Is Lush Dream Cream Good for Eczema? Expert Analysis

Lush's Dream Cream: Miracle Treatment or Risk for Eczema?

Lush's Dream Cream has developed a cult-like following, with devotees claiming it can treat all manner of skin conditions. This thick, rich moisturizer contains ingredients like cocoa and shea butters, soothing oils, calamine powder, and oat milk. But is Dream Cream safe and effective for eczema - or could it worsen symptoms?

The Viral Dream Cream Eczema Story

A few years ago, a Facebook story went viral claiming that Lush's Dream Cream had essentially cured a young boy's severe eczema overnight. The dramatic before and after photos showed red, inflamed skin that transformed into smooth, calm skin after just one application.

The post received thousands of shares and comments about trying Dream Cream. However, many dermatologists urge caution about using the cream for eczema and provide insight on the pros and cons.

Understanding Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that makes skin prone to irritation and triggers like fragrances and certain plant oils. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which causes red, extremely itchy rashes.

Eczema is a chronic condition with cycles of flares and remission. Flare triggers range from weather changes to stress levels to soap ingredients. When skin barrier function is disrupted, skin dries out and becomes susceptible to flare factors.

Analyzing Key Dream Cream Ingredients

So could the ingredients in viral eczema sensation Dream Cream help or hurt skin?

Beneficial ingredients include:

• Oat Milk: Soothes itchy, inflamed skin
• Glycerin: Hydrates skin by drawing moisture into top layers
• Cocoa Butter: Softens and moisturizes skin with fatty acids
• Shea Butter: Another nourishing plant oil/butter

However, potential irritants include:

• Fragrance/Perfumes: Common eczema trigger
• Citral, Limonene: Irritating essential oil components
• Colors/Dyes: Can provoke skin reactions

Dermatologist Perspectives on Dream Cream

When analyzing the full ingredients list of Dream Cream for compatibility with eczema, dermatologists generally agree:

• May help mildly dry skin without active eczema
• Hydrating oils/butters offer skin barrier support
• Fragrant oils and chemicals pose high risk of contact dermatitis
• Not recommended for acute open eczema

They note each individual must try Dream Cream themselves to see if they tolerate and benefit from it. Some experience drastic relief while others have severe flares from irritants. There's no universal outcome.

Using Dream Cream Safely for Eczema

If you want to experiment with Dream Cream for eczema management, dermatologists recommend:

• Patch test on small area first
• Use only on areas with mild symptoms
• Avoid rubbing onto open wounds or severe rashes
• Watch closely for reactions indicating sensitivities

They also advise having an alternative eczema-friendly moisturizer available if irritation flares occur and avoiding other potential trigger products while testing.

Best Practices for Soothing Eczema Flare-Ups

In addition to appropriate moisturization, effectively managing eczema flares also requires:

• Identifying and avoiding personal trigger factors
• Treating secondary infections with antibiotic/antifungal creams
• Using medications like topical steroids to reduce inflammation
• Wearing soft, breathable fabrics that don't chafe skin

Doctors may also recommend targeted prescription medications, phototherapy, or injections for moderate to severe cases.

Creating an Eczema-Friendly Lifestyle

While Dream Cream reviews show it aids some patients, developing eczema-optimized self-care habits provides greater overall relief by preventing flares in the first place. This may include:

• Establishing skin-nourishing routines for cleansing and moisturizing
• Opting for fragrance-free, dye-free products marked for sensitive skin
• Managing stress and anxiety through self-care activities
• Getting sufficient sleep for skin rejuvenation and healing

Lifestyle measures that support the skin barrier help minimize flare factors for eczema patients. This reduces dependency on reactive moisturizers like Dream Cream.

The Verdict: Dream Cream for Eczema Relief

Reviews prove Lush's Dream Cream offers drastic eczema relief for some, especially children. Rich butters intensely hydrate, while oat milk and certain oils calm irritation. However for others, Dream Cream potently provokes allergic contact dermatitis.

Consider Your Eczema Triggers

The deciding factor lies in individual sensitivity levels. If fragrances, citrus oils, colors or thick creams commonly trigger flares for you, Dream Cream poses high risks.

However if your eczema remains mild with limited response to creams and moisturizers, Dream Cream could provide soothing relief. Those with heat-induced rashes also seem to respond well.

Use a Personalized Approach

At the end of the day, eczema treatment must be personalized. While viral posts offer hope for miracle fixes like Dream Cream, the condition depends vastly on each person's unique irritants and responses. Have reasonable expectations when trying new products.

Work closely with your dermatologist to methodically identify triggers and establish customized skincare and lifestyle measures for lasting eczema relief.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.