Eczema is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Living with eczema can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Here are some tips for living with eczema:
1. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Moisturizing your skin is one of the most vital things you can do to manage eczema. Choose a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it to your skin several times a day, especially after showering or bathing. Doing so will lock the moisture into your skin.
If you’re planning on using other skincare products besides moisturizers, make sure that those products are also fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin.
2. Avoid Triggers
Identify and avoid triggers that can cause your eczema to flare up. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, fabrics, and soaps. Keep a journal to assess your symptoms and identify potential triggers. Living without these triggers is a lot better than just dealing with itchy, patchy skin all the time!
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid fabrics that can aggravate your skin, like wool. Avoid tight clothing that can be grating against your skin and cause irritation. The last thing you want to feel against your skin is the scratchiness of a scratchy sweater!
4. Use Gentle Soaps
Choose fragrance-free, gentle soaps, and avoid soaps that have harsh chemicals or fragrances that can aggravate your skin. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dab your skin dry after washing. Don’t rub the towel against your skin as it can exacerbate your symptoms.
5. Keep Your Nails Short
Scratching can cause eczema to worsen and lead to infection. Keep your nails short and consider wearing gloves at night to minimize scratching in your sleep. Short nails are also more beneficial as long nails can easily accumulate dirt and germs under them. You might end up getting an infection if you scratch yourself with dirty nails.
6. Avoid Hot Showers
Hot water can dry out your skin, making eczema worse. Stick to warm or cool water when showering or bathing, and minimize your time in the water to 10-15 minutes.
7. Manage Stress
Stress can trigger eczema flare-ups, so it is important to manage your stress levels. Consider practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. Make sure to maintain a reasonable work-life balance as well—no amount of work or pay can justify risking the health of your skin!
8. Use Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies, such as coconut oil or oatmeal baths, can help soothe eczema and reduce inflammation. However, it is important to check with your doctor before trying any new remedies.
9. Consult with a Doctor
If your eczema is severe or persistent, it is important to consult with a doctor. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you, which may include prescription medications, such as topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Conclusion
Living with eczema can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to manage your symptoms and live a healthy, happy life. Remember to be patient, take care of your skin, and seek help when you need it. This can be in the form of a medical professional or people who suffer from eczema too as they can give you the support you need!
