Eczema Cream

Eczema is an allergic condition of the skin characterized by inflammation of the superficial layer of the skin, leading to distressing symptoms like severe itching and disfiguring reddish lesions, in some extreme cases it might even cause scarring of the skin.

Creams used in treatment of eczema:

There are various types of creams used to treat eczema, steroid creams are the most effective in curing the inflammation, however the most important type is moisturizing creams because they have few side effects if any and provide considerable relief.

• Moisturizing creams (emollients):

Eczema causes severe drying of the skin, which leads to increasing the symptoms and the resulting damage to the skin. Emollient preparations protect skin by preventing the loss of moisture and by maintaining the oils in the skin. Because of their simple composition and because they are not absorbed into the body they have almost no side effects at all.
Precaution: some water-based creams actually deplete moisture from the skin and therefore they should not be used.

• Steroid creams:

Steroids are compounds that are found naturally in the body as hormones, when used as a medicine they have a powerful effect on inflammation and allergy in all parts of the body. However their use is limited by their severe side effects which also affect the whole body, like gastric ulceration and osteoporosis and water retention.
Topical preparations of steroids have less systemic effects and they are used in eczema.
Topical preparations vary in potency from mild types like Hydrocortisone to more effective medicines like Clobetasol. Usually the minimum effective dose and potency is used to protect from side effects.

• Anti-pruritic preparations:

Ointments and creams that contain various compounds known to decrease the itching associated with eczema, like Eurax, Calamine or anti-histamine creams. They might also contain a steroid as in Eurax-Hydrocortisone. 

Eczema is a dry skin disorder that can cause dry skin patches which can redden and even ooze as the condition worsens. It is can affect anyone and is not curtailed to only adults or children.


It can even affect babies. There is no cure for eczema but there are many eczema creams, some available by prescription and some available over the counter, all of which are known to give relief to the itching and scabs of eczema.

Eczema can be relieved with cream meant for eczema.  These creams have to rich emollient creams but without any additives which tend to increase irritation on the skin. The aim of any eczema cream is to keep the skin moist but not wet.


You should ideally apply cream-based creams rather than water-based lotions. You should keep your hand and feet covered after application of creams, especially if they are infected. Remember if your skin gets infected to a point where it is cracked, sore, oozing and with blisters, you should seek proper medical help and realize that cream application will just worsen your wounds.

You can get cream specifically meant for eczema even over the counter at chemists.


Not all eczema creams are prescription creams. There are some creams that make natural eczema creams which are even easy to mix at home.  One such cream is aloe vera pulp, with essential lavender oil. Mix the pulp with the oil and store it in a wax paper-lined tin jar or an amber bottle and use as you need. Aloe vera pulp is one of the best natural emollients and rarely has any side effect on the infected skin. Another popular over the counter remedy is using shortening or petroleum jelly. But this has known to aggravate the eczema as it can be a very oily option rather than just an emollient one.

Eczema also affects babies a lot. It can be a painful prospect for a baby. There are many creams available but when you use a cream for your baby, remember that the more natural it is, the quicker your baby will feel better. You should use creams specially made for babies or gentle natural creams for eczema for your baby. Chamomile tea, calendula cream or unrefined olive oil all can help relieve your baby’s eczema. The baby may also benefit from a bath in diluted bleach. Baths for babies should not be in very warm water. It is also important that immediately after the bath you sooth and cream your baby’s skin to lock the moisture in, just like you would do in adult eczema.

Also use cotton clothing, detergents that are free of additives, dyes and fabric softeners. Use soaps and shampoos that are not too fragrant and colorful. Use soft sheets and gently massage your baby or apply cool compresses so that that your baby does not feel the need to scratch itself. Your baby will not reach very favorably to rapid temperature changes so   ensure that temperature around your baby remains regulated.