Dealing With Eczema

November 12, 2012

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