Woman in discomfort with white eczema gloves on

Eczema Gloves: Why They Help, How to Use Them, and the Best Products to Pair With Them

Eczema can be one of the most frustrating and uncomfortable skin conditions to live with. From relentless itching to cracked, sore hands, flare-ups can severely affect daily life, confidence and comfort. For many people, the hands are one of the most common areas where eczema appears—often due to frequent washing, exposure to irritants or cold weather. This is where eczema gloves become an incredibly valuable tool.

Whether you’re dealing with hand dermatitis, atopic eczema, contact irritation or simply extremely dry, inflamed hands, eczema gloves can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting long-term skin healing. They help lock in moisture, protect delicate skin from friction, prevent scratching during flare-ups and improve the effectiveness of creams and balms.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what eczema gloves are, how they work, when to use them, and why they are so effective as part of a wider eczema-management routine. We’ll also look at some of the best natural creams and balms to use underneath eczema gloves, including products from Thunderbird and Balmonds, which are renowned for being gentle, natural and effective for eczema-prone skin.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how eczema gloves can become a transformative part of your hand-care routine—and which products can boost their benefits.

What Are Eczema Gloves?

Eczema gloves are soft, breathable gloves designed specifically for people with sensitive, eczema-prone or damaged skin. Unlike standard cotton gloves or basic fabric gloves, they are crafted to minimise irritation, reduce friction and allow the skin to heal while keeping moisture locked in.

Most eczema gloves are made from:

  • Soft, natural cotton
  • Bamboo fibres
  • Hypoallergenic materials
  • Breathable, non-irritating fabrics

Their purpose is to assist in skin recovery, especially after applying creams, balms or ointments. They help ensure these products stay in contact with the skin for longer instead of rubbing off onto sheets, clothing or surfaces.

Why Are Eczema Gloves So Effective?

People who use eczema gloves often notice a dramatic improvement in skin comfort, hydration and appearance. This is due to several important benefits:

1. They Lock In Moisture and Help Products Absorb Better

A key principle of eczema management is “occlusive therapy”—the process of sealing in moisture after applying your creams or balms. Eczema gloves create a gentle protective barrier over the hands. This means:

  • Your moisturiser absorbs deeper into the skin
  • It stays on the hands rather than transferring onto fabrics
  • Hydration levels increase overnight
  • Cracked skin has a better opportunity to repair

This is one of the reasons eczema gloves are commonly worn at night after applying a rich balm or cream.

2. They Prevent Scratching During Flare-Ups

Scratching is one of the biggest obstacles to eczema recovery. Even accidental scratching during sleep can lead to:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Worsening inflammation
  • Delayed healing

Eczema gloves act as a physical barrier, reducing the damage caused by scratching and helping break the itch–scratch cycle.

3. They Protect the Hands From Irritants

Many everyday activities expose the hands to irritants that can trigger eczema. These include:

  • Household cleaning products
  • Soap and detergents
  • Dust
  • Rough fabrics
  • Hard water
  • Cold air and wind

Wearing eczema gloves—especially under certain protective gloves—can shield sensitive skin from these external triggers.

4. They Support the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier in eczema sufferers is already weakened. Gloves help reduce:

  • Friction
  • Chafing
  • Environmental stress
  • Contact with allergens

As a result, inflammation is reduced and the skin is given a chance to rebuild.

How and When to Use Eczema Gloves

To achieve maximum benefit, eczema gloves should be used strategically as part of a daily or weekly skincare routine.

Night-Time Occlusive Therapy (Most Popular Method)

This is the most effective and widely recommended use.

How to do it:

  1. Wash hands gently with a fragrance-free cleanser
  2. Pat them completely dry
  3. Apply a generous layer of your eczema cream or balm
  4. Put on eczema gloves
  5. Leave them overnight

By morning, the skin will feel noticeably softer and calmer.

During Daytime Flare-Ups

If your hands are severely cracked, sore or inflamed, wearing eczema gloves during the day can protect them from irritation and prevent scratching.

Choose breathable cotton gloves that allow you to move comfortably.

Under Protective Gloves

If you frequently wear rubber, vinyl or latex gloves—for work or household tasks—eczema gloves can be worn underneath to prevent sweating, irritation and allergic reactions.

This is especially helpful for people with:

  • Contact dermatitis
  • Allergies to cleaning products
  • Hard-water sensitivity

After Using Harsh Products or Activities

Certain tasks can aggravate eczema, including:

  • Gardening
  • Cleaning
  • Washing dishes
  • Using sanitiser
  • Handling dust or chemicals

Using eczema gloves afterwards (with a rich moisturiser) helps support recovery.

The Best Creams and Balms to Use With Eczema Gloves

Using eczema gloves alone is helpful, but pairing them with the right product dramatically increases their benefits. Below are the best natural, eczema-friendly formulations available at SOHO Brands, perfect for use before putting on gloves.

1. Thunderbird Wild Crafted Repair Balm

Link: https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/thunderbird-wild-crafted-repair-balm

The Wild Crafted Repair Balm from Thunderbird is one of our top recommendations for use with eczema gloves due to its deeply moisturising and soothing properties.

Why It Works So Well Under Gloves

  • Rich in wildcrafted plant oils
  • Naturally anti-inflammatory
  • Provides intense hydration
  • Creates a protective barrier without clogging pores
  • Ideal for extremely dry, cracked or irritated hands

This balm sinks in slowly, making it perfect for nighttime glove therapy. The longer the product stays on your skin, the more effective the healing process—this is exactly where eczema gloves shine.

2. Thunderbird Rescue Cream

Link: https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/thunderbird-rescue-cream

The Rescue Cream is a lighter formulation than the balm but still exceptionally soothing for sensitive, eczema-prone hands.

Why It’s Great for Daily Wear Under Eczema Gloves

  • Gentle, natural ingredients suitable for reactive skin
  • Fast-absorbing yet highly moisturising
  • Ideal for hands that need hydration without heaviness
  • Helps reduce redness and irritation
  • A perfect daytime option

If you prefer a less occlusive product during the day, the Rescue Cream paired with gloves works beautifully.

3. Balmonds Skin Salvation

Link: https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/balmonds-skin-salvation

A cult favourite among eczema sufferers, Skin Salvation is one of the most effective balms for extremely dry or inflamed skin.

Benefits When Used With Eczema Gloves

  • 100% natural, with no fragrances or synthetic preservatives
  • Rich in beeswax and natural oils that support the skin barrier
  • Helps soothe raw, cracked skin
  • Creates a healing environment that gloves help protect
  • Ideal for severe eczema flare-ups

Many customers find that pairing Skin Salvation with overnight gloves gives them some of the biggest improvements they’ve ever seen.

Why Natural Products Work Best Under Eczema Gloves

You may wonder why we recommend natural products like Thunderbird and Balmonds instead of mainstream brands. The answer lies in ingredient sensitivity.

Eczema sufferers often react to:

  • Artificial fragrance
  • Petroleum derivatives
  • Parabens
  • Sulphates
  • Harsh alcohols
  • Synthetic preservatives

Natural products avoid these irritants while offering potent soothing benefits from plant oils, botanical extracts and protective waxes.

When used under eczema gloves, natural balms penetrate deeper and work more harmoniously with the skin.

Eczema Gloves for Adults and Children

One of the best things about eczema gloves is that they’re suitable for all ages.

For Adults

Gloves help with:

  • Work-related skin irritation
  • Hard-water sensitivity
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Frequent hand washing
  • Cold weather cracking
  • Chronic eczema flare-ups

For Children

Gloves are especially helpful because:

  • Children often scratch eczema without meaning to
  • Gloves protect delicate skin overnight
  • Natural creams stay in place longer
  • They reduce the risk of infection from scratching

Many parents notice that eczema gloves significantly reduce the severity of flare-ups.

How to Choose the Right Eczema Gloves

When selecting eczema gloves, look for the following qualities:

1. 100% Cotton or Bamboo

Breathable, soft and non-irritating.

2. Seamless or Low-Friction Design

To avoid rubbing sensitive skin.

3. Snug but Comfortable Fit

Loose gloves won’t retain moisturiser effectively.

4. Hypoallergenic Materials

To avoid triggering reactions.

5. Washable and Reusable

So they remain hygienic and cost-effective.

Common Mistakes People Make With Eczema Gloves

Even though eczema gloves are simple to use, certain mistakes can reduce their effectiveness.

1. Using Too Little Moisturiser

Apply generously—your skin needs it.

2. Wearing Gloves on Wet or Damp Skin

Always dry thoroughly first to avoid irritation.

3. Using fragranced creams

This can trigger flare-ups under occlusion.

4. Wearing Gloves for Too Long in the Day

Overuse during the day can cause overheating or sweating.

5. Using Non-Breathable Gloves

Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they trap heat and aggravate eczema.

Do Eczema Gloves Actually Cure Eczema?

Eczema gloves do not cure eczema—but they significantly improve the symptoms and support the healing process. They:

  • Reduce itching
  • Boost the effectiveness of moisturisers
  • Strengthen the skin barrier
  • Minimise flare-up severity
  • Prevent damage from scratching

Eczema is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, and gloves are a powerful tool in that care routine.

How Eczema Gloves Fit Into a Full Skincare Routine

For best results, gloves should be part of a wider eczema-management approach. A simple hand-care routine might include:

Morning

  1. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
  2. Apply a daily moisturiser or balm
  3. Wear gloves if skin is irritated or dry

Evening

  1. Cleanse hands softly
  2. Apply a thick balm such as
    • Thunderbird Wild Crafted Repair Balm
    • Balmonds Skin Salvation

  3. Put on eczema gloves
  4. Leave overnight for optimal healing

During Flare-Ups

A combination of:

  • Thunderbird Rescue Cream
  • Eczema gloves
  • Reduced contact with irritants
  • Avoiding long exposure to water

helps calm symptoms quickly.

Why SOHO Brands Recommends Eczema Gloves With Natural Skincare

At SOHO Brands, our focus is on supporting people with:

  • Eczema
  • Dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Highly sensitive skin
  • Dry or compromised skin barriers

We choose natural British brands that deliver real results without synthetic irritants.

Pairing eczema gloves with products like:

  • Thunderbird Wild Crafted Repair Balm
  • Thunderbird Rescue Cream
  • Balmonds Skin Salvation

creates one of the most effective routines available for managing chronic dryness and eczema.

Conclusion: Eczema Gloves Are a Small Change That Make a Big Difference

If you struggle with hand eczema, discomfort, dryness or recurrent flare-ups, eczema gloves can make an enormous difference. They enhance the benefits of your moisturisers, protect delicate skin, reduce scratching and support long-term healing.

When paired with natural, eczema-friendly products such as:

  • Thunderbird Wild Crafted Repair Balm
  • Thunderbird Rescue Cream
  • Balmonds Skin Salvation

eczema gloves become one of the most powerful tools for soothing and restoring your hands.

Simple, comfortable and highly effective, they are an essential part of any eczema-care routine—and a cost-effective way to improve your daily comfort and confidence.

If you’re ready to give your skin the support it deserves, eczema gloves paired with natural skincare could be the transformative combination you’ve been looking for.

Looking for a brand that can help with eczema? Check out our before and after blog here.

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