Eczema is a skin condition common to millions across the world that causes skin to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. A form of dermatitis, a class of skin conditions that cause skin inflammation, eczema weakens your skin barrier function, impeding your skin’s ability to retain moisture.
It can be an uncomfortable and emotionally taxing condition, but know that there are reliable, time-tested solutions for eczema symptoms. Products specifically designed for eczema, like those containing colloidal oatmeal, can provide relief from itching, dryness, and inflammation. By investing in a consistent skincare routine, you can soothe irritated skin, help reduce flare-ups, and maintain your skin's moisture barrier.
Aveeno® offers products formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, to provide the hydration and relief that eczema-prone skin requires. Read ahead to learn more about eczema, how to treat eczema, and how science-backed formulas are used to help your skin feel and look beautiful.
Types of Eczema
There are several types of eczema, and knowing which form affects your skin can help you pinpoint the best solution:
Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema, often beginning in childhood. This chronic condition is believed to be genetic, and causes dry, itchy skin that may become inflamed or infected if scratched. Effective management typically includes moisturizers and topical eczema treatments that soothe and temporarily protect skin.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to a specific substance. This can be an irritant, such as soap or detergent, or an allergen, such as certain metals or fragrances. Symptoms include visible redness, swelling, and itching at the site of contact. To alleviate symptoms, it is crucial to identify and avoid the offending substance, while also using soothing products to calm the affected area.
Dyshidrotic and Nummular Eczema: Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, primarily affects the hands and feet. It is characterized by small, itchy blisters that can be painful and often worsen with stress or exposure to moisture. Nummular eczema, meanwhile, presents as round, coin-shaped patches on the skin, often triggered by dry skin or irritation. Both types benefit from regular moisturizing and topical eczema treatments to ease discomfort.
Symptoms of Eczema
Common symptoms of eczema can include:
Dry skin
Itchy skin
Skin rash
Bumps on your skin
Thick, leathery patches of skin
Flaky, scaly or crusty skin
Swelling
Appearance of redness
While eczema can present anywhere on your skin, some common areas include the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face (around the cheeks), in and around the ears, and on the lips.
What causes eczema?
Eczema has a variety of causes, which differ depending on the specific type that affects you. While it is a common condition among babies, eczema can affect anyone of any age. Some causes of eczema include:
Immune response: As with allergies, eczema can be caused by your immune system responding to a perceived threat, even if none exists. Your immune system may react to certain triggers that it thinks are foreign bacteria or viruses by causing inflammation, which in turn presents as eczema in your skin.
Genetics: You are more likely to suffer from eczema if there is a history of eczema in your family. A history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies to pollen or pet dander could put you at higher risk of inheriting eczema.
Your environment: Environmental factors like extreme temperatures, humidity changes, and exposure to irritants such as soaps and detergents can worsen eczema.
Eczema affects each person differently, so identifying the precise causes of itchy, dry skin flare-ups will depend on your personal experience. Some common itchy, dry skin flare-up triggers include:
Dry weather (low humidity)
Certain clothing fabrics
Certain makeup or skin care products
Smoke and pollutants
Soaps or detergents
Stress or emotional health
Touching something you’re allergic to
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosing eczema typically begins with a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, who will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to assess the affected areas of your skin. During this process, your provider will look for specific characteristics of eczema, such as redness, dryness, and the presence of raised bumps or scales. They may also inquire about your symptoms, including when they started, how often they flare up, and any triggers you may have noticed. A family history can also play a significant role in diagnosing, as eczema can be a genetically inherited condition.
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend tests to rule out other skin conditions or identify potential allergens. A patch test can be performed to determine if an allergic reaction is contributing to your eczema. Additionally, a skin scraping or biopsy may be conducted to exclude other dermatological issues. These evaluations help ensure that your diagnosis is accurate and that you receive the most effective treatment plan.
Management and Treatment
While there is no assured way to get rid of eczema, relieving and managing symptoms can help you live more comfortably. Finding a good eczema cream and practicing a daily skincare routine that targets your symptoms is key to fighting itchy, dry skin flare-ups.
Moisturizers for eczema are considered first-line solutions. But not all emollients are alike.
Aveeno® Eczema Therapy products are formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, rich in proteins, vitamins B and E, and nourishing lipids that help restore and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to relieve dry skin and support the skin’s microbiome, for healthier looking skin. Consider adding the following eczema lotion products to your daily regimen:
Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream relieves and soothes symptoms of eczema such as dry, itchy skin. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and ceramide, this eczema cream is clinically shown to relieve itch and minor skin irritation.
Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm is a fragrance-free nighttime itch relief balm with colloidal oatmeal & ceramide. It intensely moisturizes while you sleep and provides immediate itch relief that lasts.
Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Rescue Relief Treatment Gel Cream instantly soothes and cools itchy, dry skin flare-ups. More than just a moisturizer for eczema, this gel cream is clinically proven to soothe itch, dryness, and irritation with 2% colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and rich emollients.
Prevention and Care Tips
In addition to a consistent skincare routine, you can adopt some lifestyle habits that will help fight against itchy, dry skin flare-ups. Start by identifying your personal eczema triggers, so you know which ones to avoid. If irritants like harsh soaps, detergents or certain fabrics are aggravating your eczema, try replacing them with gentle cleansers, and soft, breathable materials like cotton. Environmental triggers like dust, pollen, or pet dander can be avoided with regular housekeeping. Additionally, practicing stress-reduction techniques can help if stress is a trigger for your eczema.
Be gentle to yourself
While there is no single solution or best lotion for eczema, there are lots of management strategies that can help. The key is knowing yourself and finding what works best for you. Aveeno® offers solutions from a dermatologist-recommended brand that help provide relief to eczema-prone skin, so you can start building a routine that will help your skin feel soothed and beautiful.