Millions of people in the United States alone have eczema. All of them are looking for a way to relieve the itchiness and irritation that this skin condition can cause. Often, they rely on over-the-counter treatments that are used for dry skin. Products such as lotion and shea butter are frequently recommended. Affiliated Dermatology® has helped many patients see relief far beyond their own attempts, often with equally affordable over-the-counter solutions. In this article, we’ll discuss how shea butter helps with eczema and why it might not be the only option for the best results.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It’s a chronic condition that can get better at times and then flare up again. The triggers for these flare-ups and the severity of which they occur vary wildly from person to person. Because eczema prevents the skin from retaining moisture properly, conventional methods of treating dry skin don’t always work, and what works for someone with a mild case might not work for someone with a more severe occurrence.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Eczema
Shea butter is a common way people deal with dry skin. It’s a fat that comes from the nuts of the shea tree. There are a number of reasons why people prefer shea butter over lotions and other moisturizers for dry skin, especially when a medical condition like eczema causes it. However, it isn’t always the best choice for such conditions, so it’s important to have the complete picture before making a healthcare decision.
Pros
- Moisturizing Properties: Shea butter is rich not only in fatty acids but also in vitamins. This makes it a powerful skin moisturizer.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The substance contains many anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to reduce redness and swelling.
- Accessibility and Affordability: Shea butter is widely available and more affordable than some other eczema treatments.
Cons
- Not a Cure: Shea butter doesn’t address the underlying causes or triggers of eczema and, therefore, can’t reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people are allergic to shea butter but aren’t made aware until after application, which can make an already troublesome eczema flare-up worse.
- Potential for Acne: Shea butter can clog pores, leading to acne breakouts, especially in those already prone to them.
- Inconsistent Quality: The quality of shea butter can vary significantly depending on the brand and source.
- Temporary Relief: The relief it provides is short-lived, so continuous application is required to keep the symptoms away.
- Ineffective for Severe Eczema: Shea butter alone won’t manage a severe case of eczema effectively.
How We Treat Eczema
Affiliated Dermatology® provides expert solutions for various skin conditions, including eczema, ensuring your skin is healthy once more. Our medical teams use advanced technology and treatment options, ranging from topical products to chemical peels.
The treatment chosen will be tailored to your specific skin conditions.
For mild eczema, we may recommend over-the-counter creams and antihistamines. These may suffice for some cases, though choosing the right ones and the right combination is important.
Persistent cases may require stronger interventions. This could include steroid creams or prescription-strength antihistamines.
Whether the solution is over-the-counter or prescription, proper use and monitoring of results is required to get the best results. Your dermatologist will monitor your condition and ensure that your treatment is providing you with the best benefit possible.
See How Affiliated Dermatologists Can Help With Eczema
As a chronic and uncomfortable condition, many people are looking for relief from eczema. The internet is filled with conflicting and often bad advice about how to deal with it. Some may make it worse. Others, like shea butter, might make you think the problem is better but be a much less effective solution than what’s possible. If eczema is a major part of your life, you deserve to see the benefits of proper treatment. The medical team at Affiliated Dermatology® can show you what’s possible from eczema relief. To learn more, contact us for an appointment today.
Image Credit: Ternavskaia Olga Alibec / Shutterstock
