Eczema and dry skin often cause similar symptoms, such as redness, itching, and irritation, which is why it is usually difficult to distinguish them. However, the truth is that both skin conditions are different and may require a different treatment plan, especially if you are dealing with a severe eczema flare-up.

A mild case of dry skin can be easily managed at home with regular moisturizing. Eczema usually requires a more targeted solution, like a dermatologist-developed Eczema Cream by Dermal Defense. It is specially formulated to soothe the inflammation, deeply moisturize the skin, and help restore the skin’s natural barrier.

In this blog, we will help you understand the difference between dry skin vs eczema, because an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards treatment. And explore the best treatment options for each skin condition.

Table of Contents

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dryness, itching, and irritation. Even though it is more common among children below the age of 5, anyone can experience it at any time.

Sometimes it resolves in childhood, while in most cases it becomes a lifelong skin issue and appears again and again in the form of flare-ups. The researchers believe that it is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, a compromised skin barrier, and environmental triggers.

It is more common among individuals who have a family or health history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, and allergies. Some of the common symptoms that you may notice if you have eczema are:

Itchy skin
Dryness
Redness on the skin
Irritated skin
Crusty or flaky skin
Raised bumps that may ooze (in severe cases)

During a flare-up, the symptoms become more intense and then ease during the remission period. This is why it is crucial to moisturize the skin with a hypoallergenic eczema cream during a flare-up, as it helps soothe itching, irritation, and discomfort.

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin, which most of us don’t know is scientifically known as xerosis, is one of the most common skin issues experienced worldwide. It is basically when the skin lacks essential moisture that it becomes dry and rough.

Dry skin can be caused by various factors, from extreme weather conditions, UV rays, dehydration, and excessive washing to harsh chemicals in skincare products. Some of the most common symptoms associated with dry skin are:

Flaky skin
Mild redness
Skin tightening
Rough patches
Itchiness

While some people are born with dry skin, most of the time it develops due to a lack of proper skin care and attention.

Eczema vs Dry Skin

Even though dry skin is often a symptom of eczema, and both conditions manifest similar symptoms, they are different. Here are a few key differences to help you understand the difference between eczema and dry skin.

Difference	Eczema	Dry Skin
Cause	A combination of factors, such as genetics, a compromised skin barrier, and environmental triggers	Caused by a lack of water or sufficient moisture in the skin.
Itching	Severe and intense	Mild itching
Areas Affected	Face, hands, and skin folds	Face, legs, hands,
Appearance	It is usually in the form of patches that appear on some parts of the body	When you have dry skin, you will usually experience it all over your body
Duration	Chronic, which means it can flare up from time to time	It is generally temporary, although it can be seasonal.
Treatment	Following a proper eczema skin care routine, wet wrap therapy, and, in severe cases, the use of medications.	Regular moisturizing and a few lifestyle changes

Treatment

The treatment for both conditions differ a little, only depending on the severity of the condition; however, regular moisturizing of the skin is a must-have for both.

Eczema Treatment

Eczema treatment usually focuses more on calming the itching, irritation, and redness and keeping the skin moisturized. The best and easiest way to do it is to moisturize your skin using an over-the-counter eczema cream.

Although there are many options available on the market, one of the best eczema moisturizing creams is developed by Dermal Defense. It is free from harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin, instead containing natural ingredients such as licorice root extract, glycerine, and petrolatum that help soothe the symptoms associated with eczema.

Here are a few more things that can help manage an eczema flare-up.

Cleanse your skin using an eczema shampoo and body wash at least once daily.

Moisturize the skin using a moisturizing cream for eczema twice daily.

Avoid using any skincare products that contain fragrances or skin-irritating chemicals.

Avoid taking long, hot baths.

Try avoiding the triggers that may be causing a flare-up.

In severe cases, you can consult a doctor; they may prescribe wet wrap therapy or the use of antihistamines and steroid creams to soothe the symptoms of eczema.

Dry Skin Treatment

For dry skin, along with moisturizing the skin, making a few lifestyle changes will not only help you prevent dryness but also make your skin healthy. Here are a few things that you can do to treat dry skin and prevent it in the future.

Moisturize your skin twice daily, at least, or even more than that if your skin becomes dry more often, using a fragrance-free moisturizer like Dermal Defense eczema cream, which is also formulated to hydrate dry, sensitive skin.

Never use hot water on your skin; it can strip away its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water.

Avoid using any products that contain harsh chemicals. Use a humidifier if the air in your house, office, or room becomes dry. These treatments can help you soothe your skin; however, if you are unsure about anything or are unable to decide whether you have eczema or dry skin, it is best to consult a dermatologist. A doctor can accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with a proper treatment plan.

Conclusion

Eczema and dry skin may cause similar symptoms; however, they are two different skin conditions. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for the proper treatment. Sometimes the treatment plan for eczema may differ from that for dry skin.

However, moisturizing is the first and most important step in managing both conditions. Regular moisturizing not only helps hydrate the skin but also soothes the itching, irritation, and redness.

Using a fragrance-free Eczema Cream like one by Dermal Defense can help deeply moisturize the skin, soothe the symptoms, and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier for people experiencing dry skin or eczema.

Use it at least twice daily to get the best results. If you are unsure about anything, especially whether you are dealing with eczema or dry skin, it is best to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

How to know if you have eczema or dry skin