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Does Petroleum Jelly Help With Eczema

Two: Distraction Action/focus On Something Else

21 Uses for Petroleum Jelly You Dont Know About

As soon as youve treated the skin the way that is right for you, know that the itch isnt going to settle down instantaneously. Treatment needs a few minutes to work. While your skin action take effect, do something fun to distract the mind from the itch.

Try a relaxing activity before bed, like reading a book or telling a story, doing meditation, or listening to music. The idea is to find as many healthy ways as possible to forget about scratching. Laughing and doing fun or relaxing things increases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. All these brain chemicals can make you feel better and reduce itch.

Sometimes you might be able to notice that youre itchy, accept that youre an itchy person, and just let it be. If youve taken action to help provide relief, believing in it and giving it time to work can sometimes quell the compulsion to scratch. There is no one answer. Youve got to find what works for you.

Whats Better: Aquaphor Vs Vaseline

The Greasy Factor: Vaseline is a pure petrolatum , which can leave a thick and greasy feeling. Some people do not like this. On the other hand, Aquaphor is easier to apply and less greasy. It is still greasier than lotion or creams, but this is important to lock in moisture.

Wound healing : Both Aquaphor vs Vaseline are good for wound healing, but Vaseline may cause less irritation .

Skin Reaction : Vaseline is less likely to cause a skin reaction. Aquaphor Healing Ointment can cause redness and swelling due to lanolin . owing to the added ingredients that may cause a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.

Price : Vaseline is generally cheaper than Aquaphor.

The Winner: Regarding Aquaphor vs Vaseline, I would say Vaseline is better for eczema and in general. I have used Aquaphor for my children and did not have issues. I have alternated between both, but ultimately I did opt for Vaseline due to the price point.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Fragrance Free

Hands can be especially challenging to treat for eczema as theyre so often exposed to the elements and you need to wash them often throughout the course of a day. To help combat the damage, slather on a Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream every time after your hands come in contact with water. A small dab of this glycerin-rich formula goes a long way to soothe and protect your hands instantly. Its fragrance and dye free, and has the NEA Seal of Acceptance.

Also Check: Best Body Wash For Dry Eczema Skin

Who Shouldnt Use Petroleum Jelly

Generally, most skin types will benefit from petroleum jelly at some point in time, however, due to its occlusive nature it may not be for everyone.

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive ingredient which means that it creates a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, preventing moisture loss. This may mean that for some congested skin types such as those who are prone to blackheads, breakouts and clogging, it may be an ingredient to minimise or avoid prolonged use.

In terms of acne or breakouts, petroleum jelly may be of some benefit to the skin. This is because the cause of acne is not always clogging of the pore and often is inflammation which can be exacerbated by dryness. People with irritated, dry skin with breakouts may find it useful. Always talk to your doctor or dermatologist to determine if its right for your skin type.

Does Petrolatum Heal Skin

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While some beauty companies are promoting petrolatum alternatives, other manufacturers swear by its ability to moisturize and heal. Petrolatum seals off the skin from water and air, and it allows the skin to heal itself, says Calgary pharmacist Skip Gibson. Hes vice-president of sales and marketing for Georges Special Dry Skin Cream, a petroleum jelly-based cream that he helped create.

Petroleum jelly is the most effective moisturizer available, says Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Richard Thomas. The reduction in water loss makes it easier for the epidermis to continue normal function.

Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a Toronto-based dermatologist and skin allergy expert agrees with the efficacy of petroleum jelly. In her 2018 book, Beyond Soap, she writes: Ive seen studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of everything from plain old Vaseline to sunflower oil. She includes a list of recommended moisturizers for babies and children, which includes, in addition to Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and sunflower oil, suggestions like Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream, Avéve TriXéra+ Selectiose Emollient Balm, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Lotion, and more.

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Fighting Inflammation Like A Fire

How do we fight a house fire? With water. We also use water when tending to atopic dermatitis. We need to rehydrate that dry skin and no moisturizer is as effective at rehydrating dry skin than plain water.

You need to bathe and soak in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes, which is long enough to rehydrate but not so long as to further weaken the skin barrier significantly. When you add bleach to the water, you have a low-risk treatment that bacteria can never become resistant to.

Another way to fight fire is with a fire extinguisher. Thats how I think of topical steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications. We must learn to use them cautiously but effectively, in pulses, like fire extinguishers.

You also can fight fire by smothering it my analogy for eczema skin occlusion with barrier ointments, clothing, or plastic wrap. Occlusion helps retain moisture, blocks entry of irritants, allergens and microbes, and promotes healing by creating a physical barrier against scratching.

Ingredients That Can Help Soothe Inflamed Itchy Skin From Eczema

September 9, 2021// by Dr. Robert Paull, MD//

Inflamed, itchy skin may sound like a condition thats exclusive to the cold-weather months. But for millions of Americans suffering with eczema, its their reality right now.

Eczema has a lot of potential causes: stress, irritating substances, environmental exposures, illness, and both food and seasonal allergies. The reaction, however, is generally the same. The immune system produces inflammation resulting in red, itchy, flaky skin that may crack or bleed.

Regardless of whats triggering that response, its possible to topically heal the affected skin and even prevent future flare-ups. Heres a rundown of a few particularly effective ingredients.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

  • How can you tell that I have ear eczema?
  • What kind of ear eczema do I have?
  • If I dont have ear eczema, what other skin condition might I have?
  • Is there a specific brand of moisturizer or skin care ointment that you recommend?
  • Is there a prescription cream or ointment that you can prescribe?
  • Should I see a dermatologist or another specialist?
  • What soaps, lotions, hair care products and other skin care products should I avoid?
  • What medications do you recommend?
  • What at-home treatments do you recommend?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Ear eczema is annoying and embarrassing, and it can be alarming if it impacts your hearing. It can affect your quality of life or make you feel self-conscious. However, its common and very normal. With a proper skin care routine and treatment, you can reduce its impact. See your healthcare provider as soon as you notice signs of ear eczema.

Can You Use It With Oxygen Therapy

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Some experts think you shouldn’t use petroleum jelly while youâre on oxygen therapy because thereâs a small chance the combo could start a fire if there’s a spark. But thereâs no evidence that this happens a lot. Thereâs another reason you may want to avoid using an oil-based moisturizer in your nose. Itâs rare, but petroleum jelly could hurt your lungs. To be safe, try a water-based option instead.

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Atopic Dermatitis And Lice

Petroleum jelly is handy for relieving itchy skin in infants and newborns. You can use it on babies three weeks after they are born in case they are born with it. Apart from this, like mayonnaise, jelly is a home remedy for killing adult lice. Although it does little to the egg, it kills adult lice.

Do Moisturizers Help Eczema

Moisturizers are the first-line therapy in treating eczema. They help protect the outer layer of the skin by sealing in moisture, combating dryness, keeping out allergens, irritants and bacteria and preventing flare-ups. And they soothe the skin for long-lasting hydration.

Doctors recommend you apply a moisturizer at least twice per day, including once after a bath or shower. Develop a schedule so that moisturizing becomes part of your skincare routine.

If you experience symptoms on your hands, keep moisturizer by all sinks in the home or carry a small tube with you. This way you can easily moisturize every time you wash your hands throughout the day.

Also Check: What Lotion To Use For Eczema

Moisturize Your Hands And Face

Petroleum jelly functions as an occlusive moisturizer that keeps your skin from drying out. It accelerates healing by locking in moisture hence, it is handy for treating cracked heels, chapped lips, and rehydrating the nails to minimize brittleness.

In a way, petroleum jelly does enough to reduce acne caused by drying of the skin. For example, when your skin is excessively dry, perhaps due to environmental or self-induced conditions, it can cause acne to form.

However, when your skin is dryer than it should, the system makes oil to replenish the ones you lose and keep your skin hydrated. Unfortunately, excess oil production is one significant acne cause. Since petroleum jelly seals moisture and keeps the skin hydrated, it is an effective way to avoid acne caused by dry skin.

What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Ear Eczema

Single Working Mom: Does Vaseline Help Eczema

Psoriasis and ear eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on your body, how much it itches and how it looks.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder, which means its a skin condition that doesnt go away. People with psoriasis have thick, discolored patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales.

Ear eczema affects the skin in, on and around your ears. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.

Read Also: How To Test For Eczema

What Is Wet Wrap Therapy For Eczema

People with eczema often have two problems: a defective skin barrier that dries out easily and is more open to invasion from allergens and germs than normal and an overly sensitive immune system.

That means treatment needs to be twofold:

  • Repair the damaged skin
  • Avoid exposure to allergens and irritants

Sounds simple, but anyone who deals with eczema knows that it is anything but easy. Stopping the itch is key, as the itch-scratch cycle feeds upon itself.

For patients with difficult-to- manage eczema, one treatment option is wet wrap therapy.

After doing a soak-and-seal warm bath and applying medication, the patients eczema-damaged skin is wrapped in a layer of wet cloths, topped often by dry clothes such as pajamas, sweatshirt or tube socks. Plenty of videos demonstrating wet wrap therapy for eczema are available online.

Doctors recommend wet wrap therapy as an intervention for moderate-to-severe cases. Wet wrap therapy can reduce the need for medication, but it should be done only after consulting with a physician.

What Kinds Of Moisturizers Are Most Effective For My Eczema

Not all moisturizers are created equal. In fact, there are many types of common moisturizers that arent good at helping control your eczema and may even make it flare or get worse. Its important to understand the differences between the three basic types of moisturizers ointments, creams, and lotions so that you can properly hydrate your skin and help keep your symptoms under control.

Moisturizers are classified based on the amount of oil and water they contain. The more oil in a moisturizer, the better it usually is at treating eczema. The best moisturizers to use are the ones that feel greasy , because they contain more oil. These are very effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out.

All moisturizers should also be applied to your hands immediately after washing and gently blotting them dry. For this reason, its a good idea to keep moisturizer near every sink in your home and carry a small tube with you at all times, so that you can reapply it throughout the day.

Also Check: Eczema Skin Peeling On Hands

What Types Of Moisturizers Are Used To Treat Eczema

When considering a moisturizer, the first thing to look for is how much oil it contains. The more oil in a moisturizer, the better it is for treating eczema. If your skin feels greasy or sticky after applying a moisturizer, that means the product likely contains plenty of oil.

Look for products that do not contain added ingredients such as fragrances, dyes or alcohols that can irritate the skin.

Wrap It Up: Skin Strategies For Little Kids

Vaseline on face overnight | Does Petroleum Jelly “Slugging” improve your skin?

Parents have seen that when it comes to babies skin, the diaper area tends to be the smoothest and most hydrated. When it comes to babies with atopic dermatitis, more often than not, we often see that their skin can be the best in the diaper area. If we could diaper the whole body, then kids suffering with atopic dermatitis would do really well. But since we cant diaper the whole body, what we need to do is come up with other ways to compensate by providing a physical barrier for that inherently impaired atopic dermatitis skin.

Everybody has to try different things and decide what works for them, but I like plastic wrap for focal rashes. I dont suggest securing the wrap onto the skin with tape because a lot of kids can develop allergies to the adhesive in tape itself. In order to conceal the plastic wrap and make the look more fun for kids, covering the wrap with colorful duct tape sold at hardware stores helps disguise the weird-looking wrap, possibly creating something kids might be willing to wear to school.

Also Check: Humidifier For Eczema And Allergies

Vaseline And Eczema: Application Strategies

Over the years Ive learned how and when to apply Vaseline. Here are my tips for applying Vaseline to my face and body.

  • Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply
  • Apply thin layers
  • Apply at least 30 minutes before bed to avoid getting oil all over pillows while sleeping
  • Apply to nose, eyes, lips, and ears before and during flights
  • If applying under expensive clothes use a band-aid to prevent oil from staining clothes

Moisturizing my eczema has caused me to ruin plenty of clothes and bed sheets. Im careful of what I apply to my body and when I apply it.

Living With Eczema And Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Learn how to recognize and cope with stress. Stress reduction techniques can help. Changing your activities to reduce daily stress can also be helpful.

The area where you had the eczema may easily get irritated again, so it needs special care. Continue to follow the tips provided here even after your skin has healed.

Recommended Reading: Medicated Eczema Cream For Babies

What Medications Are Used To Treat Eczema

While there are no medications that cure the condition, the good news is that there are many medications both over the counter and by prescription that can relieve symptoms.

Every individuals eczema is unique, with different triggers and different symptoms. As a result, treatments will vary from one person to another and even from one flare to another. What works for you one time may need to be changed in the future.

Its important to work with your physician on a personalized treatment plan. Then get to know your medications so you understand how to manage your symptoms most effectively. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects. Read labels carefully and follow dosing and safety instructions.

A Compromised Skin Barrier

Prevent and Treat Dry Skin While Helping Others with ...

A basic skin care regimen should focus on the fundamental aspects of atopic dermatitis. In atopic dermatitis theres a skin barrier function problem. The people with the worst atopic dermatitis have absent or abnormal skin proteins in which the cells at the upper layers of the skin, called keratinocytes, are not producing appropriate proteins. That can reduce the skins ability to do all of the things that its supposed to do.

For example, because were mostly made of water, normally the skin is supposed to keep water in. When you have the impaired skin barrier that comes with atopic dermatitis, the skin isnt able to hold water in, and so it gets very dry.

Whats more, that compromised skin barrier allows for the penetration of many chemical irritants and potential allergens, which may become true allergens for an individual. On top of that, once those microbes have gotten through, an increased number of microbes can penetrate the skin barrier, and the skin is less capable of combatting bacteria and viruses to prevent a full-blown infection.

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Ingredients To Look For In A Cream Or Moisturizer For Eczema

Weiser says the following ingredients can help soothe eczema symptoms:

  • Petrolatum
  • Ceramides
  • Fatty acids

Need more help choosing products? The National Eczema Association recognizes products that are suitable for care of eczema or sensitive-skin with the NEA Seal of Acceptance. Acceptance of a product means that the product has been evaluated to determine that it does not contain ingredients or contents that are known to be unsuitable for use by persons with eczema or sensitive skin conditions. You can find the NEA Seal of Acceptance logo on product packaging and labels.

With that in mind, here are our picks for the best creams and moisturizers for eczema:

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