Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. The most common triggers for eczema flare-ups include stress, exposure to environmental irritants, and dry weather. One important treatment option is to use mild, unfragranced soaps that won’t irritate the skin. Scented body wash and fragranced soap can all contain artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin. Some soaps that you should avoid when you have eczema or atopic dermatitis include:
1. Strong fragranced soaps
Soaps with fragrances can be harmful to eczema and trigger symptoms. The fragrances in these soaps can contain chemicals irritating the skin, making it more susceptible to allergic reactions. In addition, the fragrances can mask the natural smell of the soap, making it difficult to identify if the soap is clean. As a result, it is important to choose soaps with milder fragrances or no fragrances at all. These soaps are less likely to trigger eczema symptoms and will not irritate the skin.
2. Soaps containing methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
One type of soap that can be particularly problematic for eczema sufferers is a soap that contains methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI). These ingredients are commonly used in soap as preservatives but can also irritate the skin. Even brief exposure to MCI and MI can cause redness, itching, and burning in people with eczema. In some cases, it can even lead to the development of new eczema lesions. If you have eczema, avoiding any MCI and MI soap is important. Instead, opt for a gentler, hypoallergenic soap that won’t irritate your skin.
3. Antibacterial soaps
These soaps are commonly used to protect against harmful bacteria. However, these soaps can also be detrimental to those suffering from eczema. One of the main ingredients in antibacterial soap is triclosan, which has been shown to disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. This can lead to increased dryness and irritation, triggering eczema symptoms. In addition, triclosan has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using these soaps if you have eczema or are susceptible to developing the condition. Opt for a gentler and more natural alternative.
4. Propylene glycol soaps
Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound used in many personal care and beauty products, including soap. Although it is generally considered safe, propylene glycol can harm people with eczema. This compound can act as a skin irritant, causing the body to produce more histamine in response. This can trigger eczema symptoms, such as redness, itching, and inflammation.
In addition, propylene glycol can make the skin more permeable, allowing other irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin barrier and trigger an immune response. For these reasons, eczema people should avoid soaps containing propylene glycol or other potential triggers.
5. Essential oil based soaps
Even soaps containing natural oils can be extremely harmful to those suffering from eczema. The problem with these kinds of soaps is that they can trigger symptoms and make the condition worse. The skin is already very sensitive and prone to irritation for people with eczema. Using a soap that contains even a small amount of essential oil can cause a reaction that leads to redness, itching, and burning. Sometimes, it can even cause the skin to break out in blisters. For this reason, avoiding any soap containing botanical oils is best if you suffer from eczema. There are plenty of other options on the market that won’t trigger your symptoms.
If you have eczema, it’s important to avoid using harsh soaps that can trigger your symptoms. Instead, opt for a gentler and more natural alternative. Look for soap that is unscented or has a mild fragrance and is hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants. These types of soap will be less likely to trigger your eczema symptoms and help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
