Vanicream moisturizer for eczema

How does moisturizer help eczema?

Eczema creates tiny cracks in the skin, allowing water to escape quickly. That water loss helps explain the dryness. An emollient, meaning a moisturizing treatment, covers the skin with a protective film that traps moisture. Applying a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer immediately after bathing helps treat dry, itchy skin and reduce flares. Moisturizer is part of ongoing eczema care, not a cure for the condition.234

What is in Vanicream Moisturizing Cream?

The cream contains petrolatum, sorbitol and propylene glycol among its ingredients. It contains no fragrance, masking fragrance, botanical extracts or essential oils, and it does not contain ceramides. Vanicream describes the texture as easy to spread, quickly absorbed and not greasy. Fragrance free does not necessarily mean completely odorless; the ingredients can have their own smell.1

What does the eczema seal mean?

The National Eczema Association Seal means a product has undergone evaluation for suitability for people with eczema and sensitive skin. Independent physician reviewers assess submitted products, including their ingredients and required testing. The Seal is a product screening tool, not a loyalty card for one brand. It is not an endorsement, and suitability still depends on how your skin responds when you try the product. A product without the Seal has not necessarily failed review: brands must apply voluntarily.5

How do you apply Vanicream for eczema?

1. 1Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and keep routine showers to 5 to 10 minutes. Choose a fragrance free cleanser for sensitive skin and focus cleansing on dirty, oily or body odor areas rather than soaping the entire body.
2. 2Pat lightly with a towel. Leave the skin slightly damp rather than rubbing it completely dry.
3. 3Apply the cream immediately after bathing or showering. Smooth it gently over the skin instead of rubbing it in.
4. 4Use a pump or a clean spoon to take cream from a tub. Do not put your fingers into the pot or share your emollient with someone else.

Moisturize at least twice a day and reapply whenever skin feels dry or tight. Keep moisturizing when eczema improves, rather than reserving the cream for flares. Vanicream directs you to apply as needed to the face, hands, feet and body, including after swimming and before exposure to wind or cold. There is no requirement to save the cream for bedtime.124

What should you expect?

The aim is better moisture retention and relief from dry, itchy skin, with regular moisturizing helping reduce flares. Eczema has periods when symptoms worsen and periods when they improve, so one comfortable day is not a reason to stop moisturizing. If regular moisturizing is not helping, or eczema remains troublesome, see a doctor rather than relying on cream alone.236

Can you use it on your face?

Yes. Vanicream allows Moisturizing Cream on the face as well as the body and labels it noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. The brand also offers lighter facial options, including Moisturizing Lotion and Daily Facial Moisturizer. Daily Facial Moisturizer contains ceramides; Moisturizing Cream does not. These are different formulas, not interchangeable names for the same product.1

Can children use it?

Vanicream describes Moisturizing Cream as suitable for all ages. For children with eczema, daily unperfumed emollients are the foundation of treatment, including when the skin is clear and while other treatments are being used. Apply moisturizer across the body, not only to visible eczema patches. Keep it available wherever the child needs it, including nursery or school. Increased dryness, itching, redness, swelling or irritability can signal a flare. Follow the child's treatment plan promptly rather than waiting for moisturizer alone to settle worsening symptoms. A clinician should assess the effect on sleep and daily activities as well as how the skin looks.17

How do you use it with prescription creams?

Leave 20 to 30 minutes between an emollient and a steroid cream or another skin treatment. Ask your doctor which should go first. Separating applications avoids diluting the treatment or spreading it onto skin that does not need it. Pregnancy related hormonal changes can worsen eczema; if that happens, discuss treatment with your doctor.24

What moisturizer helps with eczema?

Creams and petroleum based ointments tend to moisturize better than lotions. The right texture depends on the area and how dry the skin is.6

A cream and an ointment can share a routine without turning the bathroom into a product launch. For example, an emollient cream can be used during the day and an ointment at night. Finding a comfortable emollient sometimes takes more than one attempt.4

When should you get help?

If an emollient causes persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or a worsening facial rash, speak to a pharmacist, nurse or doctor about changing it. Seek medical advice if eczema treatments are not helping or symptoms are severe.24

Get urgent medical help if eczema becomes blistered, crusty, leaks fluid or develops pus filled spots; becomes painful, swollen or warm; suddenly worsens or spreads; or occurs with a high temperature or feeling unwell. These can indicate infection or a more serious condition. Do not treat those changes as ordinary dryness needing another layer of moisturizer.2

Keep emollients away from flames and cigarettes. Cream residue on clothing, bedding and dressings makes those fabrics catch fire more easily. Washing can reduce residue but does not remove it completely. Take care around slippery bath, shower and tiled surfaces after using emollients.4