Can Manuka honey cure eczema?

Manuka honey won't cure eczema, but it may help soothe symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection in broken skin. It's a complementary treatment, not a replacement for medical care.

How do I apply Manuka honey to eczema patches?

Apply a thin layer of medical-grade Manuka honey to clean, affected areas. Cover with a bandage if needed. Leave on for 20-30 minutes or overnight, then rinse gently.

What MGO rating is best for eczema?

For topical use on eczema, MGO 250+ or higher is recommended. Higher MGO content provides stronger antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Is Manuka honey safe for children with eczema?

Yes, topical Manuka honey is generally safe for children. Always do a patch test first and consult your pediatrician, especially for severe eczema.

How often should I use Manuka honey for eczema?

Start with 2-3 times per week. If well-tolerated, you can increase to daily use. Monitor your skin's response and adjust accordingly.

Can Manuka honey replace my eczema medication?

No. Manuka honey is a complementary treatment. Continue using prescribed medications and consult your dermatologist before making changes to your treatment plan.

Will Manuka honey sting on broken eczema skin?

Most people don't experience stinging, but everyone's skin is different. If you feel discomfort, dilute the honey with a small amount of water or try a lower MGO rating.

June 28, 2026

Manuka Honey for Eczema: Can It Soothe Inflammatory Skin?

Eczema affects millions, and manuka honey has emerged as a promising natural approach. Here's what science says about using it for inflamed, irritated skin.

If you've dealt with eczema's relentless itching, cracked patches, and unpredictable flare-ups, you know the frustration. While steroid creams remain standard treatment, manuka honey's unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties offer a complementary approach worth understanding.

Why Manuka Honey for Eczema?

Manuka honey isn't ordinary honey. It contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound unique to New Zealand manuka bushes that gives it powerful antimicrobial activity.

This matters for eczema because bacterial colonization — particularly Staphylococcus aureus — affects up to 90% of eczema patients and worsens inflammation. Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology shows manuka honey inhibits over 80 bacterial species, including S. aureus.

KEY BENEFITS 90% Eczema patients with S. aureus colonization MGO 600+ Minimum potency for therapeutic skin use 2-4 wks Typical timeline to see improvement

How It Works on Inflamed Skin

Manuka honey's benefits for eczema stem from multiple mechanisms:

✓ Antibacterial — MGO fights S. aureus that colonizes eczema patches
✓ Moisture barrier — Natural humectant helps repair compromised skin
✓ Anti-inflammatory — Reduces inflammatory markers driving redness
✓ Wound healing — Promotes faster healing of cracked areas

A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found medical-grade honey reduced bacterial load and improved healing compared to conventional treatment alone.

Using Manuka Honey Safely

Not all manuka products work for skin. MGO rating determines antibacterial strength. For eczema support, most research uses MGO 600+ medical-grade honey.

APPLICATION TIP

Apply a thin layer to clean eczema patches, cover with gauze, and leave 30-60 minutes before rinsing. Start every other day. Always patch test on unaffected skin first.

Internal + Topical Approach

While topical application directly targets eczema patches, consuming manuka honey may support skin health systemically. Research in Phytotherapy Research found oral honey increased antioxidants and reduced inflammatory markers — though this wasn't eczema-specific.

Systemic inflammation plays a known role in atopic dermatitis severity, making internal support a logical complement to topical use.

Safety and Precautions

CAUTION Do not apply honey to infected eczema without consulting your dermatologist. Active infections may require prescription treatment. Children under 12 months should not consume honey (botulism risk). People with bee/pollen allergies should consult their provider first.

Some people report initial stinging on cracked skin — typically subsides within minutes. If it persists or worsens, discontinue use.

Manuka honey should complement, not replace, your prescribed eczema treatment. Work with your healthcare provider to integrate safely.

Quality Matters

The manuka market has quality concerns. Not all products contain genuine New Zealand manuka with verified MGO content.

Look for:

MGO certification from independent labs
Clear MGO number on label (600+ for skin use)
UMF 18+ rating (roughly equals MGO 600+)
Traceability to New Zealand

The Bottom Line

Manuka honey shows genuine promise for eczema-prone skin thanks to unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While not a cure, it may reduce bacterial colonization, support barrier repair, and complement existing treatment.

Look for MGO 600+ for therapeutic applications, and always consult your dermatologist before adding new approaches to your eczema care routine.

Sources

National Eczema Association. "Eczema Statistics." Accessed 2024.
Cooper R, Jenkins L. "A comparison between medical grade honey and table honeys in relation to antimicrobial efficacy." Wounds. 2009;21(2):29-36.
Majtan J. "Methylglyoxal-A Potential Risk Factor of Manuka Honey in Healing of Diabetic Ulcers." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:295494.
Molan PC. "The antibacterial activity of honey: 1. The nature of the antibacterial activity." Bee World. 1992;73(1):5-28.
Biglari B, vd Linden PH, Simon A, et al. "Use of Medihoney as a non-surgical therapy for chronic pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury." Spinal Cord. 2012;50(2):165-169.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before using manuka honey for eczema or any skin condition. Individual results may vary.