Best Cream For Eczema South Africa
If you are looking for the best cream for eczema in South Africa, you are in the right place.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children. There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
One of the most important treatments for eczema is to use a moisturizer on a regular basis. A moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin and keep it from drying out. It can also help to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with eczema.
There are many different types of moisturizers available, but it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for eczema-prone skin. These moisturizers are typically fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic (meaning they will not clog pores).
In this article, we will review the best creams for eczema in South Africa. We have considered factors such as effectiveness, affordability, and availability when making our recommendations.
Comparison Table of Best Eczema Creams in South Africa
Product | Active Ingredients | Texture | Affordability |
---|---|---|---|
Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue | Petrolatum, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal | Thick and creamy | Affordable |
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream | Colloidal oatmeal, dimethicone | Thick and rich | Affordable |
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Lightweight and non-greasy | Affordable |
Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream | Colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Thick and creamy | Affordable |
Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm | Petrolatum, panthenol, glycerin | Thick and waxy | Affordable |
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ | Prebiotic Thermal Water, niacinamide, ceramide-3 | Lightweight and creamy | More expensive |
As you can see, all of the products in this table are affordable, with the exception of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+, which is more expensive.
It is important to note that affordability is just one factor to consider when choosing a moisturizer. It is also important to consider your skin type and needs. If you have dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, you may want to choose a moisturizer that is specifically designed for those skin types.
List of Best Creams for Eczema in South Africa
Dermikelp Itch Relief Cream
Dermikelp Itch Relief Cream is an over-the-counter skincare product that is specifically designed to relieve the symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions. It is manufactured by the South African company Dermikelp Laboratories. It has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that makes it easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin.
The Dermikelp product line are are range of products specifically designed to treat skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis & Dermatitis. The unique formulation is free of corticosteroids, making it suitable for long term use and ideal for all ages.
Active Ingredients:
Dermikelp Itch Relief Lotion contains the following active ingredients:
- Ecklonia maxima extract: Ecklonia maxima is a type of seaweed that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
- Menthol: Menthol is a cooling agent that can help to soothe itchy and irritated skin.
- Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide is a mineral compound that has anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and protective properties.
Pros of Dermikelp Itch Relief Cream:
- Specialist product, specifically made for skin conditions like eczema
- Free of Corticosteroids, Coal Tar & Parabens
- Effective in relieving the symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions
- Safe and gentle for sensitive skin
- Affordable and widely available
Cons of Dermikelp Itch Relief Cream:
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
- May not be as effective as the ointment for severe cases of eczema
- Contains paraffin oil, which some people may prefer to avoid
Excerpt from user review
- “I’ve had a patch of eczema on the inside of my forearm for a number of years which tends to get worse in summer. The itching is unbearable and when I scratch, I break the skin which gets infected resulting in unsightly scabs and red inflamed skin. I began regularly applying Dermikelp Cream, especially when I had the urge to scratch and have been astounded by the results. The cream absorbs easily into the skin, leaves no sticky residue and, more importantly, stops the itch immediately. After just one week of using Dermikelp Cream my skin has cleared up and no longer itches. The inflammation has gone down and I can clearly see my skin healing. I would highly recommend Dermikelp Cream to anyone suffering with eczema based on my amazing results.” – MT
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream is a non-steroidal moisturizer that is specifically designed to relieve the symptoms of eczema. It is made by Johnson & Johnson, a multinational pharmaceutical and consumer goods company.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream has a thick, rich texture. It is not greasy, but it is not as lightweight as some other eczema creams. Some people may find the texture of Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream to be too thick, especially if they are used to using lighter creams. However, others may prefer the thicker texture because it feels more moisturizing.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream contains colloidal oatmeal, which is a finely milled oat flour that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Colloidal oatmeal is also known to help restore the skin’s natural barrier function.
Other ingredients in Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream include:
- Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone-based emollient that helps to trap moisture in the skin.
- Petrolatum: Petrolatum is a thick, waxy ointment that also helps to trap moisture in the skin.
- Ceramide NP: Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide, which is a naturally occurring lipid in the skin that helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). It is also clinically proven to soothe and relieve the symptoms of eczema.
Pros of Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream:
- Effective in relieving the symptoms of eczema
- Safe and gentle for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic
- Clinically proven to soothe and relieve the symptoms of eczema
Cons of Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream:
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Contains petrolatum, which some people may prefer to avoid
- Not as readily available as other creams in the list
Excerpt from User Review
- “I’ve used this product exclusively for many years…I love it and it stays on your skin all day. The only issue I have is that it did not come with a pump as the photo indicated. Also, in the description it mentions a tube, which this photo does not show correctly. Since I use this product often, I have an extra pump that I will use. Just wanted the company to know this. LOVE THE PRODUCT AND IT WORKS.”
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is one of the most popular creams from eczema in South Africa. The reviews for the product are overwhelmingly positive and for good reason. As the name suggests, all of the CeraVe products contain cermanides which are the main active ingredients in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a rich, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing moisturizer that is suitable for normal to dry skin on the face and body. It is formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and MVE Delivery Technology to deeply hydrate the skin and help restore its protective barrier.
Ingredients:
- Three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II): Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids in the skin that help to maintain the skin’s barrier function and keep moisture in.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
- MVE Delivery Technology: MVE Delivery Technology is a patented system that releases moisturizing ingredients over time for long-lasting hydration.
Pros of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream:
- Deeply hydrates the skin
- Helps to restore the skin’s protective barrier
- Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Suitable for normal to dry skin on the face and body
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream:
- Contains petrolatum, which some people may prefer to avoid
Overall, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a safe and effective moisturizer for most people with normal to dry skin. It is affordable, widely available, and has been clinically proven to hydrate the skin and help restore its protective barrier.
Excerpt from User Review
- “I’ve been using this for 2 years already and 👏🏼let👏🏼me👏🏼tell👏🏼you this moisturiser works wonders! I am no skincare expert, and I don’t buy skincare products excessively, so finding products that are effective and accessible are important for me. I get dry patches on my fingers when the weather gets warm, and this has been the only moisturiser that has worked for me. I don’t think I’ll ever stop buying this cream because its reliable and does the job every single time. Never had any break outs or skin irritations whilst using this, in fact its only improved my skin and kept it healthy since. My skin is between normal/oily/sensitive (very mild rosacea on my cheeks). If my rosacea gets triggered, this cream helps reduce the redness and calms it down. For the price point it is worth it and it often goes on discounts or promotions, so I usually stock up then. I also like that its a simple tub packaging that you can easily recycle or re-use as you wish. I do wish that cerave did refill packs instead though just to cut down on plastic waste. Other than that, huge fan of this moisturiser and I can see why people rave about this”
Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream
Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream is a clinically proven, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic cream that is specifically designed to provide fast relief from the symptoms of eczema flare-ups, such as dryness, itchiness, scaling, roughness, and irritation. It is suitable for people of all ages, including babies and children.
Ingredients:
The active ingredient in Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream is 2% colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is a finely milled oat flour that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. It is also known to help restore the skin’s natural barrier function. The product also has naturally derived Ad-Resyl which is specially designed to help restore a damaged skin barrier and support a healthy microbiome
Other ingredients in Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream include:
- Cetearyl alcohol: Cetearyl alcohol is an emulsifier that helps to blend the ingredients in the cream together. It also helps to thicken the cream and give it its creamy texture.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract water to the skin and keep it hydrated.
- Petrolatum: Petrolatum is an occlusive agent that helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating. It also helps to protect the skin from irritants.
- Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone-based emollient that helps to smooth and soften the skin. It also helps to create a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants.
Pros of Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream:
- Clinically proven to provide fast relief from the symptoms of eczema flare-ups
- Free of parabens, fragrances and steroids
- Suitable for people of all ages, including babies and children
- Helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier function
Cons of Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Flare-Up Relief Cream:
- Contains petrolatum and dimethicone, which some people may prefer to avoid
Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm
Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm is a water-free ointment that is specifically designed to repair, protect, and soothe dry to very dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It is also suitable for use on babies and children, and for minor cuts and burns.
Ingredients:
The active ingredients in Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm are:
- Petrolatum: Petrolatum is a thick, waxy ointment that helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating. It also helps to protect the skin from irritants.
- Panthenol: Panthenol is a provitamin B5 that helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. It also helps to promote healing.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract water to the skin and keep it hydrated.
Other ingredients in Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm include:
- Ceresin: Ceresin is a wax that helps to thicken the ointment and give it its creamy texture.
- Lanolin alcohol: Lanolin alcohol is an emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin. It also helps to protect the skin from irritants.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil is an occlusive agent that helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating.
Pros of Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm:
- Safe and effective for most skin types
- Occlusive, which means it helps to trap moisture in the skin
- Versatile and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions
- Affordable and widely available
Cons of Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm:
- May be too thick and greasy for some people
- Contains petrolatum, which some people may prefer to avoid
Excerpt from User Review
- “AT LAST I FOUND THE PERFECT PRODUCT !! I suffer a lot with my very very dry, allergic and sensitive face skin. I had red, burn dry spots on my face, because of severe hydrated skin. After thre days my skin was like a baby’s bumps – IN ONLY 3 DAYS GUYS !! Thanks for your wonderful pruduct.”
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ is a triple-action balm that is specifically designed to repair, soothe, and protect dry to very dry, eczema-prone skin. It is suitable for people of all ages, including babies and children.
Ingredients:
The active ingredients in La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ are:
- Prebiotic Thermal Water: La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Water is sourced from the La Roche-Posay Thermal Center in France. It is rich in minerals and has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that has a number of benefits for the skin. It can help to reduce redness and inflammation, improve skin barrier function, and reduce the appearance of pores.
- Ceramide-3: Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids in the skin that help to maintain the skin’s barrier function and keep moisture in.
Other ingredients in La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ include:
- Shea butter: Shea butter is a rich and creamy emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract water to the skin and keep it hydrated.
- Petrolatum: Petrolatum is an occlusive agent that helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating.
Pros of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+:
- Safe and effective for most skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic (does not clog pores)
- Occlusive, which means it helps to trap moisture in the skin
- Versatile and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions
Cons of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+:
- May be too thick and greasy for some people
- Contains petrolatum, which some people may prefer to avoid
- Not a cure for any skin condition, but can help to relieve symptoms
Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue
Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue is a moisturizer that is specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It is formulated with Vaseline’s Barrier Repair Complex, which contains a combination of petrolatum and glycerin.
Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue also contains colloidal oatmeal, which is a natural ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. This makes it an ideal moisturizer for people with eczema, as it can help to soothe and relieve the symptoms of the condition.
Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue has a thick and creamy texture. It is not greasy, but it is not as lightweight as some other moisturizers. Some people with very dry skin may find that Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue is the perfect thickness and texture for their needs. Others with less dry skin may find it to be too thick. It is important to find a moisturizer that has the right texture for your skin type and personal preference.
Ingredients:
The active ingredients in Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue are:
- Petrolatum: Petrolatum is a thick, waxy ointment that helps to trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating. It also helps to protect the skin from irritants.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract water to the skin and keep it hydrated.
- Colloidal oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is a finely milled oat flour that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
Other ingredients in Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue include:
- Stearic acid: Stearic acid is a fatty acid that helps to thicken and soften the moisturizer.
- Glycol stearate: Glycol stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend the ingredients in the moisturizer together.
- Stearamide AMP: Stearamide AMP is an emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Isopropyl palmitate: Isopropyl palmitate is an emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone-based emollient that helps to smooth and soften the skin. It also helps to create a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants.
- Triethanolamine: Triethanolamine is an emulsifier that helps to blend the ingredients in the moisturizer together.
- Glyceryl stearate: Glyceryl stearate is an emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Isopropyl myristate: Isopropyl myristate is an emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Cetyl alcohol: Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that helps to thicken and soften the moisturizer.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Shea butter is a rich and creamy emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
- Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a preservative.
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a thickening agent.
- Methyl Paraben: Methyl Paraben is a preservative.
- Carbomer: Carbomer is a thickening agent.
Pros of Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue:
- Very affordable
- Safe and effective for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin
- Clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of eczema
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Occlusive, which means it helps to trap moisture in the skin
- Widely available
Cons of Vaseline Clinical Care Atopi Rescue:
- May be too thick and greasy for some people
- Contains petrolatum, which some people may prefer to avoid
How To Choose an Eczema Treatment Cream
Choosing an eczema treatment cream requires careful consideration of your specific skin condition, preferences, and any potential sensitivities you might have. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose an effective eczema treatment cream:
Consult a Healthcare Professional:
- Dermatologist: A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your eczema type and severity. They can prescribe medicated creams or offer recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Identify Your Eczema Type:
- Contact Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, etc.: Different types of eczema might require different treatments. Your doctor can help you identify your specific type.
Consider the Severity of Your Eczema:
- Mild Eczema: For mild cases, an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream might suffice.
- Moderate to Severe Eczema: Severe cases may require prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or immunomodulators like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.
Ingredients to Look For:
- Moisturizing Agents: Look for creams containing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or glycerin. These help in hydrating the skin and repairing its natural barrier.
- Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Some creams contain colloidal oatmeal, calendula, or chamomile, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Prescription Ingredients: If prescribed, use corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), or other prescribed medications as directed.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients:
- Fragrances and Dyes: Opt for fragrance-free and dye-free creams. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and worsen eczema symptoms.
Consider Your Preferences:
- Texture: Choose between creams, ointments, or lotions based on your preference. Ointments are thicker and provide more hydration.
- Ease of Application: Consider the practicality of application, especially if you need to apply the cream multiple times a day.
Patch Test:
- Allergies: Perform a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to any new cream. Apply a small amount on a small area of your skin and wait for 24-48 hours to check for adverse reactions.
Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations:
- Reviews: Read user reviews and experiences to get an idea of how effective a particular cream is for others with eczema.
- Recommendations: Ask your healthcare provider or support groups for recommendations based on their experiences.