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because they can lead to allergic reactions. Even if youve used them in the past without issue you can develop an allergy over time. Its usually best not to go down that path he cautions.
Be careful with lanolin
Also called wool oil lanolin is a common ingredient in lotions and creams. Some people with eczema may find it helpful but Dr. Anthony doesnt typically recommend it because it can be or can become an allergen for people with eczema.
Say no to sodium lauryl sulfate SLS
Once a common ingredient in aqueous creams SLS is now thought to worsen eczema by causing stinging itchiness and redness. Studies show that nonSLS aqueous creams are less likely to irritate skin than aqueous creams that contain SLS. These days many products have been reformulated to remove the ingredient.
Organic isnt always better
We have a tendency in our culture to want to use organic vegan products Dr. Anthony says and while they may have benefits they often have a negative impact on skin with eczema.
Organic vegan products tend to be botanicalheavy and scented with natures most appealing fragrances. But skin with eczema is more reactive to allergens and organic doesnt equal hypoallergenic. You can still be allergic or sensitive to a natural ingredient.
Oftentimes patients say I dont know why my skin is getting worse. I only use organic vegan products Dr. Anthony recounts. But they just happen to be allergic to those products.
Tips for applying your eczema cream
Dr. Anthony shares some of the key steps in applying your eczema products of choice.
Wet your skin. Bathing gets moisture into the skin he says. If youre not bathing before putting on your eczema cream wet your skin with a warm washcloth to moisturize it first Apply to wet skin. Eczema products should go on top of clean moist skin Add an occlusive. Ointments are already occlusive but if youre using something less occlusive like a lotion or cream add a product like Vaseline on top to seal everything into place. 
What to know about prescription eczema creams
If your eczema isnt letting up see your dermatologist who may write you a prescription for something stronger.
Hydrocortisone cream Hydrocortisone is an antiinflammatory corticosteroid that can soothe severely dry skin. The strongest you can buy over the counter is 1 hydrocortisone but your doctor can prescribe up to 2 5. And there are even stronger prescription steroid products that might be prescribed in certain
situations Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories Prescriptionstrength hand creams and lotions may better hydrate and repair your skin barrier than products you buy on your own Calcineurin inhibitors These topical medications help suppress your overactive immune system which can decrease inflammation caused by eczema Crisaborole ointment Sold under the brand name Eucrisa crisaborale is a boronbased medication that helps reduce redness itching and swelling.
There are other options too like JAK inhibitors medications that prevent inflammation from inside of your cells and biologics injections or infusions that block functions of your immune system that affect eczema.
In short there are a variety of ways to treat and control your eczema so if overthecounter products arent doing the trick seek guidance from your dermatologist about what might work best for you. There are new products coming out all the time Dr. Anthony encourages.