Top 10 Eczema Creams

This hub is written to answer the question: "Are there any natural or OTC remedies for eczema? My 13yo daughter has it on her ankles and elbows. It just popped up in the last year or so. Her doctor prescribed a steroid cream, but it's not really helping. Does anyone know anything that might help, like Vaseline? Or sunshine? I've never had it before."

In most cases, a good quality over-the-counter eczema cream is sufficient for minimizing the rashes and alleviating discomfort. I've lived with eczema all my life and never had to use a steroid cream even during my more severe flare ups. Here is a list of the top 10 eczema creams which may help you find one that that will be the best eczema cream for your daughter.

1. Vegetable Shortening

This one may surprise most people, but this was actually recommended to me by a dermatologist when I was having a particularly bad flare up. The eczema rash covered my face, so I was anxious to get rid of it as soon as possible. The dermatologist recommended applying small amounts of shortening after showering. The advantages of using shortening is that it is so cheap compared to eczema creams and it does not contain perfumes or dyes that could irritate the skin.

The disadvantage of using vegetable shortening is that it is so terribly greasy. After a few minutes, the greasiness subsides, but until then I was very uncomfortable. Another disadvantage is that a tub of shortening isn't very portable. Therefore, I used the shortening only after showering. I had other eczema creams that I kept with me to use during the day and right before going to sleep.

2. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

This is not one that I have used, but I have family members who have been pleased with it. This eczema cream contains natural colloidal oatmeal as does other Aveeno products. As with any cream, some customers did not receive any benefit from it. No eczema cream is going to work for everyone. Some people complain that this lotion stings when applied. Speaking from experience, I can say that there are time during severe outbreaks that applying anything to the skin may sting, even water. So, it's hard to judge if this lotion is harsh compared to others. With my experience with Aveeno products, I would think that this actually would be one of the milder creams.

3. Vanicream Skin Cream

This moisturizer is designed for extremely sensitive skin. It may be best for people who not only have eczema, but also tend to have allergies to perfumes and dyes. Many customers who have used this product have had good results. This is the cream that I would have tried for my daughter since she had eczema and very sensitive skin.

4. Cutemol Emollient Cream

Customer reviews for this thick moisturizer are overwhelmingly positive. The disadvantage to this cream is that it is a little more expensive than many eczema creams. However, some dermatologists sell it at their offices and it is available online, so it may be worth shopping around for the best deal.

5. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

Though a lot of customers love this lotion for eczema, I prefer a thicker cream. This lotion did not work for me as well as it seems to work for so many others. I will concede that this may be just one of those cases in which a lotion cannot work for everyone.

6. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

I have yet to find a bad customer review for this eczema cream. People say that it works well for eczema and psoriasis.

7. Emu Oil

A lot of people say that emu oil is great for eczema. I'm just not brave enough to try it. As good as it might work, it sounds hideous. If anyone has tried this cream, please leave a comment and let us know if it is worthwhile. I'm including it in my list because so many people say that it is a healthier alternative to other moisturizers.

8. Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Calming Creme

This is the moisturizer that works best for my mother, but this version of Eucerin does not work as well for me. As I've said, people have different experiences with skin care products. People like that this cream is rich, thick, and relatively inexpensive.

9. Udderly Smooth Udder Cream Skin Moisturizer

Many of my friends have used this cream and are very happy with it. People say that this moisturizer makes the skin feel softer and smoother for a longer period of time than other moisturizers.

10. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy

This thick moisturizing cream is the one that I use when I have a bad eczema rash or cracked skin. For everyday use, I tend to use a cheaper moisturizer, but when I have a rash, I buy Aquaphor.

I hope this list has been helpful for you. This 10 Best Eczema Creams page also has some suggestions. In addition to using creams, there are other ways to prevent eczema like avoiding harsh chemicals.