Eczema, aka atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that makes it dry, itchy, flushed, rough, red, cracked, or bumpy. Eczema flare-ups can be caused by allergies, overactive immune systems, irritants, extreme weather conditions, hormonal imbalances, or stress. While its severity varies from person to person, keeping one’s skin moisturized is the best way to control the flare-ups. There are many eczema creams on the market that help reduce inflammation and ease itching.

What are the types of eczema creams?

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments
  These are anti-inflammatory and should relieve inflammation and itchiness. People can apply them directly to the skin with a doctor’s consultation.
• Hydrocortisone cream
  Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that can soothe severely dry skin. The creams in shops can have 1% hydrocortisone, but a skin specialist can recommend up to 2.5%.
• Tacrolimus topical
  Approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tacrolimus topical is used on the skin to treat moderate to severe eczema in patients.
• Pimecrolimus cream
  This topical cream is used to treat mild to moderate eczema.

While some creams can provide a quick fix for eczema flare ups, it is advisable to seek guidance from one’s dermatologist for personalized recommendations and consider allergies before opting for any of them.

Popular eczema creams on the market

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief
CeraVe lotion temporarily relieves itching and is suitable for use on the face, body, and hands. While Niacinamide can help calm the skin, hyaluronic acid can help retain the skin’s natural moisture. Upon application, its effect can last up to eight hours.

Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream
This cream reduces the redness, dryness, and overall irritation in the affected area. It is infused with a postbiotic restorative ingredient, which helps protect skin from external aggressors and hydrates it for restoration. Adults, as well as kids, can use it.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
This lotion helps to maintain a normal moisture level and soothes redness, irritation and cracked or itchy skin. It is nongreasy, kid-friendly, gluten-free, and absorbs easily into the skin. Its moisturizing formula can work well for dry skin caused due to eczema.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
Eczema Relief Body Cream contains skin protectant Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramide-3, and licorice root extract. It is fragrance-free, relieves minor irritation, itching, and dryness, and keeps skin moisturized for a day. Suitable for anyone aged three and above, the cream is gentle enough to be used every day.

Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Jelly Cream
Approved by National Eczema Association, this cream with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter is soft on the skin and eases irritation. It is suitable for all skin types and all age groups.

What is the cost of eczema creams?
Eczema creams can range from $6 to $25 at a time, depending on the brand and size of the product. According to a study by the National Eczema Association (NEA), people with eczema spend $600 a year to cover the costs of its treatment, so one might spend a hundred dollars a year for daily moisturizing.

How to choose the right eczema cream?
Look for three categories of ingredients while choosing the suitable eczema cream.

• Emollients
  Emollients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, fatty acids, paraffin, shea butter, etc., fill the cracks in one’s dry skin and help repair the skin barrier.
• Humectants
  Humectants like aloe vera, glycerin, alpha glycolic acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into one’s skin.
• Occlusives
  Occlusives like mineral oil and petroleum jelly lock the moisture into one’s skin and hydrate it for a long time.

Ensure that the eczema cream one uses is either reviewed by a skin specialist or approved by National Eczema Association and has ingredients one is not allergic to.