What to Look For in a Soap for Eczema

If you suffer from eczema, you should avoid soaps that can further dry your skin. It would help if you did not even use soap. Avoid harsh ingredients, such as soaps that can strip the skin of its protective oils. Instead, choose a cleanser without soap that has moisturizing ingredients. Use lukewarm instead of hot to prevent flare-ups. When selecting a cleaner to treat eczema, you should keep five things in mind:

• Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate. This chemical can cause your skin to irritate.
• It would help if you looked for a cleanser with emollients. These are moisturizing agents that can aid in healing your skin.
• Select products that are “fragrance-free” instead of “unscented.” Unscented products can contain fragrances that are used to mask other scents.
• Avoid products containing alcohol or solvents.
• Look for the National Eczema Association Seal of Accreditation(tm) to help you avoid products that could aggravate your 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.

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 damp 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.