Moisturizers for Eczema - Health Tips

Moisturization is the key to controlling eczema since dry skin is a trigger for the scratch-itch-scratch cycle. Moisturization creams such as Vanicream, Cerave, Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc. are all allergy friendly and should be applied while the skin is still slightly moistened after bathing. Emollients are also important in moisturization and healing.    

For eczema, we recommend the use of an emollient as they better moisturize and support the skin. Emollients have a better quality of softening or soothing the skin. Eczema is a very individual condition and different emollients tend to suit different people. The best emollient is the one you like, because then you will use it more often. 

Select a moisturizer without fragrances or other chemicals which can cause a contact allergic reaction.  Moisturizer add a protective layer to skin that may need a barrier to prevent infection

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Develop a regular skincare routine

You should moisturize your skin at least twice a day, so find a product that works well for you. Use mild, gentle soaps rather than antibacterial or deodorant soaps that can dry out your skin. Take shorter baths and showers with warm, rather than hot, water.

Stick to your routine as much as possible, and the good habits build up over time so you can keep your eczema under control.

My message to patients is simple: 

Less soap!

More moisturizers! 

By less soap, I encourage people to use soap under their arms, in their groin and skin folds (perhaps under breasts), and on their face if oily, but otherwise just let the water do the job. As we get older, we tend to produce less oil for the skin to be as good a barrier, so we can compensate by putting on a moisturizer, especially after getting out of the shower or bath.  Something that scoops out of a jar or squeezes out of a tube will generally be better than something they pump out of a bottle. While fragrances are not necessarily a problem for each individual, as dermatologists we see so many issues associated with fragrances that we generally recommend fragrance-free products with common brands including, Eucerin, Cetaphil, and Cerave. However, there are others and I try not to recommend just one and instead using ones that they like and can afford.
 

Eczema is the general term given to different types of persistent skin inflammation called dermatitis. The  most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, an oversensitivity to environmental factors such as allergens and other pollutants. Atopic dermatitis is commonly found in people who have hay fever, asthma, or other allergies.

The most common symptoms of eczema is red, itchy, and swollen skin. Symptoms can vary according to the type of eczema and the individual person affected. Some people have dry, scaly skin; still others have moist, oozing bumps. Persistent itching of the affected area can lead to infection and in some cases, permanent scarring.

While some forms of eczema, such as contact dermatitis, can be eliminated through medications and removal of the causal agent, most eczema is incurable and is relieved only through treatment of the symptoms themselves.  Treatments include keeping the dry areas clean and moisturized, avoiding certain soaps, detergents and chemicals, applying topical steroids, and taking antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.