Crisco for Eczema Relief: Is It a Viable Solution?

Many individuals turn to Crisco, a popular vegetable shortening, as an economical moisturizer option. Some skin care specialists suggest it can be an effective substitute for traditional emollients used in managing eczema symptoms.

Crisco is primarily composed of solidified palm and soybean oils, typically used in cooking. However, dermatologists occasionally recommend it as a soothing agent for dry or eczema-prone skin due to its moisturizing properties.

While scientific studies specifically examining Crisco’s effectiveness for eczema are limited, it presents a cost-effective alternative to commonly prescribed barrier creams such as Aquaphor or Vaseline. These products help retain moisture and protect the skin from irritants, which is crucial in eczema care.

Here’s an updated overview of using vegetable shortening like Crisco to alleviate eczema discomfort.

Does Crisco Really Help Eczema?

A 2021 review highlights that Crisco can help lock in skin hydration, a fundamental aspect of reducing eczema-related issues such as:

• Inflammation
• Itching
• Severity of flare-ups

Dermatologist Margaret Lee, in a National Eczema Association article, endorses vegetable shortening for eczema patients due to its affordability and moisturizing efficiency.

Other plant-based oils like avocado, borage, jojoba, and almond oil have also been noted in a 2018 review to support skin barrier regulation, decrease inflammation, and promote healing.

The 2021 review further recommends budget-friendly, fragrance-free, low pH, and oil-based emollients for sensitive skin, criteria that Crisco fulfills. Household staples like petroleum jelly and virgin coconut oil are also effective and economical choices.

Buying Crisco in bulk can provide sustained relief and cost savings for those managing eczema symptoms over time.

How to Apply Crisco for Eczema

For maximum benefit, apply Crisco immediately after bathing when the skin is still slightly damp. Instead of drying off completely, gently pat your skin to retain moisture.

Take a small amount of Crisco, warm it between your palms, and gently massage it onto affected areas, following the direction of hair growth. Avoid vigorous rubbing to prevent irritation.

Apply this moisturizing barrier at least twice daily, increasing to four times if your skin feels extremely dry.

Possible Precautions and Risks

Consulting a dermatologist before incorporating Crisco into your eczema care routine is advisable. If professional guidance isn’t accessible, perform a patch test by applying a small amount to the inner arm and monitoring for 24 hours to rule out adverse reactions.

Although allergic responses to Crisco are uncommon, those with food allergies might be at greater risk. Its thick texture may also clog pores in some skin types, potentially causing irritation.

Due to limited scientific evidence supporting Crisco for eczema, healthcare providers often recommend specially formulated treatments. Many eczema cases require comprehensive management, including prescription medications like steroid creams or biologics.

Alternative Moisturizers to Consider

While Crisco is cost-effective, other barrier creams may offer enhanced benefits. Alternatives include:

• Generic petroleum jelly (additive-free)
• Vaseline
• Aquaphor
• Virgin coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Shea butter
• Hydrocortisone cream

The National Eczema Association endorses additive-free petroleum jelly and mineral oil as safe, effective, and affordable moisturizers. Natural oils such as argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and rosehip also provide beneficial hydration.

Some products contain additional ingredients like ceramides that further support skin moisture retention.

Discover more about top-rated lotions for eczema management.

Final Thoughts

Crisco and similar vegetable shortenings can be affordable, practical barrier creams to ease eczema symptoms. Generic petroleum jelly and mineral oil are also reliable options.

Always perform a patch test before widespread use to ensure no allergic reaction occurs. Although rare, individuals with food allergies should exercise caution due to a potentially increased risk of skin irritation from Crisco.

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