Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition often found in babies and young children. A lot of times it is called “the itch that rashes” but frankly; it just sucks.
All through childhood, I had prominent red patches in the folds of my skin, including the sides of my neck. These lesions would become so red and inflamed that they burned. Every picture, from the time I was 2 or 3, you could notice these lesions and how uncomfortable I was. As a preteen, until around the time I was 16 or 17, the eczema miraculously went into remission. However, by the time I was an adult, it began creeping its way back into my life. I began getting tiny blisters on my fingers that would crack open and ooze. As they’d ooze, they’d dry out the surrounding skin until my palms and the tops of my hands would break out. By the time I was 25, 90% of my body had some form of eczema that flared at different times of the year.
Now, at 32, I can say I have found the best skin care regimen for me. It’s helped me manage eczema, keep my skin feeling smooth and, if there is a flare, I know what to do.
6 Effective Tips To Help You Combat Eczema
Tip 1: Avoid Hot Showers
For some of us, especially women, hot showers are our kryptonite. I love them because, somehow, the scalding water manages to itch my skin in a way I can’t describe BUT this one of the worst things you can do for Eczema. It is an itch that rashes and I sometimes I end up with hives. Not only does the heat induce itching but it dries out the skin. The drier the skin the less capable it is to hold in moisture which turns into more itching, cracking, scratching and flares. The best advice to I can give is to take a cool/luke-warm shower and then…
Tip 2: Pat Dry
Locking in the water is the next crucial step. By patting dry, you’ll reduce potential tears from the texture of the towel while giving your body an opportunity to rebuild it’s natural protective layer. I’ve found it most beneficial to leave my skin slightly damp before I…
Tip 3: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize…and Moisturize some more
Moisturizers come in all shapes and forms: lotions, creams emollients (bleh) but the one that I have found works best for me is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This has honestly been the best product for my skin. It doesn’t leave a tacky thick film, doesn’t make me feel like I’ve bathed in lard AND it is the only moisturizer that I can use during a flare that doesn’t burn.
Applying another layer of moisturizer when skin begins feeling dry or itchy is another great way I’ve found to help prevent flares. Whatever product you use the key is to USE it.
Tip 4: Use Antihistamine During Allergy Season
Many, but not all, individuals with eczema also struggle with seasonal allergies. The worst for me is end of Summer and early Fall and is generally when I notice the most flare ups. I’ve found that taking, even a generic, non-drowsy antihistamine helps take the edge off and keeps me from walking around looking as if I have fleas.
Tip 5: Stay Hydrated
Even when your skin looks as new and fresh as a baby’s bottom there are probably times you want to rip it off. Why? “Winter Itch”. I am probably the worst at drinking my daily dose of water but I can tell, when I don’t, my skin shows it. This is especially true in Winter when the air is dry outside and the heater is running indoors. To combat winter itch, it is best to up your water intake, keep the heat as low as tolerated and, run a humidifier to help keep the air inside the house moist.
Tip 6: Utilize Topical Steroid as a Last Resort
It goes with out question as to why I would suggest using topical steroids as a last ditch effort. Do they work? Most of the time the answer is; yes. Personally, I do keep a regular dose of steroid cream tucked away for extreme flares, however, if you’ve followed the tips above, hopefully there will be little need for such prescription.
Check Out: ECZEMA SKINCARE – MY 5 STEP ROUTINE (THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW TOO) from byJessiAnn.com for a practical daily skin care routine; especially helpful if you wear makeup!
Let’s Recap:
Ultimately, the key to combatting Eczema is reducing the amount of time spent scratching. We can best do this by keeping our skin moisturized & staying hydrated. In addition, we can utilize antihistamines and topical steroids to aid when dealing with allergies or pesky flares.
I’m always looking to improve or enhance my skin care routine. How do you keep your skin smooth and prevent flares? Leave a comment to share which tip you find most effective or share a tip of your own!
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