Eczema. You know what it is (sort of), you’ve heard about it (your SO’s friend’s baby had it once), and you’re pretty confident you could spell it out loud if you were a contestant on Wheel of Fortune (no, there’s no X in Eczema, Pat). And yet, the red, patchy and itchy flakes are often mistaken for dry skin. But they’re not and regular lotion will not be the fix. Here’s what you need to know.
First, having eczema is not contagious and it’s super common. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the population has the skin condition, also known as dermatitis (a.k.a: dry and inflamed skin). Often, you’ll have it because it’s hereditary or you suffer from hayfever or asthma. Even your favourite, old-man wool cardigan and work stress can trigger the rash-like condition.
Second, when you have it, specialty skincare products like Gold Bond, Ultimate Eczema Relief Cream are your new, must-have wingman.
Complete with one per cent hydrocortisone—a low and over-the-counter dosage of steroids specifically qualified to combat the rashy, dry inflammation of eczema— these creams can reduce and eliminate symptoms like itching and redness, as well as the scaly and bumpy patches on your face and hands and even on the insides of your elbows and behind your knees. Plus, they’re dermatologist tested and they’re fragrance free. All you have to do is rub the cream on before you go to bed at night and let the formulation do its work.
Gold Bond, Ultimate Eczema Relief Cream is $12.50, available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
