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The Daily Insight

Should you exfoliate if you have eczema?

Author

Emily Cortez

Updated on February 23, 2026

Because eczema is characterized by a dry, itchy rash that can blister and weep, many people think exfoliation will irritate this common condition. But others believe exfoliation is an essential part of eczema care. It turns out that both are valid points.

What should you not do if you have eczema?

8 skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema, according to dermatologists

  1. Fragrances. ...
  2. Essential oils. ...
  3. Urea. ...
  4. Lanolin. ...
  5. Retinoids. ...
  6. Cocamidopropyl betaine. ...
  7. Propylene glycol. ...
  8. Ethanol.

What is a good scrub for eczema?

Eczema Honey Premium Oatmeal Scrub

Why we love it: This all-natural product has gentle, moisturizing ingredients that are beneficial for those who have very dry skin or eczema. One such ingredient is honey, which is a natural humectant. It attracts and seals moisture into the skin.

Should I exfoliate if I have atopic dermatitis?

If you have eczema, make sure to avoid: strong chemical and physical exfoliants, especially if you have dark skin, as they can cause dark spots. exfoliating broken skin or skin that is bleeding or weeping fluid. exfoliating if redness and irritation are worse afterward.

How can I clean my skin with eczema?

Take a bath using lukewarm (not hot) water for five to 10 minutes. Use a gentle cleanser (no soaps) and avoid scrubbing the affected skin. After bathing, pat the skin lightly with a towel leaving it slightly damp. Apply prescription topical medication to the affected areas of skin as directed.

How to Exfoliate Eczema Prone Skin | Treating Eczema Naturally

Is it better to keep eczema dry or moist?

Keeping your skin's moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema. Moisturizers helps protect the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum or skin barrier.

Should you moisturize eczema?

When you have eczema or atopic dermatitis, it's key to use a moisturizer. Dry skin can often make eczema worse. Moisturizers lock in water and create a barrier against things that can irritate your skin.

How do you soften hard skin from eczema?

To treat eczema, it's important to use heavy moisturizers like petroleum jelly to trap in moisture. You can also try topical steroids to bring down redness and inflammation. Coal tar can soften the top layer of skin, which can help relieve eczema symptoms.

Can you over moisturize your eczema?

Using moisturiser to treat eczema could make the condition worse, scientists have claimed. Ointments such as aqueous cream BP reduce the thickness of healthy skin, aiding irritation, research from Bath University found.

Should you exfoliate a rash?

Avoid scrubbing the area

Exfoliation may cause temporary relief, but it can actually incite long-term skin damage, Davis says — especially for children and the elderly, who have more sensitive skin.

Why do I itch after I exfoliate?

Sign #1: Skin Irritation & Redness

When using a chemical exfoliating product, you might experience a slight burning sensation or itchy skin, which usually means that your skin's barrier has been broken down. The barrier's function is to protect the skin from allergens and irritants.

What happens if you don't scratch eczema?

Atopic eczema can go away if you don't scratch

This makes your skin even itchier. So the more you scratch, the itchier you get and the worse your eczema becomes… And you get stuck in an itch-scratch trap!

How do I wash my face with eczema?

DERMATOLOGIST TIPS FOR BATHING AND CLEANSING ECZEMA & DRY SKIN

  1. Avoid harsh cleansers and exfoliants. ...
  2. Use lukewarm water. ...
  3. Avoid use of loofah, body puff, or washcloth. ...
  4. Pat dry, don't rub. ...
  5. Limit bathing, if possible. ...
  6. Avoid bubble baths. ...
  7. Keep showers brief.

How I cured my eczema naturally?

Top 12 natural remedies for eczema

  1. Aloe vera gel.
  2. Apple cider vinegar.
  3. Bleach baths.
  4. Colloidal oatmeal.
  5. Baths.
  6. Coconut oil.
  7. Honey.
  8. Tea tree oil.

Is a salt scrub good for eczema?

A person should not apply the salt as a scrub, however, as this may make eczema-affected skin more inflamed. Another option is to apply fragrance-free creams or lotions containing Dead Sea minerals to the skin.

What triggers an eczema flare up?

Sweat, fabrics (wool, polyester), pet dander, hot or cold weather, and harsh soaps are common triggers. Others include: Dry skin. It could get scaly, tight, and easy to crack, which can lead to a flare-up.

What cures eczema fast?

Lifestyle and home remedies

  1. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. ...
  2. Apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area. ...
  3. Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. ...
  4. Don't scratch. ...
  5. Apply bandages. ...
  6. Take a warm bath. ...
  7. Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes. ...
  8. Use a humidifier.

Can coconut oil make eczema worse?

In some people, coconut oil can cause irritation or an allergic reaction that makes eczema worse. Contact reactions can cause a rash, itchiness, and blistering.

Is Vaseline good for eczema skin?

Petroleum jelly is well tolerated and works well for sensitive skin, which makes it an ideal treatment for eczema flare-ups. Unlike some products that can sting and cause discomfort, petroleum jelly has moisturizing and soothing properties that alleviate irritation, redness, and discomfort.

Does eczema shorten lifespan?

Hospitalization due to AD flares and associated infections is associated with an 8.3-year reduction in lifespan compared to the general population. Outside of hospitalization, the risk for death due to any cause is slightly increased in people with AD.

What foods to avoid if you have eczema?

Some common foods that may trigger an eczema flare-up and could be removed from a diet include:

  • citrus fruits.
  • dairy.
  • eggs.
  • gluten or wheat.
  • soy.
  • spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon.
  • tomatoes.
  • some types of nuts.

Why is eczema worse at night?

Eczema symptoms may feel worse at night for a few reasons: Due to the body's sleep and wake cycles, a person's temperature decreases at night, which can make the skin feel itchy. If a person has moisturized during the day, the effects may have worn off by night.

Does drinking water help eczema?

Anyone with eczema has inherently dry skin and is susceptible to weaker skin barrier function. Therefore, drinking water (especially around exercise) to keep the body and skin hydrated is recommended.

Should you wash eczema everyday?

Keeping your skin clean and moisturized is an important part of eczema management and overall self-care. A daily shower or bath is one of the best ways to remove bacteria from your skin and prevent eczema flare-ups.

What drinks help eczema?

Although there's no clear evidence, a few studies suggest that drinking black, green, or oolong tea may help relieve symptoms. Researchers are also looking at omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil, which help fight inflammation, as a way to help eczema.