Eczema Cream: Insights from a Healthcare Professional

Did you know that Atopic Dermatitis significantly impacts sleep, especially in children? This in turn affects their quality of life and that of the entire family. Mustela’s chief Dermatologist and Advisor for Scientific Communication, Dr Clarence de Belilovsky shares insights in a recent Q&A

What is Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or Eczema, and how does it happen?

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or eczema, is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, pruritic disease. Sometimes called “the itch that rashes”. It results from the interaction between the child and its environment. Atopic Dermatitis is genetically determined. If 1 parent is atopic, the child has a 40-50% risk of developing AD and this increases up to 80% if both parents are atopic. The genetic background predisposes individuals to AD in the presence of environmental triggers such as allergens, weather conditions, etc. The microbiome is also very important in AD because atopic skin often has an imbalanced microbiome which can make the skin more susceptible to infections and flare-ups.

How does AD affect sleep and quality of life?

AD significantly impacts sleep and quality of life, especially in children. The constant itching can lead to frequent waking and disturbed sleep, affecting mood, behavior, and daily activities. In children, AD may interfere with quality of life more than many other skin conditions. AD can cause irritability in small children and toddlers, reduced school performance in older children and children with AD has shown to have poorer sleep compared to other children without AD. Long-term, lack of sleep can cause behavioural and neurocognitive effects.

For parents, it means sleepless nights and increased stress, impacting the entire family’s well-being.

How do you treat eczema?

Prevention relies mostly on probiotics intake and daily emollients applications from birth with a minimum duration of 2 months (up to 24 months), mostly for neonates with a familial background of Atopy.

All treatment guidelines recommend regular or daily emollient application, whatever the severity. They may be applied alone or complementary to treatment. Emollients with corticosteroid-sparing effect helps manage the condition effectively, allowing patients to reduce the need for corticosteroids. Whatever emollients are used, these must trigger skin barrier function to address dryness, inflammation, itching and microbiome balance.

Finding a product with your ideal formulation and texture can influence efficacy and compliance. Lastly, education of parents is key for better treatment and adherence. It is important for parents to distinguish dry areas or chronic eczema where the use of an emollient is appropriate vs inflammatory zones where topical corticosteroids might be needed.

What should parents look for when choosing dermatitis atopic cream?

Parents should look for products that provide deep hydration, soothe inflammation, and support a healthy skin barrier. Ingredients like Sunflower Oil Distillate, Prebiotic Bioecolia®, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Sunflower Oil are beneficial. It’s also important to choose products that are safe, natural, and suitable for sensitive skin, like Mustela Stelatopia range.

Which cream is the best cream for eczema?

Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream is designed to provide immediate and long-lasting relief from the symptoms of AD. It delivers deep hydration, reduces dryness, and soothes the skin with ingredients like Sunflower Oil Distillate and Prebiotic Bioecolia®. By calming the skin and reducing inflammation, it helps minimise nighttime itching and waking, leading to better sleep quality. Better sleep for children means better sleep for parents, reducing stress and improving the family’s overall well-being.

What clinical benefits have been observed with Stelatopia+?

Clinical studies have shown that Stelatopia+ Lipid-replenishing Cream significantly improves skin condition and reduces symptoms of AD. For children aged 3 months to 8 years, it improved hydration and reduced dryness. Adults aged 18 to 65 experienced better skin barrier function and reduced eczema symptoms. Pregnant women aged 20 to 36 reported reduced skin tightness and improved overall skin condition. These improvements contribute to better sleep and enhanced quality of life.

Is Stelatopia+ suitable for all ages and skin types?

Yes, Stelatopia+ is suitable for all ages and have been clinically tested across 3 groups: children including newborns, adults, and pregnant women. Its 99% natural origin formula is vegan and certified organic, ensuring it is safe and effective for everyone. The soft, non-sticky texture encourages regular use, making it easy to incorporate into daily skincare routines. 

Can Stelatopia+ be used alongside steroid treatments for eczema?

Yes, Stelatopia+ can be used alongside steroid treatments for atopic dermatitis. While steroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups, Stelatopia+ provides daily hydration and helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Using Stelatopia+ regularly can complement steroid treatments by maintaining skin health, reducing the frequency of flare-ups, and potentially minimising the need for steroids over time. Always consult with a doctor before combining treatments to ensure the best care plan for your family.