Dr. Varun Shrivastava
18-Sep-2026
Barrier repair is an important long-term part of eczema management.
By Dr. Varun Shrivastava, MD Dermatologist & consulting Dermatologist at NAOS India
When I talk to patients about eczema, one thing I always like to clarify is this: eczema is not just dry skin. There is an underlying dysfunction of the skin barrier.
Normally, your skin acts as a protective layer. It helps retain moisture while keeping irritants, allergens and environmental triggers out. In eczema-prone skin, this barrier is weaker. The skin loses water more easily and becomes more sensitive to things that would otherwise not cause a problem. This is why patients may experience dryness, itching, redness, burning and recurrent flare-ups.
In some individuals, abnormalities in proteins such as filaggrin can also contribute to impaired barrier function.
So, barrier repair is an important long-term part of eczema management. Keep your routine simple: use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, avoid very hot or prolonged showers, and moisturise regularly. Ideally, apply your moisturiser soon after bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp. Ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and petrolatum can help improve hydration and reduce water loss.
But there is one misconception I want to emphasise: moisturiser alone does not treat an active eczema flare. If the skin is significantly red, inflamed or itchy, we need to control that inflammation. This is where consulting a board-certified dermatologist is of utmost importance. The potency and duration of treatment, as well as the site of application, matter — especially when treating areas such as the face, eyelids and skin folds.
And please don’t keep experimenting with multiple products. Fragrances, essential oils, harsh cleansers, scrubs and unnecessary exfoliation can further irritate an already compromised skin barrier.
With eczema, I always say: keep it simple, treat the inflammation, and protect the barrier. The goal isn’t just to calm today’s flare; it is to keep the skin stable, comfortable and less prone to the next one.
