Common Soap Types That Can Worsen Eczema Symptoms
This article highlights three common types of soaps that can intensify eczema symptoms: scented soaps, those with strong cleansing agents like sulfates and lanolin, and essential oil-infused products. It emphasizes the importance of choosing gentle, fragrance-free options and discusses FDA-approved treatments like CIBINQO™ for managing severe cases. Understanding which soaps to avoid can help reduce flareups and improve skin health for eczema sufferers. Perfect for those seeking skin-friendly alternatives and relief from irritation.
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Eczema is characterized by skin inflammation and affects over 31 million individuals nationally. Typical signs include dryness, irritation, patches, blisters, and potential infections from surface rashes. Several factors can trigger flareups, with allergic reactions to personal care products being the most common. Certain soaps, in particular, can worsen eczema symptoms. Here are some soap varieties that may cause exacerbations of this skin condition.
Scented soaps
Products infused with artificial fragrances are popular for masking odor, but they pose risks for eczema sufferers. Approximately 15% of those with eczema develop sensitivities to these synthetic scents.
Using scented soaps can trigger inflammation and worsen eczema symptoms. Many fragrances contain chemical agents that mask odors but can provoke allergic skin reactions.
Soaps with aggressive cleansing agents
Strong cleansing ingredients like sulfates are harsh on the skin's surface. They strip away natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased itching. Similarly, lanolin, used for its moisturizing benefits, may damage skin proteins and weaken the skin's protective barrier.
Essential oil-based soaps
While natural oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and others have anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, they can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Such oils may trigger flareups in eczema-prone skin.
The FDA endorses CIBINQO™ (abrocitinib), a daily oral medication designed to treat moderate to severe eczema. It helps alleviate redness, irritation, and inflammation by inhibiting immune responses. Eczema patients may also use coupons for CIBINQO™ prescriptions available online.
