Researchers at Bath University found that aqueus cream may actually make eczema worse. The product is intended as an alternative to soap, and GPs often prescribe it as a moisturiser.
Research showed that the cream thins the skin because it contains a detergent as well as moisturisers. The detergent is sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a fairly heavy-duty but also cheap detergent which is used to mix the oils to form a creamy texture. SLS is also widely used in shower gels and cosmetics.
For eczema it is therefore preferable to use oil-based ointments. The E45 range does not contain SLS.
Research at Bath University, 2010
