Flair for Skincare: Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Eczema

What were once just rough and itchy patches of skin on the cheeks, chin, or chest could become inflamed and irritated, causing alarm for both children and parents alike. The doctor takes a look at it and he tells you it’s eczema.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin disorder identified by the red, itchy, scaly and inflamed patches on skin.

Although there is no way to cure eczema, the loss of moisture or dryness and inflammation of the skin are manageable with the help of different kinds of treatment. One way to combat the dryness is to use moisturizers.

Rehydration

Skin absorbs water during a bath. After a while however, the water that was absorbed may evaporate and leave the skin dry. The skin also produces natural moisturizers that help lock in moisture. People with dry skin, especially those suffering from eczema, may have decreased amounts of these natural moisturizers so they should always include moisturizers in their daily skincare routines. When the skin cannot keep moisture in, products that help hydrate skin become necessary. Just remember that not all moisturizers work for people with eczema.

Health and medical writer Madeline Vann, MPH says: “Choosing the best moisturizer cream for eczema is as important as using it.”

Knowing What Your Skin Needs

The market has an array of moisturizers that promise different things for different types of skin. We are all easily swayed by luxurious packaging or thrifty price tags, but the best ones are those that can seal the moisture in the skin.

“Moisturizers are very soothing, may help the itch, and help the skin re-establish its important barrier function to help protect us from dehydration and infection,” remarks Kathyryn Schrawzenberger, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor of medicine.

A mild, hypoallergenic, and non-fragranced moisturizer like a petrolatum is good for those who suffer from eczema. According to Schrawzenberger, a petrolatum is a “simple, effective, and cost effective moisturizer” that is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction from anyone who uses it. “The greasier the product, the more emollient or moisturizing effect the product has,” says Schawzenberger.

What skincare junkies use for moisturizing their faces are creams and face lotions that can also work well for those diagnosed with eczema. Just be careful with any harsh ingredients like parabens, oxybenzones, and polyethylene glycol, or any ingredients that may prompt more allergies and rashes.

Ceramides also help the skin keep moisturized and rash-free. They are a bit pricier than petrolatum and creams, but they are products that contain lipids or fats similar to those found in the skin. Ceramides are known to soften and moisturize the epidermis, allowing the skin to revive its defective barrier.

Dermatologists often recommend emollients that have more oils compared to water as a mainstay of treatment. These products help ease dryness by locking water into the skin.

To help relieve the itchy, redness and inflammation of eczema flare ups, you can use Mometasone furoate (Elica®). It is a specially formulated and doctor-recommended topical ointment for eczema relief and other skin conditions. Using a topical cream over rashes helps reduce the itch and softens the texture of the affected skin.

Just remember: when caring for eczema-related symptoms, it’s best to visit a dermatologist or doctor before dabbing anything on your skin - rash relief will only work if done right.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/choosing-the-best-moisturizer-for-eczema.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/548462-lotion-vs-oil-for-moisturizing/
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/moisturizers/