Best Overall: Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream
Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami, Florida, recommends this cream because it’s fragrance-free and was developed using MLE technology, which means it uses a combination of ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol and other lipids to mimic the natural structure of your skin.
It also contains soothing and healing ingredients, such as glycerin, argan oil and grapeseed oil.
Buy it:ParsaMD Price: $40 for 8 oz
What Do I Need To Know About Pde4 Inhibitors Used To Treat Eczema
- PDE4 inhibitors are approved to treat mild-to-moderate eczema in adults and children ages 2 and up.
- PDE4 inhibitors work differently than other topical treatments such as corticosteroid ointments and calcineurin inhibitors.
- PDE4 is produced by cells in our immune system and helps the body regulate inflammation.
Best For Lips: Vaseline Lip Therapy
For Dr. Markowitz, Vaseline Lip Therapy is a go-to because of its simple formula. âThe best lip balm for eczema is one that is thick and doesnât have too many preservatives,â she shares. With the brandâs famous petroleum jelly at its base, this pick infuses inflamed, chapped lips with rich, soothing moisture and locks it in to prevent future dryness. Not only is it great for long-lasting relief, but its non-greasy and non-sticky formula ensures comfortable wear. For those who prefer a tinted lip balm treatment, Dr. Markowitz also recommends the Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm. She adds, âI really like this because it also has SPF in it.
âWhen my lips are super dry and cracked, this is the only product I’ve found that truly helps,âone reviewer said of the Vaseline Lip Therapy. Another shared, âI had a skin reaction to something and it’s recommended by my dermatologist. Soothing and helps healing.â
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Medihoney Natural Eczema Cream
Product name: Medihoney Eczema Cream
Cost: $13.99
Overview: This eczema treatment from Medihoney boasts many naturally sourced ingredients, including coconut oil, German Chamomile flower extract, Evening Primrose oil, Vitamin E and Medihoney Antibacterial medical honey. Long used as a natural treatment for eczema, honey has been known to sooth, hydrate and reduce inflammation of the skin. Vitamin E oil can be found in many skin care products because it is believed to have antioxidant properties. Medihoney Natural Eczema Cream can be used on both the face and body and is safe for children as well as adults. It doesnt contain any lanolin, parabens, added colours or fragrances, so thats good news if you like your skin care to be as natural as possible.
Review: Some people can be put off by how intense prescription or even over-the-counter eczema treatments can be. Many of these contain topical steroids, which are effective but may not be the best long-term solution. A natural product like Medihoney may work for sufferers of mild eczema who are looking for an extremely gentle solution.
You can buy it here
What Does Atopic Eczema Look Like
Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas that are most commonly affected are the creases in the joints at the elbows and knees, as well as the wrists and neck . Other common appearances of AE include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs , and numerous small bumps that coincide with the hair follicles .
Affected skin is usually red and dry, and scratch marks are common. When AE is very active, it may become moist and weep fluid and small water blisters may develop especially on the hands and feet. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken , and this may cause the skin to itch more. Sometimes affected areas of the skin may become darker or lighter in colour than the surrounding, unaffected skin.
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How To Use Emollients
Use your emollient all the time, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.
Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school, or a tub in the bathroom and one in a living area.
To apply the emollient:
- use a large amount
- do not rub it in smooth it into the skin in the same direction the hair grows
- after a bath or shower, gently pat the skin dry and apply the emollient while the skin is still moist to keep the moisture in
You should use an emollient at least twice a day if you can, or more often if you have very dry skin.
During a flare-up, apply generous amounts of emollient more frequently, but remember to treat inflamed skin with a topical corticosteroid as emollients used on their own are not enough to control it.
Do not put your fingers into an emollient pot use a spoon or pump dispenser instead, as this reduces the risk of infection. And never share your emollient with other people.
Humectants Bring In Moisture
Humectants are designed to try and draw moisture into the skin, Dr. Anthony explains. They attract and bind to water, pulling it from the air and from deeper within your skin. They include:
- Aloe vera.
- Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Hyaluronic acid.
- Urea .
Applied on their own, humectants can cause stinging and burning. Instead, eczema creams combine these ingredients with more soothing emollients and occlusives.
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Should I Use A Product That Earned The National Eczema Foundation Seal Of Approval
The National Eczema Association created the Seal of Approval acceptance program to help sensitive-skinned consumers properly select skincare.
The NEA Seal of Approval criteria includes a list of ingredients that are known for causing irritation, Dr. Mack explains. The Seal of Approval review panel evaluates ingredient and formulation data. Lastly, the Seal of Acceptance makes the products ideal for sensitive skin types easily identifiable.
Controlling Eczema By Moisturizing
Keeping your skins moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema.
Moisturizers helps protect the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum or skin barrier. People living with eczema have a damaged skin barrier, which makes their skin more sensitive to irritants, allergens, bacteria and other invaders. A damaged skin barrier also make it harder for the skin to retain water, leading to chronic dry, itchy skin, which can cause eczema to flare or get worse.
Wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh soaps and prolonged exposure to water, all lead to dry skin. So, its important to understand how and when to properly moisturize and which products are best to use when you have eczema.
Some things to remember when moisturizing:
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Treating Eczema A Stepped Approach
The recommended first-line treatments for most cases of eczema are emollients and topical steroids. Paste bandages and wet wraps may be a helpful addition for some people, particularly where scratching is a major problem. Sedating-type antihistamines may be useful in helping with sleeping at night . Long-term use is not recommended.
When there is an inadequate response to appropriate strengths of topical steroid, or if these are not tolerated, especially on areas of delicate skin, topical calcineurin inhibitors the cream pimecrolimus or the ointment tacrolimus may be useful.
Treatments for more severe eczema, or additional treatments, include phototherapy, oral steroids, immunosuppressant drugs, a biologic drug and a Janus kinase inhibitor.
Before progressing to additional treatments, it is essential to check that there is no other explanation for the eczema being uncontrolled. The following are examples of questions that should be considered by your doctor, but it is not an exhaustive list:
- Have all topical therapies been used to the highest dose possible that is safe? , please see our Topical steroids factsheet.)
- Have all irritants and allergens been identified and avoided to the extent practicable?
- Has infection been controlled?
- Is the eczema diagnosis correct?
Have a look at our factsheets to find out more about different eczema treatments.
Is There A Way To Prevent Eczema
You can prevent eczema by avoiding triggers, for some, skin irritants like dry heat, wool, harsh soaps, fabric softeners and sweating may lead to flares, Dr. Libby said.
Dilute bleach baths using a quarter cup of bleach in a half tub of water and thoroughly mixing is also a mainstay of eczema prevention and treatment, as they have been found to reduce eczema symptoms by reducing bacterial load and inflammation on the skin, she adds.
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How Long Does Weeping Eczema Last
There is not a definitive answer to how long weeping eczema will last. Eczema is different for every person who has it. People with eczema also respond to treatment differently.
Weeping eczema is not curable. While some people will outgrow eczemaespecially if they had it as childrenothers will need to manage flare-ups for the rest of their lives.
If weeping eczema is caused by a secondary infection, the sores should go away once the infection is treated. Blisters from dyshidrotic and nummular eczema can last three to four weeks before clearing.
Instructions To Soak And Seal
Dont limit moisturizing to just bath time. Slather it on your child throughout the day whenever their skin starts to itch or feel dry. Try using an ointment or a cream rather than a lotion and apply it with your palms, stroking lightly in a downward direction.
Recommended Reading: Get Rid Of Eczema Patches
Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask
Dr. Baumann also recommends trying the Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask if you need a quick boost of hydration in a travel size. It’s 99% natural and includes fatty acids from avocado, as well as prebiotics to support the skin’s microbiome.
Buy it: BurtsBees.com Price: $14.99 for 2.5 oz
The 7 Best Creams For Eczema According To Dermatologists
Eczema is a skin condition that results in dry, flaky red patches of skin, and can even cause blisters and sores. It can happen anywhere on the body, and is most often caused by a combination of genetics and immune system triggers, like allergies or contact with irritants. It’s a super frustrating condition that affects over 30 million Americans, according to the National Eczema Association.
Dermatologists recommend treating eczema with moisturizers and creams that help protect the skin’s moisture barrier, since it’s weakened with eczema. Here are the products to look for per our derm experts.
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Best For Face And Body: Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
Perfect if you can’t stand heavy, thick consistencies, this lightweight cream has a non-greasy, fragrance-free formula that’s suitable for use on the body and face, making it a great option for people who prefer a low-maintenance moisturizing routine, notes Dr. Hayag. Itâs formulated without common chemical skin irritants, including dyes, lanolin, formaldehyde, and parabens, and has even been ââawarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
âI have dry skin, and eczema and Iâve tried hundreds of lotions and potions over the years,â. âThis brand is the best! It moisturizes without feeling greasy, and without the itching and/or chemical burn that I encountered with so many other brands.â
Best For Feet: Love Lori Foot Finish Foot Cream
âUrea, which is a humectant, can be very helpful in terms of keeping the feet smooth,â Dr. Markowitz says of this foot creamâs all-star ingredient. The fast-absorbing formula provides instant relief and works to heal dry, cracked, and itchy skin by repairing the moisture barrier, which helps kick-start its renewal process. In addition to soothing dryness in eczema-prone skin, it can also be used as a remedy for calluses and corns.
âGreat for eczema,â. âIt dries it up and helps with itching in the acute stage, and keeps it moisturized enough that it doesnât crack and turn fire engine red when in the subacute stage. I have a really bad flare-up right now, but this urea cream is keeping it from driving me absolutely insane.â
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Wrap Up In Cold Weather
Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out the skin and cause eczema flares.
Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs in this body region.
While many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, always speak with a doctor before using them.
The following home remedies and tips may help:
Best For Body: Cerave Moisturizing Cream
-
Too heavy for face
-
Thick texture
Dr. Saedi is a huge fan of Cerave products, including their Moisturizing Cream, which has ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and will help lock in moisture while keeping potential eczema-triggering irritants at bay. Your skin will also reap the added hydration benefit of hyaluronic acid. This giant tub of ultra-rich moisturizer is perfect for your body, but probably too heavy for your face.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop | Uses: Moisturizes, restores and maintains skins natural barrier
Recommended Reading: Phototherapy At Home For Eczema
Best Bar: Dove Sensitive Skin Body Bar
Courtesy of Amazon
Dove is known for gentle cleansers rich in moisturizing ingredients, and this formula is no different. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, the soap-free bar is also packed with hydrating actives and works equally well on the body, face, and even hands. Not a huge fan of cleansing bars? Gmyrek says the creamy body wash version is a great choice, too.
As anyone whos ever dealt with eczema will tell you, itching is one very real, very annoying symptom of the condition. Happily, this cleanser is not only gentle, effective, and hydrating, it also works to stop dry, itchy skin before it even crops up. We love it not only for those combatting eczema but as a universally great option in the winter when dry, itchy skin is almost inevitable.
What Creams Are Best For Eczema
In terms of what dermatologists recommend and what the reviews reveal, Diprobase comes out top for the best eczema cream. Its an emollient-based moisturising and protective cream that relieves and soothes red, inflamed, dry and chapped skin. Sounds like an all-round winner.
Eucerins Body Creme is a steroid free formula that is clinically proven to reduce eczema flare ups. One Amazon review read: I have been using it for 1.5 months and eczema is almost invisible. I had to wear cotton gloves before as my hand was red and itchy, now I can make it without.
Elsewhere, La Roche Posays Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm AP+M has singing reviews. Dermatologically tested, the formula calms irritated and sensitive skin with its gentle and hydrating balm-like finish. Locking in hydration for up to 48 hours, its perfect for eczema-prone skin as it encourages the skins barrier to restore itself.
For more from GLAMOUR UKs Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram .
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Best Prescription Eczema Creams
Dr. Hayag often prescribes topical steroid creams to her clients due to their effectiveness in rapidly treating redness, inflammation, and itchiness. Specifically, she likes calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus for reducing the immune response that causes these irritations. These are great non-steroidal creams that help maintain control of eczema and decrease the number of eczema flare-ups, she adds.
She also recommends crisaborale as a non-steroidal cream that can be used in children as young as 2 years old, and mupiricin ointment, which is a topical prescription antibiotic for staph infections commonly found in eczema patients.
Eczema Treatments: Over The Counter Prescription And Natural Remedies
- Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of inflammatory skin diseases that cause patches of dry, red, itchy skin
- Treatment involves a multimodal approach to include over the counter and prescription medications, and home remedies
- While there is not yet a cure, these treatments can effectively reduce the number and severity of flare-ups
Eczema comprises a group of inflammatory skin diseases that presents as red, raised patches of itchy, burning scaly skin. As there is no cure for eczema, treatments are intended to address symptoms, and reduce and control outbreaks.
Eczema can be a complicated disease to treat as flare-ups can be a result of any number of triggers. While it is understood it is caused by the interplay between the immune system and genetics, environmental factors and stress all play a role.
There is no one established treatment for eczema every person will respond differently to medications so treatment is tailored to what works best for you.
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What Kind Of Products Treat Eczema
From creams and lotions to ointments and oils, it can be hard to know whats what and whats best. Before you start looking into ingredients, its helpful to understand the difference among products.
- Lotions are spreadable and sink into your skin the best. But because theyre quickly absorbed, they dont last as long as other options. They also have a bit higher risk of stinging raw skin, Dr. Anthony warns.
- Creams have more oil and less water than lotion, and theyre a little thicker/heavier. They wont sink in as quickly, but you also dont need to apply them as often.
- Ointments are the most occlusive option, meaning theyre the best at locking moisture into your skin. But theyre also the greasiest. They spread well and last longer, but they get on things like clothes and bedsheets, Dr. Anthony notes.
- Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most skin oils are plant-based think argan oil, rose hip oil and tea tree oil, among others. And while some people find success with oils, for the most part, Dr. Anthony doesnt recommend them for eczema.
If youre looking for a one-size-fits-all answer to the best product for your eczema, you wont find one. It ends up being about each patients preference and tolerance, Dr. Anthony says. What feels good on your skin is probably the best product for you.
But knowing your options including what products are available, what they do and what ingredients to look for can go a long way in helping you decide.