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If you’re one of the 31.6 million Americans who has some form of eczema, you’re probably itching for a solution. While potions work wonders for wizards, medical experts are more likely to recommend soothing lotions, creams, and ointments to help alleviate symptoms of the condition, which include severe itch, rash, redness, and sometimes even loss of sleep.
To find out more, we reached out to several board-certified dermatologists to explain what eczema really is and give us their top picks for the best eczema treatments you can try at home.
Table of contents
What Is Eczema?
What Causes Eczema?
How to Manage Eczema
The Best Expert-Approved Eczema Treatments
Best Eczema Cream Overall: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream; From $6
Best Splurge: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion; From $29
Best Eczema Cream for Itchy Skin: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream With Colloidal Oat & Ceramide; From $16
Best Drugstore Pick: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream; $16
Best Eczema Ointment: Vaseline Original Unscented Healing Petroleum Jelly; From $5
Best Eczema Lotion for Facial Use: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for Dry to Normal Skin; $15
Best Eczema Cream for Sudden Flare-Ups: Eucerin Eczema Repair Cream; $13
Best Eczema Cream for Kids: CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream; $9
Best Eczema Treatment for Babies: Aquaphor Baby; $12
What Is Eczema?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, but not the only form of it. | Tanja Ivanova, Moment Collection, Getty Images
Eczema is a chronic condition that can be hard to understand sometimes, especially because it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
“Eczema is a broad term that describes a skin condition when the skin becomes red, itchy, dry and sometimes flaky, which can affect any part of the body,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center, tells Mental Floss.
According to Garshick, the most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to flare-ups of dry, itchy red patches all over the body. It can impact infants, children, and adults, and while it’s not contagious, it may make someone more susceptible to developing food allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
But there are many different types of eczema. A trusted dermatologist can determine what form you or a loved one might have, but here’s how it breaks down:
Form of eczema
When it starts
Areas
Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis
Typically begins in infancy or childhood, but can develop at any age.
Can occur anywhere on the body, but usually impacts the face, back of the neck, arms, elbow creases, and/or the backs of the knees.
Dry and/or itchy skin; scaly patches that may turn into a red rash.
Contact dermatitis occurs as a reaction from something you’ve come into contact with, which may result from something you were allergic to (i.e., latex) or from a chemical (i.e., bleach) that has damaged the skin. Symptoms may take up to 48 hours to show and can occur at any age. Common areas affected are the hands, face, and neck, depending on where the irritant came in contact with the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis may cause blistering, skin swelling, cracking, ulcerations, and open sores. Allergic contact dermatitis may cause scaly, flaky skin, an itchy red rash, and oozing blisters.
Seborrheic dermatitis may impact infants shortly after birth and can occur in adolescents and adults throughout life. It usually affects the scalp but may also affect oily areas of the hairline, eyebrows, nose, upper back, and groin area. Symptoms include redness and scaly or oily patches on the scalp and affected areas, often accompanied by dandruff.
Dyshidrotic eczema usually occurs in adults, especially those who come into contact with heavy metals. It typically affects the hands and/or feet, causing itchy, fluid-filled blisters to develop on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.
Neurodermatitis is caused by repetitive scratching or rubbing on parts of the skin and usually starts with an itch that worsens with scratching. It may result from atopic and/or contact dermatitis and commonly affects the arms, legs, back of the neck, backs of the hands, bottoms of the feet, and scalp. Symptoms include severe, chronic, and intense itching, with thick, raised patches that make the affected areas feel bark-like or leathery.
Nummular eczema typically occurs after a skin injury, such as a burn or insect bite, and is more prevalent in adults with severe atopic dermatitis. It may also occur in some children and usually affects the arms and/or legs, causing coin-shaped spots or lesions that may ooze clear fluid, become crusty, or feel inflamed.
Stasis dermatitis typically occurs in older adults due to poor circulation and is more likely to impact adults with varicose veins, congestive heart failure, and/or venous insufficiency. It commonly affects the legs and ankles, causing itching, scaly skin, and may lead to ulcers and skin discoloration. Lal, most children with infantile-onset eczema typically outgrow the condition by age 5, but about one-fourth of patients may continue to experience eczema and/or sensitive skin. It is important to note that eczema can affect people of all ages, with approximately 25 percent of children experiencing atopic dermatitis at some point, and about 60 percent of individuals developing some form of eczema in their first year of life. Garshick recommends this moisturizing cream as an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. It is free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other potential irritants, making it gentle on the skin. The cream helps to hydrate and soothe the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Additionally, it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and can be used on both the face and body. Garshick recommends this cream, which can be found in most drugstores, as it effectively hydrates the skin and restores its natural barrier. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides, it fights dryness without leaving a greasy residue. The fragrance-free and long-lasting formula, with patented MVE delivery technology, keeps the skin soft and smooth all day, making it ideal for those with dry skin. Dr. Garshick also suggests using it for sudden flare-ups. Dr. Garshick recommends the cream for sudden flare-ups and praises the daily moisturizer for being gentle, non-greasy, and fragrance-free. The cream is an excellent choice for managing eczema symptoms, while the moisturizer is perfect for daily use without causing any irritation.
If you’re looking for an effective option for kids, CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream is a top pick. Developed by dermatologists, this cream contains ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier. It’s also free of fragrance and parabens, making it a safe and effective choice for kids’ delicate skin.
For babies, Aquaphor Baby is recommended as the best eczema treatment. This ointment is fragrance- and preservative-free, making it suitable for gentle baby skin. With 41 percent petrolatum, it acts as a skin protectant, shielding against irritation and promoting healing. Dr. Garshick also notes that it’s great for nourishing dry skin and treating minor cuts and scrapes.
Both products can be purchased on Amazon for convenience. Whether you’re dealing with eczema flare-ups, dry skin, or diaper rash, these expert-recommended products are sure to provide relief for you and your little ones. Rewrite the sentence. statement: The new law will come into effect starting next month.
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