The most important thing you can do for your skin if you have eczema is to keep it moisturized. Just getting your skin wet by itself is not what needs to happen, because if it dries off too quick it can actually make your skin even worse. Dry skin is what makes eczema worse. Moisturizers can help by keeping the outermost layer of skin moistened, which can relieve some eczema symptoms. The top three moisturizers are CerVe Moisturizing Cream, Curel Hydra Therapy, and Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Hand Unscented Lotion. These are all excellent options if you are trying to treat the condition yourself. It is best to use an unscented cream that also has no dye, to avoid exacerbating the eczema, and you can also look for products that contain oatmeal to help calm itching. Keep reading to see the top questions and answers, so you can find the product that's right for you.
The Vaseline Intensive Care lotion has no scent or dye and is recommended by dermatologists. It has a thick jelly-like texture that locks in moisture, which is an essential ingredient in the fight against eczema. This is also a good general use lotion.
Interestingly enough, a hot shower can actually dry your skin out. Curel Hydra Therapy is activated by water, which can counterbalance the effect of a hot shower, which can make your skin extra dry when you get out of the shower, exacerbating your eczema. Use this before you dry off, and that will allow it to penetrate into the skin.
CerVe Moisturizing Cream is made of ceramides, which is a substance that will build up your skin's outer layer. This substance allows the cream to penetrate the skin, and can actually build it up and facilitate healing.
Moisturizers protect the outer layer of skin and prevent skin from drying out, which can make eczema worse. Eczema is essentially a damaged outer skin barrier, and moisturizers can help repair that damage and prevent it from getting worse. A damaged skin barrier makes it harder to keep skin from drying out and makes it more sensitive to allergens and bacteria.
Eczema can be caused by general skin irritation, and to some extent, doctors are unsure why some people have more sensitive skin than others. When people have this condition, their skin is not as able to retain water, so that leads to dry itchy skin that makes eczema worse. Wind, dry air, cold, harsh soaps and being in the water a lot, are all things that lead to dry skin and can make eczema worse.
If you have eczema, you could be more susceptible to an allergic reaction, so it is a good idea to test any product you use. Apply a small amount to your wrist, the crook of your elbow or even the back of your knee. Don't wash that area for 48 hours. Watch that area to see if a rash develops, or if it becomes itchy. If it does not, then it will be safe to use.
Ointments are the best because they have high oil content. Creams and lotions are next on the list in oil content. These are good for sealing in moisture and don't cause discomfort when applied. Some people don't like how ointments feel because of the oil.
These have lipids and ceramides, which are great for treating the skin and can help calm eczema flare ups quickly. Often these require a prescription, but some over the counter treatments have them, as well. These creams form a protective barrier to seal in moisture and make the skin more resistant to things that could cause irritation.