Eczema

It is really important to know that all of the types of eczema involve a very damaged skin barrier. The rash is visual evidence of breaks in this barrier. These breaks lead to hypersensitive skin that is easily irritated.

There are different causes of eczema but they all share skin barrier damage and sensitivity in common. The top reasons for the rash of eczema include

1. Atopic dermatitis, the classic form of inherited eczema associated with allergies and highly allergic skin.
2. Dry skin eczema due to skin having become so dry that it breaks out in eczema.
3. Allergic contact eczema due to skin coming in contact with something you are allergic to (think fragrance, nickel/metal, essential oils, plants etc.) that it breaks out in eczema.
4. Irritant dermatitis eczema which happens when harsh exposures break down the skin barrier resulting in eczema.
5. Hand eczema (dyshidrotic eczema), a condition of chronic itchy blisters and eczema on the hands.
6. Scalp and face eczema due to seborrhea. If you have this I recommend you refer to my seborrhea information.

Skin care treatment that heals eczema must only include hypoallergenic products and be deeply hydrating! Dr. Bailey

This is important to support skin barrier repair and prevent allergens and irritants from entering the eczema damaged skin to prevent healing.

Dermatologist's 3 skin care steps to heal eczema:

1. Using only gentle soaps and cleansers on eczematous skin and be certain to rinse off all of the cleanser well.
2. Cleanse skin with cooler water temperature to avoid stripping your natural skin oils and to reduce skin inflammation.
3. Apply hypoallergenic and deeply hydrating moisturizers within the magic 3-minutes after toweling dry at least twice a day.

My skin cleansers and moisturizers for eczema are truly hypoallergenic by a dermatologist’s standards. The moisturizers are deeply hydrating and the cleansers are gentle and appropriate for people with all forms of eczema.