Most people experience itchy and dry skin at some point in their daily lives. However, there is a huge difference between occasional itchy and dry patches and the scaly, red skin which is commonly associated with eczema or atopic dermatitis. That is the sign of Eczema, and you will have to use best skin cream for eczema.
Eczema is a skin condition where parts of your skin became rough, cracked, red, itchy, or inflamed as well as the occurrence of blisters. Eczema is a chronic problem for most people. This skin condition is most common in infants, many of whom outgrow this condition before reaching adulthood.
Symptoms of Eczema
Symptoms of eczema can vary and depends on the age of the individual with the condition. Eczema usually occurs in infants, with scaly and dry patches that appear on the skin and is often accompanied with intense itch.
Most individuals develop eczema before the age of 5 and half of those who develop this condition in childhood will continue to have the symptoms during adulthood.
People with this skin condition will usually experience periods of time where their symptoms worsen or flare-up followed by times when their symptoms clear up or improve.
Eczema Symptoms in Infants under 2 years old
- Rashes with extreme itchiness and can interfere with sleeping. Continuous scratching or rubbing may lead to skin infections
- Rashes that usually bubble up before leaking fluids
- Rashes that commonly appear on the cheeks and scalps
Eczema Symptoms in Kids Aged 2 years old until puberty
- Rashes that usually appears behind the creases of knees and elbows as well as on the ankles, wrists, neck and the creases between the legs and buttocks
- Rashes might thicken in a process called “lichenification” where it develops knots and permanent itch
- It may darken or lighten in color
- Rashes may become bumpy
Eczema Symptoms in Adults
- Rashes in adults are more “scaly: than those seen in children
- Rashes can be permanently itchy
- Dry skin
- Rashes may cover much of the body
- Rashes usually appear at the nape of the neck, or in the creases of the knees and elbows
Adults who suffered eczema as a kid but no longer experience the skin condition can still have a dry or easily-irritated skin, eye problems or hand eczema.
The appearance of skin part that is affected by eczema depends on how much it was scratched and whether it becomes infected or not. Rubbing and scratching further can irritate the skin, make itchiness worse and increase inflammation.
The Causes of Eczema
The specific cause of eczema is still unknown; however, it is believed to be developed because of environmental or genetic factors or a combination of both.
Children are more likely to develop eczema if one or both of their parents had the condition or another atopic disease. It is not contagious, though.
Environmental factors are also believed to bring out the symptoms of eczema like:
- ALLERGENS: Dandruff, mold, pollens, pets and dust mites can lead to eczema.
- IRRITANTS: These include disinfectants, shampoos, detergents, soaps as well as juices from vegetables and fruits.
- MICROBES: Certain fungi, viruses, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus
- FOODS: Some foods you might be allergic to like wheat, soy products, seeds and nuts, eggs and dairy products.
- COLD AND HOT TEMPERATURES: Very cold or hot weather, low or high humidity, as well as perspiration from workouts and exercise, can bring out eczema.
- HORMONES: Particularly in women, can experience an increase in eczema symptoms at times when their hormones are changing, for instance at certain points of their menstrual cycles or during pregnancy.
- STRESS: Although it is not a direct cause of eczema, however, stress can make its symptoms worse.
Top 10 Best Skin Cream For Eczema Relief
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Developed by dermatologists, this Moisturizing Cream from Aveeno helps relieve irritated skin and heavily moisturize the skin in order to prevent the recurrence of dry skin. It is enriched with an essential lipid called ceramide, which plays a vital role in restoring and enhancing the protective functioning of the skin.
Aveeno Eczema Moisturizing Cream uses oats which are clinically proven to help in reducing the irritation and itching of eczema. Also, it is dermatologist tested and is gentle enough to be used in kids and babies.
Puriya Mother Of All Creams
With a powerful plant-rich formula, the Puriya Mother of All Creams offers a long-lasting and instant relief for severely irritated, itchy and dry skin. It is an ideal solution for eczema as well as psoriasis, shingles, rosacea, and rashes.
It has 12 natural skin super foods for synergistic results as well as the inclusion of Amaranth oil which is a powerful ingredient that aids in cell regeneration, protection against infection and stimulating cell repair.
Vanicream Skin Cream
A smooth and thick moisturizing cream, Vanicream Skin Cream for eczema helps in restoring and maintaining the normal moisture level of the skin. It also helps in soothing itchy, cracked, irritated and red skin; making it ideal for skin conditions like eczema, inter itch and psoriasis.
It is gentle on the skin and is dermatologist tested. This cream is free of formaldehyde, parabens, lanolin, masking fragrance, and dyes so it is safe even for the most delicate skin.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe is among the top brands that produce highly effective creams and lotions all over the world. Their best-seller moisturizing cream contains a unique formula which provides a 24-hour hydration. It also helps in restoring the protective barrier of the skin with its 3 essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid that helps in retaining the skin’s natural moisture.
CeraVe’s patented MVE or MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology ensures that the moisturizing ingredients will be delivered to the skin slowly over time and last for a long time.
Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
This moisturizer developed by Cetaphil is particularly developed for treating eczema. It contains 1 percent colloidal oatmeal that helps in soothing irritated, itchy and dry skin caused by eczema.
The Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer also has a unique combination of Fila grin complex and ceramide that helps the skin to retain its moisture for a smooth and soft skin you will love!
Wild Naturals Eczema and Psoriasis Cream
This cream from Wild Naturals is specifically formulated for eczema and psoriasis relief. It stops itching and pain in an instant and promotes repair of damaged cells. This cream uses organic aloe vera as its first ingredient, for an effective anti-inflammatory effect that penetrates the skin quickly and soothes itchy, inflamed, flaky and cracked skin.
Moreover, it uses a medical grade honey called manuka honey which is a powerful moisturizer packed with a unique blend of amino acid, minerals and vitamins, and unmatched healing properties. This cream also has a 15-in-1 formula which is perfectly balanced at 5.5 so that it is easily absorbed by the skin and has a non-greasy, light feeling.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Another popular brand of skin care product, Cetaphil offer a moisturizing cream that is fragrance-free and delivers intense hydration to the skin and helps relieve dry and sensitive skin.
This cream is clinically proven to give fast and long-lasting relief. And its non-greasy formula is absorbed by the skin fast and work right away, leaving your skin smooth and soft to touch.
Honeyskin Organics Ultimate Face and Body Cream
Another great cream for fast eczema relief, the Honeyskin Organics Face and Body Cream contains powerful ingredients which effectively cure inflammation and pain caused by eczema and other skin conditions and helps in rejuvenating the skin cells.
It is organically safe with no parabens and harsh chemicals which may harm your skin. It is also non-allergenic and fragrance-free so it is safe to use for babies and kids with highly sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Eczema Cream
One of Amazon’s best-sellers, the La-Roche-Posay Cream is a targeted eczema cream for itching and skin irritation due to eczema. This cream replenished the essential lipid in the skin and provides fast and long lasting hydration.
It is packed with high concentrations of La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water which are clinically proven to relieve irritated and itchy skin and reduce the signs of eczema. This cream contains powerful ingredients like Niacinamide which has soothing properties; Glycerin and Shea butter that naturally attracts water to the skin and helps in moisturizing; and 1 percent colloidal oatmeal skin protectant that helps relieve itching and irritations because of eczema.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Cream
This cream from Aquaphor is dermatologist recommended for dry heels and feet, cracked cuticles, chapped lips and cracked and dry skin. It is clinically proven to restore healthy and smooth skin without preservatives and harmful chemicals.
Moreover, this cream for eczema is uniquely formulated with 41 percent petroleum that allows oxygen to flow and heal the skin; Panthenol for skin protection; and glycerin to nourish, moisturize and protect the skin and enhance its healing.
The Different Types of Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common type of eczema and often affects individuals who also have:
- Defects in the skin barrier which allows the germs in and the moisture out
- Family history of hay fever, asthma, or eczema
- Hay fever or asthma
Atopic dermatitis typically appears in infants or children however it can strike people at all ages. Most often, this type of eczema affects the skin on:
- Back of the knees
- Inner elbows
- Feet
- Hands
- Face
Over time, scratching the skin may cause it to become thicker and red. It may also create wounds which would become infected. There is also some irritant which can make it worse like:
- Household chemicals
- Rough clothing
- Soap
- Allergy triggers
- Dust mites and foods
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis has 2 types:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
These forms of eczema can develop after a substance damaged the skin, including chemicals as well as frequent hand washing. The hands are particularly vulnerable in developing contact dermatitis.
An irritant contact dermatitis may develop after coming into contact with irritating substances frequently or after you touch a very strong irritant.
Contact dermatitis also develops after an individual touch an allergy-triggering substance like:
- Poison ivy
- Cosmetics
- Nickel
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
This form of eczema affects the feet and hands. It is a painful and chronic eczema type with unknown causes.
The very first symptom of dyshidrotic dermatitis is severe itching, followed by blisters and gives way to scaly patches after a few weeks. Deep cracks can sometimes appear on the fingers or hands.
Nummular Dermatitis
Nummular dermatitis usually affects men than women. Most men typically do not get the first outbreak before their 50s while women can get it on their early adulthood or teen years.
This type of eczema causes coin-shaped red marks and most often appear on the:
- Hips
- Lower back
- Forearms
- Back of the hands
- Legs
Its causes are unknown; however, several factors might increase the risk of an outbreak. These include:
- Exposure to metal such as nickel
- Exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde
- Dry and cold air
Neurodermatitis
Individuals suffering from this form of eczema develop skin irritations in spots which they frequently scratch out of habit. It usually affects body areas such as:
- Behind and inside the ear
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Scalp
- Genitals
- Back or side of the neck
- Back
Most people scratch the affected areas during the day without realizing it or scratching it while asleep.
In general, neurodermatitis causes skin outbreaks which do not get any bigger; however, it can grow deep and thickly wrinkled as well as developing infections.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is also known as dandruff. It usually affects the scalps of infants. But for adults, it may also affect areas like:
- Center of the chest
- Groin
- Area behind the ears
- Sides of the nose
- Eyebrows
This type of eczema causes the skin to fall off in flakes. It is a skin condition that is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast type which normally thrives in these areas. It is also caused by the rapid shedding and overgrowth of cells on the scalp.
This type of eczema is difficult to treat in individuals, whose immune systems are not working properly, including those who have AIDS.
Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis may develop in individuals when the veins of their lower legs do not properly return blood to their heart. This type of eczema may rise quickly, causing crusting and weeping of the skin and may develop brown stains on the skin overtime.