Because eczema-prone skin loses moisture faster than normal skin, consistent hydration and barrier repair are essential to prevent flare-ups and keep the skin calm, smooth, and comfortable.

 

Thick skin and eczema are treated with keratolytics, exfoliating agents and moisturizers to maintain skin health.​

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Pharmacist-recommended products​​ 

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Urea cream 40% with salicylic acid (use cautiously)

While keratolytics are not first-line treatments for eczema, urea-based creams can help soften thickened, rough, or scaly patches that develop after long-standing inflammation.

• Higher strengths (like 40%) are typically reserved for stubborn thick skin—not actively inflamed eczema.

• Lower strengths (10–20%) can gently hydrate, smooth, and support repair of dry, flaky areas between flare-ups.
  These should be used carefully and avoided on broken, cracked, or actively inflamed skin, as they may sting.

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Gentle Exfoliators (Lactic Acid / Ammonium Lactate 12%)

Creams containing lactic acid, such as Amlactin®, act as gentle exfoliating moisturizers. They help loosen dry, flaky skin while pulling water into the top layer. These products can improve the rough texture often seen on eczema-prone areas—especially on arms and legs. They are best used during calm periods, not during active flares, as acids can sometimes cause stinging.

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Glycolic Acid Lotions (Used Only Between Flares)

Products containing glycolic acid, like Glytone® or Alpha Skin Care®, offer light exfoliation to smooth uneven texture created by chronic dryness. They help improve skin tone and reduce build-up of dead skin.
Because glycolic acid can irritate sensitive skin, it’s only recommended for non-active eczema and for people who tolerate mild acids well.

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Ceramide-Based Moisturizers (Core Eczema Care)

Ceramides are essential lipids that help rebuild and maintain the skin barrier. Eczema-prone skin naturally lacks ceramides, making ceramide-rich moisturizers the foundation of daily management.
Examples include:

• CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream

• Vanicream® Moisturizing Cream

• Eucerin® Advanced Repair Cream

These products restore moisture, strengthen the barrier, reduce flare frequency, and keep sensitive skin stable when used regularly—especially after bathing.

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Barrier Ointments & Occlusives (For Severe Dryness & Flares)

Occlusives like Aquaphor®, Vaseline®, and CeraVe® Healing Ointment form a protective layer that locks in moisture, reduces irritation, and speeds healing. They are vital for:

• Cracked or raw eczema patches

• Nighttime healing routines

• Protecting skin from irritants
  They work especially well when applied after a warm bath and sealed under cotton socks or gloves overnight to intensify repair.

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Which One to Choose? (Eczema-Specific Guide)

• For thick, rough patches:
  Use low- to mid-strength urea (10–20%) to soften skin—avoid acids during active flares.

• For dry texture between flares:
  Ammonium lactate or glycolic acid lotions can smooth and hydrate—but introduce slowly to avoid stinging.

• For daily maintenance and flare prevention:
  Choose ceramide-rich moisturizers (CeraVe®, Vanicream®, Eucerin®).
  These are the core products for long-term eczema control.

• For severe dryness, cracks, or irritation:
  Apply Aquaphor® or Vaseline®, especially overnight for deep repair.

 

Pharmacist Recommendations

• Start gradually when using any acid-containing cream to prevent irritation.

• Moisturize immediately after bathing while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

• Avoid exfoliating acids on open, inflamed, or actively flaring eczema.

• Use gentle, fragrance-free products only—eczema skin reacts easily to perfumes and harsh ingredients.

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