11 Creams and Lotions to Care for Eczema

Suffering from patches of chronically dry, itchy skin? You’re not alone. But although more than 30 million Americans suffer from some form of eczema, its cause isn’t entirely clear. “It’s believed to be linked to the immune system’s response to irritants,” says Manhattan dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. The condition is sparked when inflammation, which occurs naturally to fight off intruders, runs amok, causing redness, swelling, and dryness in the skin. And, because it’s also typically paired with a compromised skin barrier, “it may invite germs in while letting moisture out,” says Nussbaum.

Like rosacea, triggers for flareups tend to vary among individuals, but common culprits include extreme changes in temperature, hot baths or showers, lack of skin hydration, harsh soaps, fragrances or detergents, stress, allergens and certain foods. It’s very different from garden-variety dry skin, says Nussbaum. “Atopic eczema is most commonly seen on specific areas such as the hands, insides of the elbows, behind the knees and on the face and scalp,” she explains. “Also, dry skin will readily respond to moisturizers and gentle skin care whereas eczema may be more difficult to treat.” Nevertheless, there are many OTC skin soothers that can provide real relief, working to repair the natural barrier and seal in moisture so that inflammation is quelled, and skin feels smooth and soft. Here, the eczema creams dermatologists love.