Ointments, Creams, and Lotions for Eczema

EFFECTIVE MOISTURISERS FOR ECZEMA

Having Eczema may cause your skin to be extremely delicate. Therefore, finding the right moisturiser to help control the eczema is crucial as some moisturisers could only worsen your eczema. 

It’s important to understand the differences between the three basic types of moisturisers — ointments, creams, and lotions — so that you can properly hydrate your skin and help keep symptoms under control.

Moisturisers are classified by the ratio of oil and water they contain. The more oil a moisturiser has the better it is at treating eczema as it is better at retaining moisture and keeping irritants out compared to water-based moisturisers. So, it is highly recommended to choose moisturisers such as ointments and creams which are more greasy. 

OINTMENTS

Ointments are usually the first choice for eczema treatment. They have the highest oil content of all the products, very soothing to the skin, they don’t generally burn when applied and can relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Overall it is great for protecting damaged skin and is better at sealing in moisture.

Products high in oil content, such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil, are particularly good for treating eczema. But if you don’t like the way petroleum jelly, mineral oil or other ointments feels on your skin, the next best alternative is cream.

CREAMS

Creams are second after ointments that contain the most oil, also very good at sealing in moisture. When choosing creams, always avoid those with stabilisers or preservatives as these properties can often irritate the skin.

Overall creams are good because it contains oil, which seals in moisture and doesn’t stain, as it’s less greasy to touch

LOTIONS

Lotions are mainly water-based and contain the least amount of oil. Therefore, tend to dry out quickly and may also contain preservatives that burn when applied to scratched skin. 

However, when choosing lotions look for those that contain natural ingredients.