More fragile skin
Skin with eczema is drier than normal skin, and as a result, the skin barrier is more permeable to allergens and irritants. It is therefore recommended to use cosmetics “for sensitive skin” that do not contain the riskiest allergens, especially perfumes.
Perfumes
Perfumes and scented products are not recommended for atopic patients, especially infants and children, even products marketed for babies.
In adults, perfume may be used occasionally, but applying it to clothing rather than directly to the skin is better.
Moisturizing
The face is washed with a soap-free cleansing product, milk, or lotion that is always rinsed. Then, on the dried skin dabbing, it is recommended to apply an unscented day cream.
The patient should choose its thick or fluid texture according to the extent of the skin’s dryness, especially the comfort it provides. The same applies to the choice of emollient body cream.
Nail polish
Perfume-free and formaldehyde-free nail polishes are to be preferred. Semi-permanent nail polishes and artificial nail glues are made of acrylic resins that can be sensitizing.
It is preferable to have them applied by a professional because the risk of contact with the highly sensitizing fresh resin is less than with home use kits.
Deodorants
Sweaty odors are caused by dead skin cells and bacteria that colonize certain areas, such as the armpits, genitals, and soles of the feet.
Daily use of deodorant is not essential; good hygiene with daily soaping of these areas in the shower is sufficient most of the time.
If there is a risk of excessive sweating, using a deodorant (which camouflages odors) or an antiperspirant (which reduces the amount of sweat) may be helpful.
It is advised to pick a stick or a roll-on bottle, alcohol-free and unscented, to limit the risk of irritation.
Hair removal
Hair removal causes skin inflammation around the hair shaft, which may aggravate eczema. Therefore, removing hair from areas where eczema is present is not recommended.
On the other hand, the patient can wax areas without eczema, but it is best to avoid :
- using depilatory creams (often scented to camouflage the sulfurous smell linked to the presence of thioglycolate)
- mechanical shaving with razors whose blades contain nickel, which is a potential allergen
- depilatory waxes, cold or heated, as they contain rosin derivatives which are also potentially allergenic
- Using tweezers for facial areas or an electric epilator on the legs is preferable.
It is also possible to consider permanent hair removal in several sessions. Its effectiveness depends on the dark color of the hair. A specialized dermatologist can do it either with a depilatory laser or with pulsed light.
The cost, which is higher, varies from one center to another.
What about self-tanners?
These products artificially color the surface layer of the skin and are naturally eliminated when the skin renews itself.
Since most of them are scented, it is best to use them occasionally.