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Eczema can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions for both children and adults. The constant itching, sore patches, dry skin and disrupted sleep can take a toll on everyday life, affecting comfort, confidence and wellbeing.

For parents, the challenge can feel even greater. Watching a child scratch until their skin becomes red and irritated, or seeing them struggle to sleep because of discomfort, often leads to a long search for products and routines that genuinely help.

Many families spend years trying different creams, lotions and remedies in the hope of finding something that soothes symptoms without causing further irritation. Over time, it is common for parents to become increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they use, often gravitating towards formulations made with naturally derived ingredients and fewer harsh additives.

While no single product will work for everyone, there is growing interest in ingredients with a long history of traditional use for calming dry, irritated and sensitive skin.

Understanding Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness and irritation. It can affect people of all ages, although it is particularly common in children.

Symptoms often include:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Intense itching
• Red or inflamed patches
• Cracked skin
• Thickened skin caused by scratching
• Sleep disruption due to discomfort

Eczema tends to fluctuate, with periods of relative calm interrupted by flare-ups. Common triggers include:

• Temperature changes
• Stress
• Dust mites and allergens
• Harsh soaps and detergents
• Certain fabrics
• Environmental irritants

One of the key challenges with eczema is that the skin barrier becomes compromised, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and protect itself from irritants.

Why Skin Hydration Matters

Healthy skin acts as a protective barrier, helping to keep moisture in and irritants out.

When eczema develops, that barrier weakens. This allows moisture to escape more easily through a process known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), contributing to the dryness, itching and inflammation associated with the condition.

This is why moisturising remains one of the most important aspects of eczema management. Keeping the skin hydrated can help support the barrier function, reduce discomfort and improve overall skin health.

The challenge for many families is finding products that provide effective hydration without introducing ingredients that may aggravate sensitive skin.

Looking Beyond Conventional Skincare

After years of managing eczema, many parents become familiar with lengthy ingredient lists and the trial-and-error process of finding products that suit their children’s skin.

Interest in naturally derived ingredients has grown significantly in recent years, particularly those with a history of use in traditional skincare practices. Ingredients such as oats, chamomile, calendula, turmeric and milk-based formulations continue to attract attention because of their gentle reputation and skin-supporting properties.

One particularly interesting ingredient now appearing in skincare formulations is donkey milk.

The Ancient Benefits of Donkey Milk

Donkey milk has been valued for centuries. It dates back to ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra famously used donkey milk as part of her beauty rituals to help maintain soft, hydrated skin.

Historically, donkey milk was also used to soothe babies and children with skin sensitivities because of its naturally gentle properties.

Often referred to as a “hypoallergenic milk”, donkey milk is considered one of the closest animal milks to human breast milk in composition. This similarity makes it less likely to trigger irritation compared with many other dairy-derived ingredients.

Donkey milk naturally contains:

• Amino acids
• Lactoferrin
• Lysozyme
• Antimicrobial proteins
• High levels of vitamin C

These nutrients are believed to help support the needs of dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

The Soothing Potential of Turmeric

Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for a wide range of purposes, including supporting skin health. It is particularly valued for its soothing properties and its traditional use in helping calm irritated skin.

One challenge with turmeric is that it can be difficult for the skin to absorb effectively when applied topically. Modern skincare formulations have sought to address this through specialised delivery systems that help maximise its benefits.

A New Option for Sensitive Skin

Hydrosil has recently introduced Turmeric Butter & Hypoallergenic Milk Salve, formulated specifically for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin in both children and adults.

The salve combines several carefully selected ingredients designed to support hydration and comfort.

Donkey Milk

The formula includes donkey milk as a key ingredient, providing naturally occurring vitamins, proteins and amino acids that may help support delicate skin.

Biochemica® Turmeric Butter

The salve contains patented Biochemica® Turmeric Butter, a 100% organic skin butter developed to help deliver turmeric’s soothing properties more effectively.

According to hydration testing, Biochemica® Turmeric Butter outperformed cocoa butter in moisturising very dry skin after two hours. It was also shown to help reduce Transepidermal Water Loss, supporting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Bisabolol

To further enhance the formula, the turmeric butter is combined with bisabolol, a soothing extract derived from German chamomile.

Bisabolol is widely recognised for its:

• Skin-calming properties
• Anti-irritant effects
• Support for sensitive skin
• Ability to help reduce visible redness

Cardiospermum Vine Extract

Another notable ingredient is cardiospermum vine extract, traditionally used to help calm itchy and irritated skin.

Research has suggested that cardiospermum extract may help soothe eczema symptoms and reduce skin irritation, making it an interesting botanical ingredient for those managing sensitive skin.

Free From Common Irritants

One concern many parents share is the presence of unnecessary ingredients that may aggravate already sensitive skin.

Hydrosil Turmeric Butter & Hypoallergenic Milk Salve is free from:

• SLS
• MI
• Petroleum
• Perfumes
• Harsh chemicals

This makes it suitable for use by both children and adults with sensitive skin concerns.

Practical Tips for Managing Eczema

Alongside using appropriate skincare products, a few simple habits can help support eczema-prone skin.

Keep Baths Short and Warm

Very hot water can strip natural oils from the skin, increasing dryness.

Moisturise Regularly

Applying moisturiser immediately after bathing can help lock moisture into the skin.

Choose Gentle Fabrics

Soft cotton clothing is often better tolerated than wool or synthetic materials.

Identify Triggers

Keeping a diary of flare-ups may help identify patterns linked to food, environmental factors or stress.

Avoid Overheating

Heat and sweating can worsen itching for some people with eczema.

Supporting Sensitive Skin Every Day

Living with eczema often requires patience and consistency. There is rarely a quick fix, and what works for one person may not work for another.

For many families, managing eczema involves gradually building a skincare routine that prioritises hydration, supports the skin barrier and avoids unnecessary irritants. Products that combine traditional ingredients with modern skincare science can offer another option worth exploring.

Hydrosil Turmeric Butter & Hypoallergenic Milk Salve combines donkey milk, turmeric butter, bisabolol and botanical extracts in a formulation designed specifically for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Available in a 75ml tube, the salve is priced at £11.95 and can be purchased from Hydrosil.co.uk.

As with any skincare product, individuals with eczema should patch test new products where appropriate and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.