9 Viral Social Media Remedies for Eczema: Do They Really Work?

Tallow is just melted-down animal fat — usually from a cow. Beef tallow is all over social media, both as a cooking ingredient and a beauty fix. Influencers claim its fatty acids and vitamins protect the skin's barrier and lock in moisture. What they don't mention is the lack of science to back up these claims. This questionable beauty hack could actually speed up water loss and dry your skin out more. Because beef tallow comes from animals, it might cause an allergic reaction in sensitive skin. Check with a dermatologist before you try it.

Oatmeal isn't just for breakfast. In the tub, it's an eczema remedy. Oats are packed with antioxidants and soothing substances that quiet skin irritation, calm eczema's itch, and strengthen your skin's barrier. Use colloidal oatmeal, which is ground into tiny pieces to dissolve better in water. Add a cup of it to your bath and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Or mix it with water to make a paste, then rub it onto your skin. If you're sensitive to oatmeal, talk to your doctor first.

Social media is full of stories from people who cut out dairy, gluten, soy, peanuts, eggs, sugar, or all these foods to rid themselves of eczema. Some say an elimination diet changed their life. Here's the catch: No single food causes eczema, and changing your diet won't treat this skin condition. Dermatologists don't recommend elimination diets because science doesn't show they help. Cut out too many foods, and you could miss important nutrients. A food allergy is the only reason to go on an elimination diet. If you think you've got an allergy, see an allergist for tests.

Coconut oil is trendy with foodies and skin care enthusiasts alike. But should you eat it, or rub it on your skin? Dermatologists say rub it on. Coconut oil — especially the cold-pressed or virgin kind — makes a great moisturizer. It's rich in fatty acids like lauric acid and linoleic acid that hold moisture in your skin. This plant-based extract also has germ-killing and immune-boosting properties. Coconut oil helps prevent eczema flares, but once you're in a flare, it won't do much. Use the treatment your dermatologist recommends instead.

Should you bathe in a tub full of salt? Not if it's table salt, which is good for seasoning food but won't do a thing for your skin. Salt harvested from the Dead Sea is different. It's packed with magnesium and other skin-nourishing minerals. It also fights germs, lowers inflammation, and strengthens your skin's barrier. Add one or two cups of it to your bath. Epsom salts work, too. Check your body for cuts or sores before you step into the tub. Soaking in salt with an open wound is painful.

Is this device, which looks like a sci-fi movie mask, the secret to clearer skin? Some TikTokkers say yes, but beware: They could be making money from sponsorships. Red light does combat inflammation and promote skin healing, but it's not a proven eczema treatment. Though the masks make great selfie props, wearing one during a flare could leave your skin even redder and drier. If you want to try red light therapy, buy an FDA-approved mask. Test it on a small area, like behind your ear. Check for a skin reaction before you light up your whole face.

Social media makes some big claims about apple cider vinegar. It heals your skin. It kills germs. It balances out your skin's pH. But when put to the test, this home remedy doesn't live up to the hype. In studies, it didn't improve the skin's barrier or kill bacteria, but it did cause lots of irritation. If you do use apple cider vinegar, dilute it with water first to make it less irritating. To be safe, run this viral remedy by your doctor.

Acrylic nails are trending with eczema influencers, but not for their cool 3D accents or micro French tips. Content creators say these nail extensions protect their skin when they scratch. First, experts say you should never scratch an eczema rash. Scratching activates nerve fibers in your skin and makes you itch more. Acrylic nails definitely aren't the way to relieve eczema. They're full of acrylates, chemicals that trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. Do your nails, but use a polish labeled 5- to 10-free, which means it doesn't contain many common allergens.

The name sounds scary, but this isn't the hydrochloric acid used to clean swimming pools and make PVC plastic. Hypochlorous acid is a natural substance that's already in your body. It helps your immune system protect you against infections. The hypochlorous acid spray making the rounds on social media is a gentle cleanser that calms eczema without drying or irritating your skin. It also kills germs to prevent acne breakouts. Hypochlorous acid spray is safe to use. Just choose a product designed for the face, follow the package directions, and keep it away from your eyes.

The hacks you see on social media might seem like miracle fixes for itchy, irritated skin, but they're not all based on science. Some don't work. Others aren't safe. The wrong home remedy might irritate your skin, cause side effects, or make your symptoms worse. Your doctor is the best source for advice. If you want to try a treatment you found online, ask them first. Then check the ingredients, follow directions, and patch test the product on a small area of skin first. Stop using it if you have a reaction.