Eczema often affects every aspect of one’s life. From irritation to itching, this skin condition can make everyday tasks and routines feel challenging. Introducing a consistent, nutrient-rich skincare routine into your daily life can be the solution to managing and relieving your eczema flare-ups.
Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis”, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, rashes, and dry patches on the skin. This inflammation results in a weakening of the skin’s barrier function, leaving the affected area with a decreased ability to retain moisture and protect the skin from exterior elements. Causes for eczema flare-ups vary per individual case, but can be attributed to genetics, dry skin, stress, diet, environmental factors, and allergies.
There are multiple options when it comes to the treatment of this aggravating skin condition. Caring for moderate to severe cases can often include prescription steroid creams and over-the-counter topical ointments. For less severe cases, various natural remedies can be used to manage, relieve, and prevent future eczema outbreaks. Here are some easy, natural, at-home remedies that may help ease the burden of dry, irritated skin, and provide some relief.
- Moisturizing, Moisturize, Moisturize.
Using a natural, rich, and nutrient-dense moisturizer daily is one of the best ways to keep your skin happy and healthy. Dry and cracked skin can lead to further irritation, so ensuring that skin is absorbing as much moisture as possible is vital in preventing the discomfort brought on by an eczema outbreak. The best time to apply your moisturizer is just after a bath or shower, as this is when your skin will absorb the maximum amount of moisture.
- Light Up Your Day
Light therapy is another great way to brighten up your day and deliver essential vitamins to your skin. Vitamin D is imperative for maintaining healthy skin. Without Vitamin D, the skin becomes dehydrated and the risk of eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions increases. By adding 10-15 minutes of sunlight to your daily routine, you may see decreased inflammation, redness, and itching. Get out and enjoy that sunshine!
- Self-Care & Avoiding Triggers
It’s important to prioritize self-care and making sure that you are taking care of yourself and your skin is a big part of managing eczema. Simple changes like avoiding exposure to smoke, air pollutants, and other environmental irritants, using gentle body washes and skincare products in your daily routine, limiting stress, and even changing the material of your clothes can help alleviate your skin’s irritability and prevent future agitation.
- Avoiding Skin Irritants
Eczema flare-ups can be caused by almost anything that your skin comes in contact with. Fabrics that are too tight, rough, or thick can aggravate the skin. Instead, opt for clothing that is made from natural fibers, soft materials, and allows skin to breathe and stay cool. Using gentle soaps and cleansers is also an integral part of protecting your skin. Products you use every day like dryer sheets, laundry detergent, and soaps often contain harsh sulfates, strong scents, and other potent ingredients that can trigger an eczema outbreak.
There is a wide variety of ways that one can find relief and manage their eczema symptoms. Contact a medical professional if your symptoms are persistent, if your condition begins to interfere with your everyday life, or if at-home remedies are unable to provide relief.