What’s The Best Lotion For Eczema?

Understanding Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that shows as dry, flaky, red patches of skin, and can cause persistent discomfort. It can happen anywhere on the body and is mostly due to genetics that leads to skin barrier dysfunction. Many people with eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis (“allergies”) and asthma. 

Estimates vary, but more than 30 million Americans are affected. Babies can get the condition pretty much anywhere on their body. Frequently, it affects their cheeks and the joints of their arms and legs. Is there a lotion for eczema? Or how about a cream for eczema? What is the difference?

Difference Between Ointment, Cream, And Lotion

The three common moisturizers used for the skin are ointment, cream, and lotion. But what is the difference between them, and which is better for eczema? 

Ointment

An ointment has the highest content of oil as compared to cream and lotion. This is why they don’t cause a burning sensation to the skin when applied and can help in sealing moisture in the skin. 

Ointments are usually prescribed by doctors when eczema is not controlled by the use of an eczema cream and shampoo. Ointment is a great option for managing eczema, but it should only be used under the prescription of a doctor and as advised by them. Most commonly ointments are made from mineral oil or petroleum jelly.

Cream 

Creams have the second highest content of oil, which makes it easier for them to moisturize the skin and soothe the symptoms of eczema. An eczema cream is the first option that should be used to manage the symptoms of eczema. 

When used 2 to 3 times a day, it can do wonders. A cream that contains lipids can help hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier. 

Lotion

A lotion has the least amount of oil content in it, which is why it absorbs fast. However, it is not a great option for managing eczema. Due to its low content of oil it will be unable to retain moisture in the skin and keep the irritants outside. 

Secondly, lotions commonly may have fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in them that can worsen your eczema or trigger an eczema flare-up.

Eczema Cream Or Lotion: Which Is More Effective?

Dermatologists and pediatricians suggest treating eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, with a bland emollient 2 to 3 times a day. Bland emollient? An emollient is something that softens or soothes the skin. By bland, we mean avoiding scent and color. 

Creams have more mineral oil or petroleum jelly content and this makes them more efficient at protecting the skin barrier and locking in moisture. It is worth reiterating that with eczema, environmental irritants can gain access through the skin barrier, and there is more water loss through a more permeable epidermal barrier.

A cream can protect your eczema-prone skin from irritants and keep it moisturized all day long. So if you are experiencing eczema, then cream is a better option than lotion. 

Baby Lotion And Eczema

Many people end up using lotion for eczema because they are unaware of the difference. “Baby lotion” is a term that rolls off the tongue of grandparents and doting aunts and uncles without a second thought when they see the dry, peeling skin of a newborn. 

Baby lotion is a ubiquitous term that has been around for 80 years due to excellent marketing from a very popular American brand. The peeling of a newborn is natural and usually resolves in a couple of weeks. Still, the scented and dyed baby lotions stick around in the medicine cabinet, and if that baby develops eczema, that scented lotion gets used. Usually, things do not get any better; they only get worse. 

Scent and color are common skin irritants with eczema. Another reason people use lotion for eczema is that they do not like the typically greasy nature of a cream. What if there was a cream that was not so greasy…

Taking Care Of Eczema-Prone Skin In Children?

Bathtime Care

Pediatric dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser and bathing in lukewarm water for 10 minutes a day.  Find a cleanser without harsh surfactants. A surfactant is what makes a liquid soap bubble. To find a cleanser that is gentle like this, look for the words “sulfate-free” or “non-soap.”

Look for the word hypoallergenic. While hypoallergenic is not a perfect description of a cosmetic, it hopefully accurately describes a product without added dye or fragrance.

And finally, look for a product that has a low pH. Most normal soaps are drying and have a pH somewhere in the range of  9 and 10. The skin’s typical pH is somewhere in the range of 4 and 5. 

Happy Cappy’s Daily Eczema Shampoo & Body Wash has a low pH similar to that found in the skin’s normal range. There have been studies that show that skin with eczema ends up in the higher pH range and that bringing it down to normal helps protect the skin’s antimicrobial balance and improve skin barrier function.

Moisturize The Skin

Now that your child is bathed, it is time to lock in that moisture!

Should you reach for a lotion for eczema? NO, reach for a cream for eczema or baby eczema cream. But I don’t like greasy! The good news…we have the best of both worlds.

This Eczema Moisturizing Cream protects and restores the delicate skin barrier. Use it two to three times a day on dry, itchy skin

This clinically tested eczema cream protects and rehydrates the skin without being greasy. Grown-ups with delicate skin can anticipate similar outcomes. This first-class formulation combines glycerin with pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly to allow easy, fast-absorbing application without stinging.

What To Look For In An Eczema Cream?

When you are experiencing eczema, it is important to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. This can be easily done with the help of an eczema cream. But wait, which eczema cream will be the best? 

An eczema cream that contains the following is best in managing redness, irritation, and itching associated with eczema:

• Humectants

Humectants are the ingredients that try to draw moisture into the skin, like aloe vera and glycerin.

• Emollients

Emollients are the ingredients that help restore the skin’s natural barrier. They penetrate the skin and try to restore some of the skin’s natural fats. These may include petrolatum and ceramides.

• Occlusives

These are the ingredients that lock moisture in the skin and keep it hydrated for a long time, such as petrolatum and dimethicone. 

Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream contains all 3 of these, which makes it a great option for people with dry, eczema-prone, sensitive skin. It also contains licorice root extract that has redness-soothing properties that help soothe eczema-prone skin.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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