Why Your Eczema Burns From Certain Creams

Ouch!  Does your eczema burn when putting on lotion or cream?  You’re not alone. Many people suffering from eczema report a burning or stinging sensation when using cream to hydrate their skin.  But wait – isn’t keeping your skin moisturized one of the most important steps in healing your eczema?  How can something that’s supposed to help you also really hurt you?

Read on to discover why some eczema creams burn and how you can find the perfect cream without the burning side-effects. 

Why Some Eczema Cream Burns

Thanks to a damaged skin barrier, people living with eczema already have sensitive skin.  This makes their skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens such as certain fabrics, soaps, fragrances and chemicals or other ingredients found in creams and moisturizers.  

Picture eczema like an open wound.  Now imagine pouring alcohol over it.  Painful, right? You may be surprised, but this is exactly what you’re doing to your eczema when you apply creams or lotions that contain harmful ingredients.  

The truth is, not all moisturizers are created equal.  The more chemicals found in the product, the more likely you’ll suffer from a burning sensation, a bad reaction, or an eczema flare-up.  And sadly, just because a product is labeled as “natural,” doesn’t mean it truly is.  

To avoid eczema that burns, here are some common skin irritants to watch out for when reading product labels:

• Alcohol of any type (too drying and can cause burning)
• Fragrance/Perfumes
• FD&C Colors and Pigments
• Petroleum
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• PEG’s
• Propylene glycol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Cocamidopropyl betaine
• Sodium benzoate
• Dimethicone
• SLS, SLES, ALES, ALS – all sulfates

Suffering from Dry Eczema?  Check out these 5 Natural Treatments for Dry Eczema.  

Recommended Creams for No Eczema Burns

The best skin care products for eczema are those that contain natural, non-GMO ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, and beeswax. While everyone’s skin is unique and may react differently to products, our general rule of thumb is that if you can actually pronounce the ingredients involved, the risk of your eczema burning is significantly reduced. 

For that very reason, we love this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.  Containing just six simple and pure ingredients – including manuka honey and beeswax –  it’s truly as natural as they come. With no added fillers, fragrance, or preservatives, this non-burning oil-based cream is a dreamy delight for sensitive skin.  

Made with all natural ingredients of the highest quality, this itchy eczema treatment by Emily Skin Soothers is safe for both babies and adults.  It’s sure to calm itchy rashes without any burning side-effects thanks to its hydrating blend of Chinese herbs, olive-oil, and beeswax.  Your skin will thank you!

For a paleo skin care routine, try this nourishing Grass Fed Tallow Balm.  It’s the perfect itchy-skin relief for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.  In fact, tallow balm is one of the world’s purest forms of skin care.  Find the one that’s right for you by choosing between two simple formats.  

For treating eczema in delicate spots – like the eyelids – try this Calendula Facial Cream.  With high concentrations of calendula resins and aloe vera, it provides the calming, cooling treatment your skin desperately needs. 

For more tips on treating eyelid eczema, check out our Guide for The Natural Treatment of Eyelid Dermatitis. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Cream for You 

We know that finding that right moisturizer can be a difficult task – especially because what works for a friend or family member might not work for you.  We truly hope you can find something that can soothe your or your child’s eczema.

If you’re considering introducing a new product to your skin, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Remember, less is more.  Look for products with natural ingredients with names you can actually pronounce.
• Avoid products oozing with fragrances or dyes.  Scent-free and dye-free moisturizers are the safest and least irritating.  
• Oil-heavy moisturizers are better at treating eczema as they are more effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out.

Do you have a favourite cream for treating eczema that you swear by?  Share in the comments! 

References:

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/

https://itchylittleworld.com/our-familys-battle-with-eczema-part-1-of-2/

https://itchylittleworld.com/our-familys-battle-with-eczema-part-2-of-2/