Caring for Sensitive Skin: Understanding Eczema and Choosing the Right Soaps

Eczema, clinically known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition marked by red, intensely itchy rashes. Flare ups can be triggered by a variety of irritants. When shopping for soaps, specialized skin-soothing options are ideal for minimizing eczema outbreaks.

What Factors Make Eczema Worse?

Certain external triggers can aggravate sensitive skin prone to eczema, including:

Soaps with harsh detergents that strip natural oils
Fragrances, perfumes, and dyes
Rough fabrics like wool against the skin
Temperature changes and weather
Dry air that causes skin dehydration

While the exact causes are unclear, eczema often involves overactive immune responses in the skin cells. This leads to inflammation when encountering irritants.

General Tips for Controlling Eczema Flare-Ups

Preventative measures to reduce eczema exacerbation include:

Avoiding known triggers like abrasive fabrics
Moisturizing after bathing to counteract drying
Cool showers instead of hot to minimize inflammation
Humidifiers to hydrate dry air
OTC hydrocortisone to relieve uncomfortable outbreaks

When choosing skincare products like soap, specialized eczema-friendly options are best to avoid unnecessary irritation.

What to Look for in an Eczema-Friendly Soap

Dermatologist-recommended soaps for eczema typically have these characteristics:

Fragrance-free - Fragrances, perfumes and masking scents only inflame sensitive skin.
Plant-based cleansers - Gentler than detergents made from animal fats or petroleum.
Skin conditioners - Ingredients like glycerin lock in moisture.
Dermatologically tested - Ensures safety and suitability for those with eczema.
Dye-free - Removes unnecessary chemical irritants.
Neutral or low pH - Won't disrupt skin's natural mildly acidic state.

Top Soap Recommendations for Eczema and Sensitive Skin

Here are a few excellent over-the-counter soap options to try:

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

CeraVe cleansers use ceramides to restore skin's lipid barrier. Their body wash stays mild, fragrance-free and non-drying for eczema relief.

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

This dermatologist trusted brand offers gentle plant-based cleansing minus harsh sulfates. It's free of fragrances, dyes, and masking perfumes.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

As a top choice for sensitive skin, Cetaphil's formulations stay gentle yet effective at dirt removal without stripping or irritation.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Neutrogena specifically formulates their Ultra Gentle line to nourish extra dry skin prone to eczema and irritation.

When to Ask Your Dermatologist About Eczema Treatment

While gentle skin cleansing can prevent outbreaks, prescription interventions may be warranted if you experience:

Oozing or crusting skin
Severe unrelenting itchiness
Eczema covering large areas of your body
Significant sleep loss from nighttime flare-ups
Infected sores

A dermatologist can help identify your specific eczema triggers and construct a tailored treatment plan for relief.

FAQs

What ingredient in soap tends to irritate eczema the most?

Fragrances added for scent are the number one offender. Synthetic perfumes and fragrance oils contain hundreds of chemical compounds that can provoke skin inflammation.

Is dove soap good for eczema?

Some mild Dove bar soap formulas may be tolerated, but their body washes often contain fragrances. Their fragrance-free line formulated for sensitive skin is a better option.

Can I just use water to wash my eczema areas?

Washing with water alone may not remove irritants or infectious bacteria. Using a very mild cleanser minimizes this risk while preventing over-drying compared to soap.

Should I moisturize skin before or after a shower?

It's best to apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing while skin is still damp. This seals in the water before it evaporates, providing extra hydration eczema skin needs.

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.