What is Good for Eczema at Home?

The best at-home treatments for eczema focus on moisturizing the skin effectively. Here's a breakdown of what to use and why:

Recommended Moisturizers

According to expert recommendations, the best options for moisturizing eczema-prone skin at home include:

Ointments:
- Petroleum jelly: An excellent occlusive moisturizer that helps lock in moisture.
- Mineral oil: Another effective occlusive option to keep skin hydrated.
Creams:
- These are a good alternative if you find ointments too greasy.
- Look for creams containing ingredients like:
  - Oat or shea butter
  - Aloe
  - Hyaluronic acid
  - Vitamin E
  - Humectants
  - Niacinamide
  - Glycerin

Apply frequently: Apply moisturizer liberally and frequently throughout the day, especially after showering or bathing.
Moisturize within minutes of bathing: This helps to trap moisture in the skin before it can evaporate.
Test new products: Before using a new product all over your body, test it on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause a reaction.

Ointments create a protective barrier: Ointments like petroleum jelly and mineral oil are occlusive, forming a protective layer on the skin that prevents water loss.
Creams with beneficial ingredients soothe and hydrate: Ingredients like oat, shea butter, aloe, and hyaluronic acid help to soothe irritated skin, while humectants and glycerin attract and hold moisture.
Regular moisturizing is key: Consistent moisturizing helps to maintain skin hydration, which can prevent and reduce eczema flare-ups.

Type	Examples	Benefits	Considerations
Ointments	Petroleum jelly, Mineral oil	Excellent moisture barrier, prevents water loss	Can feel greasy
Creams	With oat, shea, aloe, etc.	Soothes, hydrates, attracts moisture, contains beneficial ingredients	May not be as occlusive as ointments

By focusing on frequent and effective moisturization with the right products, you can manage eczema at home and reduce the severity of symptoms.