Original Chapstick on Eczema

[heather1109]

My son is 3 years old and has suffered from eczema since he was born.  He is allergic to almost everything and his allergies react in an eczema breakout.  He gets eczema under his nose alot and my parents have been putting Chapstick Original on the skin under his nose (without my knowledge) for a while.  I opened it and it smells like menthol.  Fragrances break him out, so I asked them not to put it on him.  They argued that they have been using it for a long time and it doesn't hurt him.  I looked up the ingredients and there are a couple kinds of alcohols in the ingredients, along with fragrance and lots of other things I don't know how to say or spell.  Am I over reacting, is it safe for them to use chapstick on eczema, or is it further hurting the condition?  Please help me so I can pass correct information on to my parents, since they choose not to listen to me!  Thanks!  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).Fragrances,menthol and other greasy creams can also precipitate it.When ever an outbreak of eczema occurs,wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can also give some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers which are grease and fragrance free to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries

[e555]

I have eczema but I also get bad reactions to chapstick and neosporin when I apply to an open wound.  So yeah, it aggravates my skin even more.  My skin is not extremely sensitive but I always use fragrance free lotion.  Fragrance in lotion, moisturizer, etc can irritate the skin even if unnoticed.  If you have sensitive skin, it would be even more irritating.  Menthol is also an irritant.  I only use it to temporarily soothe away the AWFUL itchiness of eczema (it's better than scratching).  If your son reacts to fragrances, I don't understand why you should continue its use.  There are other products that aren't as harsh as chapstick.  Try vaseline instead.