Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects over 15 million Americans. Commonly used soaps can cause eczema to worsen or flare up. Specialty soaps for eczema patients are available, though many are considered expensive. Knowing what to look for in a soap and what steps to take during and after bathing can help eczema patients lessen flare-ups and engage in proper hygiene simultaneously.
Effects
While removing dirt and excess oils from the skin, soaps tend to have a drying effect which can exacerbate eczema. If soap is applied directly to an area of skin where eczema has flared, the soap particles can become stuck in the crusty skin, making it difficult to rinse the soap away and further irritate the skin. Soaps which are scented can cause additional problems for the eczema sufferer due to the chemicals of the fragrance.
Considerations
Soaps made especially for eczema sufferers can be of some benefit, though these soaps can also increase dryness if used inappropriately. Moisturizing soaps may leave the skin with a softer feel after the bath, but using too much soap or staying in the bath too long can erase the moisturizing benefits. Children's bath soaps, while gentle on most skin, often contain fragrances which can irritate eczema.
Prevention/Solution
Look for soaps which are fragrance-free and designed to be gentle on the skin. A liquid body wash may be more gentle to the skin and cause less irritation, provided that there is no fragrance added. Bar soaps can harbor small amounts of bacteria which can result in infection if used on broken skin. Soap designed especially for eczema may provide relief during a flare-up and can be used only during flare-ups to prevent waste and excessive costs.
Other Soaps
Bath soap is not the only type of soap which can irritate eczema. Laundry and dish detergents are often a culprit in unexplained eczema flare-ups. Traces of laundry detergent often remain in clothing even after it is removed from the washer. When the clothing is worn, detergent residue is rubbed onto the skin causing atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Dish detergents can irritate the skin while manually washing dishes. After washing dishes, hands should be thoroughly washed with a mild soap, patted dry, and moisturizer applied liberally.
Expert Insight
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that patients with eczema use only a small amount of soap when bathing. Avoid spending more than 10 to 15 minutes in the bath or shower, and only use lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing with a towel, and immediately after bathing apply emollients and moisturizers to the skin. During eczema flare-ups, medication should be applied to the eczema lesions after bathing.
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