Skin Care Tips
It's All About Taking Care of Yourself
Whether you've wrestled with eczema (atopic dermatitis) for years or you've just found out you have it, there are a lot of things you can do to take care of your skin and help reduce flare-ups. You've got the power!
Like many chronic conditions, how you take care of yourself can have an impact on the frequency and severity of flare-ups. It can also affect how you look and feel and for eczema sufferers, that's key. If you follow these suggestions, you'll be taking an active role in your own care and well-being.
Common Tips to Help Keep Your Eczema in Check
- Even if your skin looks greasy, it can still be dehydrated. The trick is to seal the moisture into your skin. After showering or bathing, gently pat your skin to remove excess water and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Consider applying moisturizer to keep your skin moist.
- Use lukewarm water when you shower or bathe. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin.
- Try to avoid scratching. Keep your nails short and wear cotton gloves to bed.
- Cold compresses can help stop the urge to itch. Dip a washcloth in some ice water, wring it out, and place it on the itchy area.
- Use mild cleansers when washing your skin and face. And don't scrub too hard. Be gentle with your skin.
- Use mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skin care products.
- Steer clear of scratchy fabrics like wool and opt for soft cotton or other breathable fabrics.
- Try to avoid extreme temperatures.
- When exercising, wear light, breathable layers that you can remove as you heat up so the sweat will evaporate. Try to avoid getting overheated and flushed during a flare-up.
- Keep your living areas as dust-free as possible.
- Invest in a humidifier for use during dry and/or cold weather.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free detergents to wash your cloths, towels and bedding.
- Try to get a good night's sleep and keep your stress levels low.
- Don't stop your routine just because your eczema has disappeared!