Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis or "itch that rashes," is a skin condition that can cause redness, itchiness, dryness, inflammation, and skin irritation due to excessive scratching. In more severe cases of eczema, the skin can develop blisters and scales or become hardened.
While eczema is common in children, it can occur at any age and is often accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Over 3 million cases are diagnosed every year in the US. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic issue and can flare at any time. It has no cure, but treatment can help alleviate the itching and prevent future breakouts. The most important eczema treatment is skin hydration, followed by topical steroids for flare-ups.
We have all encountered a rash at one time or another, or the itching and scratching from hives, poison ivy, and the like. Eczema is a more chronic disorder whose symptoms include:
There are seven types of eczema, some more common than the rest. The most important eczema treatment is skin hydration, followed by topical steroids for flare-ups. These steroid or antifungal creams can be bought with or without a prescription.
Emollients are moisturizing elements applied directly to the skin. These are used to soothe and hydrate dry and agitated skin. Fats enable the skin barrier to function properly. Applying emollients can help repair the skin barrier. Some of the best emollients for eczema treatment contain calamine, glycerin, and lanolin. These active ingredients calm the skin and keep it moist.
Humectants are substances added to lotions to retain the moisture of the skin. These substances attract the water molecules from the lower cell layers to gravitate upwards and hydrate the damaged skin barrier. Dehydrated skin is often resuscitated using humectants. Eczema creams contain aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. These, when applied individually, sting. Thus, they are often combined with emollients to relieve eczema symptoms.
Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid effective in soothing extremely dry skin. Normally, over-the-counter eczema creams contain 1% hydrocortisone. However, some people with severe eczema may be prescribed as much as 2.5% strength hydrocortisone cream.
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural product medically proven for barrier protection. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help curb the inflammation caused due to eczema.
HPFY offers a variety of antifungal creams for eczema relief. Here is a list of our best eczema creams.
TriDerma Eczema Cream relieves inflamed, swollen, and itchy skin. Doctors and dermatologists recommend the creamy, non-greasy formula to treat minor skin irritations and rashes.
Sunmark Hydrocortisone itch relief cream relieves discomfort by reducing redness and swelling. Sunmark hydrocortisone cream contains aloe that soothes the skin. The 1% maximum strength cream quickly penetrates the skin, and the activated chemicals block the irritation causing enzymes from causing discomfort.
Calmoseptine Ointment is a calamine and glycerin-based eczema cream. It treats incontinence-related dermatitis problems. Calmoseptine cream helps heal and nourish damaged skin.
Aquaphor Eczema Cream is designed as a healing ointment that protects and soothes dry and chapped skin. Aquaphor Moisturizer is clinically proven to restore the moisture of damaged skin and heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. The advanced therapy ointment also works as a skin protectant. Aquaphor Cream can be used as a lip, face, and skin moisturizer, just like your regular moisturizing lotion.
Dynarex over-the-counter eczema cream with 1% strength hydrocortisone can help soothe redness, swelling, and itching caused due to eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and diaper rash. Dynarex cream dries and gets absorbed quicker than other creams and lotions.
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! A few small and simple skincare Dos and Don’ts can help keep eczema away. Some preventive measures include:
Another option is a bleach bath. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends these baths to prevent flare-ups. Adding ½ cup of household bleach (not concentrated) to a 40-gallon bathtub filled with warm water should do the trick.
Yes, these are over-the-counter treatments that can be done at home. It is important to realize when to see a doctor, though. Seek immediate medical attention if the rash looks infected, or there is a fever, especially in a child. You should see your doctor when:
Eczema varies from case to case. It can range from mild to extremely severe. Being proactive and diligent with preventive measures, such as skin moisturizing, will go a long way in preventing eczema or minimizing its severity and impact.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
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