Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itchiness on your skin. The symptoms can vary in severity and range from mild to severe, depending on your level of sensitivity. In some cases, eczema can be triggered by stress, allergies, insect bites, and other environmental factors such as dust or wind. While eczema causes significant changes to your skin, it can be treated and managed through the best dermatologists from the island aesthetics & dermatology clinic. If a certain treatment does not work for you, consult your dermatologist on a skin regimen that will provide relief. Learn more about common at-home skin care practices that help alleviate symptoms of eczema.
1. Avoid Harsh Soaps, Shampoos, and Make-Up
Using gentle skin care products is the first step in managing your eczema symptoms. Ensure to use mild cleansers, soaps, and shampoos. Avoid using bar soap on your face or any other sensitive areas of your body. If you must apply it to these areas, consider using a gentler shower gel on your skin.
Avoid harsh shampoos that contain fragrances or dyes. Instead, choose those with only essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil. Also, avoid using cosmetics containing alcohol as they can exacerbate inflammation and irritate eczema symptoms.
2. Shower Only in Warm Water
Showering in warm water is a great way to help prevent dry skin. Using hot water can cause your pores to open up, allowing more dirt and oil to accumulate. These factors can irritate the skin and lead to eczema flare-ups. Also, take short, lukewarm baths or showers not exceeding ten minutes. Bathing or showering for longer periods can wash away essential oils from your body, causing dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
3. Moisturize Regularly
Moisturizing is an excellent way of preventing eczema. If you already have dry skin, you should moisturize regularly and use a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Avoid using a moisturizer containing alcohol or other irritating ingredients. Instead, opt for something gentle and non-irritating, like coconut or olive oil.
If your skin feels too heavy after applying your moisturizer, try using less than the recommended amount. If you are still deciding which moisturizer to use, consult your dermatologist for guidance.
4. Wear Eczema-friendly Clothing
Tight clothing and synthetic materials often cause sweating, irritation, and overheating. These materials can accelerate eczema symptoms, especially if you have sensitive skin. Your choice of clothing should make you feel comfortable and leave enough room for aeration. If you have eczema, consider wearing clothing materials made of cotton, bamboo, and silk. These materials are soft, more absorbent, and washable.
5. Pat Dry Instead of Rubbing Dry Your Skin
Rubbing can irritate your skin and lead to itching or worsen your eczema flare-ups. Rubbing your skin vigorously with a washcloth when showering can lead to dryness and mild sores. When this happens, you might easily be prone to infections and other skin conditions such as psoriasis. Patting your skin dry allows small traces of moisture to remain on your skin, minimizing eczema flare-ups.
The severity of eczema symptoms can be controlled through skin care practices. Maintaining any of the above skin care practices ensures healthy skin. However, you should keep an eye on your skin as it develops over time and change your skincare routine if necessary. It may take a while to get used to all these new treatments, but they are worth it.