Eczema is a skin condition that afflicts a wide number of people in either moderate or extreme form. With symptoms such as inflammation and rashes, eczema can also cause the skin to break, bleed and ooze. Eczema can occur on the face or the body, whereby the area will itch and eventually crack if not tended to properly. The condition affects both babies and adults, and though it is not contagious, it often occurs within families who have a history of it. Though eczema cannot be cured it can be managed. Using a good cream or lotion softens the skin. Soaking in a warm tub helps the skin become more receptive to an eczema moisturizer. People with eczema should use a minimal amount of soap, avoid hot water, and apply an eczema moisturizer as often as possible. When the eczema moisturizer is applied, it rehydrates the skin by trapping water inside, soothing the rawness and restoring gaps in the skin barrier.
What to Look for
When shopping for an eczema moisturizer, cream or ointment, look for brands that are perfume and additive-free. Perfumes and additives can cause irritation, so look for eczema moisturizers that are made with natural products such as shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax and sesame oil. Other natural elements that make excellent eczema formulae include oat milk, rose water, olive oil, tea tree oil, chamomile and lavender. Some eczema products contain petrolatum, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, silicone, glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, propolynene glycol and prolipids. Additionally, some products are light, creating fast absorption, and others are heavier and greasier, needing more time to penetrate the skin. Give yourself a small skin test to determine which product is the right one for you.
Common Pitfalls
Don’t be put off by thick eczema moisturizing formulas. Even though they take more time to rub in, they keep the skin lubricated for a longer period of time. Cocoa butter, though excellent for treating eczema, has a slight smell that not everyone appreciates. Smell the moisturizer before you make a commitment to buy it. Avoid moisturizers that contain lanolin as it can cause flare-ups. Ask your dermatologist which ingredients to avoid to keep your eczema at bay. If you have eczema on your hands, do not wash them too often, and when you do, dry them completely. Wear gloves when using household cleaners and solvents. You don’t need to spend a fortune on an eczema moisturizer. Petroleum jelly is the perfect answer to most symptoms. Lastly, continue your skin care regimen even after your skin heals.
