Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition common in infants and children. However, many adults continue to suffer from eczema leading to a lifelong struggle with dry, scaly, itchy, reddened patches of skin.
Eczema in adulthood commonly shows up on hands or just one area of the body. It can also flare up with emotional stress and anxiety (Paller et al. 2023).
Those who have it may have a family history of developing allergic diseases or have a genetic mutation that leads to a defective skin barrier (Nutten 2015).
[Reproduced from National Eczema Association]
There is a myth that washing LESS is good for eczema. This is likely because the wrong cleansers such as soaps do worsen eczema.
Harsh cleansers like soaps and sulfates strip away even more of the already impaired skin barrier. The alkaline pH of soap further harms the naturally acidic skin’s ability to protect itself from bacterial colonization. Failure to moisturize after washing can also leave skin more dry and worsen eczema.
Check out this article for a detailed comparison of soap and soap-free cleansers.
Indeed, to properly manage eczema, it is important to wash MORE but use the right cleansers and ALWAYS moisturize after cleansing. Washing is crucial as 90% of people with eczema have skin that is colonized with harmful bacteria such as S. aureus.
For cleansing, it is important to avoid soaps and instead use cleansers that are soap-free, sulfate-free, dye-free, fragrance-free and have an acidic pH (AAD, Paller et al. 2023).
For adults with eczema, we recommend our Sheer Silk facial cleanser which fits this description and offers a gentle cleansing experience that will not harm the skin barrier nor leave it feeling stripped and dry. [Check out Sheer Silk Cleanser]
After cleansing, it is important to always apply moisturizers. It is appropriate to apply moisturizers to the skin as needed or twice to three times daily (Nutten 2015). Thicker moisturizers are generally considered better than thinner lotions (Paller et al. 2023).
For adults with eczema, we recommend our dye-free, fragrance-free Hydro Relief facial cream. This non-greasy cream with a luscious texture nonetheless offers powerful hydration equal to heavier, greasier creams and additionally has anti-aging benefits. [Check out Hydro Relief Cream]
Proper cleansing and moisturization are key to managing adult eczema. When flare-ups occur a wide variety of prescription options such as corticosteroids may also be prescribed (Frazier and Bhardwaj 2020).
At the very lowest level is hydrocortisone cream which can commonly be found over-the-counter at concentrations up to 1%. If corticosteroid treatment doesn’t work, your doctor may move on to second line treatments, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors or UV phototherapy.
If these topical therapies do not work, oral or injection based treatments may be prescribed (ADA, Schmitt et al. 2007). Your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your particular situation.
There are also things you can do in the home. In winter, use a humidifier indoors to help increase the water content of the air. Airborne allergens such as from house dust mites can also exacerbate eczema so use air purifiers in the home (Ring et al. 2012).
If you want to learn more, check out our more in-depth guide to eczema here.
References
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association Site. Eczema Types: Atopic Dermatitis Overview.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis. Accessed April 2023.
Frazier W, Bhardwaj N (2020). “Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment.” American Family Physician 101(10): 590-598.
National Eczema Association Site. Atopic dermatitis- https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/ (Accessed January 2024)
Nutten S (2015). “Atopic Dermatitis: Global Epidemiology and Risk Factors.” Ann Nutr Metab 66 (suppl 1): 8-16.
Paller AD, Butala S, Howe W (2023). Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). In: UpToDate, Corona R (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA (Accessed on January 15, 2024).
Schmitt J, Schakel K, Schmitt N, Meurer M (2007). “Systemic Treatment of Severe Atopic Eczema: A Systematic Review.” Acta Derm Venereol. 87: 100-111.
