Living with eczema can be challenging, as flare-ups can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. However, with the right strategies and practices, it is possible to manage eczema effectively. To help you soothe your stressed-out skin, we’ll provide you with practical tips and techniques that should help relieve or hopefully even prevent eczema flare-ups.
By introducing these strategies into your lifestyle, hopefully, you can find relief, promote your skin’s healing, and improve your overall quality of life.
Keep Your Skin Moisturised
One of the fundamental steps in managing eczema is to keep the skin well-hydrated. Moisturising regularly helps to retain moisture, soothe dryness, and reduce that dreaded itchiness. Consider the following tips:
- Use A Fragrance-Free Moisturiser
Look for moisturisers that are specifically formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to minimise irritation.
- Moisturise After Bathing
Apply moisturiser immediately after bathing or showering while the skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture and promotes better absorption.
- Carry A Travel-Sized Moisturiser
Keep a small tube or bottle of moisturiser with you to reapply throughout the day, especially during colder months or in dry environments.
- Experiment With Different Types Of Moisturiser
We are all unique, and so is our skin. Consequently, different formulations such as creams, ointments, or lotions may work better for different individuals. Find the consistency that provides the most relief for your skin.
Choose Gentle And Fragrance-Free Products
Harsh ingredients and fragrances can exacerbate eczema symptoms and trigger flare-ups. When it comes to selecting personal and household care products, it’s important to be careful about the products you bring home with you. Use these suggestions to help you make the best choices for your skin.
Use mild soaps and cleansers: Look for gentle cleaners – without any fragrances – that have been specially designed for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip away natural oils and further dry out the skin.
Check ingredient labels: Avoid products that contain known irritants such as sulphates, alcohol, or artificial fragrances. Instead, opt for products with all-natural or minimal ingredients to significantly reduce the risk of irritation.
Be cautious with laundry detergents: Choose fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergents to wash your clothes and bedding. Rinse clothing thoroughly to remove any residual detergent.
Test new products: Before applying any new products to your skin, perform a patch test on a small area to check for any adverse reactions. This is particularly important for skincare, cosmetics, and haircare products.
Maintain A Consistent Skincare Routine
Establishing a regular skincare routine can help manage eczema and minimise flare-ups. Consider the following:
- Gently cleanse the skin: Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser to wash yourself. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away moisture.
- Pat dry, don’t rub: After washing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as it can irritate the skin and trigger itching.
- Apply prescription treatments as directed: If your healthcare provider has prescribed topical medications or treatments, follow their instructions carefully. Apply them as directed to target affected areas.
- Avoid scratching: Itchy skin can be hard to resist, but scratching can worsen eczema and lead to further inflammation. Use techniques like gentle tapping or applying a cold compress to relieve itching.
- Protect your skin: In harsh weather conditions, such as cold temperatures or strong winds, protect your skin by wearing appropriate clothing, including gloves and scarves.
Identify And Manage Triggers
Eczema triggers can vary from person to person. It’s essential to identify and manage your specific triggers.
To help you, keep a trigger journal. Track your daily activities, diet, stress levels and environmental factors to identify any patterns that coincide with eczema flare-ups. This can help pinpoint potential triggers.
Speaking of which – some common triggers include certain foods, allergens, stress, extreme temperatures, sweat, and irritants like certain fabrics or chemicals. Once identified, take steps to avoid or minimise exposure to these triggers.
If you’re having difficulty identifying triggers or managing flare-ups, consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. They can provide guidance, and they can also perform allergy tests if necessary.
Seeking Medical Relief For Flare-Ups
Managing your flare-ups may often involve a combination of careful skincare practices and prescription medications, especially if you’re having a particularly severe bout of eczema.
If you are considering obtaining prescription medicines, you might want to use the convenient services of a reputable online pharmacy. A CQC-registered service like Oxford Online Pharmacy follows strict safety protocols and provides access to licensed healthcare professionals who can answer any questions or concerns you may have.
When it comes to managing eczema flare-ups, prescription treatments such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or antihistamines may be recommended to help reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate prescription medication for your specific needs and to ensure proper usage and potential side effects are understood.
Home Remedies For Eczema
If you are having a milder flare-up, or if you’re keen to use nature’s bounty to help you manage your troublesome skin, there are a number of home remedies you might want to try. These include:
- Coconut oil: Apply organic, virgin coconut oil to the affected areas of the skin. It’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce itching and redness.
- Aloe vera: Extract fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it to the affected skin. Aloe vera has cooling and moisturising properties that can provide relief from eczema symptoms.
- Oatmeal baths: Add finely ground colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 10-15 minutes. Oatmeal helps soothe and moisturise dry, itchy skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve itching and reduce eczema symptoms. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) and apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball. It is essential to do a patch test first to ensure your skin tolerates it well.
Remember to avoid applying vinegar to broken or irritated skin as it may cause stinging or further irritation.
Natural Moisturising Agents
Certain natural substances can act as moisturisers and help alleviate eczema symptoms. These include:
- Shea butter: apply this natural fat, extracted from the shea tree, to affected areas to moisturise and protect the skin.
- Honey: known for its antimicrobial and healing properties, honey can be applied topically to soothe eczema. Ensure you are not allergic, and use raw, unprocessed honey for better results.
- Calendula: calendula is a plant with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Apply calendula cream or ointment to eczema-prone areas to reduce redness and inflammation.
It’s important to note that, while these home remedies may provide some relief, they may not work for everyone. What’s more, it’s recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new home remedies, especially if you have severe or persistent eczema. They can provide personalised guidance and ensure the chosen remedies are safe and suitable.
Overview
Managing eczema flare-ups can be tricky at times, as you try to find the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments that will soothe your sensitive skin and ward off irritation.
Hopefully, with the help of these practical tips and suggestions – as well as the expertise of healthcare professionals and dermatologists – you can effectively manage your eczema and minimise its impact on your daily life.