Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition in which the skin appears dry, flaky, inflamed and itchy. There are many reasons that can cause eczema: if the doctor can’t seem to determine the causes of it and it seems to run in families with accompanying allergies or asthma, then it is usually diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. On the other hand, if the eczema happens after the skin has come into contact with certain substances (such as new detergent, dishwasher or jewelries), then it is often diagnosed by the healthcare professional as contact dermatitis.
General treatment for eczema
Depending on the severity of eczema, the intensity of treatment may vary. Nonetheless, the conventional treatments used for eczema include applying a topical corticosteroid cream and skin moisturizers. Topical corticosteroid cream reduces inflammation and itchiness of eczema.
While you might think that topical steroid cream is more important in treating eczema and anyone with eczema can just skip their skin moisturizing routine, you may underestimate the importance of this routine in reducing eczema flare-up, i.e. worsening of eczema symptoms.
Moisturizing is important for eczema, here’s why
Many clinical guidelines in the developed country recommend the use of moisturizers, or emollients, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
A study on the use of moisturizers among children with atopic dermatitis found that the outcome of using topical corticosteroid cream once daily alongside with a skin moisturizer is equivalent to using topical corticosteroid cream twice daily. In other words, using skin moisturizer can reduce the frequency of using topical corticosteroid cream. This is important especially for children with atopic dermatitis, as heavy use steroid cream can lead to many adverse effects, including skin thinning and enlarged blood vessels which is prominent under the skin surface (telangiectasia).
Whereas among the adults with atopic dermatitis, the use of moisturizing cream can delay the relapse of symptoms, as shown in another study.
The reason that moisturizing is so important for treating eczema is because proper moisturizing strengthens the skin barrier, which is a crucial aspect to less eczema symptoms.
How to choose a proper skin moisturizer for eczema
Not all skin moisturizers formulations are suitable for eczema use. When you are purchasing skin moisturizer for eczema, it is important to keep in mind:
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Choose an unscented skin moisturizer to avoid potential skin sensitising.
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Look closer at the active ingredient(s) of the moisturizer as each may confer different mechanisms for your moisturizing need. For instance, moisturizer that contains petrolatum forms a layer of oil to reduce the loss of water from your skin surface. Products that contain ceramide or linoleic acid enhance the skin’s flexibility and suppleness by filling in cracks and strengthening the structural integrity in the affected skin. For those that contain urea and glycerine, they work by drawing water from the environment and concentrating water over the area of application for water absorption and redistribution.
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Moisturizers exist in ointments, creams and lotions. Each moisturizing product has its variations in hydrophobic and hydrating properties. For example, a thicker cream or ointment is more suitable for individuals with moderate-to-severe skin dryness. Cream is less messy to apply but needs to be put on more often than ointment. A lotion is often best for areas of hairy skin.
There are also emollient preparations that come as bath additives and shower gels. However they should be used in addition to, not instead of, the skin moisturizers mentioned above. Consult a pharmacist to explore what’s best for you.
Applying skin moisturizer the right way
Not only it’s important to choose the appropriate skin moisturizer, applying it correctly is equally crucial to a successful eczema treatment. Here are some tips for you:
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Use your skin moisturizer every day
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Wash your hands before and after applying moisturizer
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An ideal time to apply skin moisturizer is a few minutes after a warm bath or shower, while the skin is slightly damp
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Apply the moisturizer downwards in the direction of hair growth, especially on the arm and leg. Do not rub up and down or in circles, as this can cause irritation.
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Buy skin moisturizer that comes with an easier dispenser mechanism such as a pump. However, if that is not possible and you have to use a tub of cream, take what is needed and then replace the lid. Do not go backwards and forwards from skin to tub, as this may introduce bacteria from your skin surface into the tub. You might want to use a clean spoon or paper towel to scoop the cream out.
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Only apply your topical corticosteroid cream 30 minutes after applying the moisturizer.
