Demographic And Baseline Characteristics
A flow diagram of the progress through different phases of the study is shown in Figure 1. During the study period , 106 patients with a diagnosis of irritant HE were assessed for eligibility. Out of these patients, 63 patients fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were randomized in a double-blind fashion into either control or intervention group. During the follow-up period, in the intervention group 6 patients and in the control group, 7 patients were excluded. No significant difference in the cause of patient loss during the follow-up period was noted between the two groups . Finally, 24 out of 31 patients in the control group and 26 out of 32 patients in the intervention group completed the entire 6 weeks course of the study period. All of the following results were related to 50 individuals who completed the 6 weeks of the study.
The flowchart of the study.
Is Colloidal Oatmeal Good For Skin
Colloidal oatmeal is very good for skin. It contains minerals, vitamins and fats that can add moisture, softness, smoothness and also protect your skin.
Oatmeal is rich with proteins and lipids that act as a great moisture lock for your skin. If you are suffering from dry and itchy skin irritation, then this oatmeal solution can restore hydrating balance to your skin.
Colloidal oatmeal is also a good exfoliator that will deep cleanse your skin. Apart from this, it contains flavonoids that protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
As you can see, this type of oatmeal suits all types of skins and is perfect for your skin.
How We Tested The Lotions For Eczema
The Verywell Health team bought and tested 16 lotions for eczema based on three main criteria: efficacy, texture, and value. To assess the effectiveness of each lotion, our team used each product for at least two weeks on eczema-ridden skin, noting how long it took for the flare-ups to improve. We also looked for adverse effects, like excessive dryness, redness, or irritation.
In terms of texture, we looked for lotions that were thick enough to provide long-lasting hydration but not so thick they felt greasy or heavy on the skin. Staining clothing and bedding was also a concern, so we looked for lotions that absorbed quickly and didn’t leave residue behind. Finally, we considered value by taking into account the price of each lotion and the results we experienced. We also looked at whether high-priced items were worth the extra cost based on performance and overall quality.
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Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme Vs Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
I currently use Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme when my hands feel extra dry , but based on these thoughts, I might give Aveenos eczema cream a serious try. I already have a sample size of the product .
As you can see above, Aveenos formula is a bit more watery and less smooth than Eucerins. It seems a bit more natural and oat-like. Eucerins is a bit more slick and lotion-like, maybe because of the oils. Even though Aveenos formula contains petrolatum, it feels less oily than Eucerins. Aveenos formula also contains oat oil , which may help improve the skin barrier function , according to this study.
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Where Do You Buy Colloidal Oatmeal
You can purchase colloidal oatmeal powder at popular retailers or online through sites like Amazon. A variety of skin care brands sell colloidal oatmeal powders. Aveeno makes a colloidal oatmeal powder bath treatment that is suggested by the National Eczema Association.
You could also try making your own colloidal oatmeal.
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Colloidal Oatmeal Is A Dry Skin Savior According To Dermatologists
Some skincare ingredients are more obscure than others but even the ones that sound familiar, like colloidal oatmeal, can be shrouded in mystery. Sure, we all know what oats are and if youre one of the many with dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin, you might even use colloidal oatmeal on a daily basis. But if we asked you to list all of its skin benefits and possible side effects, could you? In the name of getting more acquainted with the many ingredients we slather on our skin each day, we reached out to board-certified dermatologists for the lowdown on the skincare ingredient.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York.
Keep scrolling to find out everything there is to know about colloidal oatmeal in your skincare products.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Type of ingredient: Skin protectant.
Main benefits: Protects, prevents water loss, and soothes the skin.
How often can you use it: The recommended use for colloidal oatmeal is twice daily.
Works well with: Colloidal oatmeal can be used in conjunction with ingredients that can be irritating to the skin, such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and retinoids, to help minimize irritation and disruption of the skin barrier.
Dont use with: Colloidal oatmeal works well with most, if not all, other ingredients.
What Type Of Oatmeal Should You Use In A Bath To Treat Eczema
Colloidal oatmeal is best to use. You can purchase it or make it yourself. Colloidal oatmeal is a form of oatmeal that is finely ground and easily absorbs water. To make an oatmeal bath, oats can be blended into a fine powder with a food processor or blender. Once this powder is added to water, it will become a milky-white liquid.
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How We Rated The Lotions For Eczema
- 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best lotions for eczema we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
- 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These lotions for eczema are excellentthey might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
- 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great lotions for eczema, but others are better.
- 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These lotions for eczema are just average.
- 3.4 and below: We don’t recommend lotions for eczema with this rating you won’t find any on our list.
Ingredients For Diy Eczema Cream With Colloidal Oatmeal
Youll need a kitchen scale to make this cream.
- 65 g distilled water
- preservative of choice
- optional few drops of lavender essential oil
Colloidal oatmeal is the star of this cream and is used at 1% in the recipe.
THESE TWO CLINICAL STUDIES showed that a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream alone was effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis .
Wondering what colloidal oatmeal is and if you can make it at home? Check out THIS excellent article over on the LisaLise blog.
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How To Prevent Eczema Flare
Theres no known cure for eczema, and symptoms wont go away on their own. For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires careful avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.
- Moisturize the affected areas at least twice a day. Weve taken the guesswork out of how to stop eczema immediately with an eczema cream.
- Take shorter baths or showers with tepid versus hot water. Pat versus rub your skin dry afterward.
- Only use gentle soaps, cleansers, and body lotions.
- Keep a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, like the bedroom. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. Opt for a portable unit or attach one to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
- Wear cool, smooth-textured clothing and avoid clothing thats rough, tight, or scratchy. Also, wear appropriate clothing in hot weather or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating. Take a short, tepid shower immediately after physical activity.
- Get a hold of your stress and anxiety. Such emotional disorders can aggravate atopic dermatitis. Try yoga, meditation, exercise, or an activity that brings you pleasure. Speak to a professional if need be.
- See a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options if topical creams and lotions arent working.
To Soothe Irritated Or Eczema
Because colloidal oatmeal is such an effective ingredient when it comes to relieving general skin discomfort, its an ideal solution for those who experience skin irritation or symptoms associated with eczema.
To soothe irritation on eczema-prone skin, simply apply colloidal oatmeal directly to any sensitive, rashy, or itchy areas.
If youd rather take advantage of a convenient cream that contains colloidal oatmeal, consider using our Eczema Daily Calming Cream to relieve eczema itch and irritation and improve the appearance of your skin over time.
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Can You Use Colloidal Oatmeal Every Day
Colloidal oatmeal comes in an assortment of products, so frequency of use depends on what type of colloidal oatmeal skincare youâre using. In general, colloidal oatmeal is safe to use multiple times a day â especially if youâve got dry skin or if youâve just gotten out of the shower or bath.
Before incorporating a new product into your skincare routine, test it out on a small patch of skin. Colloidal oatmealâs side effects are rare, but some folks might experience redness or irritation. If youâve got a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, check with your doctor before you slather anything new on your body.
For more dry skin relief, take a gander at our favorite body creams, lotions, and oils that contain avocado oil for maximum moisture where you need it most.
What To Look For In An Eczema Lotion
Though eczema can be finicky to treat, dermatologists told us that lotions can help make the condition more manageable. There are two main formula types to be on the lookout for: ones that reduce and soothe the symptoms of eczema and ones that work to repair and maintain your skin barrier function.
If you’re looking to get rid of the discomfort associated with eczema, go for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol that work to attract and hold water in the skin, according to Kazlouskaya. Emollients like butters, oils and ceramides can also help make the skin smoother by filling in the “gaps” between skin cells, Kazlouskaya explained, and they’re ideal for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as they can help relieve itchiness, dryness and scaling on the skin. To strengthen your skin barrier, Kazlouskaya said to opt for occlusive ingredients like lanolin, squalane, petrolatum jelly and mineral oil these create a film on the skin’s surface and prevent transepidermal water loss .
One ingredient that’s common among products geared toward healing eczema is colloidal oatmeal. The ingredient, which is made of ground-up oat kernels, helps relieve the common side effects of eczema such as inflammation and itchiness as well as keep your skin barrier intact to prevent future damage and moisture loss. One study found that even low amounts of colloidal oatmeal helped soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier among eczema patients.
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Offers Relief From Minor Burns
Additional research uncovered that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in colloidal oatmeal can help soothe scaly, red, rough, and itchy skin caused by other skin issues, including minor burns and chickenpox. Furthermore, another study discovered multiple benefits, including changes in the skin microbiome, from using topical colloidal oatmeal, says Dr. Lee.
Comparing The Best Colloidal Oatmeal Creams For Eczema Relief
Three major brands have each developed lotions that list 1 percent colloidal oatmeal as the active ingredient. As a consumer who has mild hand eczema, its not immediately apparent to me which of them is the best option for me.
I find it interesting that Dove and Eucerin both include eczema relief in their product names, while Aveeno goes with eczema therapy.
These three products are all similarly priced, about $10 for a 7 or 8 oz. tube. Eucerin is the cheapest per ounce, with Aveeno only slightly more expensive, and Dove the priciest option of the three.
Lets take a closer look at the non-colloidal oatmeal ingredients to see which one will give you the most moisturizing bang for your buck.
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What To Look For In Eczema Creams
Eczema, most commonly known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition in which the skin barrier is not able to maintain the necessary moisture to provide protection from allergens and environmental stressors. People with eczema tend to have dry, irritated, inflamed skin, says Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Choosing the right moisturizer can help in preventing eczema flare-ups and treating the eczema.
The best eczema creams and lotions are thicker moisturizers, Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology, tells SELF. Its especially important to look for a product that contains humectant ingredients as well as moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredients . Humectants help add additional hydration, while ceramides and occlusive ingredients reinforce the skin barrier, ultimately helping to protect you from irritants that might trigger an eczema flare. Keep an eye out for products with a high oil-content-to-water-content ratio as well, Dr. Lipner recommends.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.
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Colloidal Oatmeal For Eczema: How Does It Work
Are you experiencing severely itchy skin that just wont get better? Itchy and dry eczema can be quite uncomfortable and annoying, but there are a variety of natural treatments than can provide much needed relief, like colloidal oatmeal.
This week, we discuss colloidal oatmeal for eczema, as well as how it can be used to heal itchy and sensitive skin.
Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If youre experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you have eczema and it is excessively itchy and causing issues within your everyday life, contact your healthcare provider. In general, it is important to stay in contact with your doctor when you have eczema to help monitor periods of flare-ups and remissions.
If you are on medication for your eczema, dont stop taking it or begin using any additional treatments without first consulting with your doctor. A healthcare provider will be able to assure you whether adding oatmeal baths or lotions to your treatment plan would be beneficial for your specific situation.
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Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The dermatologists we spoke to recommended this lotion from CeraVe, citing its use of ceramides as the main selling point. “This lotion has a unique blend of high-quality moisturizing agents ,” said Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, dermatologist at Khrom Dermatology. “Specifically, ceramides play a key role in skin protection and barrier function,” she added. The ingredients are released slowly during the day for all-day hydration, according to the brand.
Colloidal Oatmeal For Eczema
Its common to see oatmeal recipes on the Internet, from overnight oats to savory oats. Oatmeal, or Avena sativa, is a popular superfood due to its low price and its many health benefits. For example, the soluble fiber in oatmeal can actually lower cholesterol by preventing your body from absorbing as much LDL from your food. Oatmeal also has traditionally been used for external medical benefits outside of eating it and is surprisingly used to treat skin conditions such as eczema!
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itchiness, and rashes. There are many types of eczema, atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent. Atopic dermatitis is caused by an overactive immune system that dries out the skin barrier, causing the itchy feeling. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by skincare ingredients, exposure to extreme temperatures, certain cleaners or disinfectants, and laundry detergents, among other potential irritants. Symptoms include itchiness, inflamed discolored skin, swelling, and oozing. Although there is no cure for eczema, the most common treatment involves the use of steroid creams.
Image Source: PonyWang
Unlike many new drugs in development, colloidal oatmeal products are already readily available at the drugstore at an affordable price. The next time youre suffering from an eczema flare, it may be well worth your time to give those products a try!
Featured Image Source: kuvona
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How To Take An Oatmeal Bath For Eczema
To take an oatmeal bath for eczema symptoms, first fill your tub with warm water. You dont want to use water that is too hot, as this will further dry out your skin. Place 3/4 to 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal into your bath and allow it to disperse into your bathwater, stirring any residue at the bottom of the tub if needed. You can also add a few drops of skin-soothing essential oils into the bath, like this lavender oil from Cliganic ! Soak for 10 to 30 minutes.
When youre done with your bath, you can rinse any oat residue off your body with warm water in the shower. Pat your skin dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. Thats it!
You can make your own colloidal oatmeal at home by simply putting some oats in a food processor or grinder and grinding them into a very fine powder. Otherwise, you can purchase packets of colloidal oatmeal to use in your bath. We love this one from Aveeno .
Heres to healthy, happy skin!
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