Eczema 101
Before jumping into the best lotions for eczema, it’s important to understand what eczema is — particularly what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it can be treated.
Causes
There are a number of factors that can lead to someone developing eczema, or atopic dermatitis specifically. The most common ones are:
- family history and genetics
- stress
- environmental triggers
- immune system response
Typically, eczema will develop in childhood if the condition runs in your family.
Symptoms
Typically, eczema is characterized by a rash that appears on the arms and behind the knees. This rash can also appear other places — including the face, eyelids, and scalp — or take on different forms, including:
- dry skin
- small, raised bumps that can crust over or leak fluid
- Cracked or scaly skin
- itching skin
- red or brownish-gray patches on the skin
Treatment options
Treatments of eczema vary based on the severity and type of rash, but there are various things you can try to ease flare-ups, including:
- using gentle soaps and lotions to cleanse and moisturize your skin
- moisturizing regularly (twice a day)
- taking short baths and showers with warm, not hot, water
- drying your skin carefully with a soft towel and patting it, not rubbing it
- avoiding food triggers that cause flares (some of the more common ones are milk, wheat, soy, eggs, spices, nuts, and citrus fruits)
- avoiding environmental triggers like dust, pollen, and pet dander
- trying to avoid stress as much as possible
How to choose a moisturizer for eczema
When choosing the best moisturizer for eczema, there are certain ingredients to be on the lookout for, such as anti-inflammatory nutrients and moisturizing botanicals.
Other ingredients should be avoided, such as harsh chemicals, fragrances, and additives.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of moisturizers available and the top 10 moisturizers to use for eczema.
A note on price
Moisturizers for eczema can range from $5 or less to $30 or more. When purchasing a product, take into account how many ounces are in the package, as well as how frequently you’ll need to reapply.
Pricing guide
- $ = $9 or less
- $$ = $10 to $27
- $$$ = $28 or more
Picks of the best lotions for eczema
Best hand lotion for eczema
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
- Price: $$
- The hands are a common site for eczema flare-ups. This therapeutic formula from CeraVe is a moisturizing cream designed to protect and soothe inflamed skin, and reinforce the skin barrier.
Along with many lotions on this list, it’s recommended by the National Eczema Association.
Best hand ointment for eczema
ATTITUDE Sensitive Skin Care Natural Protective Ointment
- Price: $$$
- This formula forms a waterproof barrier to protect your skin even when your hands are repeatedly exposed to water. Bisabolol is infused into the formula to provide anti-inflammatory action. It’s also certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Best face lotion for eczema
Skinfix Dermatitis Face Balm
- Price: $$$
- The eyes and ears are a common place for eczema flare-ups. This concentrated face balm contains a mixture of therapeutic ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil. It’s also designed to be delicate enough to use around the eyes.
Best sensitive skin face lotion for eczema
Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream, Almond
- Price: $$
- This soothing facial cream is designed to be gentle enough to use on children. The key ingredient is sweet almond oil, which contains plenty of anti-inflammatory unsaturated fatty acids. Weleda claims to only use certified fair-trade ingredients for their products.
Best sensitive skin body lotion for eczema
Cetaphil PRO Gentle Body Moisturizer
- Price: $$
- Cetaphil’s sensitive skin formula is specifically formulated to lock in moisture for dry, sensitive skin. It’s designed to be hypoallergenic and safe to use on babies as young as 3 months. In addition, it can be paired with the Cetaphil PRO Gentle Body Wash for a daily treatment against eczema flare-ups.
Best plant-based body lotion for eczema
Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Body Lotion
- Price: $$
- Medline Remedy’s body lotion formula contains safflower oil pods, which may help contribute to long-lasting hydration. The botanical ingredients, including plant-based antioxidants, may also boast a wide variety of benefits for eczema. It’s also designed to be safe for all ages.
Best lotion for baby eczema
Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
- Price: $
- When choosing a moisturizing product for your baby, it’s important to find one with gentle ingredients. This pediatrician-recommended eczema cream contains skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal. It’s free of fragrances, dyes, and additives. It’s specifically formulated for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Best gel for baby eczema
Vaseline Healing Jelly, Baby
- Price: $
- This Vaseline healing jelly is formulated for sensitive, irritated, or dry baby skin. With an oil-based product like Vaseline, you can hopefully protect the skin barrier from further damage during an eczema flare-up. This product is also designed to be hypoallergenic and shouldn’t clog your baby’s pores.
Best prescription-strength lotion for eczema
Triamcinolone
As a therapy for eczema, triamcinolone is offered in a variety of different topical forms. Topical formulations are available in creams, ointments, or lotions ranging from 0.025 percent to 0.5 percent triamcinolone acetonide — which is a corticosteroid that should reduce the symptoms of an eczema flare-up.
Unlike ApexiCon E, triamcinolone is more appropriate for mild eczema symptoms.
This product is only available with a prescription.
Best prescription-strength steroid cream for eczema
ApexiCon E Cream
This potent eczema cream is a topical steroid that contains 0.05 percent diflorasone diacetate. It is designed to provide relief from the itching and inflammation associated with skin conditions such as eczema.
It hasn’t yet been tested on children. As with any prescription medication, side effects may occur.
This product is only available with a prescription.
Types of moisturizers and how they affect eczema
When it comes to finding the best moisturizer for your skin, there are several different types to choose from. They can all be used together to reduce eczema flare-ups.
Lotion
A lotion is a moisturizer with high water content and low oil content. Lotions need to be reapplied frequently. Some companies formulate lotions specifically for eczema, so there are plenty of options.
Ointment
Ointments have the highest oil content. Some people find ointments too greasy. However, since they have high oil content, they don’t need to be applied as frequently. Ointments for eczema can be either prescription strength or over the counter.
Cream
A cream is a moisturizer that generally falls between a lotion and an ointment in terms of thickness and hydration. This makes creams a great choice for people with and without eczema.
Gel
Gel moisturizers have the most water content and the least oil. Because certain oils have shown to be beneficial for eczema, sticking to a water-based moisturizer may not give you the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes eczema?
Eczema can be caused by genetics if you have a family history of the condition, as well as stress, immune system response, or environmental factors.
How often should you apply lotion for eczema?
Apply lotion at least twice or day, or as directed by the product you use or as instructed by your doctor.
Can OTC lotion treat eczema over time?
Flare-ups can last for a couple of weeks but can be managed with over-the-counter treatment. Identifying, managing, and avoiding the triggers that cause the flare-ups will also help with treatment. Some people may need prescription treatments if OTC lotion doesn’t soothe their skin.
Does lotion for eczema expire?
When using any topical product, it’s important to check if there is a date on the bottle for when the product expires or loses potency.
How do I avoid eczema flare-ups?
Identify any triggers (foods, environment, stress) and try your best to avoid these. Also be sure to protect your skin with products that don’t contain known irritants, and be gentle in regards to water temperature when you shower or bathe.
Bottom line
If you have eczema, having a good moisturizing routine can help reduce the severity of your flare-ups. With so many products on the market, it’s important to narrow down your choices and find a product that works well for your skin.
For mild eczema outbreaks, a simple over-the-counter lotion, cream, or ointment can help repair dry, damaged skin. For more serious outbreaks, consider reaching out to your doctor for prescription-strength options