Eczema Body Washes: Gentle, Soothing Formulations for Irritated Skin

Understanding Eczema

Eczema is a common condition affecting over 30 million Americans. It often first appears in infancy or early childhood but can persist lifelong with symptom flares. Eczema results from a complex interplay between genes, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. People with eczema lack proper skin barrier function, leading to increased water loss and susceptibility to irritants.

Areas of the body most often impacted by eczema include:

• Inside creases of knees and elbows
• Hands and wrists
• Neck and face
• Eyelids
• Chest

Flare-ups cause intense itching, burning, redness, swelling, dryness, scaly patches, oozing, and crusting. Scratching further damages the skin. Stress, weather changes, allergies, and certain fabrics can trigger worsening symptoms.

Benefits of Eczema Body Washes

For people with eczema, regular cleansing is essential to:

• Remove dirt, sweat, allergens, and irritants
• Wash away crust and scales
• Refresh and soothe inflamed skin
• Restore moisture balance
• Reduce need to scratch
• Prevent infections

However, the wrong cleansers can make matters worse. Traditional bar soaps, fragrances, preservatives, and detergents in regular body washes may aggravate eczema-prone skin. Instead, choosing an appropriate, gentle eczema body wash is recommended.

What to Look for in an Eczema Body Wash

The ideal eczema body wash has these characteristics:

Fragrance-Free

Fragrance is one of the most common irritants for sensitive skin. Seek out washes labeled unscented or fragrance-free.

Soap-Free

Traditional bar soaps have an alkaline pH that can disrupt skin's protective moisture barrier. Soap-free cleansers are gentler.

Natural Ingredients

Plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, coconut, shea butter, and jojoba are soothing for eczema-prone skin.

Hypoallergenic

This means the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin sensitization.

Paraben-Free

Parabens used as preservatives can be irritating. Choose washes without these added chemicals.

Skin Protecting Oils

Natural oils help replenish moisture, reinforce skin barrier, and reduce dryness.

Rich, Creamy Texture

Thick, creamy washes hydrate while gently cleansing.

Dermatologist Tested

Look for eczema body washes approved for sensitive skin.

Natural Antimicrobial

Some ingredients like honey or tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties to help prevent infections.

Skin Soothing

Oatmeal, aloe, shea butter, and other ingredients actively calm and soothe irritated skin.

Tips for Using an Eczema Body Wash

To get the most benefit from your chosen eczema body wash:

• Use lukewarm, not hot, water, which can dry out skin.
• Limit showers to 5-10 minutes max.
• Gently massage wash into skin using hands, not scrub gloves.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.
• Immediately apply moisturizer after washing.
• Avoid scrubbing or irritating sensitive skin areas.

Washing once or twice daily is usually sufficient. Use a light touch and focus on improving skin’s protective moisture barrier.

Top Eczema Body Washes

With so many products on the market, how do you choose? Here are some of the top-rated eczema body washes loved by those with sensitive skin:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

A dermatologist recommended, fragrance-free, non-soap liquid cleanser ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Hydrating and non-irritating. Contains skin replenishing ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and vitamins B5 and E.

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

Features three essential ceramides to help restore skin’s protective barrier and retain moisture. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Provides a rich, creamy, soap-free lather that cleans without stripping or irritating.

Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash

With soothing colloidal oatmeal, this creamy body wash helps calm and relieve very dry, itchy skin. The rich lather rinses clean without leaving residue. Fragrance, soap, and dye free. Gentle enough for eczema-prone skin.

Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash

This dermatologist recommended cleanser uses natural oatmeal to immediately help soothe and hydrate irritated, inflamed skin prone to eczema. The thick, creamy formula won’t strip skin’s natural oils.

Vaniply Ointment Body Wash

A one-of-a-kind body wash that utilizes the proven skin protecting power of Vaniply Ointment, used for decades by dermatologists. Ideal for chronically dry, compromised skin. Leaves a thin protective layer of petrolatum to help prevent moisture loss.

Sebamed Fragrance Free Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Uniquely formulated to match skin’s natural pH of 5.5, this extra mild cleanser soothes and hydrates without disrupting skin’s protective acid mantle. Gentle enough for face or body and ideal for eczema and dryness prone skin.

CeraVe Eczema Soothing Body Wash

Specifically formulated for eczema with 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to reinforce and restore skin’s protective barrier. The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance designates suitability for eczema-prone skin.

Dove DermaSeries Fragrance-Free Body Wash

A gentle, fragrance-free liquid cleanser that helps maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier while washing away dirt and irritants. Enriched with Dove’s NutriumMoisture technology to replenish nutrients in dry, sensitive skin.

Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Wash

This soap-free, pH neutral formula provides an ultragentle lather perfect for cleansing eczema prone skin. With natural avocado perseose, a patented ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to protect delicate skin.

Other Helpful Products for Eczema

While a suitable cleanser is key, properly caring for eczema takes a full skin care routine. Other helpful products include:

• Thick emollient moisturizers - Apply generously after bathing to help seal in hydration.
• Wet wrap therapy - Wet gauze dressings help drive moisture into the skin.
• Anti-itch creams - Help control the urge to scratch with soothing ingredients like menthol, zinc, and colloidal oatmeal.
• Barrier creams - Extra thick emollient creams help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier.
• Humidifier - Adds moisture to the air, preventing excess winter dryness.
• Phototherapy - Ultraviolet light under medical supervision can help control symptoms.

A dermatologist can advise on constructing a proper skin care regimen with cleansers, moisturizers, and medications to effectively manage eczema.

Eczema Flare Causes and Triggers

While eczema cannot be cured, avoiding triggers can help prevent flares and minimize symptoms. Common flare triggers include:

• Irritants - Harsh soaps, detergents, perfumes, chemicals
• Allergies - Pollens, molds, pet dander, dust mites
• Weather - Cold, dry air; winter weather shifts
• Stress and emotions - Stress hormones exacerbate inflammation
• Infections - Bacteria like staph can infect eczema lesions
• Food sensitivities - Dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts can provoke skin reactions
• Friction and sweating - Heat, moisture, and chafing aggravate eczema prone areas

Identifying and avoiding individual flare triggers is an essential part of eczema self-care and prevention.

When to See a Dermatologist for Eczema

For moderate to severe eczema, visit a dermatologist for professional treatment guidance. Seek medical care if:

• Symptoms persist despite self-care efforts
• Eczema flares become more frequent or severe
• Daily activities and sleep are disrupted
• Rashes worsen or become infected
• Eczema develops later in life rather than childhood

A dermatologist has specialized expertise in diagnosing and creating a tailored treatment plan. Prescription topical creams, oral medications, wet wrap therapy, ultraviolet phototherapy, and allergy testing may be incorporated for more stubborn eczema cases.

Eczema Support Resources

Living with eczema poses many day-to-day challenges. Connecting with support resources can help patients and families feel less alone. Excellent organizations include:

• National Eczema Association - Nonprofit providing education, advocacy, and community for those living with eczema.
• American Academy of Dermatology - Leading dermatology organization with excellent eczema overview and care resources.
• National Jewish Health - Academic medical center offering videos and tips for living well with eczema.
• Mayo Clinic - Renowned medical provider publishing reliable, in-depth eczema information.
• Eczema Matters - Online community offering peer support and sharing daily experiences.

Whether participating in a support group, reading educational articles, or watching “day in the life” videos, knowing you are not alone makes eczema more manageable.

Coping with Eczema Emotionally

In addition to physical symptoms, eczema can take an emotional toll. Some strategies to help cope include:

• Seek counseling - Therapists help process feelings of isolation, frustration, sadness, and loss.
• Practice self-care - Make time for enjoyable activities that reduce stress.
• Set boundaries - Don’t be afraid to say no to obligations that deplete energy.
• Connect with others who understand - Support groups allow sharing of encouragement and tips.
• Recognize your strengths - Focus on resilience built through adversity.
• Join a clinical trial - Help advance research and eczema care while accessing new treatments.

Be patient and take things one day at a time. There will be good days and bad days. But the right gentle eczema body wash, treatment plan, and support can help make eczema feel more manageable.

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.