What Is the Best Soap for Eczema?

Eczema, a common skin condition, is very common. According to the National Eczema Association, approximately 31.6 million Americans — or 10% of the total population — suffer from some form of Eczema. Eczema can affect people of all ages and races.

The constant itching that is associated with Eczema is often the cause of frustration, not the red rash. This itch may cause pain, insomnia, and skin infection.

Many different things can cause eczema. People with Eczema should take extra care of their skin. Proper skin care also includes selecting the right soap for your condition.

What is Eczema?

Eczema causes your skin to be dry, itchy and red. The condition is most common among young children but can affect anyone at any age. Eczema flare-ups can continue for people with a previous history. Eczema does not spread.

There are many different kinds of Eczema types. Eczema can come in many forms. Eczema can be classified into the following types: 

• Atopic Dermatitis causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin.
• Dermatitis contact is Eczema that occurs as a result of a reaction on the skin to allergens such as poison ivy or skin care products.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema causes itchy, painful blisters and dry skin on the hands and feet.
• Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that causes severe itching in a small area of the body.
• Nummular Eczema causes small, round lesions to appear on the skin. These lesions can be itchy or ooze.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis affects the scalp, and dandruff is one of the common symptoms.
• Stasis Dermatitis occurs when the veins of the legs are unable to return blood to the heart. It can cause swelling in the lower leg, discoloration, and dryness.

Eczema affects all parts of the body. Eczema can cause a number of symptoms.

• Cracked and dry skin
• Darkening of the skin around your eyes
• Itching
• Oozing and crusting
• Skin that is raw and sensitive
• Rash
• Raised bumps
• Swelling
• Thickened skin
• 12 Home Remedies for Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema’s causes can differ from person to person. Some people have a gene variant that weakens the skin barrier. This layer will have a hard time protecting you from allergens, bacteria, and environmental toxins if it is weak. Eczema can be caused by having too much Staphylococcus aureus on the skin. Everybody has some bacteria on their skin, but too many can cause damage to your skin barrier.

Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include:

• Allergies
• Cleaning products
• Air that is cold and drier
• Dry skin
• Dust mites
• Fragrances
• Heat
• Chemicals that irritate the skin
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Fabrics that are rough or irritating
• Skin Infections
• Stress
• Sweat
• Tobacco smoke

Skin Care for Eczema

Skin with Eczema needs to be treated differently because it is so sensitive.

Showering and bathing. Bathing and showering differently can help soothe and reduce flare-ups of Eczema. These tips can help:

• Shower every day in warm water
• Avoid anything that can scrape the skin, such as a loofah
• Avoid bubble baths as they may irritate the skin.
• Do not rub your skin to dry it.
• Add half a cup of household chlorine bleach to warm water in a bath to prevent flare-ups. Avoid submerging your head
• Add 1/4 cup of baking soda into your bath water to soothe itching
• Use colloidal oatmeal in your bath water to soothe itching
• Select your eczema cream carefully

Moisturizing. The key to eczema skin care is moisturizing. These moisturizing tips will soothe itchy skin.

• Moisturize right after bathing or showering to lock in moisture.
• Moisturize twice daily, at least.
• Select a moisturizer carefully.

Soaps for Eczema

Choose skin care products that are free of harsh chemicals and perfumes, particularly soap. Many products cater to Eczema skin. If you have trouble choosing, try looking for one that has the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.

For products to qualify for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, they must have been created or designed for people who suffer from Eczema. Before deciding whether a product will receive the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, the review panel of dermatologists and allergists reviews the test results and the product’s ingredients. This list includes cleansers and moisturizers as well as hair products, hydrocortisone, household products, and fabric products. The National Eczema Association website has the complete list.

You can find many of the soaps and cleaners on this list in your local drugstore. These include Aveeno, CeraVe Dove, and Neutrogena. You can make your eczema soap if you are unable to find a product you like.

• Biologics can help reduce skin inflammation.

Eczema: Other Tips to Manage it

There are many ways to treat Eczema. Here are a few tips to help you manage Eczema.

• Find out what type of Eczema it is. Each type of Eczema has different triggers and treatments.
• You can prevent Eczema by learning what causes it. An allergy specialist can determine if you are allergic to something.
• To relieve itching, apply an anti-itch lotion containing at least 1 % hydrocortisone on the affected area.
• If your eczema results from allergies, try an allergy medication.
• Humidifiers can help to reduce Eczema.
• Choose fabrics that breathe and avoid clothing that irritates the skin, especially during hot weather or when you are exercising.
• Reduce anxiety and stress. Stress can worsen and trigger flare-ups.
• Wet dressings can be used to treat severe Eczema. Apply a cream containing corticosteroids and seal it with wet gauze to create a wet bandage.
• Light therapy can be used to treat stubborn Eczema. Young children should not receive light therapy.
• Consult your doctor for prescription creams or medications to treat Eczema.

It is common for infants and children to develop Eczema. However, it cannot always be treated the same as in adults. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your child’s eczema.