Is the winter air beginning to affect your skin in a negative way? You could be suffering from Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis which is, “a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.” Simply put – it’s a reaction in the skin that entails swelling, inflammation, redness, and irritation.
If you’ve ever dealt with Eczema, you know what an annoyance it can be – and it only gets worse as the air becomes colder and dry. Fortunately, it can often be treated without having to seek medical attention.
Here are a few things you can do to keep this pesky condition at bay:
Avoid Triggers:
Eczema is often triggered by exposure to the dry outdoor elements, and can be made worse by the following pre-existing problems and conditions:
- Dry Skin
- Fragrances / Dyes
- Allergies / Pollens / Pets
- Cold & Dry Winter Air
- Cold & Flu Viruses
- Contact with Skin Irritants (Skin irritating fabrics, chemicals & drying substances such as rubbing alcohol for example.)
- Stress
- Overexposure to Moisture / Water
- Exposure to Heat / Sweating
- Foods Such As: Onions, Garlic & Citrus Fruit
- Infections
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to develop a consistent and preventative skincare routine. Warm showers can be a huge relief to the symptoms of Eczema (however too much exposure to water can be a trigger – so beware).
While showering, use fragrance-free soaps, be sure not to scrub too abrasively, and dry/towel off gently – being careful not to cause unnecessary irritation to your skin. It’s also extremely helpful to apply a daily fragrance-free moisturizer to damp skin within 3 minutes of bathing.
Wearing cotton clothing as opposed to other potentially irritating fabrics, and tying to avoid any triggers is always a good idea. – As is being mindful of any itching or scratching you may be feeling the urge to do. Source
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Some of our favorite fragrance-free products include:
Avon Moisture – Therapy Hand Cream
Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent
Dove Sensitive Skin Products
Lubiderm
Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion
