June
2010
Austin Dermatologist recommended Creams for Dry Skin, Eczema, Burns0
Part 2: Specific creams and how they can help Dry Skin, Eczema, burns, and more:
Other skin barriers try to mimic what was on your own skin before it got damaged. These creams have phospholipids and ceramides that trap water and hold it to your skin by binding it osmotically, and they also mimic the kind and concentrations of lipids (fats) normally found on your skin surface. In addition, they recreate the skin pH.
All of these creams will improve your dry winter skin, but what about eczema? Some of these creams also have mild anti-inflammatory activity, and yet they are not steroids. They are safe for constant every day use. By preventing your skin from getting dry, then fissured, then subsequently infected, these creams serve a valuable purpose. Once your skin gets infected, then that triggers eczema and eczema triggers more infection – you have a vicious cycle. Listed below are the basic creams we recommend:
For Skin Care Dr. Coverman, Austin Dermatologist, recommends:
Biosafe – This is the invisible glove that we use composed mostly of dimethicone. We put it on first thing every morning and each time after we wash our hands.
Elta – This is a Swiss product made of just three simple ingredients and nothing else! No color; no fragrance; no preservative.
EpiCeram, Eletone, Mimyx, Atopiclair, Bionect, and CeraVe – These are all very nice creams with some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activity. They are great if you have eczema because you can use them indefinitely, enjoy the actual steroid-like effect but have no long term steroid dangers because they aren’t.
Biafine – This is a very unique product that helps wounds heal and is great for burns, dry skin, cracked skin, or otherwise inflamed skin.
Silvadene – Silver sulfadiazine. We use this liberally on inflamed eczematous skin because it is the same cream used for burns. If it can heal and soothe a burn, it can certainly heal and soothe your dry winter eczema. Often, this product used alone is virtually miraculous. Patients love it, we never get complaints, and it is instantly soothing. You may use this even if you are allergic to sulfa!
Well, thanks for reading all of that, and next month we are going to talk about the proper use and application of sunscreens.
