Abstract: A new use of castor oil in treating atopic eczema and cradle cap is disclosed. Compositions of greater than 50% castor oil and less than 50% mineral oil are preferable for skin application. Compositions of approximately 80% castor oil and 20% mineral oil are optimal for skin application. The compositions are best applied using a small pump-spray bottle (optimally about 2 oz.) having a relatively small output aperture (optimally about 3 mm). The spray application and composition reduced the messiness of the application process. The composition is applied differently to different conditions; specifically the composition is applied to atopic eczema and dry or non-oily cradle cap and left in place to be absorbed into the patient's skin; to oily cradle cap, the composition is optimally applied for a period of about 5 minutes, after which the scalp is massaged and the patient's scabs or flakes are removed along with the composition.