Last year, I decided to say goodbye to steroid ointments for my skin. Sure, these ointments my doctor prescribed were the closest I could get to a “cure” for eczema, but long-term steroid use can cause serious health issues. It can cause the skin to thin out overtime. In some rare cases, people have suffered from addiction to steroid-based creams and ointments.
It took a long time for me to find a combination of products that worked well enough to replace my steroid ointment. The National Eczema Association was a big helper;it has an extensive list of product recommendations. After a year of searching through countless pharmacy and skin care aisles based on the NEA’s suggestions, and my own trial-and-error experiments, I have found the four best inexpensive skin care products for my eczema.
Hallu Mermaid Scrub ($5.79)
As someone who’s struggled with eczema all of my life, I have learned to avoid products in bright colorful packaging — but the Mermaid Scrub is different. It’s all natural ingredients scrub away dryness and flakes while leaving a barrier of moisture behind for protection. I’ll admit it stung at first when I applied it directly to a stubborn skin flare, but once I rinsed it off after a few minutes, the redness of the flare was gone, and my skin felt smooth and soft — and the irritation had ceased. I use it once every day to keep my eczema under control.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream ($7.99)
This cream covers my skin in a barrier of moisture. It doesn’t easily soak into my skin like regular water-based lotions, meaning I only need to apply it once or twice a day, preferably after I shower. In my opinion, this cream is better than the other Aveeno products that claim to ease dryness and irritation due to eczema, such as their Eczema Therapy series.
Exederm Flare Control Cream ($12.99)
This one is a little more pricey, but not as bad as its competitors. I use this flare control cream as often as I need it to soothe itchy skin. I discovered Exederm on the NEA’s list of recommended products. Unlike other OTC products that contain hydrocortisone, this one actually works in helping to reduce my skin’s redness and irritation. On less severe patches of eczema, it actually heals.
Tricalm Steroid-Free Hydrogel ($9.99)
Also recommended by the NEA, this hydrogel soothes my itchy skin and, in some cases, helps heal it. Tricalm Hydrogel contains aluminum acetate, which is often used as an astringent for bug bites and poison ivy, but it’s also great for people battling chronic itchiness. Some people don’t like it because it stings upon initial application, but just like rubbing alcohol, the stinging sensation quickly subsides (and is better to deal with than irritating eczema).
BONUS Here’s a small list of other products I love to use that’s safe for my eczema and sensitive skin:
For Shaving: Gillette’s Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel ($1.97)
Face Exfoliation and Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser ($6.47)
Scalp Irritation and Dandruff: Sulfur 8: Medicated Original Formula ($6.59) and Doo Gro Anti Itch Oil ($5.53)
For Hand Washing: Raw Sugar ‘s Moisture Loving Hand Wash ($4.99)
Remember, not every case of eczema is the same. What works for one person may not work for the other. As you continue your search for which products are best for you, feel free to try out any of the ones I recommended.
