Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, significantly impacts an individuals quality of life due to symptoms like dry skin, inflammatory lesions, and intense itching. Moisturizers are a cornerstone in managing eczema, but their effectiveness and safety have been the subject of extensive research. Here, we synthesize findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of moisturizers in eczema treatment.
General Efficacy
A Cochrane review of 77 studies involving 6603 participants found that moisturizers generally improve eczema symptoms. The use of moisturizers was associated with fewer flare-ups, and reduced need for topical corticosteroids.
Specific Ingredients:
Urea-Containing Creams: These were found to improve skin dryness and reduce flare-ups more effectively than placebos, although they were associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects.
Glycerol-Containing Moisturizers: Research with reasonably strong reliability showed that moisturizers containing glycerol perform better than placebos in treating eczema, but the satisfaction of the participants was not assessed.
Oat-Containing Moisturizers: Oat-containing moisturizers showed some benefits, such as fewer flare-ups and less topical corticosteroid use. However, there were more adverse effects reported with oat-containing moisturizers.
Barrier-Strengthening Moisturizers:
Studies have shown that barrier-strengthening moisturizers can prolong the time to relapse and improve the quality of life for eczema patients. For instance, a study on hand eczema found that a barrier-strengthening moisturizer significantly delayed the time to relapse (i.e. 20 days vs 2 days) compared to no treatment.
Conclusion
Overall, moisturizers play a crucial role in managing eczema by improving skin barrier function, reducing symptoms, and prolonging the time to flare-ups, with fewer safety concerns compared to steroids.