The broad range of beneficial effects neem has on skin makes it one of the better treatments for eczema (dermatitis). Though neem oil is preferred because of the concentration of active compounds, topical applications of even the weaker leaf extracts have cured acute eczema. To relieve the intense itching and reddening of eczema, wash the affected skin with a neem soap or a shampoo to gently cleanse and to kill any infectious bacteria. For a general therapeutic soak, add commercial bath salts and neem leaf or extracts to the bath water. For specific areas of the body, wash with neem soap or shampoo, then apply a neem-based cream to the area. For difficult cases, drink a mild neem leaf tea with a quarter teaspoon of pepper twice a day until the symptoms disappear.