What is the Best Eczema Cream? – Pros and Cons
The use of an eczema cream is one of the primary ways many people treat and manage the dry, red and itchy skin that eczema can cause. The regular use of an eczema cream can help greatly to soothe dry skin, reduce itching and prevent inflammation. Not only should the affected areas be treated, but the whole body as well, to keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Choosing the best eczema cream can be difficult – and each cream has its own pros and cons. To help you choose, I have listed below some creams commonly used in the treatment of eczema.
Topical Steroid Creams are the most often prescribed eczema creams. They are available in different strengths and formulas. Some of them can be purchased over the counter while others must be prescribed by your doctor. Even though steroid creams can clear up the eczema quickly and effectively, they should always be used sparingly and for only a short period of time. Overuse of topical steroids can lead to a thinning of the skin, making it more fragile and prone to peeling and breaking. Because of the possible side-effects of steroid creams, it is best to consult your doctor before using any topical steroid, and to strictly follow his advice.
Creams such as E45, aqueous cream and sudocrem are some of the most popular creams recommended for treating dry, rough and itchy skin. These types of creams contain paraffin, lanolin and other ingredients which provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin. This works to prevent water loss and thus keeps the skin moisturized. On the positive side these creams help relieve eczema symptoms effectively and are inexpensive and easy to use. On the negative side, they contain paraffin and other ingredients which may irritate the skin and make the symptoms worse in some cases.
You could try a more natural alternative such as shea butter if you prefer not to use an eczema cream that contains harsh chemicals. Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because it contains fatty acids which help retain skin moisture and elasticity. It also contains vitamins A and E which help protect the skin from environmental damage, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Using 100% unrefined shea butter is the most ideal option since all the original vitamins are retained. However, unrefined shea can be a bit smelly. Unfortunately, a lot of shea products contain potentially irritating additives and have only a small percentage of real shea butter. Also, if you have an allergy to nuts this type of moisturizer is not recommended.
Creams that contain ingredients such as calendula, evening primrose oil, chamomile, aloe vera and Chinese herbs are very good natural alternatives. These products have ingredients that come from natural sources and are kinder to the skin. You should check to see whether the product you choose contains fragrances or other chemicals that might trigger a skin reaction.
There are so many types of eczema cream that it may take a little trial and error to find the one that suits you best. It is always best to consult your dermatologist so she can advise you on the most appropriate eczema creams for your condition. Using a good eczema cream everyday is vital in keeping your skin moist, hydrated and protected.
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