a personal or family history of asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), indicating an underlying allergic tendency.
Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by direct contact with irritants or allergens. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to substances like poison ivy or nickel, while irritant contact dermatitis results from exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent handwashing.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Primarily affecting oily areas such as the scalp and face, causing scaly, flaky patches and dandruff. It’s linked to the Malassezia yeast, a common skin inhabitant.
Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx): Characterized by intensely itchy, small blisters on the fingers, toes, palms, and soles.
Nummular Eczema (Discoid Eczema): Presents as coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, often appearing after a skin injury, such as an insect bite.

The Persistent Itch-Scratch Cycle: A hallmark of eczema is the relentless itch, leading to scratching. This scratching further damages the skin barrier, releasing inflammatory mediators and intensifying the itch, thus perpetuating a cycle of discomfort and skin damage.

Common Eczema Triggers: Flare-ups can be initiated by various factors:

Irritants: Soaps, detergents, fragrances, certain fabrics (wool, synthetics), and harsh chemicals.
Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, and metals.
Environmental Factors: Dry, cold weather, extreme heat, and humidity.
Emotional Stress: Stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Infections: Bacterial (like Staphylococcus aureus) or viral infections can trigger flare-ups.

Currently, there is no cure for eczema. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms, reducing flare-up frequency and severity, and improving the patient’s quality of life. While conventional treatments such as topical corticosteroids and antihistamines can effectively manage acute flare-ups, concerns about potential side effects with prolonged use have led to increased interest in gentler, natural options like Manuka honey for sustained symptom management.

What Sets Manuka Honey Apart? The Unique Properties

Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) plant, native to New Zealand and Australia. All honeys possess inherent antimicrobial properties, largely due to hydrogen peroxide and other factors. However, Manuka honey is distinguished by its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound formed from dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in Manuka flower nectar.

MGO and UMF Ratings: Decoding the Label: The concentration of MGO is a key determinant of Manuka honey’s antibacterial potency. High-quality Manuka honey is typically labeled with:

MGO Rating: Directly indicates the methylglyoxal content in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. Higher MGO values denote greater antibacterial activity.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Rating: A quality assurance marker that assesses MGO levels and other unique signature compounds characteristic of genuine Manuka honey. UMF ratings correlate with MGO levels; for example, UMF 10+ often corresponds to MGO 263+ or higher. For potential therapeutic benefits, a UMF of 10+ or higher is generally recommended.

Beyond Antibacterial Action: Properties Relevant to Eczema:

Rich in Antioxidants: Manuka honey contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to inflammation in eczema.
Significant Anti-inflammatory Effects: It can help reduce the hallmark redness, swelling, and heat of eczema flare-ups by modulating inflammatory pathways.
Intense Hydrating Properties: As a natural humectant, Manuka honey draws moisture from the environment into the skin and helps retain existing moisture, combating the dryness associated with eczema.
Supports Skin Barrier Function: Manuka honey’s slightly acidic pH, similar to the skin’s natural pH (around 4.5-5.5), helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, crucial for preventing bacterial colonization and reducing sensitivity in eczema-prone skin.

Compared to common honey varieties, Manuka honey generally exhibits a considerably higher MGO concentration, resulting in more pronounced antibacterial and potentially anti-inflammatory effects. However, it’s important to recognize that the quality and potency of Manuka honey can vary based on factors like source, processing methods, and grading systems.

How Manuka Honey May Target Eczema Symptoms

Manuka honey’s potential benefits for eczema stem from its diverse properties, working in concert to address key aspects of this condition:

Combating Microbial Imbalance: Staphylococcus aureus bacteria frequently colonize eczema-affected skin, exacerbating inflammation and raising the risk of secondary infections. Manuka honey’s strong antimicrobial action, primarily attributed to MGO, can inhibit S. aureus growth and reduce the production of bacterial toxins that worsen eczema symptoms. It also demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against other common skin pathogens.
Modulating Inflammation: Eczema flare-ups involve an overactive immune response, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators that cause intense itching, redness, and swelling. Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory components may help regulate this immune response, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory substances and alleviating discomfort from active eczema lesions.
Promoting Wound Healing and Skin Repair: Eczema can lead to skin cracking, weeping, and open lesions, increasing vulnerability to infections. Manuka honey’s wound-healing properties are particularly valuable in these instances. It stimulates macrophages, immune cells that clear debris and dead cells from wounds, and promotes the formation of new tissue, accelerating skin repair and wound closure.
Deep Moisturization and Barrier Restoration: Dry skin is a primary characteristic of eczema, further compromising the skin barrier and increasing susceptibility to irritants and allergens. As a natural humectant, Manuka honey effectively attracts and retains moisture, deeply hydrating the skin. This can help restore skin elasticity, reduce dryness-induced cracking, and improve the skin’s barrier function over time.

Scientific Evidence: Examining the Research

Research into Manuka honey’s effectiveness for eczema is ongoing, and preliminary studies offer promising, though still limited, insights:

Pilot Clinical Study (2017): A small pilot study with 14 eczema patients showed encouraging results. Participants applied medical-grade Manuka honey to one eczema lesion while leaving another lesion untreated as a control. Honey-treated lesions exhibited significant improvements, including reduced inflammation, decreased itching, and faster healing compared to untreated lesions. Researchers suggested that Manuka honey’s mechanism may involve downregulating proteins implicated in eczema and inhibiting histamine release, a key mediator of itching and allergic reactions. However, the study’s small size necessitates larger, more rigorous trials to confirm these findings.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Study (2001): A study investigating raw honey’s effects on seborrheic dermatitis (a form of eczema affecting the scalp) revealed positive outcomes. Participants applying raw honey experienced notable reductions in itching and scaling within a week. Continued application led to sustained improvement in some cases. Researchers from the University of Auckland highlighted honey’s antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur, a yeast associated with seborrheic dermatitis. This study suggests potential benefits of honey, including Manuka varieties, for managing eczema-like conditions involving fungal components.

The Need for Robust Research: While these initial studies are encouraging, it’s essential to emphasize that more extensive, large-scale, randomized controlled trials are necessary to definitively determine Manuka honey’s effectiveness, optimal application protocols, and long-term benefits for various types and severities of eczema. Current evidence is considered preliminary, and Manuka honey should not be viewed as a proven, primary treatment for eczema based on existing research alone.

Practical Guide: Using Manuka Honey Safely and Effectively for Eczema

If you are considering using Manuka honey to manage eczema symptoms, these guidelines can help ensure safe and effective use:

Select Medical-Grade Manuka Honey with Appropriate Rating: For topical application on eczema, medical-grade Manuka honey is crucial. This type is filtered, sterilized, and tested for its MGO or UMF rating. Look for products specifically labeled “medical-grade” or “sterilized.” For eczema, choose Manuka honey with a UMF of 10+ or higher or an MGO of 263+ or higher to ensure therapeutic potency. Lower grades are primarily for dietary use and may lack sufficient antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity for topical application.
Perform a Mandatory Patch Test: Prior to applying Manuka honey to a larger eczema-affected area, always conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount to a discreet skin area (e.g., inner forearm) and observe for 24-48 hours. Monitor for any allergic reactions, such as increased redness, itching, swelling, or rash. If any occur, discontinue use.
Application Methods:
- Direct Application: Gently apply a thin layer of medical-grade Manuka honey directly to clean, dry eczema lesions. For better absorption and protection, cover with a non-adhesive bandage or dressing. Leave in place for 20-30 minutes or overnight for maximum therapeutic effect. Rinse gently with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
- Honey-Infused Balms and Creams: Incorporate medical-grade Manuka honey into DIY or commercially available eczema balms or creams. A simple homemade recipe combines medical-grade Manuka honey with a base of beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil. Apply these balms 1-2 times daily to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture and deliver Manuka honey’s benefits.
- Frequency of Application: For active flare-ups, apply Manuka honey 1-2 times daily. For maintenance, daily application or a few times per week may be beneficial. Adjust frequency based on individual skin response and eczema severity.
Important Allergy Information: Individuals with known allergies to bees, bee products (propolis, royal jelly), or honey should use Manuka honey with extreme caution or avoid it entirely. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe systemic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: increased itching, redness, or swelling at the application site; hives or rash spreading; wheezing, breathing difficulty, or throat tightness (seek immediate medical attention for these).
Proper Storage: Store medical-grade Manuka honey in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain its properties. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent contamination. Use medical-grade Manuka honey within its expiration date for optimal potency.

Manuka Honey as Part of a Comprehensive Eczema Management Strategy

It’s vital to remember that Manuka honey is not a cure for eczema, a chronic condition requiring a multi-pronged management approach. Manuka honey is best considered a complementary therapy to be integrated into a broader eczema care plan.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice:

Consult a healthcare provider before using Manuka honey, especially if you have severe eczema, are using prescription eczema medications, or have known allergies.
If eczema symptoms worsen or do not improve with Manuka honey use.
For severe flare-ups, signs of skin infection, or for guidance on eczema diagnosis and treatment.
Always prioritize and adhere to your healthcare provider’s primary eczema treatment recommendations.

Individualized Approach is Key: Eczema management is highly personalized. Effectiveness varies greatly between individuals. Manuka honey may be a valuable soothing and supportive option for some people with eczema, potentially offering symptom relief and promoting skin healing, particularly when used in conjunction with conventional treatments and appropriate lifestyle adjustments.

Conclusion: Promising Natural Support, but Not a Definitive Cure

Manuka honey shows promise as a natural adjunct for managing eczema symptoms, leveraging its unique combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It may contribute to reducing bacterial colonization, calming inflammation, promoting skin repair, and providing hydration. While preliminary research and anecdotal reports are encouraging, suggesting it’s a worthwhile natural option to consider for eczema symptom relief, it’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations.

Eczema is a complex condition with diverse forms, triggers, and individual responses to treatments. Manuka honey may offer relief for some individuals and some types of eczema, but it is not a universal remedy and may not be effective for everyone. Therefore, while incorporating medical-grade Manuka honey into your skincare routine could be a gentle and potentially beneficial complementary approach, consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional is always recommended, particularly for persistent, severe, or potentially infected eczema. Further rigorous scientific research is needed to fully understand and validate Manuka honey’s therapeutic potential for eczema and to optimize its use for maximum benefit.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.