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then seal it in with a topcoat Dr. Anthony explains. Thats what we call occlusive therapy.
4. Other ingredients to soothe eczema
Research continues to evolve to identify the best ingredients for treating eczema. Dr. Anthony shares two ingredients that have been found to be particularly soothing.
Licorice root Studies show that glycyrrhizin a compound in licorice root has antiinflammatory properties that can soothe skin with eczema. And Dr. Anthony says its unlikely to cause allergies. Colloidal oatmeal Made of finely milled oat kernels this ingredient has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties that make it a good choice for people with eczema.
Ingredients to avoid if you have eczema
Remember What works well for the general population isnt always best for eczema. There are lots of products that can be hydrating soothing and overall beneficial to people who have standard dry skin but many of those same products can worsen dry skin caused by eczema.
Dr. Anthony says his eczema recommendations are informed by his work with patients who have contact dermatitis basically allergic reactions affecting the skin. Skin with eczema is especially sensitive so although you may not currently be allergic to any of the products he recommends avoiding it certainly cant hurt to go without them.  
For patients with atopic dermatitis theres more chance of exposure to possible allergens which can complicate their condition and treatment he says. So while none of these are absolutes I usually start with some general rules.
Avoid fragrances and botanicals
A good rule of thumb is that if you love the way it smells dont use it on your eczema. I always recommend fragrancefree Dr. Anthony says. Some people love scented products but the botanicals used in lotions and creams can be a problem in terms of allergic contact dermatitis for people with eczema.
He encourages eczema patients to use bland products that dont have fragrances or floralbased ingredients and to avoid ingredients like
Calendula Chamomile Feverfew Lavender.
Skip the olive oil
Products with higher linoleic acid and lower oleic acid levels are best for eczema but olive oil has the wrong ratio. We dont recommend olive oil because it has the wrong balance of fatty acids Dr. Anthony explains.
In fact olive oil can actually make eczema worse by damaging your skin barrier. So keep it where its most helpful in the kitchen not on your skin.
Dont risk it with essential oils
While essential oils may provide relief for some people Dr. Anthony doesnt recommend them