Is AmLactin good for eczema? Efficacy, safety and alternatives - Medical News Today

AmLactin is a brand that sells lotions and creams. These products may help improve dry skin and some of the symptoms associated with eczema.

AmLactin offers topical creams and lotions that people may use to treat dry skin and other skin conditions. Its products may improve dry, rough, and flaky skin.

Retailers sell several different AmLactin products that are available without a prescription. These include hydrating creams and daily moisturizing lotions.

This article explains how AmLactin products work and how their ingredients may help with eczema. It also explores possible side effects and reactions. Additionally, it discusses different types of eczema and other treatments that doctors may prescribe.

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause:

• itchiness
• dry skin
• rashes
• scaly patches
• blisters
• skin infections

The condition affects more than 31 million Americans and can range from mild to severe. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

Newborn babies can experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth, and it commonly affects people in childhood and adolescence.

The NEA notes that there are seven different types of eczema:

Additionally, the NEA advises that many people develop eczema because of an interaction between their genes and other environmental triggers. Finally, it notes that proper, consistent skin care is essential in preventing and managing the condition.

The main active ingredient in AmLactin products is ammonium lactate. This substance is an organic salt of ammonium that the company makes by neutralizing lactic acid with ammonium hydroxide. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).

People may apply ammonium lactate in a topical cream to reduce the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris and xerosis, which are both dry skin conditions. Ammonium lactate acts as a humectant to reduce moisture loss and break up the scales present in these skin conditions.

AmLactin states that scientists have studied lactic acid in more than 50 clinical trials. The company claims that studies showed the most significant improvements occur with lactic acid concentrations of more than 10%. All AmLactin products contain 12–15% lactic acid.

Some AmLactin products also contain ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, and mineral oils. These ingredients may help improve the appearance of dry skin and lock in moisture.

Researchers have not studied the efficacy of AmLactin products on eczema, so these skin care products are not for treating the condition specifically. Therefore, a person should consider speaking with a healthcare professional before using AmLactin products to help with eczema.

However, a 2019 clinical trial investigated the effect of AmLactin Rapid Relief lotion on dry skin in 56 healthy female study participants. After using the cream on one leg twice daily for 2 weeks, participants had no adverse effects and experienced improvements in:

• moisturization
• desquamation, which refers to skin peeling and shedding
• skin texture
• redness
• itchiness
• overall skin appearance

However, because the study only compared this AmLactin product with no treatment, the authors noted that they could not conclude how the Rapid Relief lotion compares with other products.

Some AmLactin products contain ceramides to lock in moisture in the skin. According to a 2020 study that received funding from L'Oreal, ceramides may sustain skin moisturization for 24 hours in people with eczema-prone skin. The researchers concluded that ceramide lotions may help manage atopic dermatitis.

Additionally, another 2017 study found that ceramide-containing lotion or cream containing 1% pramoxine hydroxide provided long lasting itch-relief for people with atopic dermatitis. This worked as effectively as hydrocortisone cream, with daily use over 6 days giving all-night itch relief to 87.5% of people and healthier feeling skin to 81.3%.

When applying AmLactin products, people may experience a tingling or stinging sensation. These products may cause particular irritation if a person applies them to damaged skin or after shaving the legs. Individuals should also be careful when using AmLactin products on sensitive areas and avoid using them on the face.

Other less frequently reported reactions to ammonium lactate include dryness and hyperpigmentation.

Additionally, because AmLactin products contain lactic acid, an AHA, they may increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. This can increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some research indicates that products are only safe if they contain 10% or less of the AHAs glycolic acid and lactic acid. AmLactin products contain 12–15% lactic acid.

Therefore, people should use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using AmLactin products and for at least 1 week afterward.

People should also consult a doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for their eczema.

Research suggests that the effects of ammonium lactate on people who are pregnant and breastfeeding are unknown, so people should check with a healthcare professional before using AmLactin. Additionally, a person should check that AmLactin is suitable to use on a child with eczema.

Doctors may prescribe topical treatments for eczema depending on the type and the severity of symptoms. The NEA advises that treatments may include:

• topical steroids
• topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as Protopic and Elidel
• topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, such as Eucrisa
• prescription skin barriers, which manufacturers usually make from ceramides and lipids, which are fats

If topical treatments are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a monoclonal antibody treatment, such as Dupixent, for eczema.

Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology Association advises that sometimes dermatologists recommend coal tar for eczema to reduce inflammation, thickened skin, and itching. However, a person may experience side effects from this treatment, so they should discuss this with their doctor first.

There is currently no research on the efficacy of AmLactin products for eczema. Furthermore, the company's products cannot treat this condition specifically, and they may irritate eczema-prone skin. Therefore, a person should discuss suitable eczema treatments with their doctor before using them.

However, some research suggests that the active ingredients in AmLactin products may help relieve some eczema symptoms. Ammonium lactate and ceramides may help retain moisture, relieve dryness, and improve the appearance of a person's skin.

It is important to note that because AmLactin products contain lactic acid, a person should protect themselves from the sun while using the products and for 1 week afterward. They can do this by using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible.

Additionally, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using AmLactin products. Individuals should also check with their doctor before applying these skin care products to a child's skin or if they have severe skin symptoms.