Key Takeaways
- Apply moisturizing creams when the skin feels itchy instead of scratching to calm irritation and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Oatmeal-based moisturizers are especially soothing.
- Stick to loose, lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Avoid rough, irritating materials like wool that can further inflame skin.
- Wash new clothing items before first wear to remove any lingering chemical dyes, formaldehyde, or other harsh additives from the manufacturing process. This prevents skin irritation.
- Keep home humidity and temperature comfortable and consistent as temperature and moisture extremes worsen dry, itchy skin. Use a cool mist humidifier if needed.
- Bathe daily to wash away dirt, sweat, and allergens from the skin’s surface but limit showers to 5-10 minutes max with lukewarm water to avoid stripping oils.
- Rinse skin immediately after heavy sweating or swimming to prevent shampoos, sweat, and chlorine from irritating skin and triggering flares.
- Moisturize damp skin post-bathing while water is still trapped to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and prevent inflammation. Ointments and balms seal in moisture best.
- Keep stress in check as best as possible, as stress hormones like cortisol trigger inflammation and eczema flares, especially in children. Prioritize relaxation and sleep.
- Monitor home for allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen that potentially aggravate sensitive skin and cause flares. Vacuum and wash bedding regularly.
- Avoid using too many products and wash makeup off fully before bed to prevent ingredients from irritating sensitive skin. Focus on gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen.
- Build a wardrobe around soft, lightweight, breathable fabrics to prevent rough materials from scratching and further inflaming delicate skin.
Healing Eczema Naturally
Eczema, also known medically as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by irritated, flaky, itchy skin. It affects over 30 million Americans, both children and adults. While no cure exists, the right skin care regimen can help manage eczema flare-ups and keep skin comfortable. In this post, we’ll share 10 tips from dermatologist Dr. Dray to help heal eczema naturally and prevent aggravating flare-ups.
Don’t Scratch
It’s hard not to scratch itchy eczema, but scratching makes things worse. It brings more inflammation into the skin, continuing the “itch-scratch” cycle. When you feel itchy, apply a moisturizer instead to soothe the skin and provide relief.
Wear Loose, Breathable Fabrics
Tight or rough fabrics can irritate eczema-prone skin. Stick to loose, lightweight, and breathable fabrics. Wool is particularly aggravating. Make sure your clothes are comfortable against your skin.
Wash New Clothes Before Wearing
New clothes may contain irritating dyes, chemicals, or formaldehyde. Wash items before wearing to dilute these compounds. This makes clothing less likely to cause a flare-up.
Avoid Temperature/Humidity Extremes
Very dry, cold weather can dry out the skin and worsen eczema. Hot, humid weather also causes issues by increasing blood flow to the skin. Stick to comfortable ambient temperatures and use a humidifier if needed.
Bathe Daily, But Keep It Brief and Lukewarm
Bathing is important to rinse away irritants, but long hot showers can strip the skin’s natural oils. Limit showers to 10 minutes max with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh soaps. Gently cleanse the skin to remove irritants without over-drying.
Rinse Off Sweat and Pool Water Quickly
Sweat and pool chemicals left on the skin provoke flares. After sweating or swimming, rinse the skin to prevent irritation. Use a gentle cleanser after swimming to fully remove chemicals.
Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin
After washing, immediately apply moisturizer to damp skin to seal in moisture. This prevents transdermal water loss and improves hydration. Occlusive moisturizers like balms work best.
Manage Stress
Stress hormones stimulate inflammation, worsening eczema. Maintain a calm environment, especially at bedtime for children. Prioritize sleep to allow skin healing.
Minimize Environmental Allergens
Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen can trigger flares. Vacuum and wash bedding frequently. Bathe at night to rinse off allergens. Groom pets regularly and keep them out of the bedrooms.
Simplify Skin Care & Makeup
Limit products that contact your skin. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen only. Remove all makeup thoroughly before bedtime. The fewer ingredients your skin contacts, the better.
Conclusion
While eczema can be extremely frustrating to manage, these tips from a top dermatologist can help you better care for sensitive skin and prevent frustrating, painful flare-ups. By keeping skin well-moisturized, minimizing irritants, wearing comfortable fabrics, reducing stress, and simplifying your routine, you can keep eczema under control and enjoy more comfortable, clearer skin long-term.
What to do next?
For more advice on naturally caring for eczema-prone skin, check out these helpful resources. Get your complete guide to beautiful, eczema-free skin today!
FAQ
What moisturizers work best for eczema? Thick ointments and balms that contain colloidal oatmeal and ceramides are ideal for soothing irritation and restoring the skin’s moisture barrier.
How often should someone with eczema bathe? Limit baths to once daily, ideally before bed to wash away allergens. Minimize time to 5-10 minutes max with lukewarm water. Rinse skin after sweating or swimming.
What fabrics help prevent eczema flares? Choose smooth, lightweight natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Avoid rough materials like wool. Wash new clothes before wearing them. Wear loose, breathable clothing.
Can eczema disappear permanently with proper treatment? For many sufferers, eczema comes and goes in flares throughout life. Controlling triggers and practicing good skincare can help minimize outbreaks but may not eliminate eczema fully.Copy
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