Which skincare approach is appropriate for Eczema/Dermatitis?

• A. Barrier repair, fragrance-free products, avoid irritants
• B. Use strong perfumes, avoid barrier repair
• C. Use harsh soaps
• D. Avoid moisturisers

Answer: (A)

Managing eczema and dermatitis centers on restoring and protecting the skin’s barrier. When the barrier is damaged, the skin loses moisture and becomes more vulnerable to irritants and allergens, which can worsen itching and inflammation. The best approach is to use barrier-repairing moisturizers that replenish lipids like ceramides and form a seal to lock in moisture, helping the skin recover and stay hydrated. Fragrance-free formulations reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, which is especially important for sensitive, affected skin. Keeping irritants to a minimum—avoiding harsh cleansers, heavy perfumes, and known irritants—supports healing and minimizes flare-ups. Regularly moisturizing with a simple, fragrance-free product is central to this approach. In contrast, using strong perfumes, harsh soaps, or skipping moisturizers can further irritate and dry out the skin, making symptoms worse.