Eczema is a horrible skin condition that can cause a lot of irritation. For those that are unlucky enough to have eczema, they know that having some handy tips to prevent and manage flare-ups are very necessary.
While it is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t have to take control of your life if you have it. But before we look at how to manage it, let’s define eczema.
What is Eczema?
While there are technically many different types of eczema, most people know it under the umbrella of eczema. It is a very common skin condition that causes parts to get very itchy, red and irritated with flaking skin. The skin is very sensitive and looks like a big rash with skin flaking off during a breakout. An eczema breakout can occur for a number of reasons including weather or diet.
Now we know what Eczema actually is, how can you manage it?
Moisturize
The main problems and effects of eczema come from your skin not holding its moisture. This moisture barrier protects your skin and when that barrier breaks it allows irritants in and this is why your skin gets all red and flaky.
Getting a good body moisturizer like E45 and using it every day or multiple times a day in the morning or after a shower can do a lot of good to hold moisture in. If you start doing this it will become a habit and could save you from breaking out during the day. There are a few different types of moisture creams so make sure to get the one that suits your skin.
Washing Habits
While it is obviously important to wash and keep clean, washing for too long can have negative effects. Try to avoid long baths and showers with really hot water. This can dry out your skin so much so that even body moisturizers won’t give it enough back to prevent breakouts.
Laundry
Your washing machine holds an important key to your eczema experience. While you may not realise it, how you wash your clothes can have a big impact on your eczema and how often you experience breakouts. Using harsh detergents and washing liquids is the biggest contributor to eczema occurrences. When you use your washing machine, make sure that you are using gentle detergents.
Ingredients
Whether it is a detergent, clothes, perfume or moisturizer, read the label and look for the ingredients that could exaggerate your eczema. Dyes and certain chemicals can get onto your skin and start irritating it. Just a few seconds scanning a product label could save a lot of pain.
Anti-itch
Aside from using moisturizers to stop breakouts and reduce itching, there are anti-itch products that can help. There are specific products for eczema that work just like a moisturizer in cream form that specifically stops itching. Similarly, using over-the-counter antihistamines can do a lot of good as they use the same active ingredients. When researching the various options here be wary of side effects as antihistamines often cause drowsiness.
For those that live with eczema or have children with it, there are things you can do to minimise its annoying effects. This awful skin condition causes rashes, itches and flaky skin when exacerbated. Using moisturizers helps a lot and should become part of the habit to lock moisture in the skin. Using your washing machine to appropriately clean clothes with gentle detergents is another important step. Paying attention to chemicals and ingredients in the products you use could stop an outbreak before it happens. Take these tips into consideration and get a hold of your eczema.
