Moisturizers For Eczema Skin
Moisturizers have been found to help restore the skin barrier providing a protective layer on surface of the skin to trap water and prevent the penetration of irritants and allergens. As the diagram shows, an emollient cream is superior in trapping the moisture within the skin.
Moisturizers have been found to help restore the skin barrier providing a protective layer on surface of the skin to trap water and prevent the penetration of irritants and allergens. As the diagram shows, an emollient cream is superior in trapping the moisture within the skin.
There are five randomized controlled trials showing benefit to emollient use in atopic eczema. Kantor showed a global improvement from the use of moisturizers. (Today Ther Trends 1993;11:157-66). Whilmer and Andersson showed the advantage of urea containing moisturizers.
CHOICE PRODUCTS:
Sticky: Vaseline, 25% water in Hydrophilic Petrolatum, unscented cold cream, aqueous cream.
Less sticky: Uremol, Dermalac, Lachydrin
Moisturizers Should:
Be perfume free and cosmetically acceptable to the patient
Protect – offer a layer of protection on the surface of the skin
Rehydrate - trap and hold water to return moisture to the skin
Restore - assist with restoring the barrier by filling in the holes and gaps in the skin barrier
As much as 400-500 grams of moisturizer (one to two entire bottles) a week is reasonable in children and proportionately more in adults. Several studies have shown that with increased moisturization the skin barrier can be restored, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of topical medication used to manage eczema, especially in mild to moderate eczema. (Pediatri Dermatol 1997; 14:321-4) To have a maximal effect complete emollient therapy is needed to produce maximal rehydration, restoration of the barrier and prevention of penetration of potential irritants and allergens.
Complete Emollient Therapy Consists Of:
A mild soap-free cleanser
An emollient/therapeutic bath oil-not as effective as direct skin moisturizing
An emollient/moisturizing cream/lotion/ointment
When choosing a moisturizer look for the following ingredients: Petrolatum, mineral oil, silicone (protect), glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, butylene glycol (rehydrate), stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate, prolipids (restore).
Moisturizers Should:
Be perfume free and cosmetically acceptable to the patient
Protect – offer a layer of protection on the surface of the skin
Rehydrate - trap and hold water to return moisture to the skin
Restore - assist with restoring the barrier by filling in the holes and gaps in the skin barrier
As much as 400-500 grams of moisturizer (one to two entire bottles) a week is reasonable in children and proportionately more in adults. Several studies have shown that with increased moisturization the skin barrier can be restored, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of topical medication used to manage eczema, especially in mild to moderate eczema. (Pediatri Dermatol 1997; 14:321-4) To have a maximal effect complete emollient therapy is needed to produce maximal rehydration, restoration of the barrier and prevention of penetration of potential irritants and allergens.
Complete Emollient Therapy Consists Of:
A mild soap-free cleanser
An emollient/therapeutic bath oil-not as effective as direct skin moisturizing
An emollient/moisturizing cream/lotion/ointment
When choosing a moisturizer look for the following ingredients: Petrolatum, mineral oil, silicone (protect), glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, butylene glycol (rehydrate), stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate, prolipids (restore).
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