Eczema is more than just itchy skin. For sufferers of this skin condition, flare-ups can be painful and frustrating. With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, we wanted to take the time to dive into the topic of eczema and recommended treatments. Follow along as we answer some common questions about eczema, including:

• What is eczema?

• What are eczema symptoms and what does eczema look like?

• What causes eczema?

• What can I do to relieve eczema symptoms?

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by rash outbreaks that result in dry, irritated and often, extremely itchy skin. The condition cycles through flare-ups, depending on environmental conditions and typically present on the wrists, feet, back of the knees, hands and face.

What are eczema symptoms and what does eczema look like?

Eczema symptoms can vary in severity, ranging from itchy, scaly skin to painful swelling with sore, oozing skin that can become infected.

“Eczema is something I see in my dermatology practice daily,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “Usually, children are affected, but it can linger well into adulthood with rashes that occur over the arms, legs and face. My son Daniel and I developed FixMySkin healing balms as a way to offer a simple option for kids and adults with eczema—and other conditions such as psoriasis, insect bites and poison ivy—to treat themselves.”

What causes eczema?

Dermatologists debate about what causes eczema, but it’s thought to be the body’s way of responding to an environmental irritant. In some cases, exposure to certain household items like soaps or detergents, certain illnesses, stress or sudden changes in temperature can cause eczema flare-ups. Sometimes, children will outgrow their eczema, while others continue to have flare-ups throughout their lives.

What can I do to relieve eczema symptoms?

Although there is no cure for eczema, the good news is you don’t have to live with itchy, irritated skin. Here are a few products we recommend that can help relieve eczema symptoms.

FixMySkin Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm Fragrance-Free

“Like so many children and adolescents, I too struggled with eczema as a teenager,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist. “Along with my dad and grandfather, I developed FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Balm as a passion project to help soothe by dry, itchy skin.” If you need a mess-free product to treat you or your child’s eczema symptoms on the go, this versatile body balm is a must-have. In addition to the anti-inflammatory 1% hydrocortisone, it's fortified with shea and cocoa butter to hydrate and maintain skin’s moisture barrier. For eczema on the face and lips, FMS 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm - Vanilla comes in a smaller tube with a light vanilla flavor.

CLn Shampoo

If your eczema flare-ups present on your scalp, try this fragrance- and paraben-free shampoo to help calm irritation. Dermatologists developed this shampoo to specifically eliminate bacteria with salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite while thoroughly cleaning hair with a mild cleansing agent.

CLn Body Wash

Soothe dry, reactive and eczema-prone skin with this calming body wash. The low concentration of sodium hypochlorite in this wash reduces any bacterial overgrowth on the skin, which can significantly help relieve symptoms of eczema.

Epionce Renewal Calming Cream

Eczema on the face can be particularly frustrating, so the right moisturizer is key to coping with symptoms. This cream contains colloidal oatmeal to calm and soothe itchy, irritated skin while essential ceramides and meadowfoam seed oil help support your skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

Skin care brand La Roche-Posay created this head-to-toe eczema wash for the whole family to use. It starts out as an oil-based formula and lathers up to a rich foam when combined with water. Key ingredients include shea butter, niacinamide and glycerin, all which work together to infuse your skin with much-needed hydration and soothing relief.

Avene Xera Calm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cream

With the National Eczema Association’s stamp of approval, this calming cream helps treat eczema on the face and body. It contains soothing Avene Thermal Spring Water and a postbiotic complex to help reduce itching. Another innovative ingredient is Cer-Omega, which is derived from evening primrose oil and is rich in omega-6 acids to help nourish and hydrate irritated dry skin. This formula is safe to use on the entire family, including newborns.

EltaMD Moisture Seal Intense Moisturizer

If your eczema symptoms include redness, flaking and itchiness, this occlusive skin balm can help bring you some relief. Made with petrolatum and paraffin, this product melts on contact when applied to warm, damp skin and acts as an occlusive to help soothe irritation. Have you heard of medical barrier creams? You can learn more about how they can help moisturize dry, sensitive skin on the LovelySkin Blog.