Eczema is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. However, eczema can spread on an individuals body due to several reasons, including scratching, contact with irritants, or infection. When it comes to skincare products, people with eczema need to be mindful of what they put on their skin to keep it healthy and safe, while also knowing which things to avoid so as not to trigger inflammation and flare-ups. Here are some ingredients that people with eczema should avoid:
- Urea: While it can be a fantastic ingredient for certain skin conditions, it can be irritating and can contribute to damaging the acid mantle of the skin in atopic dermatitis (AD) .
- Propylene glycol: This is an emulsifier thats hidden in a lot of common topical moisturizers and creams. Its also present in many topical steroid and anti-inflammatory medications to treat eczema. People who are allergic to propylene glycol can paradoxically experience eczema flare-ups when using products containing it.
When looking for moisturizing lotions, people with eczema should look for products that contain ingredients that help eczema-prone skin, including oat or shea butter, aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, vitamin E, humectants, and niacinamide. Its also important to understand the differences between the three basic types of moisturizers other than lotion - ointments, creams, and skin barrier creams - so that you can properly hydrate your skin, get the itch relief you need, and help keep your symptoms under control.
In conclusion, eczema cannot spread from person to person, but it can spread on an individuals body due to several reasons. People with eczema should avoid certain ingredients in skincare products and look for moisturizing lotions that contain ingredients that help eczema-prone skin. Its also important to understand the differences between the three basic types of moisturizers other than lotion.
