Eczema cream guide: moisturizer, colloidal oatmeal or hydrocortisone
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- Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream. Best for: Daily body moisturizing for eczema-prone skin. See options on Amazon
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream. Best for: Mild to moderate eczema. See options on Amazon
- Vanicream HC Anti-Itch Cream 1%. Best for: Short-term relief during an itchy flare. See options on Amazon
What eczema is
NIAMS describes atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, as a chronic disease that causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the skin. It makes the skin extremely itchy, and scratching leads to further redness, swelling, cracking, weeping clear fluid, crusting and scaling. It usually begins in childhood, but anyone can get it at any age, and it is not contagious.
Most people have flares, when the disease is worse, followed by remissions, when skin improves or clears. NIAMS says treatment can help control symptoms. For a baby or young child, ask a pediatrician before choosing a cream.
Three over-the-counter eczema creams compared
| Type | Example label | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Colloidal oatmeal 1% moisturizing cream | Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream | Skin protectant for minor irritation and itching due to rashes and eczema; apply as needed |
| Colloidal oatmeal 1% body cream | Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream | Skin protectant; apply as needed; fragrance and steroid free |
| Hydrocortisone 1% anti-itch cream | Vanicream HC Anti-Itch Cream | Temporary relief of itching from eczema and other rashes; no more than 3 to 4 times daily |
Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. The Aveeno label adds that it is for use on mild to moderate eczema or as directed by a physician, and lists colloidal oatmeal with ceramide NP. The Eucerin label lists ceramide 3.
Moisturizing: the daily base
NIAMS says keeping the skin hydrated by applying moisturizers immediately after bathing, to hold the water in your skin, is important when treating atopic dermatitis. Its skin care tips:
- Take lukewarm baths to cleanse and moisturize the skin without drying it excessively, and limit baths to once a day.
- Use a mild unscented bar soap or non-soap cleanser.
- Pat the skin dry and do not let it get too dry before moisturizing; avoid rubbing or brisk drying.
- Use creams and ointments, and avoid lotions with high water or alcohol content, which can cause burning.
- Protect skin from irritants and rough clothing, such as wool.
Your doctor can recommend how often to bathe and which moisturizer to use. For a gentle cleanser, see our facial cleanser guide, and for the shower, our body wash guide.
Colloidal oatmeal creams
Colloidal oatmeal 1% is an over-the-counter skin protectant. The Aveeno and Eucerin labels both say it temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to rashes and eczema, and both say to apply as needed. Both packages are labeled steroid free and fragrance free.
The labels say to stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, or if symptoms last more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days. Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. For short-term itch from bites or plants, see our calamine lotion guide.
Hydrocortisone 1% for flares
NIAMS says corticosteroid creams and ointments help decrease inflammation and are commonly used to treat skin diseases. The Vanicream HC label lists hydrocortisone acetate 1.12%, equivalent to hydrocortisone 1%, for the temporary relief of itching from minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes due to eczema, among other causes.
- How often. Adults and children 2 years and older: apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
- Young children. Under 2 years: do not use; consult a doctor.
- Diaper rash. The label says not to use it for diaper rash.
- Time limit. Stop and ask a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or clear up and come back within a few days.
For stronger prescription options such as calcineurin inhibitors, NIAMS says your doctor will develop a plan based on your rash, triggers and how your skin responds.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if over-the-counter creams do not control the itch, if the rash is widespread, or if symptoms last more than 7 days, as the labels advise. NIAMS lists bacterial skin infections that can worsen from scratching among the complications of atopic dermatitis, and says your doctor may recommend antibiotics if infection develops. Dermatologists, allergists and primary care providers, including pediatricians, can diagnose and treat atopic dermatitis.
Try to avoid scratching or rubbing, which NIAMS says irritates the skin, increases inflammation and can increase itchiness. Keeping a child's fingernails short can help.
What to look for when you buy
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
Best for: Daily body moisturizing for eczema-prone skin
Its label lists colloidal oatmeal 1% as a skin protectant for itching due to eczema, with ceramide 3.
Watch out: Ask a doctor if symptoms last more than 7 days.
See options on AmazonAveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Best for: Mild to moderate eczema
Its label lists colloidal oatmeal 1% with ceramide NP, for use on mild to moderate eczema.
Watch out: Stop use if the condition worsens.
See options on AmazonVanicream HC Anti-Itch Cream 1%
Best for: Short-term relief during an itchy flare
Its label lists hydrocortisone 1% for temporary relief of itching from eczema and other rashes.
Watch out: No more than 3 to 4 times daily; not for children under 2 without a doctor.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best cream for eczema?
- NIAMS says moisturizing creams help restore the skin barrier; colloidal oatmeal and 1% hydrocortisone creams relieve itch.
- When should I put on eczema cream?
- NIAMS says to apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to hold water in the skin.
- Is colloidal oatmeal cream steroid free?
- Yes. The Aveeno and Eucerin colloidal oatmeal creams are labeled steroid free.
- How long can I use hydrocortisone cream?
- Ask a doctor if symptoms persist more than 7 days, per the label.
- Should I use lotion or cream for eczema?
- NIAMS suggests creams and ointments over lotions with high water or alcohol content.
Sources
- Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take (www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Atopic Dermatitis (www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream (colloidal oatmeal) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream (colloidal oatmeal) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Vanicream HC Anti-Itch (hydrocortisone) Cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine