Eczema covers a broad number of conditions that cause the skin to become dry. People report symptoms, namely skin inflammation, redness, and rashes. Others may get a pitting flare-up. This skin condition is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is defined as a skin disorder that causes itching and red spots on the skin, mostly on the face and extremities. If you are facing trouble with dermatitis, then this article will surely help you buy hand soap for eczema.
In case you suffer from a similar condition, you should wisely choose a soap that works for your skin. Your past experiences with unfit soaps, shampoos, and body washes must have caused you distress. A defective skin barrier is unable to protect your skin from environmental pollutants. Furthermore, choosing the wrong product can aggravate your condition to too much extent.
Finding the right soap for you can be much of a hassle. Even the most expensive and popular brands with hydrating and nourishing tags contain several hazardous chemicals that damage skin. But you need not worry as we will guide you in selecting the top eczema product for your skin. Now without any further delay, let's dive straight into the article.
What to consider in a hand soap for eczema?
First, we need to determine what makes a hand soap good for eczema. People with eczema require a product that fits their sensitive skin and can prevent future integumentary issues.
If you are suffering from eczema, our suggestion is to consider all the following things before purchasing any product.
Allergens
The product mustn't contain any ingredient you are allergic to. If you don't know about this, or it is your first time purchasing eczema soap, you can apply it and do a patch test to check whether it will work for you.
The pH of eczema hand soap
High pH soaps are destructive to your skin, especially in people with eczema. The alkaline substance in them is what poses a high risk of skin disorders. While you come across soaps with a 5.5 Ph written on the label. It should be noted that these are just marketing strategies. However, the latest soaps are coming with a balanced composition. For this reason, we recommend you read the labels first before deciding on a product.
Harsh chemicals
The hand soap for eczema should have a gentle cleansing action on the skin. The active substances in them must not damage the essential nourishing factors in the skin. The National Eczema Association has made a list of things not to be put in soaps.
It includes the following:
- Propylene glycol
- Formaldehyde
- Salicylic acid and artificial aromas
These substances are harmful to skin health and should be avoided.
Deodorant
Deodorant soaps do not go well with eczema-prone skin and can produce an itching reaction. These products containing scents can create skin irritation.
Fragrance-free hand soap for eczema
Clearly, any soap having aromatic substances or those with scents is allergic to your skin. So wisely choose a hand soap for eczema which is fragrance-free.
Third-party endorsement
The NEA has made a separate list of soaps ideal for people with eczema. They are moisturizing, hydrating, and have no drying effect on the skin. So we suggest you check that list before buying a new hand soap.
Industrial cleansers
This must be avoided! It is because these cleaners contain very hazardous ingredients that have a debilitating effect on the skin. Petroleum distillates are one of them. They leave a rough appearance of skin.
Hypoallergenic hand soap for eczema: Our Top 7 Picks!
1. Cetaphil deep cleansing soap bar for eczema
This hand soap for eczema is, indeed, the best soap for dehydrated and sensitive skin, providing whole body cleansing. Furthermore, it functions as a hydrator and a cleanser. Its well-balanced composition and lack of harsh material work best for all age groups and leave no peeled skin.
Pros
- The soap is designed primarily for delicate skin.
- It serves the dual purpose of hydration and cleaning.
- An everyday-use product.
Cons
- Sometimes froth formation is improper.
- There are some dissatisfactory reviews where some people faced leftover residue while washing hands.
2. Southern natural lavender goat milk soap bar
This hypoallergenic hand soap has a moisturizing effect on the skin. It contains rich and pure oils like olive oil, palm oil, and coconut oil. In addition to this, it contains lavender oil and goat’s milk as well. The soap is an ideal product for sensitive skin. Because of its gentle action, you can also use it on a baby's skin. You can choose to purchase it for yourself or give it to your loved one who is going through a similar skin condition.
Pros
- It is feasible for use on the whole body.
The soap contains carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E.
- It has long-term effects.
Cons
- Due to lavender, this product may cause irritability for some people.
3. The soap haven oatmeal hand soap for eczema
This amazing soap contains ingredients like honey, oatmeal, and goat milk which are rich in nutrients. They provide the dermis with nourishing and hydrating effects and also promote healthier skin.
Honey is a powerful disinfectant, oatmeal has a scrubbing action, whereas goat milk comes with hydrating properties. Altogether, these all give a soothing effect to eczematous skin. And that is why it works well on all types of skin.
Pros
- It contains no hazardous chemicals.
- Free of sulfates and parabens.
- It is a home-based product.
Cons
- The scent of the soap is uncomfortable for some people.
4. Basis sensitive skin bar
This particular hand soap for eczema is effective for the skin while retaining all the natural skin factors. The highly-beneficial chamomile and aloe vera are the constituents of this bar soap. You will not find any scents or dyes on the label. And that is why it is recommended by doctors and is beneficial for people with eczema. It is a really good product. You will not regret buying it.
Pros
- It is cost-effective.
- You can use it on both hands and face.
- It lacks all the tough ingredients such as dyes and fragrances.
Cons
- This soap does not create a good frothing.
- It is known to cause an allergic reaction.
Are there soaps for face use?
As an eczema sufferer, you will observe dryness on your face too. Although an eczema soap is fit for use on both face and hands, we recommend you purchase one with a mild effect. It is due to the more sensitive skin of the face.
5. Neutrogena ultra gentle hydrating cleanser
Hand soap for eczema with mild action on the skin. It helps remove makeup and toxins and does not add harmful substances to the skin. Especially its characteristic polyglycerin formula makes it superior to other soaps. The good part is the absence of any scent or dye, which people with eczema should always avoid.
Pros
- It does not cause any skin reaction.
- Do not clog skin pores.
- It can be used for regular cleansing.
- It is effective for treating rosacea and acne.
Cons
- Can cause the skin to become parched.
- Might cause allergic reactions as well.
6. Free and clear liquid soap for eczema
All mentioned within the name – a light soap without any debilitating after-effects. It is the top recommendation of skin specialists and is made of beneficial ingredients. It has no paraben, scents, gluten, or sulfates. This is the best soap for eczematous skin.
Pros
- It is usable by all age groups.
- Soap is free from sulfates, parabens, and fragrances.
- It can serve both as a face and body wash.
Cons
- Sometimes the pump is not properly able to take the soap out.
- It leaves the skin dry.
7. Mustela stelatopia oil cleanser and body wash
Last but not least, Mustela is a pH-balanced formula for eczema-prone skin. The best part – this soap is equally suitable for your baby's sensitive skin. Most ingredients are organic or synthesized from organic materials. It is chiefly made up of avocado perseose and sunflower oil distillate. The perseose saves the baby's skin from the outer environment, and the oil retains moisture. Furthermore, the soap is recommended by the National Eczema Association and is even safe for use in infants.
Pros
- It does not contain phthalates.
- Scent-free and Paraben-free.
- It is also free from glycol ether.
Cons
- It can't be an alternative to bathing oil.
Skin care habits that combat atopic dermatitis
Our day-to-day habits affect how moisture is supplied to our skin. As we become older, it is harder for our skin to stay moisturized. Particularly in winters, the central heating systems allow very little hydration to our dermis.
Especially, our daily shower and towel routines reduce the natural moisture of the skin. But bringing some modification to these things can help us combat sensitive skin.
- Use lukewarm water instead of fully heated water because hot water dries out your skin. Consider taking a shower for 15 minutes and no longer than this. Too much water can peel off the lipid skin lining.
- Try not to rub your body with a towel when removing moisture.
- Use only those face and body washes that are suitable for eczematous skin.
- Lastly, let some moisture stay on your skin and apply a hydrator that works for you.
Challenges you can face with hand soap for eczema:
Even after selecting and determining a suitable hand soap for eczema, you will still face a few problems such as:
Product changes:
So it all goes down to the manufacturer behind. He can add a new additive or remove the one you previously used. Know that a small modification can be a major switch for your body and your skin condition, which is not good.
Your skin may change:
Often people complain about the soap not working the way it worked the last time. This is because with changing weather and other environmental conditions, your skin also changes. This can give burst reactions to your skin, and the soap does not work effectively.
Hand soap that works for others may not work for your eczema:
Let's say you have a friend who shares the same trouble of dermatitis. And they suggest you a hand soap for eczema according to their experience. Let us clear to you that because of different skin types, it may not suit you. You must give thought before buying any eczema soap for your skin.
While each eczema soap may not fit you, it is a great idea to consult with a skin specialist to assist you further with this condition.
Avoid things that aggravate eczema despite using hand soap.
Above all, and the simplest of all things in your eczema battle is to stop using all the products that irritate eczema. This is not a final cure as dermatitis is a widespread disease. But staying away from all the irritants can help the natural defensive layer of your skin and ultimately fight eczema. This particular skin disorder weakens our immune system, and the body becomes less sensitized to the entrance of bacteria into the skin.
Following is a list of items that can irritate your eczema. Try to avoid direct contact with them:
Surfactants:
A surfactant is a constituent ingredient of cleaning detergents. Most people complain of dry skin when they come in contact with surfactants. Moreover, these substances can elicit an allergic reaction on your skin.
Fragranced products
Most scented products have ingredients like parabens and phthalates. They are cancer-causing agents. Additionally, these products may contain allergens harmful to the skin. Essential oils like patchouli are a good alternative to artificial fragrances.
Bubble baths
Bubble baths are the love of many toddlers. But it may not be a good idea when your kid has got atopic dermatitis. Again the problematic ingredient is detergent that creates lather. Bath salt is a good alternative to this, or you can add essential oil to your bath. But make sure to do a patch test beforehand.
Shower gels
Most shower gels have the harmful substance sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Furthermore, these gels contain surfactants and water, which can leave skin dry. It is very similar to OTC soaps that are derived from detergents. They affect the lipid skin lining and promote moisture loss from the dermis.
Moisturizing creams
The big hydrating cream brands use sulfates as an ingredient. They just do marketing with "No Sulfate" tags but, in reality, sell creams with similar harmful substances. Such products have a role in irritating eczema. Thus, it is recommended to buy organic products that are sulfate-free.
Clothing
Wool and rayon are known to cause skin reactions to sensitive skin. It is suggested to choose clothes made with silk and sisal. Take extra care about stain-resistant clothes, as they contain formaldehyde, a cancer-causing agent. Their purpose is to prevent stains but can create allergic skin reactions if you have eczema.
Hair dyes.
Hair products these days contain the substance paraphenyl-diamine, which cause itchy skin irritant and flares. If such materials cause you trouble, try to use them with care or avoid them.
Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial substances like neomycin and bacitracin are used in cosmetic products. They can also aggravate eczema and create an allergic reaction.
Dishwashing Liquid
We often come in contact with dishwasher bars and cleaning liquids. They contain a high quantity of sulfates for removing oily layers from the utensils. Therefore, wear cotton gloves every time you are washing dishes.
Conclusion
Finally, the product you choose will determine how well you manage your eczema. The hand soap for eczema you pick up should wash off any bacteria and cleanse your skin barrier. It must not contain any irritant that aggravates the condition while simultaneously minimizing the disease.
