5 Surprising Eczema Products No One Talks About

Atopic dermatitis goes far beyond dry skin. From scalp sprays to laundry products, these surprising essentials can make everyday itch far easier to manage.

If you ask someone living with atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema, what they use daily, the answers sound predictable: moisturiser, emollient cream, gentle cleanser and perhaps a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream prescribed by their doctor.

After living with eczema for a while, one quickly become experts in the basics. But here’s the part no one talks about: at some point, you realise the “standard list” does not quite cover real life.

The itch shows up in places you never expected.

Irritation comes from things you never thought twice about.

And before long, you find yourself reaching for products that were never on any eczema checklist, but somehow end up becoming essentials.

In this article, we explore five surprising items you may not know could make a big difference in eczema management.

First of All, Why Does Eczema Pop Up in Such Unexpected Places?

Atopic dermatitis is fundamentally a barrier disorder. The skin loses moisture quickly and becomes vulnerable to triggers: sweat, heat, fabrics, saliva, hair products, low humidity, dust mites and even fabric and laundry detergents.

Because of this, eczema can appear:

• Along the scalp and hairline
• Around the mouth
• On the eyelids
• Behind the ears
• On the neck and chest
• Around the nose
• On hands washed too often
• And wherever the barrier is repeatedly irritated

This explains why many patients find themselves expanding their skincare routine far beyond moisturisers.

1. Scalp Spray for Eczema on the Scalp

People expect eczema to stay on the arms, legs or neck, until the scalp begins itching and flaking too.

Scalp eczema is often mistaken for dandruff. The flakes look similar, but the underlying issue is different. Dandruff is usually linked to yeast imbalance; eczema-related scalp irritation is driven by dryness, sensitivity and inflammation.

Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients that can sting or strip the scalp further. This is where scalp sprays formulated for eczema come in.

A good scalp spray:

• Hydrates without leaving greasy residue
• Calms inflammation with soothing agents
• Does not contain alcohol, fragrance or irritating preservatives
• Can be applied directly onto itchy spots, even under styled hair

For example, the TOS Skin Scalp Relief Spray contains plant-derived hydrators for moisture, while graphene water and neuropeptides help calm inflammation. Its heptapeptide complex has also been shown in both in vivo and in vitro studies to support a healthy scalp microbiota and strengthen a compromised skin barrier.

A lightweight spray bridges the gap between medication and shampoos, offering targeted relief for a commonly overlooked area.

People who benefit most from scalp sprays include those who:

• Experience eczema flare-ups after sweating
• React to hair dye or styling products
• Have eczema behind the ears or along the hairline where creams may be messy to apply

2. Lip Balm for Eczema Around the Lips

Perioral eczema (eczema around the lips) is relatively common, and also an irritating area to have eczema. The skin here is thin and exposed to triggers like saliva, food residue, spicy meals and habitual lip licking. Eczema symptoms can make something as simple as washing face and brushing teeth difficult, as the area is swollen and tender.

Many commercial lip balms contain fragrances, mint, citrus oil or lanolin, which are all potential irritants for the sensitive skin around the lips.

An eczema-safe lip balm should:

• Be fragrance-free and flavour-free
• Contain ceramides or petrolatum
• Form a barrier that prevents saliva-related irritation
• Avoid menthol, camphor, lanolin, beeswax blends and essential oils

While a simple petrolatum jelly may work, you can also consider getting products that are specially formulated for dry, cracked and sensitive lips.

For instance, the Eucerin Lip Active contains . Dexpanthenol, which both hydrates and reduces inflammation. The Vitamin E in the formula soothe, moisturise and protect against everyday external factors such as UV exposure and low hydration.

Other tips include:

• Keeping the lip area moisturised prevents micro-cracks that trigger the itch–scratch cycle.
• It also protects the delicate skin from irritation during meals or mask-wearing. For many people, switching to a safe lip balm reduces flare-ups dramatically.

3. Sunscreen That Works for Sensitive Skin

Many people with eczema avoid sunscreen because it stings, burns, or causes flare-ups. However, sunscreen is a crucial part of skincare especially for those with eczema, because UV exposure can worsen inflammation and disrupt the barrier further.

Sensitive-skin-friendly sunscreens generally:

• Use mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Avoid alcohol, fragrance and chemical filters known to irritate
• Are labelled “for sensitive skin” or “paediatric”
• Have a creamy texture rather than a gel formula
• Do not contain mint, citrus or essential oils

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion uses only mineral filters, which means it forms a protective barrier on the skin to result in sun protection.

CeraVe sunscreens also include ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to support skin barrier and keep skin hydrated and protected.

Sunscreen prevents heat-triggered inflammation, reduces stinging during outdoor activities, and protects fragile skin from environmental stress. For individuals who flare in hot weather, a sunscreen that works can be a game-changer.

4. Unscented Laundry Detergents

Laundry detergent is a secret eczema trigger, especially in humid climates where sweat and residual detergent sit against the skin all day.

Many mainstream detergents contain fragrance, brighteners, preservatives or dyes, all of which can irritate compromised skin.

Fragrance-free laundry pods or gentle liquid formulas can significantly reduce flare opportunities. The Persil Sensitive Liquid Detergent is a possible option with its hypoallergenic formulation that is dermatologically tested and approved by the Skin Health Alliance.

Switching detergent may seem like a small lifestyle tweak, but for people with AD, it can reduce surprise flare-ups more reliably than many realise.

5. Gentle Tissues

When you have eczema-prone skin, even wiping your nose can cause irritation. Air-conditioning, haze season and allergies can make the delicate skin around the nostrils red, raw and inflamed.

Regular tissues can contain bleach, fragrances, dyes and softening chemicals that can potentially irritate eczema-prone skin, especially when you wipe repeatedly throughout the day.

Sensitive users may opt for unbleached, plant-based bamboo tissues, such as Plant-Based Unbleached Bamboo Compact Facial Tissues by Cloversoft. They are naturally soft, skip harsh processing chemicals, and are gentler on the delicate skin around the nose and mouth. 

Every wipe causes far less friction and irritation. It is a small switch with a surprisingly big impact.

Final Verdict

Eczema is a lifelong condition for many, and triggers can come in unexpected ways. Wiping your nose, licking your lips or doing your laundry wrong could possibly be exacerbating your eczema flares.

Small tools add up to a calmer, more manageable daily experience.

Nonetheless, if eczema spreads, becomes infected, disrupts sleep, or does not respond to good skincare and trigger management, consult a doctor. They can assess your condition to see if medicated creams, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory options and systemic treatments may be necessary to treat your eczema, on top of these lifestyle changes.

Note: You would have seen product links in this article for ease of access. Medical Channel Asia does not earn any commission from these links, and they are included to support readers exploring eczema-friendly options.