Aqueous cream for eczema studied

The excellent 'Behind the Headlines' series take a look at prominent media stories and looks at the evidence behind the claims. 

“Moisturisers can aggravate eczema,” reported The Independent. It said that a study has found that Aqueous cream BP, the most widely prescribed moisturiser for the treatment of dry skin conditions such as eczema, actually reduces the thickness of healthy skin and aids irritation.

Behind the Headlines reported (click here to view the article) the following conclusion:

"This very small study found that in people with healthy skin, use of Aqueous cream BP was associated with a thinning of the outer layer of the skin and greater water loss compared with untreated skin. It should be noted that this did not happen in all cases, and that only 16 of 27 sampled sites were affected in this way. However, it suggests that more research is needed into the effect of this cream and the sodium lauryl sulphate it contains.

A number of different moisturisers are available for eczema. Ointments, which feel oilier than creams, are known to be better at maintaining hydration of dry skin. Anyone concerned about the effects of a particular moisturiser on the skin should discuss alternatives with their doctor."