Are emollients bad for eczema?

Emollients form an essential part of the therapy for all dry skin conditions. They are safe and effective – a good skin care routine using emollients can soothe, moisturise and protect the skin, helping to reduce the number of eczema flares.

Are water based lotions good for eczema?

Creams often contain additives that can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions in some people. Lotions are mostly made of water and have the lowest amount of oil. They don’t usually work well for people with eczema. They evaporate quickly and may have ingredients that bother your skin.

Does aqueous cream make eczema worse?

Aqueous cream is no longer recommended either as a leave-on emollient or as a soap substitute. In addition to being a poor moisturiser it contains the ingredient sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can irritate the skin and make eczema worse.

What emollient is good for atopic dermatitis?

Frequently recommended emollients are hydrophobic and ointment-based; these include Vaseline petrolatum jelly, Crisco, vegetable oil, Aquaphor, and Elta. Occasionally, parents may find these agents too greasy for everyday use, and cream-based alternatives may be offered.

How do emollients help eczema?

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture. Emollients are often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.

Is coconut oil an emollient?

In the perhaps surprising conclusion, coconut oil was found to be equal to (with a trend toward being superior to) mineral oil as an emollient, resulting in significant skin hydration and increased surface lipid levels, with equal safety.

Can you use too much emollient?

Whenever you use an emollient, apply it liberally to the affected area of skin. Emollients should be applied by smoothing them into the skin along the line of hair growth, rather than rubbing them in. You cannot overdose, as emollients do not contain active medicines which pass through the skin.

How does moisturizer ( emollients ) work for eczema?

How do moisturisers (emollients) work? People with eczema have a tendency for their skin to become dry. Dry skin tends to flare up and become inflamed into patches of eczema. Emollients prevent the skin from becoming dry and help to protect the skin from irritants. This helps to prevent itch and reduces the frequency of eczema flare-ups.

Where do you store emollients for eczema treatment?

Apply the emollient to all of your skin, not just the area with eczema. You can store your emollient at room temperature, or in the airing cupboard if you like it warm (but do not put your emollient on a hot radiator as this will encourage the growth of bacteria).

How are emollients used in the skin treatment?

They may also be used in the treatment of skin conditions characterized by dryness or scaliness, such as eczema or psoriasis. Regular use may lessen the use of active topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids. The choice of emollient depends on a person’s skin condition and their preference for a greasy or light product.

How often should you apply moisturizer for eczema?

Moisturisers for Eczema Emollients. Moisturisers (emollients) prevent the skin from becoming dry. You can apply emollients as often as you need. This may be 2-3 times a day or more if your skin becomes very dry.