Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that is very common in children, but can be diagnosed at any age. Symptoms include dry, itchy skin. Often caused by underlying inflammation, Eczema is known to flare periodically, and is sometimes compared to psoriasis. Asthma is most often associated with eczema. To date, no cure has been found for atopic dermatitis, but we do know that allergies are the most common cause.

The best way to keep eczema at bay is to keep the skin as clean as possible, as often as possible. Many of the soaps or shampoos you should stay away from are big name products towards which a lot of people gravitate automatically. Here are a few soaps you should avoid if you have eczema:

1. Avoid using Dial

Dial is an antibacterial soap, and it contains chemicals like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and coconut oil, and is made with acids that will dry out your skin and increase your itching. It also falls under the category of scented soaps.

2. Stay away from Irish Spring

Irish Spring is a form of strong fragrance soap. Like Dial, it will dry out your skin, and will also increase the itching. Irish Spring contains chemicals like Coconut Acid, Fragrance, and Sodium Chloride, all things you want to avoid with eczema.

3. Do not use Kirk’s

Kirk’s is among the soaps with cocamidopropyl Betaine (from coconut oil), and many chemicals found in these soaps are known to add stinging to an itch.

4. No tea tree soaps or shampoos

Tea Tree shampoo contains mint, which can irritate your skin and provoke stinging and itching if your skin is dry. Like Kirk’s, it also contains the chemical Cocamidopropyl Betaine, along with other acids and chemicals unsafe to use with a dry scalp.

If you have eczema, you may develop cracks in your skin associated with dryness and constant itching. If these symptoms get worse, it could very well be due to using the wrong soap. There are plenty of eczema-safe scented shampoos and soaps that can be used instead.