Eczema

5 Best Eczema Creams

5 Best Eczema Creams

1. TriDerma Eczema Fast Healing Cream
2. Sunmark Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream
3. Calmoseptine Moisture Barrier Ointment
4. Beiersdorf Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Hand and Body Moisturizer
5. Dynarex Hydrocortisone Cream 1%

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. 

Symptoms of Eczema

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:

• Itching (often severe)
• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Rash (red to brown-gray)
• Raw skin from scratching

Complications

• Atopic dermatitis or AD can cause skin barrier dysfunction, potentially leading to several problems.
• The epidermal cells ensure optimal skin hydration. An irritated epidermis can make the skin severely dry. Due to the dysfunctional barrier, water can easily escape the skin, dehydrating it.
• Those with eczema are more prone to allergies and infections. Since the skin is already dehydrated, it becomes easier for allergens and pathogens to penetrate through the skin and harm it.
• Atopic dermatitis can also result in a skewed inflammatory immune response, making skin easily irritated by certain fragrances.

Creams For Eczema Treatment

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.

Ingredients of Eczema Creams

1. Emollients

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.

2. Humectants

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.

3. Hydrocortisone

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. 

4. Colloidal Oatmeal

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.

5 Best Eczema Creams

HPFY offers a variety of antifungal creams for eczema relief. Here is a list of our best eczema creams. 

DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Eczema

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:

• Moisturize twice a day
• Identify/avoid possible causes of eczema
• Take shorter and cooler showers/baths
• Use gentler soaps
• Pat dry instead of wiping

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:

• The eczema is so uncomfortable it affects sleep or daily activities
• Symptoms persist with home remedies
• There is skin infection (red streaks, puss, or yellow scabs)

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. 

 

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