(HealthNewsDigest.com) – When you have eczema or atopic dermatitis, every day can seem like a battle—especially in winter when cold, dry air makes irritation much, much worse. These five tips can make skin calmer and less prone to flare-ups: |
Watch the soap: Harsh soaps are one of the top three triggers that exacerbate eczema symptoms, according to a survey by PuraCap Pharmaceutical. Wash up with mild, non-soap formulas.
Go lukewarm: The National Eczema Association recommends washing hands with lukewarm (not hot) water and fragrance-free cleanser. However, if you have an eczema flare, try to wash hands as little as possible. “In eczema, skin is already depleted of its protective, natural lipids, so the last thing it needs is to extract additional moisturizing lipids with hot water and soap,” says Peter M. Elias, M.D., Professor of Dermatology at the University of California San Francisco.
Avoid Allergens: Fragrances and dyes in laundry detergent are top offenders. Experts suggest looking for “dye-free” and “fragrance-free” on the label. Preservatives, including formaldehyde and propylene glycol, are common skin allergens.
Find your calm: Your mental and emotional health matters, too. Stress is one reason why your eczema might flare-up. Find an activity that makes you feel centered and recharged, like a walk outdoors every day or deep breathing at your desk.
Soak and smear: Keep your shower short (10 to 15 minutes). After stepping out, pat yourself partially dry and apply a barrier repair product like EpiCeram which contains three essential lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids) in a balanced ratio that mimics the natural lipid concentration found in the skin.
EpiCeram is only available by prescription. Please consult your physician to find out how it can help manage your eczema.
For full prescribing information, go to epiceram-us.com/prescribing-