# Best soap for eczema? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 30, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803 "2018-01-30T14:30:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/1 "2018-01-30T14:30:39Z")
Okay, I’m finally convinced, regular bar soaps are really bad for eczema-ravaged skin. Even if the name sounds all soft and moisturizer-y (i.e. Irish Spring w/Aloe) What are the best bar soaps for eczema? Preferably something that’s easy to find in the supermarket or drug store, instead of specialty stores. Hand soaps too, though I’m no fan of body washes. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/2 "2018-01-30T15:34:10Z")
Your best best for a suitable find would be something from [Cetaphil](https://www.cetaphil.com/gentle-skin-cleansing-bar) or [CeraVe](https://www.cerave.com/our-products/cleansers/hydrating-cleanser-bar). Technically, they’re not soap but “cleansing bars” but they look like soap and you use them like soap. There are other brands, including generic/housebrands, of this sort of thing. They tend to NOT be in the “soap aisle” with the heavily perfumed, heavily marketed soaps and bodywashes but more in the skin care aisle. CeraVe has products targeted specifically at eczema sufferers, and Cetaphil was recommended to me by a dermatologist for my extremely sensitive skin (including eczema, although mine is relatively mild). ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/3 "2018-01-30T15:51:48Z")
Broomstick beat me to it. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/4 "2018-01-30T17:05:49Z")
Yeah, soaps are too alkalinic. It has been shown that those with atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) can benefit from not breaking down the natural acid mantle of the skin with soap, as well as those with no skin conditions. I started a thread last year about switching to a syndet: > [@](#): > > **Syndet bars** > > Syndet (synthetic detergent) bars have a nonsoap synthetic surfactant such as fatty acid isothionates, sulfosuccinic acid esters as their principal ingredient. Synthetic surfactants unlike soaps are not manufactured by saponification and their structure is often tailored to impart specific properties to the molecule. Syndets have a neutral or slightly acidic pH and are less irritating to skin and do not form a soap scum layer. Transmission electron microscopy has demonstrated that skin washed with synthetic detergents has shown well-preserved lipid and protein regions compared to significant damage to both after washing with soap.[7] The relatively high free fatty acid content of synthetic detergent bars provide a moisturizing benefit that help to maintain skin hydration.[3] Compared to soap: > [@](#): > > **Adverse effects of soaps** > Harsh cleansers such as soaps are known to cause: > > 1. After wash tightness it is a sensation of tightness perceived 5–10 min after washing with a soap. Rapid evaporation of water from the skin surface causes this tightness.[7] > > 2. Skin dryness, scaling and roughness-lipid solvents such as acetone, alcohols and even nonionic surfactants can cause dryness of the skin.[7] Cold weather and low humidity can aggravate these effects. > > 3. Skin irritation–skin irritation along with erythema and itching following the use of harsh soaps are mainly due to damage to the skin barrier.[7] > > 4. Allergic contact dermatitis to the fragrances, preservatives, or dyes present in some soaps. > **[CLEANSERS AND THEIR ROLE IN VARIOUS DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088928/)** > > The art of cleansing has progressed immensely over several thousand years from simply scraping the skin to an exercise in relaxation and improvement in the skin's health and appearance in the present day. Soaps – the basic cleansing agent has ... Since then no more dry skin in the winters. The difference for me was huge. Syndets are also recommended for those with eczema: > [@](#): > > 1. Syndets are more efficient than soaps in removing > dirt and bacteria from human skin. As this is > linked to their emulsifying properties, skin lipids > necessarily are also removed to a greater extent, > and the skin becomes rougher because its waterbinding > properties are influenced. > > 2. Syndets other than soaps do not sensitize, hence > eczema-prone patients can use syndets under > certain circumstances. > > 3. Syndets do not bind calcium and magnesium. This > would otherwise lead to deposits that cause itch > and then give rise to exacerbation in eczema-prone > patients, so that these individuals can use syndets. > > 4. Syndets can be acidified. In particular, it is possible > to adjust a pH of 5.7 –6.0 in order to protect the > acid mantle of the skin. This also prevents the > swelling of the epidermis that is seen when soap is > used. > **[Syndets in the Treatment of Atopic Eczema](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/3-540-29856-8_51)** > > 'Syndets in the Treatment of Atopic Eczema' published in 'Handbook of Atopic Eczema' It’s important to avoid breaking down the acid-mantle of he skin, which is what alkaline soaps do. The syndet I use is Vanicream. In the OP there are more quotes from studies and dermatologist recommendations regarding the disadvantages of soap and the advantages of syndets. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=819149](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=819149) ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/5 "2018-02-01T22:31:00Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Your best best for a suitable find would be something from [Cetaphil](https://www.cetaphil.com/gentle-skin-cleansing-bar) or [CeraVe](https://www.cerave.com/our-products/cleansers/hydrating-cleanser-bar). Technically, they’re not soap but “cleansing bars” but they look like soap and you use them like soap. Thanks for the recommend. I found some Cetaphil soap at CVS and it seems to work pretty well. Another question for eczema sufferers – I see a lot of recommendations against using extremely hot/cold water and that one should only take lukewarm baths & showers. However, in my experience, I find that taking a really hot shower (as in, hot as you can stand it) actually helps reduce the itching by a lot. It does kinda make me feel like Karen Silkwood for some time afterwards (though less so with the Cetaphil soap) but overall I think it feels better. Or am I potentially causing myself harm by continuing to do this? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/6 "2018-02-01T23:30:09Z")
My personal experience (which is only my personal experience) is that if my skin is intact that a hot shower or bath is fine, but NOT daily. I cut back to no more than 1 hot soak bath a week (\*\>sigh\< \* - I love a good hot soak…). The problem seems to be more with drying my skin out than anything else, as dry skin worsens eczema. When my skin is inflamed, though, lukewarm or _slightly_ warmer than lukewarm seems to work best at not causing further irritation. You mileage may vary, of course. Listen to your body. If hot showers aren’t causing a problem I wouldn’t worry about it too much. If cutting back on them improves your skin, well, only take them occasionally. ---
**Author:** ![Tee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@Tee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tee)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/7 "2018-02-02T00:32:09Z")
> [@buddha\_david](#): > > Thanks for the recommend. I found some Cetaphil soap at CVS and it seems to work pretty well. > > Another question for eczema sufferers – I see a lot of recommendations against using extremely hot/cold water and that one should only take lukewarm baths & showers. However, in my experience, I find that taking a really hot shower (as in, hot as you can stand it) actually helps reduce the itching by a lot. It does kinda make me feel like Karen Silkwood for some time afterwards (though less so with the Cetaphil soap) but overall I think it feels better. Or am I potentially causing myself harm by continuing to do this? It’s mid-winter so I take one or two hot baths a week, and the rest of the time it’s lukewarm showers to avoid exacerbating dry skin. I’ve had very good luck with J.R. Watkins body wash. My local pharmacy has it in stock. Prior to that was Eucerin Skin Calming body wash and that’s good too. I’m itch-free after showers now, and didn’t think such a thing was possible. The last time I ran out of body wash, I thought the Dove soap bar would be okay if I just used a little bit of it. Hah, no. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/8 "2018-02-02T02:22:14Z")
Ivory soap, luke warm water. Good moisturizer. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/9 "2018-02-02T04:15:54Z")
If you take baths at all, I highly recommend an oatmeal bath additive, like Aveeno, it really soothes the itch. It’s not a substitute for soap but it can make you feel a lot better. I was always told that hot water might feel good in the short term but it dries your skin out and thereby makes the eczema worse. I had a hard time with that, I hated the feel of just warm water in a shower, so I just made sure to use lots of Aveeno lotion afterwards. However, mostly nowadays I control my dermatitis by tanning. Most of the year, 10 minutes once a week is enough to keep it well under control. Yes, I know the risks of tanning but all things considered it seems the least problematic and most effective solution, at least for me. ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/10 "2018-02-02T17:51:42Z")
I’ve had eczema all my life. A few years ago (I don’t remember exactly when), I started to take it more seriously, and rather than just asking the doctor for – ugh, I can’t think of the name of it! The cream they prescribe for eczema, I started being more proactive in eliminating potential sources of irritation. My best piece of advice is to pay attention to fabrics. If I know I’ll be staying in a hotel room I bring my own towel so I don’t have to use their heavily starched ones. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the threads in sheets, comforters, and blankets. I once eradicated a flare-up that lasted for months by buying a new comforter. And pay attention to the detergents you use – when I was a child I had to do my own laundry separate from the rest of my families, since my skin was reacting poorly to fabric softener. To directly answer your question about soap, the best thing I’ve found to do is to look for unscented stuff. Seriously, unscented soap is going to be better than anything scented, even if the scented stuff is labeled “for sensitive skin”! I can’t really recommend specific brands because as long as it’s unscented, my skin has been okay with it. Though beware, I once bought a soap that was labeled “argan oil,” and I presumed it was unscented because it didn’t list any scent on the label and argan oil is unscented. Turns out it was scented and I had to give it to my husband. Things specifically labeled “unscented” are your best bet. And to directly answer your other question, about showering with hot water: I shower with hot water twice a day (not lukewarm, hot). I haven’t had a flare-up in a long time. Now of course, just because I can do it doesn’t mean you can, but if you’re diligent about controlling your environment otherwise, reducing the temperature on your shower water may not be necessary. (I mean, I’m sure it’s BETTER for your skin to use cooler water. But the thought of showering with anything other than hot water makes me shudder, so at least for me, I would be willing to try a lot of other things before resorting to that!!!) ETA: I’ve stopped taking whatever-the-name-of-that-cream-is, too. Just controlling my environment has completely stopped the flare-ups. ETA#2: Hydrocortisone cream ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-soap-for-eczema/807803/11 "2018-02-02T20:14:12Z")
Here’s a post I made a couple of years ago. Look for [syndet](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_asi_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asyndet&keywords=syndet&ie=UTF8&qid=1517602427) creams or bars: > [@I haven't had even the mildest breakout of eczema in over 18 months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-havent-had-even-the-mildest-breakout-of-eczema-in-over-18-months/781793/1): > > I’m currently 51. Starting in my early 20’s I started having small isolated break-outs on my scalp. This continued on and off for about a 10 years, until I started experimenting with less harsh shampoos with more natural ingredients. I discovered that using more natural shampoos without the harsh chemicals, that my scalp wouldn’t break out. > > Then around age 35, I started having mild breakouts of eczema on my legs below my knees and on the backs of my hands. It would come and go. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed a steroid cream that help fight back the flare ups. I’d have a month or so free of eczema, and then another flare up would occur. The break outs never were beyond mild cases, but it would still itch like hell, and made wearing shorts in the summer self conscious at times. I experimented using milder body washes, etc. but never found anything consistently that would permanently fix the problem. > > If you have never had eczema, it’s a pain in the ass. While the steroid creams help, they aren’t prophylactic, they treat the symptoms. Also for whatever reason, where I live there is a shortage of dermatologists and it takes a minimum of 6 months to get in to just see the physician’s assistant ¶ of my dermatologist. I also tried every type of body moisturizer including the ones branded a for helping with eczema. Again, the ingredients in the moisturizers would help sooth the itching but only temporarily. > > About a year and a half ago, I gave up using a body wash poof for cleaning in the shower and went back to just using my hands to clean myself. And more recently I switched from using a more natural less harsh body wash to using a synthetic detergent (syndet) which is designed to have a pH factor closer to the human body. > > I haven’t had a single eczema flare-up/break out in the last 18 months. I credit the primary contributor is giving up the poof, but the syndet I feel is adding to less irritation to my skin. I’ll never go back to using a poof, those things are horrible for your skin, bacteria filled scraping devices. > > It’s nice to be itch free for the last year and a half.