Dealing with Eczema

According to the National Eczema Association, over 30 million Americans may be suffering from atopic dematitis. If you have been diagnosed with eczema, you know the feeling all too well. Those irritating bumps, red patches and dryness that can be both irritating and cause embarrassment. Perhaps it popped up because of stressful changes in your life, allergies, or for no apparent reason. You probably have been prescribed to take steroid cream and allergy medications to deal with it.

Though there is no cure, it is usually manageable. Avoiding any potential triggers, treating your skin with care, and applying lotions regularly can help you manage your skin and go about your day as usual. It is always recommended you speak with your doctor about eczema and health regiments before making any drastic changes in lifestyle changes.

Here are the recommended body washes and lotions to treat eczema:

Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion

There's a reason why so many doctors and dermatologists recommend Aveeno - and that's because it works so well! This brand is has natural colloidal oatmeal that is blended with rich emollients. Aveeno applies smoothly with no grease, leaving your skin soft. It is extremely soft on the skin and soaks in quickly so that you don't have to wait for it.

I recommend that you place a bottle at each location that you will be spending a significant time at, such as your home, car, office, etc. for easy access and to soothe dryness whenever you can. There are many brands out there that say they're hypoallergenic, but they still cause a reaction. This one is very gentle on the skin in comparison. Rating: A+

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser, 1 Pound
Amazon Price: $16.43 $11.59 Buy Now
(price as of Jan 6, 2016)
Vanicream is available in a jar format or with a pump dispenser in a 1 pound tub so that you can get a long life out of this product. This cream really moisturizes and makes a marked difference in the skin after a few days of applying. Although, it is a bit stickier and thicker than Aveeno and Cetaphil, so you may have to wait longer before you can begin working on things.

Vanicream does work wonders for flare-ups and its effect does seem to last longer than other creams, thus requiring less of a need to apply constantly. Rating: A++

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
Amazon Price: $18.99 Buy Now
(price as of Jan 6, 2016)
Unfortunately, this brand is not available in many areas. Although, it can be ordered online. Oilatum is a great lotion for the face because it is specifically made for dry and sensitive skin. Void of any fragrances or emulsifiers, this cream really works to hydrate the face. It also is a great face cream to apply underneath makeup. Rating: A

Yes To Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer

Yes To Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer -- 1.7 fl oz
Amazon Price: $14.99 $12.38 Buy Now
(price as of Jan 6, 2016)
Yes to Cucumbers contains almond oil, cucumbers and aloe vera, which help to protect and soothe the skin. The cucumbers are especially helpful in preventing itchiness and skin inflammation. If your skin is allergic to many things, this lotion is definitely recommended. It absorbs well, yet is not sticky.

Yes To Cucumbers works well applied in the morning or evening. Note that there is a non-SPF version and a SPF version. The non-SPF version generally works better because it does not contain the same allergy triggering ingredients as the SPF version. Rating: A-

Cetaphil Restoradem Skin Restoring Body Wash, Formulated For Eczema

Cetaphil Restoraderm, Eczema Calming Body Wash, 10 Ounce
Amazon Price: $15.99 $12.74 Buy Now
(price as of Jan 6, 2016)
For eczema, washing your hands and body can leave you feeling very dry, especially if you use regular soap. Cetaphil is very gentle and easy to wash off, especially this product, which is made specially to soothe eczema. This cleanser is pH balanced so that it leaves your skin feeling smooth.

It is also manufactured by Galderma Laboratories, a major benefactor of the Dermatology Foundation. Cetaphil is a little pricier than the generic cleansers you can buy at the store, but if you are suffering from eczema, this is definitely worth it. You will notice a big difference between this cleanser and a regular soap cleanser. Rating: A+

Cetaphil Restoradem Skin Restoring Moisturizer

 

Cetaphil has also come out with a moisturizer in addition to its skin cleanser that I thought deserved mention. This moisturizer is free of nuts, oils and steroids. It absorbs quickly and can effectively prevent inflammation and dryness better than most other products out there.

Cetaphil moisturizer feels a little light to the touch at first, but it is really effective at its job. Once again, this moisturizer is at a higher price point than most other brands, but it really does a wonderful job at keeping eczema at bay. Rating: A++

Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser

 

Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser is specially formulated for sensitive skin for the hands, face and body, although it is often used as a hand and face cleanser. Free of fragrances, this cleanser does a good job in cleaning skin thoroughly without causing itching. This is a more affordable alternative to Cetaphil's liquid cleanser. Rating: A+

A Closing Note

Dealing with eczema can be stressful and painful. However, I hope that I have provided you with useful alternative products from the ones you may be using currently. These ratings are simply my own ratings. Each person’s skin reacts differently to different products; what works well for one person may not work well for another, and vice versa. Price may be one factor in the purchasing process to treat your skin, but don’t let it be the determining factor. Finding the lotion and body wash that works well for you is worth more than its weight in gold.