Eczema or atopic dermatitis are widely used terms for several inflammatory skin conditions. More than 30 million Americans suffer with some type of eczema, and atopic dermatitis is one of them. Although skin inflammation can show up anyplace on the body, regular areas of the body prone to eczema flare ups are the scalp, hands and feet, the inner elbows, behind the knees, and around the lower legs or wrists.
Eczema can likewise show up on the face, especially the cheeks, on the neck and upper chest, and even around the eyes or on the eyelids. Eczema inflammation is often accompanied by itchy skin, redness, dryness, and sometimes scales or pus filled blisters. The symptoms of eczema are largely prompted by triggers such as stress, weather, and personal hygiene products such as soaps. Particular soap additives to avoid when dealing with eczema are as follows:
1. Soaps with botanical oils
Botanical oils are concentrated plant essences. As per a recent health report, in excess of 90 botanical oils have properties that may be for dermatological use. The issue is that a considerable number of botanical oils utilized in the creation of soaps, moisturizers and cleansers can trigger skin inflammation in sensitive skin. As indicated by Molecular Medicine, soaps with certain botanical oils (i.e., peppermint, calendula) have been known to aggravate skin, whereas others (i.e., borage oil and sunflower seed oil) have been linked to reducing dryness and boosting skin hydration. It’s best to do a patch test prior to using any products containing botanical oils first to test for any negative reactions.
2. Soaps with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Soaps containing the commonly used MCI and MI additives are linked to eczema cases around the world. Utilized in many soaps, makeup, cleansers and paints, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are common preservatives found in many liquid personal care products, and have been linked to allergic reactions, including extreme eczema breakouts.
3. Soaps with propylene glycol
Propylene glycol was named the 2018 “Allergen of the Year” by the American Dermatitis Society. Propylene glycol is found in many soaps and well as skincare products, beautifying agents, drugs, food, and incidentally, in certain skin dermatitis medicines. Keeping in mind that propylene glycol can function as an amazing lotion and emulsifier, it widely causes irritation in already sensitive skin. In the event that you’ve been utilizing preventive skin inflammation lotions or creams, it is extremely important to read the label to verify whether they contain propylene glycol.
4. Strong fragrance soaps
Utilizing a scented or fragrant soap can be a conundrum as it makes your skin smell incredible; however your skin may react badly after use. The National Eczema Association (NEA) reports that 8% to 15% of patients with existing inflammatory skin conditions are sensitive to strong fragrances in beauty products. Fragrant soaps represent up to 40 percent of hypersensitive responses from eczema patients, which is why the NEA no longer includes soaps with fragrance in its Seal of Acceptance Program.
5. Antibacterial soaps
Benzalkonium chloride is an additive regularly found in a wide range of antibacterial soaps, eye-care items like natural tears, and hand sanitizers. Benzalkonium chloride has germicide properties and is acceptable at eliminating microbes for longer shelf life of products. However, this preservative in antibacterial soap is sufficient enough to irritate eczema prone skin.
6. Cocamidopropyl betaine containing soaps
It is a common misconception that a product made of coconut oil should be good for your skin. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a commonly used in cleansers and body washes as a foaming agent. Dermatologists across the globe agree that cocamidopropyl betaine, derived from coconut oil does commonly affect eczema patients. In fact, many patients experience inflammation and flaking around the mouth, hands, scalp and eyes after using products containing cocamidopropyl betaine.
Effective treatment for eczema incorporates evading and staying away from cleansers and soaps that contain known triggers. Doctors may also incorporate over-the-counter topical creams, prescription medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants and all-natural homeopathic medicines. Individuals with skin inflammation do find positive results when using regular and elective medicines.