Effective Eczema Ointments and Creams for Managing Dry, Itchy Skin in India

A combination of different factors, including genetic, environmental, food, hormones, and stress, cause eczema. Currently, there is no exact cure for eczema, but it can be managed with a proper eczema diet and by applying different ointments and creams on the skin to restore moisture and reduce inflammation. 

If the skin is properly and timely hydrated, all the irritants, allergens, and infections can be prevented. Choosing the right product with all the properties to soothe skin is important to ensure you won’t have any side effects or that it doesn’t aggravate the symptoms.  

This article mentions some of India’s best ointments and creams that you can opt for to manage your eczema symptoms.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Creams Available for Eczema Itching

You can easily buy these medicines without a prescription. It includes many FDA-approved ointments and creams that may ease your eczema symptoms like an itch, irritation, redness, and rash and can help ease night-time itching.

Although these OTC ointments and creams are easily available, using them may pose a potential risk. They absorb through the skin and may interact with other prescriptions, supplements, food, and beverages. Hence, you should talk with your dermatologist or healthcare professional before using them.

Which eczema creams you should consider 

The best eczema treatment creams are ‘thicker moisturisers’. It is important to opt for a cream that has the following ingredients

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin 
• Ceramides 
• Petrolatum 
• Colloidal oatmeal

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants that will hydrate your skin while ceramides and other ingredients help in restoring your skin barrier to protect against potential irritants or allergens. Some of the best creams which you can go for are 

• Exderm NM Cream
• Aveeno Dermexa Cream
• Avene cleanance hydra cream
• Vaseline Advanced repair cream    
• Dove moisturising cream (recommended for babies)
• Sarna anti-Itch lotion 
• Cetaphil moisturising cream (hand eczema cream)

There are some ingredients in creams that you need to avoid as they may further irritate the skin and dry it out. These ingredients include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid.

Which skin ointment for eczema you should consider 

There is a difference between creams and ointments. Ointments are prescribed or applied when you have dehydrated skin. They are greasy than creams, contain more oil (more oil-to-water ratio) than creams, and are effective at trapping moisture. They are usually first-line therapy in managing eczema. Ointments come under topical medication (corticosteroids) that reduces inflammation and itchiness when applied. 

Topical corticosteroids

Your healthcare professional may recommend a topical corticosteroid if your skin is sore and inflamed. It can be directly applied to the skin to reduce sores and inflammation. 

These topical corticosteroids come in different strengths, such as mild, medium, strong, and very strong, and are prescribed for types of eczema like dyshidrotic eczema. The strength of these corticosteroids is determined based on your symptoms. 

Some examples are 

• Hydrocortisone (mild)
• Betamethasone valerate and clobetasone butyrate (moderate)
• A higher dose of betamethasone valerate and betamethasone diproprionate (strong)
• Clobetasol proprionate and diflucortolone valterate (very strong)

Some of the best ointments for eczema include

• Crisaborole (mild to moderate eczema)
• Tacrolimus ointment (moderate to severe eczema)

Side effects 

As mentioned above, usage of these ointments and creams may pose potential side effects, especially when you are using a topical corticosteroid. Many of these side effects may go away once you stop using these topical medications, but it is always recommended that you consult your doctor before using them. Common side effects observed are 

• Thinning of skin (for strong ointment)
• Acne 
• Stretch marks 
• Spider veins

Conclusion 

Anyone can manage eczema if they take proper self-care and are aware of different OTC creams and ointments that are usually preferred as first-line therapy. Applying the above-mentioned creams and ointments may help your skin remain hydrated and also help restore its barrier. All the creams and ointments mentioned in this article are available in India and can be ordered on our Truemeds online platform. You can also get free teleconsultation from our expert doctors once you order medicine from our online pharmacy – Truemeds, or you can also download our Truemeds app. You can avail of branded as well as generic medicines by uploading your prescription on Truemeds. When placing an order for medicines online, you may save more money by selecting alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. You can also save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery* pan India.

Disclaimer – The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we will recommend that you should consult your healthcare professional before using any creams and ointments mentioned in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)